Mild Winters Research Articles

Feasibility study on using asphalt pavements as heat absorbers and sensible heat storage materials in solar air heaters: An experimental study

Asphalt pavements are affordable infrastructures exposed to solar irradiation for a long time a day, and they experience considerable high temperatures. Due to high thermal capacity, asphalt pavements can store high sensible thermal energy during daytime hours and release it when solar irradiation is negligible or absent. The current study investigates the heat dynamics and thermal efficiency of asphalt solar air heaters (SAHs) utilizing asphalt materials that function as both heat absorbers and sensible heat storage units. To this aim, a 1.2 m2 single-glazed baffled SAH prototype was constructed, and its heat dynamics were monitored on cold and mild winter days at two different air mass flow rates of 0.02 kg/s and 0.03 kg/s. The constructed SAH uses black stainless-steel baffles to produce a serpentine air passageway and improve turbulence and heat exchange rates. The acquired data illustrates that the maximum intake and exhaust air temperature difference reaches up to 14 °C and 24 °C on cold and mild winter days, respectively. When the solar irradiation was negligible in the evening, the asphalt pavement serves as sensible heat storage and heats the passing airflow up to 8 °C and 12 °C at sunset on cold and mild winter days, respectively. This issue causes the collector thermal efficiency to reach as high as 80%. Therefore, using asphalt materials is a feasible approach to simultaneously serve as heat absorber and sensible heat storage.

PSXI-16 Evaluation of supplementation strategies for beef cattle bale-grazing grass hay in Winter

Abstract Methods of supplementing beef cows while bale grazing grass hay were investigated in a study conducted for four winters, from 2016 to 2019, at the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center near Streeter, ND. Starting in the fall of each year, cows were assigned to eight groups of similar total body weight (BW) and allowed to bale graze one of four bale grazing treatments as follows: a) grass hay, b) grass hay supplemented with alfalfa hay, c) grass hay supplemented with corn DDGS, and d) grass hay treated with a liquid supplement. Two-day body weights and body condition scores (BCS) were taken at the start and end of the study. Final BW were greater (P ≤ 0.05) when cows were supplemented with DDGS and least when cows were not supplemented. Average daily gains were influenced by method of supplementation and year (P ≤ 0.025). When winters were cold, supplementation with alfalfa hay or a liquid supplement were not adequate to maintain cows resulting with weight loss. Final BCS were greatest (P ≤ 0.05) when cows were supplemented with DDGS and lowest on grass hay. Similarly, change in BCS was greatest in DDGS-supplemented cows and lowest on grass hay only. Calf birth weights, weaning weights and daily gains were not influenced (P > 0.05) by method of supplementation. Results suggest that method of supplementation during bale grazing should be based on prevailing environmental conditions during winter. In severely cold winters, good-quality alfalfa hay or a liquid supplement are not adequate to meet requirements of pregnant beef cows in mid-gestation. Under such conditions, supplements such as corn DDGS will be needed to meet animal requirements. Supplementation with good-quality alfalfa hay or grass hay treated with a liquid supplement may be an option during mild winters.

Loss of density dependence underpins decoupling of livestock population and plant biomass in intensive grazing systems.

Across the world, social-ecological rangeland systems have been transformed from a preindustrial extensive status to intensive exploitation, often leading to long-term livestock population booms, overgrazing, and rangeland degradation. To understand the regulatory mechanisms involved in such historical social-ecological transformations, we collected population data on the native sheep of the last nomadic county in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (1961-2005). We detected changes in internal feedbacks (e.g., density-dependent effects) and external disturbance (e.g., winter harshness, rainfall, harvest) between the extensive and intensive management periods using regression models of sheep population growth rate and counterfactual analyses. We found that, in the extensive period, sheep populations were regulated during harsh winters by climate, while they were regulated during mild winters by negative density dependence. In the intensive period, the negative feedback of density dependence was removed through the provision of additional forage and shelter, and only winter climate and growing season rainfall regulated sheep populations. Counterfactual analyses also confirmed the irreplaceable role of density-dependence in maintaining a sustainable rangeland ecosystem. Although herders attempted to adapt to the removal of negative feedbacks by improving livestock harvest, overgrazing and grassland degradation remain a challenge in this system. We conclude that internal feedbacks within social-ecological systems should be carefully anticipated and accounted for when managing rangelands for sustainability.

