Moderate Climate Conditions Research Articles

Why all blood donations should be tested for hepatitis E virus (HEV)

BackgroundHepatitis E is a liver disease caused by a small RNA virus known as hepatitis E virus (HEV). Four major genotypes infect humans, of which genotype 1 and 2 (HEV-1, HEV-2) are endemic mainly in Asia and responsible for waterborne epidemics. HEV-3 and HEV-4 are widely distributed in pigs and can be transmitted to humans mainly by undercooked meat, and contact with pigs. HEV-3 is the main genotype in industrialised countries with moderate climate conditions and object of this debate.Main textWhereas an HEV-3 infection in healthy humans is mostly asymptomatic, HEV-3 can induce chronic infection in immunocompromised individuals and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in patients with underlying liver diseases. The number of reported cases of HEV-infections in industrialised nations increased significantly in the last years. Since HEV-3 has been transmitted by blood transfusion to other humans, testing of blood donors has been introduced or introduction is being discussed in some industrialised countries. In this article we summarise the arguments in favour of testing all blood donations for HEV-3.ConclusionThe number of HEV infection in the population and the possibility of HEV transmission by blood transfusion are increasing. Transmission by blood transfusion can be dangerous for the recipients considering their immunosuppressive status, underlying disease or other circumstances requiring blood transfusion. This argues in favour of testing all blood donations for HEV-3 to prevent transmission.

Cow individual activity response to the accumulation of heat load duration.

In the course of predicted climate change, the welfare of dairy cows and heat load to which they are exposed have become increasingly important even under moderate climate conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate the cow individual activity response to heat load in terms of the heat load duration and intensity in lactating, high-yielding Holstein-Friesian cows in a moderate climate zone. The study was conducted from June 2015 to April 2017 in a naturally ventilated barn in Brandenburg, Germany. The determined temperature-humidity index (THI) inside the barn was used to define the heat load. The heat load was characterized by the average daily THI as well as the duration and intensity of the defined THI levels. In addition to the heat load on the measurement day, we studied the cow individual activity response to the heat load accumulated over the three days preceding the measurement day. The activity of the cows (n = 196) was measured by accelerometers and described the resting behavior and the number of steps per cow and day. The analysis models included autocorrelations in time series as well as individual cow factors. An increase in the duration and intensity of heat load on the measurement day led to a decrease in the lying time and an increase in the number of steps. The cows showed a reduced activity response to heat load when there was additional heat load accumulation over the three days preceding the measurement day. The cows in an advanced stage of lactation were more sensitive to heat load than cows in the early lactation stage. Multiparous cows showed less pronounced activity responses than primiparous cows. Heat load accumulation and individual cow-related factors should be considered in prediction models for the sensitive animal-specific recognition of heat load on the basis of activity responses.

Analysis of Typical Booster Configuration, Parallel-Compressor Booster Configuration and R717/R744 Cascade Refrigeration System for Food Retail Applications. Part 2: Energy Performance in Various Climate Conditions.

This paper compares three different natural refrigerants based system configurations in terms of cooling performance, total equivalent warming impact per year and annual power consumption for the proposed refrigeration systems. Two different cooling load levels were selected to represent a typical supermarket and a convenience store applications. The systems selected in this study include the R717/R744 cascade system configuration, a typical R744 booster configuration and a R744 parallel-compressor booster refrigeration system. The weather conditions of London, UK and Larnaca, Cyprus, were used for the modelling of energy consumption and environmental impacts to represent moderate and warm climatic conditions respectively.

