North-south Orientation Research Articles

Glass Selection for High-rise Residential Buildings in the United Arab Emirates Based on Life Cycle Cost Analysis

The architect's decision to select a glass type for a high rise building has significant impact on both the initial and the running cost of a building. This is particularly the case with many of the new buildings that have a high window-to- wall ratio (WWR). While several competing factors impact the architect's decision, this study supports such a decision for buildings in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by focusing on the relationship between the glass thermal characteristics and its cost. At this stage of the study, it uses a typical 30 story residential building with a WWR of 50% and a north-south orientation. An energy simulation modelling tool is used to provide data on the impact of different types of glass on the cooling load and hence the energy consumption. The cost and thermal properties of used glass types are those that actually exist in the market of the UAE. The study considers the different energy price structure in different parts of the country. Using both the simple payback period and the life cycle cost reduction techniques, optimal glass thermal properties are identified.

Geographic origins and patterns of radiation of Mertensia (Boraginaceae)

Numerous molecular phylogenetic studies have used new biogeographic tools to explain species distributions. However, questions remain about origins, timing, direction of movement, and relationships between range expansion and diversification. We investigated geographic origins and temporal and spatial diversification of Mertensia, giving particular attention to divergence between Asian and North American lineages and radiation of western North American clades. Divergence time estimation and biogeographic analyses were based on phylogeny reconstruction inferred from nuclear ribosomal ITS and 12 plastid DNA sequence regions and a broad sampling of Mertensia, Boraginaceae, and core eudicots. Mertensia split from Asperugo in the late Oligocene to mid Miocene (26.83-12.22 million years ago [Ma]), followed by the first divergence in the crown group in the late Miocene (10.36-5.19 Ma). The ancestral area is inferred to have been Asia or a widespread distribution across Asia, Beringia, and circumboreal locales. Initial range expansion of North American Mertensia occurred in Beringia and the Pacific Northwest (7.70-4.22 Ma), followed by diversification of three clades (Pacific Northwest, southern Rocky Mountains, central Rocky Mountains). The crown divergence of extant Mertensia coincides with the onset of extreme cooling and fragmentation of a once extensive mixed mesophytic forest that was subsequently replaced by a boreal coniferous forest. Early diversification likely occurred when Beringia was connected and available for floristic exchange. The north-south orientation of the Rocky Mountain Range and Pleistocene glacial-interglacial cycles appear to have been important in the North American diversification of Mertensia.

Fluid–rock interactions associated with regional tectonics and basin evolution

AbstractAn integrated approach consisting of fracture analysis, petrography, carbon, oxygen and strontium‐isotope analyses, as well as fluid‐inclusion micro‐thermometry, led to a better understanding of the evolution of fluid–rock interactions and diagenesis of the Upper Permian to Upper Triassic carbonates of the United Arab Emirates. The deposited carbonates were first marked by extensive early dolomitization. During progressive burial, the carbonates were affected by dolomite recrystallization as well as precipitation of vug and fracture‐filling dolomite, quartz and calcite cements. After considerable burial during the Middle Cretaceous, sub‐vertical north–south oriented fractures (F1) were cemented by dolomite derived from mesosaline to hypersaline fluids. Upon the Late Cretaceous maximum burial and ophiolite obduction, sub‐vertical east–west fractures (F2) were cemented by dolomite (Dc2) and saddle dolomite (Ds) derived from hot, highly saline fluids. Then, minor quartz cement has precipitated in fractures from hydrothermal brines. Fluid‐inclusion analyses of the various diagenetic phases imply the involvement of increasingly hot (200°C) saline brines (20 to 23% NaCl eq.). Through one‐dimensional burial history numerical modelling, the maximum temperatures reached by the studied rocks are estimated to be in the range of 160 to 200°C. Tectonically‐driven flux of hot fluids and associated diagenetic products are interpreted to have initiated during the Late Cretaceous maximum burial and lasted until the Oligocene–Miocene compressional tectonics and related uplift. The circulation of such hydrothermal brines led to partial dissolution of dolomites (Dc2 and Ds) and to precipitation of hydrothermal calcite C1 in new (mainly oriented north–south; F3) and pre‐existing, reactivated fractures. The integration of the obtained data confirms that the diagenetic evolution was controlled primarily by the interplay of the burial thermal evolution of the basin and the regional tectonic history. Hence, this contribution highlights the impacts of regional tectonics and basin history on diagenetic processes, which may subsequently affect reservoir properties.

Early defoliation in a temperate warm and semi-arid Tempranillo vineyard: vine performance and grape composition

Background and Aims Early defoliation (ED) can reduce vine yield and improve fruit composition in vigorous vineyards. The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of this technique for the Vitis vinifera (L.) cultivar Tempranillo under the temperate warm and semi-arid climatic conditions of south-eastern Spain. Methods and Results Four treatments were applied over three seasons to drip-irrigated vines, planted with rows orientated north–south and shoots vertically positioned. Non-defoliated vines (control) were compared with vines defoliated either just before anthesis (phenological stage H, treatment ED) or at fruitset [phenological stage J, treatment late defoliation (LD)]. In the fourth treatment, only the leaves facing east were removed at phenological stage H (treatment east ED). In the fourth experimental season, all treatments were managed similarly. Defoliation did not reduce fruitset but reduced berry mass, particularly in the ED and the LD treatments. Defoliation, however, had a cumulative negative effect on vine bud fertility. Even in the fourth experimental season, the yield of the ED treatment was 18% lower than that of the control. Both the ED and particularly the LD treatments increased berry total soluble solids (TSS) and phenolic concentration. The effect of leaf removal on berry TSS and phenolic concentration was not significant in the east ED treatment. Conclusions Defoliation at fruitset was the most effective treatment for increasing berry phenolics and TSS while maintaining must acidity. Growers should take into account, however, the important yield penalty because of defoliation, particularly in the mid-term. Significance of the Study Early defoliation of Tempranillo grapes growing in semi-arid and temperate climates needs to be applied with caution and probably limited to specific seasons while consecutive defoliations should be avoided.