SOIL WEED SEED BANK STATUS IN THE AGROECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF CHITRAL, PAKISTAN

A greenhouse experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Shen Lasht, Chitral during 2016-17. There were five different locations in district Chitral from where the soil samples were collected which included Drosh, Shen Lasht, Garam Chashma, Ayun and BoonyLasht. A total of 300 samples were collected from all locations with 60 samples from each location. The 300 soil samples collected were placed in trays of medium sizes i.e. 27 cm x 21 cm x 4 cm = 2268 cm3. The trays were arranged in three repetitions having 100 samples in each repetition. Each repetition of 100 samples contained samples from 5 locations, in each location 4 sites (east, west, north and south each at 100 m distance from each other) and at each site samples were collected from 5 different depths, making a total of 100 samples in one repetition i.e. 5 x 4 x 5 = 100 and with repetitions making a total of 300 samples in one district. The results indicated that in the soil samples of district Chitral a total of 31 noxious weeds were recorded. Out of the 31 different weeds, 23 were broad leaves, eight were grasses and one was sedge. In another angle, 24 weeds were annuals while the rest were perennials out of the 31 weeds identified. A total of 17 different plant families were represented by the weeds recorded in the soil samples of Chitral region. Among the different locations of Chitral, the highest weed seed bank was recorded in the soil samples of ARS Shen Lasht area. Weed seed banks have always been higher in areas with mild winters, where the Shen lasht area is having milder winters as compared to the other areas in Chitral. The lowest seed bank was recorded in the soil samples of Garam Chashma, which was however statistically at par with the rest of the locations studied in Chitral. As far as the seed banks in the depths are concerned, largest weed seed bank was observed in the depth of 6 to 12 cm. The smallest seed bank was at the depth of 30 cm followed by the depth of 24 and 18 cm. Therefore, it is evident that the major weed seed bank lies in the upper 6-12 cm depth of the soil. In case of the interaction, the largest weed seed bank was recorded at ARS Sheen lasht at the depth of upper 6 cm of the soil profile whereas the weed seed bank was very low below the 12cm depth of soil upto 30 cm in the Garam Chashma area of Chitral. Out of the total 31 weeds recorded in soil samples of Chitral, the top 10 weeds in terms of the relative weed densities, relative weed frequencies and importance value indices were Convolvulus arvensis, Rumex crispus, Poa annua, Galium aparine, Avenafatua, Trianthemaportulacastrum, Silybum marianum, Sorghumhalepense, Euphorbia helioscopia, and Loliumtenulentumspecies. The IVI values for these weeds were 14.01, 13.96, 13.07, 11.83, 11.57, 11.12, 10.35, 10.09, 10.02, and 9.99, respectively. Moreover, these IVIs indicate that out of the topmost 10 problematic weeds eight weeds are broad leaved and two are grassy weeds.

CALCULATION OF A MONOLITHIC COLUMN FOUNDATION FOR A REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN OF A MULTI-STOREY BUILDING IN LVIV

Problem statement. In modern construction of residential and commercial buildings, bridges and other structures, columns are often the main load-bearing elements. Different in the way they are manufactured and in their characteristics, these building elements serve as the basis of the framework on which all other building structures are placed. However, in order to have a strong, durable and, most importantly, correct construction of the whole structure, the columns should be installed with minimum deviations from the design values. This is why a great deal of attention is paid to the foundations in the design and implementation of the project. The purpose of the article is to develop a calculation of a monolithic column foundation for a reinforced concrete column of a multi-storey building in Lviv based on theoretical research. The design is based on theoretical studies and is based on the design of a monolithic column foundation for a multi-storey building in Lvov, taking into account the dimensions of the foundation, the soil characteristics, the self-weight of the foundation and the longitudinal reinforcement coefficient. Analysis of publications. Studying not only foreign, but also domestic current theoretical developments and practical experience will allow the objective to be achieved. There are examples among European countries that largely meet the current requirements. Results of the study. The most common soils in Lviv are chernozem, eluvial and peat-bog soils. The climate in Lviv is moderately continental with mild winters and warm summers. With these data, the dimensions of the monolithic columnar foundation for a multi-storey building are calculated and its reinforcement is determined. The strength of the monolithic columnar foundation for the reinforced concrete column of the multi-storey building is tested for the punching strength. Based on the results of the calculations, it is determined that the foundation is sufficiently strong under the column.Conclusions. In this article, the characteristics of soils and climatic conditions of the construction area in the city of Lviv were investigated. The dimensions of the foundation's underside, all dimensions of the foundation and the pressure on the ground under the underside from the design load were calculated. The reinforcement area of the foundation footing was selected and the strength of the foundation was tested for push-through.