Value of seasonal forecasting for sugarcane farm irrigation planning

Abstract Seasonal climate forecasts (SCFs) have potential to improve productivity and profitability in the sugar industry. However, they are often underutilised due to insufficient evidence of the economic value of the forecasts, especially when there is a level of uncertainty associated with SCFs. Here, we demonstrate the value of integrating SCFs at various forecast quality (skill) levels into seasonal irrigation planning for sugarcane farming. A seasonal forecast system based on ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation) phases was parameterised by forecast quality to predict seasonal precipitation tercile (i.e. wet, neutral and dry) categories. A bio-economic model was developed to determine water-yield-profit relationships. Sugarcane production under different climatic conditions and irrigation scheduling scenarios was simulated using the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM)-Sugar, calibrated using case study information from one of Australia’s major irrigated sugarcane growing regions. We then employed an expected profit approach to achieve an optimal profit, rather than the more conventional optimal yield, for plant and ratoon crops to quantify the potential value of using SCFs in sugarcane irrigation decision making. The results show that using skilled SCF systems in sugarcane irrigation decision making can help growers improve their gross margin compared to that achieved in the absence of climate information (economic value). With a perfect forecast of moderate climatic conditions, an average economic value of up to AUD 27 ha−1 per annum was achieved, while forecasts of moderate wet or dry conditions indicated gains of up to AUD 40 and 43 ha−1 per annum, respectively, and forecasts of extreme wet or dry conditions delivered economic gains of up to AUD 150 and 260 ha−1 per annum, respectively. With the current seasonal climate forecast skill of 60% (based on the ENSO phases forecasting system) in the case study region, an average gain of up to AUD 4.5 ha−1 per annum was realised, with up to AUD 6.2 and 7.1 ha−1 per annum, respectively, for moderate wet and dry forecasting and up to AUD 92 and 43 ha−1 per annum, respectively, for extreme wet and dry forecasting. Improvements in the skill and reliability of SCFs will be important for achieving greater productivity and/or profitability and the wider uptake of climate forecasts in agricultural decision making.

Efficiency of Space Heating Systems under the Climate Change

Impacts of the climate change on the space heating systems are discussed. We have used the latest global temperature data of the Global Climate Historical Network to demonstrate that the heating and cooling demand combined is decreasing in the world regions with boreal and moderate climate conditions almost everywhere. A simulation approach was developed to assess the impact of the climate change of the efficiency of a modern binary-cycle cogeneration power plant. Both statistical parameters of the air temperature and the thermal circuit of the power plant were modeled in details. It was found that even for a quite optimistic climate scenario the annual efficiency decrease may be as high as 1-2%. This means that careful consideration of the climate-related heating load dynamics is of key importance by implementation and renovation of the district heating systems.

Analysis of the multi-stage desiccant cooling system performance in Wrocław (Poland)

In this study, the application potential of desiccant cooling system with indirect evaporative precooling is analyzed for moderate climatic conditions. Wrocław (Poland) was selected as a representative city. On the base of summer season weather parameters different system running modes were proposed such as cooling and dehumidification mode (Mode 1) and only cooling mode (Mode 2). The average month Thermal and Electrical COP were established for selected climatic conditions. It was concluded that proposed system allows to cool the air without occurrence of condensation in Mode 2 with high average monthly electrical COP (COPel = 62.2 in August). On the other hand when dehumidification is needed, system operates in Mode 1 and obtains relatively high average Thermal COP values (COPth = 2.2).

Influence of environmental factors on retention of extensive green roofs with different substrate composition

Increasing recognition is being given to the adaption of green roofs in urban areas to enhance the local ecosystem. Green roofs may bring several benefits to urban areas including flood mitigation Analysis of environmental factors affecting the outflow of green roofs is the subject of many studies. The work assessed how environmental factors moisture of structural layers and antecedent dry weather period influence the retention on two types of green roof substrates. The monitoring of environmental factors and amount of runoff was carried out on two models of green roofs covered by extensive vegetation (mosssedum-herbs) with substrates of an organic-mineral and mineral composition for 8 months. A statistical regression approach identified potential antecedent meteorological factors and moisture indicators of extensive green-roof retention. Continuous field monitoring data revealed the combined effects of rainfall depth and antecedent dry weather period to explain the measured stormwater retention under a moderate climate conditions regime. It is important to incorporate site-specific planning and assessment prior to green infrastructure design.

LED light use for the improvement of wastewater treatment in the hydroponic system

ABSTRACTEffective removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from sewage before its discharge to the receiving water body is now a key task for scientists and technologists around the world. The widespread problem of eutrophication in the watercourses as well as in the seas and oceans obliges to take actions leading to more effective protection of water resources and implementation of sustainable development principles. One of the methods of increased wastewater treatment from nutrients is the use of a third stage of treatment with the use of macrophytes for the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus. These systems, called hydroponic, under moderate climate conditions show little effectiveness due to the lack of sufficient light intensifying the growth of aquatic plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction of biogenic compounds concentrations in wastewater where additional lighting of plants was provided by the use of LED (Light Emitting Diodes), in two different conditions of experiment: with aeration and with carbon dioxide supplementation. Analyses show that the effectiveness of purification was higher in the wastewater supplemented with CO2 and artificial lighting had no significant influence on the reduction of nitrogen forms concentrations. In wastewater with aeration, higher effectiveness of nitrogen removal was observed in the tank with artificial lighting. In both cases, aeration or CO2 supplementation as well as artificial lighting or its lack, had no influence on total phosphorus and phosphates removal.