Interdecadal Linkage Between the Winter Northern Hemisphere Climate and Arctic Sea Ice of Diverse Location and Seasonality

During the past few decades, Arctic sea-ice has declined rapidly in both autumn and winter, which is likely to link extreme weather and climate events across the Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes. Here, we use reanalysis data to investigate the possible linkage between mid–high-latitude atmospheric circulation and Arctic sea-ice loss in different geographical locations and seasons and associated impacts on wintertime climate on interdecadal timescales. Four critical sea-ice subregions are analyzed in this study—namely, the Pan-Arctic, Barents–Kara–Laptev Seas (BKL), East Siberia–Chukchi–Beaufort Seas (EsCB), and Bering Sea (Ber). Results suggest that interdecadal reduction of autumn sea-ice, irrespective of geographical location, is dynamically associated with the negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in the subsequent winter via stratospheric pathways. Specifically, autumn sea-ice loss appears to cause a weakened stratospheric polar vortex that propagates to the troposphere in the ensuing months, leading to lower surface air temperature and a deficit in precipitation over Siberia and northeastern North America. Meanwhile, an anomalous cyclone over Europe favors excessive precipitation over southern Europe. For wintertime sea-ice loss in the Pan-Arctic and BKL, a weak positive NAO phase, with a dipole pressure pattern over Greenland–northeastern North America and North Atlantic, and a shrunken Siberian high over Eurasia are observed over mid–high-latitudes. The former results in excessive precipitation over northwestern and southeastern North America, whilst the latter leads to less precipitation and mild winter over Siberia. In contrast, Ber sea-ice loss is associated with a circumglobal wave train downstream of the Bering Sea, leading to extensive warming over Eurasia. The anomalous dipole cyclone and anticyclone over the Bering Sea transport more Pacific and Arctic water vapor to North America, and the anomalous cyclone over the Barents Sea results in abundant precipitation in Siberia. Such midlatitude anomaly is dynamically linked to winter sea-ice loss, mainly through tropospheric rather than stratospheric pathways. These results have important implications for future seasonal and interdecadal forecasts in the context of ongoing sea-ice decline.

Will current rotational grazing management recommendations suit future intensive pastoral systems?

This review aimed to determine whether current grazing management practices will suit future intensive rotationally grazed pastoral systems. A review of literature on grazing management recommendations found that there was good agreement on the ‘principles’ required for optimal grazing management. While these management practices have stood the test of time, it is concluded that shifts in external pressures (e.g., climate, plant selection and breeding, system intensification) compared to the period when farm-level grazing recommendations were first developed, may necessitate a rethink of current grazing recommendations. Examples include greater pasture masses (e.g., around 4000 kg dry matter (DM)/ha vs. the recommended range of 2600 to 3200 kg DM/ha) where short-rotation (annual, biennial) and tetraploid ryegrasses are sown, provided a consistent post-grazing residual can be maintained (possibly between 40- and 70- mm height). Milder winters and the use of ryegrass cultivars with higher growth rates in late winter/early spring may necessitate either lower target pasture covers at calving or shorter rotation lengths during winter. Longer grazing rotations (well beyond the 3-leaf stage, i.e., equivalent to deferred grazing) can be recommended for select paddocks from mid-spring into summer, to increase seasonal resilience across the farm. Longer residuals (even up to 70 mm - i.e., almost double the recommended height) might improve plant survival during periods of high stress (e.g., heatwaves, droughts). Lastly, diverse species pastures may require specific management to suit dominant species other than perennial ryegrass.