Remotely-sensed phenology of Italian forests: Going beyond the species

Remotely sensed observations of seasonal greenness dynamics represent a valuable tool for studying vegetation phenology at regional and ecosystem-level scales. We investigated the seasonal variability of forests in Italy, examining the different mechanisms of phenological response to biophysical drivers. For each point of the Italian National Forests Inventory, we processed a multitemporal profile of the MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index. Then we applied a multivariate approach for the purpose of (i) classifying the Italian forests into phenological clusters (i.e. pheno-clusters), (ii) identifying the main phenological characteristics and the forest compositions of each pheno-cluster and (iii) exploring the role of climate and physiographic variables in the phenological timing of each cluster. Results identified four pheno-clusters, following a clear elevation gradient and a distinct separation along the Mediterranean-to-temperate climatic transition of Italy. The “High-elevation coniferous” and the “High elevation deciduous” resulted mainly affected by elevation, with the former characterized by low annual productivity and the latter by high seasonality. To the contrary, the “Low elevation deciduous” showed to be mostly associated to moderate climate conditions and a prolonged growing season. Finally, summer drought was the main driving variable for the “Mediterranean evergreen”, characterized by low seasonality. The discrimination of vegetation phenology types can provide valuable information useful as a baseline framework for further studies on forests ecosystem and for management strategies.

CFD modelling of wave damping over a fringing reef in the Colombian Caribbean

The understanding of physical processes over submerged reefs represents an important ongoing research topic when considering wave energy dissipation and coastal protection that these environments provide. Detailed analyses are required to assess wave damping based on the contribution of reef roughness and wave breaking. For this purpose, the CFD (computational fluid dynamics) toolbox OpenFOAM® is applied to simulate the wave energy dissipation process over reefs with explicit accounting for the complexities of coral shape instead of commonly applied parameterized approaches for bottom roughness and wave breaking. Model validation was performed through comparison with field measurements over a reef profile of Tesoro Island in the Colombian Caribbean. Quantitative analysis of wave damping caused by wave breaking and reef roughness was conducted for (1) moderate and extreme wave conditions, (2) smooth and rough seabed configurations and (3) changes in the water depth over the reef crest. Wave height attenuation is found to vary along the reef profile reaching differences of up to 55% between smooth and rough reef surface scenarios, particularly for moderate wave conditions. Wave breaking, high turbulent flows and detachment of undertow currents are among the reef roughness effects on hydrodynamics. The fore-reef terrace and the reef crest are identified as the most critical zones where dissipation takes place. Wave breaking from rough seabeds provides a global wave attenuation of 75.4–94.8%, with the reef roughness alone accounting for ~ 4–14%. Under extreme wave height scenarios, the wave damping from reef roughness is not significant. Further predictions regarding roughness effects on the reef hydrodynamics, wave set-up and undertow currents for moderate and extreme wave climate conditions are also shown. Directions for future research using CFD are presented to address limitations that arise from the limited span-wise domain in our approach that prevents development of large lateral coherent structures.

Multi-stage desiccant cooling system for moderate climate

This paper presents a numerical study of a novel, multi-stage desiccant air conditioning system designed for moderate climates. The proposed system is based on multi-stage cooling process through the Maisotsenko Cycle (M–Cycle), regenerative heat and mass exchangers (pre-cooling and post-cooling) combined with a desiccant wheel. The performance of the system was analysed numerically with original ε–NTU models and it was compared with a typical solution based on a desiccant wheel and the Maisotsenko cycle. It was found that multi-stage system obtains lower supply airflow temperatures and higher moisture content decrease in desiccant wheel as compared to typical M-Cycle desiccant system. Moreover, this solution allows a decrease in the regeneration airflow temperature to 40 °C maintaining the same or lower supply airflow temperature in moderate climatic conditions. Using multi-stage cooling, the proposed system was able to attain a thermal COP (defined as amount of cooling capacity obtained by the unit divided by required heating capacity) of up to 4.0. Due to this performance the proposed system has high application potential in moderate climates.

First record and spreading of the invasive mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) in Croatia.

Aedes (Hulecoeteomyia) japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) has recently established across North America and Central Europe. A 3-year survey was conducted in northwestern Croatian regions from 2013 to 2015 using mosquito ovitraps at possible points of entry and house yards, occasionally complemented by larval collections from cemetery vases. In the first year, the survey investigated the county bordering Slovenia, where the first detection of Ae. j. japonicus had taken place on 28 August 2013. During the next 2 years, Ae. j. japonicus was detected in this area from early May until late October. In 2015, several counties further to the east were included in the survey, leading to the detection of Ae. j. japonicus approximately 100 km eastward from the initially surveyed region. Given a moderate continental climate and homogeneous climatic conditions in this part of Europe, the eastward spread of Ae. j. japonicus can be expected to continue.