Seasonality of Respiratory Viruses at Northern Latitudes

Every year, respiratory viruses exact a heavy burden on Canadian hospitals during winter months. Generalizable seasonal patterns of respiratory virus transmission may estimate the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 or other emerging pathogens. To describe the annual and biennial variation in respiratory virus seasonality in a northern climate. This cohort study is an epidemiological assessment using population-based surveillance of patients with medically attended respiratory tract infection from 2005 through 2017 in Alberta, Canada. Incident cases of respiratory virus infection and infant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations in Alberta were extracted from the Data Integration for Alberta Laboratories platform and Alberta Health Services Discharge Abstract Database, respectively. A deterministic susceptible-infected-recovered-susceptible mathematical model with seasonal forcing function was fitted to the data for each virus. The possible future seasonal course of SARS-CoV-2 in northern latitudes was modeled on the basis of these observations. The analysis was conducted between December 15, 2020, and February 10, 2021. Seasonal respiratory pathogens. Incidence (temporal pattern) of respiratory virus infections and RSV hospitalizations. A total of 37 719 incident infections with RSV, human metapneumovirus, or human coronaviruses 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 among 35 375 patients (18 069 [51.1%] male; median [interquartile range], 1.29 [0.42-12.2] years) were documented. A susceptible-infected-recovered-susceptible model mirrored the epidemiological data, including a striking biennial variation with alternating severe and mild winter peaks. Qualitative description of the model and numerical simulations showed that strong seasonal contact rate and temporary immunity lasting 6 to 12 months were sufficient to explain biennial seasonality in these various respiratory viruses. The seasonality of 10 212 hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years with RSV was also explored. The median (interquartile range) rate of hospitalizations per 1000 live births was 18.6 (17.6-19.9) and 11.0 (10.4-11.7) in alternating even (severe) and odd (less-severe) seasons, respectively (P = .001). The hazard of admission was higher for children born in severe (even) seasons compared with those born in less-severe (odd) seasons (hazard ratio, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.61-1.75; P < .001). In this modeling study of respiratory viruses in Alberta, Canada, the seasonality followed a pattern estimated by simple mathematical models, which may be informative for anticipating future waves of pandemic SARS-CoV-2.

Effect of global climate change on the distribution of Anchomenus dorsalis (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in Europe

Shifts in the bioclimatic range of Anchomenus dorsalis &amp;ndash; specialized entomophage &amp;ndash; were modeled in the MaxEntsoftware package and are presented on habitat maps. For the prediction, we used two climatic scenarios &amp;ndash; mild (RCP2.6) and extreme (RCP8.5). Under the considered scenarios, the further warming would lead to shift and extension of the range to the north, northeast and east and decrease in the number of populations in the southern regions of Europe. The most important bioclimatic indicators which describe the geographic distribution of A. dorsalis are mean annual air temperature, mean daily amplitude of temperature for each month, overall amount of precipitations in the coldest quarter of the year, minimum temperature of the coldest month, mean temperature of the warmest quarter of the year, and annual amount of precipitations. Global warming causes the bioclimatic range of A. dorsalis to shift northeast and east in intracontinental territories, and west and northwest on islands. This species of ground beetle is an important object in monitoring of the condition of natural and agrarian ecosystems, sensitive to the growing global climate changes.&amp;nbsp; Poikilothermic animals may suffer from overheating, and even if they live far in the northern hemisphere, the ability of their organism to withstand increase in the environmental temperature is limited. Mild winters (with higher temperatures) may increase the mortality of A. dorsalis by exhausting their energy reserves.

ICE REGIME IMPACT ON THE COASTAL ZONE OF THE AZOV SEA

Azov is freezing sea it means that forecast of the time of the beginning and the end of ice fields formation needs. The ice condition limited of maritime safety. Modern condition of ice regime in the Azov Sea has been considered. The navigation of the Ukrainian ports Berdjansk and Mariupol depends on ice regime, duration and ice cover thickness. For the passage of vessels along the sea approach channels and recommended courses in the winter, the use of icebreakers is required. The demolition of confining buoys by ice fields and their restoration is reflected in the economic opportunities of the ports. Purpose of the article is to establish the characteristic winter periods of the last decade, taking into account the climatic changes for the rational using of the results of the impact on the economic activity of the marine infrastructure and hydrographic services. The specific purpose of this publication is to evaluate the displacement of the means of navigation equipment – buoys in the winter, taking into account meteorological factors. The authors set the following tasks: 1) to identify periods and vectors of buoys; 2) to define wind and ice characteristics in separate periods; 3) to reveal the basic meteorological cause of the movement of the buoys. It is important to note that there are no similar publications concerning this region. It became very actual after the climate change period was marked. The reserach is based on the data of direct and remote observations, the dates of ice formation in the area of seaports of Ukraine (Berdyansk and Mariupol) the characteristics of ice, the end of freezing, the opening and clearing of ice from the water areas of ports and bays and using the information from NAVTEX warning system, the archival materials of the weather site meteo.ua. The features of the physicochemical properties of sea water during ice formation and the general circulation of the waters of the Azov Sea are examined, which is linked with the influence of fresh runoff of Don and Kuban rivers. In the period 2013–2021 the observations were made on the displacement of navigation aids (buoys) during the winter periods from the approach channels of the port of Mariupol and Berdjansk as well as noticed buoys from the Azov-Don Marine Channel (Russian Federation). The characteristic of winter periods and conditions during the last decade are considered taking into account the influence of climatic changes. It is noted that the ice regime of the Sea of Azov is closely related with the sum of average daily air tem peratures over the sea for the season and wind power. According to this criterion, winters are usually divided into three types: severe, moderate and mild. Over the past 30 years, there were only two severe winters in the Azov Sea in 2005–2006 and 2011–2012. During these winters, the Azov Sea was completely ice covered. The influence of the ice regime to the coastal zone was examined, because it is very important for the industrial and economic needs of state building. To maintain the safety of navigation and reduce economic losses, it is necessary to consider the possibility of removing buoys, which are most often displaced by ice drift. Long-term average observations indicate the beginning of ice formation in Mariupol on December 14, and in Berdyansk on December 20. The Taganrog Bay and the ice accumulation areas are cleared of ice most recently – March 20–28. Under modern climatic changes (increasing the frequency of mild winters, actual costs for the operation of ships, hydrographic, icebreakers, etc.) are expected to be an order of magnitude lower than standard indicators.

An integrated population model to project viability of a northern bobwhite population in Ohio

AbstractIncreased variation in interannual weather due to climate change can exert a powerful influence on the population dynamics of a species. Understanding the influence of severe weather is important for managing weather‐sensitive species. While best management practices target vital rates that are affected by weather, focusing on a single vital rate may not be sufficient if other vital rates are secondarily limiting. A comprehensive modeling framework to forecast future population dynamics while incorporating weather scenarios and vital rate variation within observed ranges that can be affected by management actions are necessary. A potential approach is to combine an integrated population model (IPM) with a population viability analysis (PVA) to generate novel insights about population dynamics. We used the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), a rapidly declining gamebird sensitive to snowfall along the northern extents of the species' range, to demonstrate the utility of a coupled IPM‐PVA framework for projecting the response of a population to weather, management, and changes in vital rates. We created an IPM using two sources of count data spanning seven years, five years of winter survival data, and two years of breeding season demographics for a declining bobwhite population in southwestern Ohio during 2007–2015. Quasi‐extinction probability at the end of the decadal projection during 2019–2029 was 0.384–0.410 for mild, average, and severe winter weather scenarios. Quasi‐extinction probability declined to 0.326 with 20% improvement in nest success and summer survival rates. A concurrent 20% increase in winter survival further reduced quasi‐extinction probability to 0.263, which is a ˜36% reduction in quasi‐extinction probability compared with the baseline scenario with no changes in vital rates. These results suggest that long‐term viability of this population may depend on extensive management of winter habitat to improve survival but will also require management actions to improve fecundity after severe winters. Our modeling approach demonstrated how IPMs can be used to project population responses to future weather conditions and overcome some of the pitfalls of traditional PVA. The coupled framework presented here can serve as a tool for managers to make climate‐informed management decisions.

Grazing in California's Mediterranean Multi-Firescapes

The California landscape is layered and multifunctional, both historically and spatially. Currently, wildfire size, frequency, and intensity are without precedent, at great cost to human health, property, and lives. We review the contemporary firescape, the indigenous landscape that shaped pre-contact California's vegetation, the post-contact landscape that led us to our current situation, and the re-imagined grazing-scape that offers potential relief. Vegetation has been profoundly altered by the loss of Indigenous management, introduction of non-native species, implantation of inappropriate, militarized, forest management from western Europe, and climate change, creating novel ecosystems almost always more susceptible to wildfire than before. Vegetation flourishes during the mild wet winters of a Mediterranean climate and dries to a crisp in hot, completely dry, summers. Livestock grazing can break up continuous fuels, reduce rangeland fuels annually, and suppress brush encroachment, yet it is not promoted by federal or state forestry and fire-fighting agencies. Agencies, especially when it comes to fire, operate largely under a command and control model, while ranchers are a diverse group not generally subject to agency regulations, with a culture of autonomy in decision-making and a unit of production that is mobile. Concerns about potential loss of control have limited prescribed burning despite landowner and manager enthusiasm. Agriculture and active management in general are much neglected as an approach to developing fire-resistant landscape configurations, yet such interventions are essential. Prescribed burning facilitates grazing; grazing facilitates prescribed burning; both can reduce fuels. Leaving nature “to itself” absent recognizing that California's ecosystems have been irrecoverably altered has become a disaster of enormous proportions. We recommend the development of a database of the effects and uses of prescribed fire and grazing in different vegetation types and regions throughout the state, and suggest linking to existing databases when possible. At present, livestock grazing is California's most widespread vegetation management activity, and if purposefully applied to fuel management has great potential to do more.