To What Degree Can the Specifics of Occurrence of Glacial Relic Betula humilis Schrank Be an Indicator of Habitat Conditions of Moderate Climate Peatlands?

Anthropogenic transformations of habitat conditions in moderate climate peatlands frequently cause a decrease in the number of sites of occurrence and the size of the population of many valuable plant species, including the boreal relic Betula humilis. The objective of this paper was an attempt to relate the specifics of the occurrence of the glacial relic Betula humilis in the peatlands of Central-Eastern Poland, which developed under moderate climate conditions, to the conditions of the natural environment identified through research into the physical and chemical parameters of the groundwater, as well as botanical research into its habitat. The study results confirm that shrub birch has a broad range of ecological tolerance to the majority of the studied factors and can therefore be an indicator of habitat transformation. Important environmental factors affecting its abundance are water relations and the contribution of calcium hydroxide and phosphorus fractions. A condition favouring the proper functioning of individuals of the studied species is TP values lower than other obtained values, in the following range: 0.08–0.32; P-PO4: 0.1; TN: 2.2–21.2; N-NH4: 0.1–0.46; DOC: 24.6–55.9 (mg·dm−3), as well as higher than average pH values, in the following range: 5.34–5.95; Ca: 5.67–28.1; Mg: 0.56–2.41 (mg·dm−3) and EC: 72.1–142.3 (µS·cm−1).

Influence of Insolation on the Efficiency of NO3 Removal from Wastewater Treated in the Hydroponic System

The use of plants and natural processes for wastewater treatment is an issue that arouses interest among technologists and scientists around the world. The aim of the article was to analyze the influence of the air temperature and insolation on the removal of nitrate nitrogen from the wastewater treated in the hydroponic system, under greenhouse conditions. Samples of sewage for its quality tests were taken from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) located in the southwestern part of Poland. Data regarding daily sunshine duration and average daily air temperature values in selected periods of 2013–2016 come from a meteorological station located 30 km from WWTP. The conducted research and analyses of the results clearly indicate that under moderate climate conditions, the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface is insufficient to ensure the year-round, effective wastewater treatment process in the hydroponic system. In the case of air temperature, no correlation was found between the tested parameters, which indicates the lack of temperature influence on the efficiency of NO3 removal from the wastewater by macrophytes growing in the lagoon.

Analysis of a micro photovoltaic/thermal – PV/T system operation in moderate climate

The paper analyses the possibility of application of PV/T systems in moderate climate conditions. Experimental part of research studies has been developed in Patras, Greece, in October–November. In that time climatic conditions in Greece are similar to summer (warmest) weather conditions in Poland. Some aspects of Polish climatic conditions, especially of solar radiation availability are presented. The liquid single glazed PV/T module has been selected for consideration as the most suitable for described climatic conditions. Experimental outdoor stand with such PV/T module has been designed and constructed to determine its energy performance. A mathematical model of the photovoltaic/thermal solar system operation is presented. Existing formula for determination of the PV/T temperature during its operation has been validated by experimental studies. As a result the correction - design factor has been introduced to the formula. It helps to take into account the design (number of covers) of the PV/T module, when its energy performance and operation are determined through simulation studies. Simulation studies of the dynamics of a microscale PV/T system supplying energy (electricity and heat to Domestic Hot Water system) to a standard single-family house has been performed using own numerical code. Selected results of simulation studies of the operation of different cases (sizes) of PV/T systems are described. Simulation studies of operation of the PV/T systems in micro scale application in high latitude countries show, that for 2 months of a year, in December and January, more electrical than thermal energy is generated by the PV/T system. In summer problems with too high temperature of the working fluid of the PV/T module can occur. As a result, the electrical efficiency decreases. In Polish climatic conditions a PV/T system should be provided with a continuous heat removal system to assure efficient operation of the system.