A Microhistological Investigation of Winter Diets of White-Tailed Deer in Relict Eastern Hemlock Stands, Upper Peninsula of Michigan

To better understand winter foraging patterns of Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) in the context of global change, we assessed foraging trends using microhistological analysis of fecal pellets from 2006–2018 across a network of monitoring plots in 39 relict Tsuga canadensis (Eastern Hemlock) stands in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We found that deciduous browse comprised the majority of the diet, but conifer species were also eaten. During severe winters, Eastern Hemlock and Abies balsamea (Balsam Fir) were more prevalent in the diet, whereas in mild winters, Thuja occidentalis (Northern White Cedar) was more prevalent. Because Northern White Cedar comprises only a small amount of the forest community in these stands, deer were likely traveling beyond these winter yarding areas to forage. The relationship between conifer consumption and winter severity highlights the importance of energy conservation for winter survival of White-tailed Deer. More extreme winter weather is predicted with climate change, potentially prolonging confinement and limited forage availability, which is liable to alter energy budgets of deer, thus potentially altering population dynamics.

Adaptation of an Invasive Pest to Novel Environments: Life History Traits of Drosophila suzukii in Coastal and Mainland Areas of Greece during Overwintering.

Simple SummaryDrosophila suzukii, also known as the spotted wing Drosophila, is a notorious pest of several high-value fruits including strawberries and sweet cherries. Adult D. suzukii flies exhibit two morphs: summer morphs (SM) and winter morphs (WM). The two seasonal phenotypes help this pest to perform better in temperate climates. WM have a darker cuticle and larger wings compared to SM, while WM females experience reproductive dormancy. We estimated the lifespan, the reproductive status of females and the number of produced offspring for WM and SM exposed to mild and cold winter field conditions, prevailing in two different geographic areas (coastal and mainland). Overall, WM exhibited a longer lifespan than SM and this difference was more pronounced for adults kept in the cold mainland area. The majority of SM females produced offspring during overwintering in the mild coastal area, but only a few SM were reproductively active in the cold mainland area. Some WM females produced progeny during overwintering in the mild conditions of the coastal area, but all WM females were in reproductive arrest in the mainland area. Overwintering females in the coastal area had a shorter lifespan and produced more progeny than those kept in the mainland area. High survival rates of WM provide indications of the successful performance of this phenotype in the adverse conditions of the cold climates. Additionally, the continuous reproductive activity of SM females and the onset of progeny production by WM females during overwintering in the coastal area indicate that the insect remains reproductively active throughout the year in areas with mild climatic conditions. Our findings support the successful adaptation of D. suzukii in both areas tested and can be used for the development of area-specific population models, based on the prevailing climatic conditions.Drosophila suzukii is a polyphagous pest of small and soft fruit, originating from Asia, which has spread and established in Europe and the USA. Adults exhibit seasonal phenotypes, i.e., summer morphs (SM) and winter morphs (WM) to cope with fluctuating environmental conditions. WM have a darker cuticle and larger wings compared to SM, while WM females experience reproductive dormancy. We studied the life history traits (lifespan, female reproductive status and number of produced offspring) of WM and SM that were exposed to winter field conditions of a coastal and a mainland agricultural area, with mild and cold winter climates, respectively. Mated adults of each phenotype were individually placed in vials bearing nutritional/oviposition substrate, and transferred to the field from November 2019 to May 2020, when the death of the last individual was recorded. Almost all SM females (90%) and no WM female carried mature ovarioles before being transferred to the field. WM exhibited a longer lifespan than SM adjusting for location and sex. Differences in survival between the two phenotypes were more pronounced for adults kept in the mainland area. The majority of SM females produced offspring during overwintering in the mild coastal area, but only a few SM were reproductively active in the cold mainland area. Some WM females produced progeny during overwintering in the mild conditions of the coastal area, but all WM females were in reproductive arrest in the mainland area. Overwintering females in the coastal area had a shorter lifespan and produced more progeny than those kept in the mainland area. High survival rates of WM provide indications of the successful performance of this phenotype in the adverse conditions of the cold climates. Additionally, the continuous reproductive activity of SM females and the onset of progeny production by WM females during overwintering in the coastal area indicate that the insect remains reproductively active throughout the year in areas with mild climatic conditions. Our findings support the successful adaptation of D. suzukii in both areas tested and can be used for the development of area-specific population models, based on the prevailing climatic conditions.

Recent trend of cold winters followed by hot summers in South Korea due to the combined effects of the warm western tropical Pacific and North Atlantic in spring

This study finds a significant negative correlation between the December–February mean surface temperature (Ts_DJF) and the following June–August mean surface temperature (Ts_JJA) in South Korea for the period 1991–2017. This indicates that colder winters tend to precede hotter summers with extreme seasonality, while mild winters generally precede mild summers. This winter-to-summer association can be attributed to persistent atmospheric circulation anomalies on the Eurasian continent during the preceding winter and spring characterized by cyclonic circulations in Europe and East Asia and anti-cyclonic circulation in the Arctic regions. Resembling a negative Arctic Oscillation (AO) pattern combined with a negative Polar/Eurasia (PE) pattern, these atmospheric patterns tend to cause colder winters in South Korea and to increase the springtime sea surface temperatures in the western tropical Pacific (WTP) and in the North Atlantic (tripole pattern, NATRI). High WTP and NATRI values induce summertime anti-cyclonic circulations and then hotter summers in Korea with different pathways, the former via northward Rossby wave propagation in response to strong convection over a warm Philippine Sea and the latter via both extratropical Rossby wave propagation from the North Atlantic to East Asia and tropical connections from the tropical Atlantic to the Indian Ocean and then increased summer precipitation in South Asia. Under the opposite conditions (e.g. positive AO and PE phases in winter and negative WTP and NATRI), mild summers are preceded by mild winters. Since the early 1990s, the aforementioned atmospheric circulation anomalies during winter have shown greater persistence, creating the negative correlation between Ts_DJF and Ts_JJA. These findings provide useful information for the long-lead prediction of summer temperatures and heat waves in South Korea.

Latent effects of winter warming on Olympia oyster reproduction and larval viability

For ectothermic marine invertebrates living in temperate regions, impacts of ocean warming will vary considerably by season. In many species, reproductive and metabolic processes are tightly linked to the seasonal change from winter to spring, yet we know little about how these processes will shift as winters become milder. This study examined latent effects of winter warming on spring reproduction in the Olympia oyster, Ostrea lurida. Adults were collected in autumn from central Puget Sound, WA, USA, and exposed to two winter temperatures (7 °C, 10 °C) in the presence of food limited (5 k algal cells/mL) and food abundant (50 k algal cells/mL) environments. Following treatments, adults exposed to elevated winter temperature contained larger oocytes regardless of feeding regime, and those also fed abundant food contained more developed sperm. Adults then spawned in common conditions, and larvae were reared through settlement to assess carryover effects of winter treatments on larval viability. Adults previously exposed to elevated winter temperature (10 °C) produced larger larvae, particularly if they were also fed high food levels. More developed gametes and larger larvae suggest that gametogenesis occurred at low levels throughout the winter, possibly resulting in increased maternal provisioning to influence larval size. Interestingly, winter temperature did not impact larval survival, or the timing or magnitude of larval production. In the wild, more developed gametes and larger larvae following milder winters could greatly impact recruitment patterns, possibly benefitting O. lurida populations. In the hatchery setting, larval production and survival is not contingent upon winter conditions, and larval survival does not correlate with oocyte and larval size. Our results suggest that O. lurida reproduction is resilient to winter warming. Furthermore, as global temperature continues to rise, winter conditions should not be overlooked when examining reproduction in O. lurida and other temperate marine invertebrates with similar reproductive cycles.