Effect of the duration of high air temperature on cow’s milking performance in moderate climate conditions

Abstract The main aim of the presented investigation was to determine the effect of the air thermal conditions variability on cow’s milking performance in summer in a moderate climate. The analyses covered the summer months of 2012-2013 (June-September) and shorter, several-day periods characterized by the times of elevated or high air temperatures and by the declines and increases in milking performance. The research was conducted in a free stall barn for Holstein-Friesian cows. The study showed that the thermoneutral temperature for high yielding cows decreases gradually with the registered increasingly warmer summer periods. The decreases in milk yield already commence at an air temperature equal to 20°C and also depend on the dairy cattle sensitivity. July and August, with a high number of hot days, caused that in September the cows responded faster to a worsening of thermal conditions and the decline in milking performance happened almost simultaneously with the air temperature change, at milking yield recovery after the period of 3-4 d (r=-0.84, P<0.04). The percent duration in the individual temperature ranges which caused a decrease of milk yield was also determined. In June, and at the beginning of July, this was 90% of the time with temperatures above 20°C, and simultaneously 45% above 25°C occurred to milking performance decrease (r=-0.89, P<0.02). In September, this was only 30% of the time with temperatures above 20°C (r=-0.91, P<0.01).

Parametric Modelling and Traditional Architecture: Improving the thermal comfort of the traditional courtyard house in Morocco

The traditional courtyard house of the Mediterranean Basin has been viewed as a complex regulating system that creates a microclimate which historically worked, and still works, in a passive way to provide acceptable thermal comfort in summer. The internal courtyard is generally described as a positive factor that can moderate extreme outdoor climatic conditions. However, some researches have shown that the courtyard could become a negative factor from the energy efficiency point of view. For this purpose, this paper is based on a research study exploring sustainable characteristics of Moroccan traditional housing and its climatic adaptation, delving into the Rabat-Salé case study. A traditional courtyard model is used as a case study to analyze the indoor thermal comfort without using mechanical heating and cooling systems. The thermal behavior of the rooms surrounding the courtyard is analyzed under a temperate and humid climate of Rabat-Salé medina. The simulation modelling is carried out to analyze the effectiveness of different parameters to improve the indoor climate during summer and winter, including the façade orientation, the air infiltration, the surroundings, the ceiling height, the walls and roof/ceiling insulation and the shading devices. Tools for climatic design, Mahoney’s tables, Givoni and Szokolay bio climatic diagrams have been also used to improve design strategies in terms of thermal comfort.

Experimental Study on the Hydrodynamic Performance of Floating Pontoon Type Breakwater With Skirt Walls

Floating breakwaters (FBWs) are widely used in moderate wave climatic conditions for coastal protection against erosion and for wave reduction around offshore loading terminals and open ocean construction sites. Literature shows that the width of a pontoon-type FBW is about 50% of the incident wavelength in order to achieve 50% wave height reduction at the lee side of the FBW. Hence, for a typical wavelength of 40 m, the width needed for pontoon FBW is about 20 m. Such an FBW may not be cost competitive. Is it possible to reduce the width of the pontoon FBW significantly by adding skirt walls (single, twin, triple, or five) at its keel. What will be the effect on mooring forces? In order to find solutions for these problems, experimental investigations were carried out on a typical pontoon-type FBW as well as pontoon with skirt walls. Both opaque and porous skirt walls were used. Wave transmission, reflection, and mooring forces, both on the sea side and lee side, were measured. It was found from this study that it is possible to reduce the width by 20 to 40% by introducing three or five skirt walls. However, introducing skirt walls increased the mooring forces by 10 to 30%. The results of this study are expected to be useful for cost-effective design of FBWs.

Advantages of variable driving temperature in solar absorption chiller

The study described in this paper results from the observation that, when dealing with solar-driven absorption chillers, a compromise situation very likely exists between the collector efficiency and the coefficient of performance (COP) of the absorption cycle. An idea of a control strategy pursuing this objective, and thereby increasing the solar fraction for a solar absorption cooling cycle is consequently presented. The advantage of operating the solar chiller on a variable driving temperature is demonstrated. The theoretical analysis considers a solar chiller operated under moderate climate conditions of Poland. The model of the ammonia-water absorption chiller is described in detail, and the main assumptions of the iterative control procedure are explained. The effects of its application are computationally tested for one location and one type of solar collector, for representative days of three months during the cooling season. The results of the simulation are compared with the reference case of fixed driving temperature. According to the simulation results, it is possible to increase the cooling power yield at various levels, up to 34 W per 1 m2 of solar collector, by adjusting the chiller driving temperature throughout the cooling season. The same, it is possible to more than double the cooling effect for some hours, with respect to fixed-temperature control operation.

Hybrid heating installations

The article presents important considerations related to the use of renewable energy installations in modern buildings for various purposes. The essence of the matter is the question of an innovative technical solution for heating installations and preparation of hot water in moderate climate conditions, in order to obtain the effect of the lowest cost of the maintenance and operation of the building in the heating season. Keywords: construction, buildings heating, renewable energy, hybrid installations