Assessing drivers of winter abundance change in Eurasian Curlews Numenius arquata in England and Wales

ABSTRACT Capsule We assessed annual changes in Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata wintering numbers at estuaries in England and Wales over 40 years against local and broadscale factors. Long-term trends likely reflect the cessation of hunting, but potentially also distributional changes associated with milder winters and changes in breeding success. Aims To investigate whether local or broadscale factors might affect site-level annual abundance changes in Curlews in England and Wales. Methods Relationships between Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) counts from 46 estuaries from 1974/75 to 2016/17 and environmental data were assessed using Generalized Linear Mixed Models. Results The winter abundance trend of Curlews in England and Wales closely matched the decline of breeding populations since the mid-1990s. However, there are clear differences in the trends prior to this. Our analysis suggests that winter counts were influenced by the cessation of hunting and by weather, with abundance decreasing during cold winters and increasing the following winter. The influence of severe weather was less pronounced in the immediate aftermath of the hunting ban. An increase in numbers in the east of the UK also occurred during this period. No effects were detected for other environmental variables, but this may reflect the fact that only static variation between sites was tested for these variables rather than change. Conclusion The increase in wintering Curlew numbers in the UK during the 1980s and early 1990s likely reflects a positive response to the cessation of hunting, but also a wider redistribution associated with milder winters across the European wintering range. Winter temperatures influenced annual abundance changes at individual sites, although impacts on detectability are difficult to disentangle from impacts on survival using WeBS counts alone. Factors operating during the breeding season are likely to be the main drivers of the current population decline.

Record mild winter of 2019/2020 in most of Finland

Record mild winter of 2019/2020 in most of Finland

Energy saving performance optimization and regional adaptability of prefabricated buildings with PCM in different climates

In recent years, prefabricated building is widely used in residential building and construction site. However, due to the high heat transfer performance of prefabricated building envelopment, the indoor thermal environment of prefabricated building is poor. The application of phase change material (PCM) of prefabricated building envelopment is an effective mean to improve the indoor thermal condition in building. In this paper, the thermal performance and energy consumption of prefabricated building with PCM were investigated by using EnergyPlus software in five different climatic regions. Results showed that PCM placed inside the building wall or roof is more energy-saving than outside; PCM placed on the east or west side building wall is better for energy saving and indoor air temperature improvement; cetane has the best energy-saving effect among the five kinds of PCM; thickness of PCM with optimal energy saving is 10 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm and 30 mm in the areas of severe cold, cold, mild, hot summer and cold winter, hot summer and warm winter, respectively. Conclusively, PCM can significantly improve the thermal and energy performance of prefabricated building in different regions, which promote the development of such buildings.

The potential of Agrivoltaic systems in TURKEY

Turkey is located in unique geographic position and it is like a bridge between the continents of Asia and Europe. Besides this, it lying partly between 36°–42° NL and 26°–45° EL in the Northern Hemisphere. Turkey has total surface area 780,043 km2 and its land use areas’ 31.1% is agricultural lands. Turkey Statistical Institute (TUIK) state that Turkey’s population is 83.155 million in 2020. Population growth rate of country is 13.9% as annually. On account of Turkey’ vary topographical characteristics, it has available many climate zones. These are Mediterranean Climate that is hot, dry summers and rainy, mild winters, the Black Sea Climate that is although in the coastal area cool summer and warm winters, snowy the higher parts climate is snowy and cold, also the Terrestrial Climate have high temperature differences between day and night-summer and winter. In addition to the Marmara Climate shows all of above side climate characteristics due to transition between the Terrestrial, Black Sea and Mediterranean climates. Turkey is situated in a geography quite lucky in terms of solar energy. Although it is geographically well located, it is limited in terms of agricultural land. Agrivoltaic systems are a good concept in terms of expanding the agricultural lands and increasing the efficiency of the produced electricity from solar systems. Agrivoltaic system is a kind of term or method which is combination of growing crops and producing electricity on the same land. In solar plant, to produce 1 MW electricity requires approximately 20.000 m2 land. The total installed capacity is 6493 MW of Solar Power Plants in 2019, in Turkey. When calculated require area to total produce capacity in Turkey, it is obtained that approximately 130 km2 area is needed. In addition, in term of the suitable agricultural products to be grown are vegetables between the PV panel arrays and 25% of agricultural crops produced in Turkey are vegetables. This study aims that presentation to the potential of Agrivoltaic system especially considering three cities in Turkey.