Real-time nowcast of a cloudburst and a thunderstorm event with assimilation of Doppler weather radar data

Extreme weather events such as cloudburst and thunderstorms are great threat to life and property. It is a great challenge for the forecasters to nowcast such hazardous extreme weather events. Mesoscale model (ARPS) with real-time assimilation of DWR data has been operationally implemented in India Meteorological Department (IMD) for real-time nowcast of weather over Indian region. Three-dimensional variational (ARPS3DVAR) technique and cloud analysis procedure are utilized for real-time data assimilation in the model. The assimilation is performed as a sequence of intermittent cycles and complete process (starting from reception, processing and assimilation of DWR data, running of ARPS model and Web site updation) takes less than 20 minutes. Thus, real-time nowcast for next 3 h from ARPS model is available within 20 minutes of corresponding hour. Cloudburst event of September 15, 2011, and thunderstorm event of October 22, 2010, are considered to demonstrate the capability of ARPS model to nowcast the extreme weather events in real time over Indian region. Results show that in both the cases, ARPS3DVAR and cloud analysis technique are able to extract hydrometeors from radar data which are transported to upper levels by the strong upward motion resulting in the distribution of hydrometeors at various isobaric levels. Dynamic and thermodynamic structures of cloudburst and thunderstorm are also well simulated. Thus, significant improvement in the initial condition is noticed. In the case of cloudburst event, the model is able to capture the sudden collisions of two or more clouds during 09–10 UTC. Rainfall predicted by the model during cloudburst event is over 100 mm which is very close to the observed rainfall (117 mm). The model is able to predict the cloudburst with slight errors in time and space. Real-time nowcast of thunderstorm shows that movement, horizontal extension, and north–south orientation of thunderstorm are well captured during first hour and deteriorate thereafter. The amount of rainfall predicted by the model during thunderstorm closely matches with observation with slight errors in the location of rainfall area. The temporal and spatial information predicted by ARPS model about the sudden collision/merger and broken up of convective cells, intensification, weakening, and maintaining intensity of convective cells has added value to a human forecast.

Ensemble modeling to predict habitat suitability for a large‐scale disturbance specialist

To conserve habitat for disturbance specialist species, ecologists must identify where individuals will likely settle in newly disturbed areas. Habitat suitability models can predict which sites at new disturbances will most likely attract specialists. Without validation data from newly disturbed areas, however, the best approach for maximizing predictive accuracy can be unclear (Northwestern U.S.A.). We predicted habitat suitability for nesting Black-backed Woodpeckers (Picoides arcticus; a burned-forest specialist) at 20 recently (≤6 years postwildfire) burned locations in Montana using models calibrated with data from three locations in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. We developed 8 models using three techniques (weighted logistic regression, Maxent, and Mahalanobis D2 models) and various combinations of four environmental variables describing burn severity, the north–south orientation of topographic slope, and prefire canopy cover. After translating model predictions into binary classifications (0 = low suitability to unsuitable, 1 = high to moderate suitability), we compiled “ensemble predictions,” consisting of the number of models (0–8) predicting any given site as highly suitable. The suitability status for 40% of the area burned by eastside Montana wildfires was consistent across models and therefore robust to uncertainty in the relative accuracy of particular models and in alternative ecological hypotheses they described. Ensemble predictions exhibited two desirable properties: (1) a positive relationship with apparent rates of nest occurrence at calibration locations and (2) declining model agreement outside surveyed environments consistent with our reduced confidence in novel (i.e., “no-analogue”) environments. Areas of disagreement among models suggested where future surveys could help validate and refine models for an improved understanding of Black-backed Woodpecker nesting habitat relationships. Ensemble predictions presented here can help guide managers attempting to balance salvage logging with habitat conservation in burned-forest landscapes where black-backed woodpecker nest location data are not immediately available. Ensemble modeling represents a promising tool for guiding conservation of large-scale disturbance specialists.

Beyond modern landscape features: New insights in the archaeological area of Tiwanaku in Bolivia from satellite data

The aim of this paper is to investigate the cultural landscape of the archaeological area of Tiwanaku (Bolivia) using multiscale, multispectral and multitemporal satellite data. Geospatial analysis techniques were applied to the satellite data sets in order to enhance and map traces of past human activities and perform a spatial characterization of environmental and cultural patterns.In particular, in the Tiwanaku area, the approach based on local indicators of spatial autocorrelation (LISA) applied to ASTER data allowed us to identify traces of a possible ancient hydrographic network with a clear spatial relation with the well-known moat surrounding the core of the monumental area. The same approach applied to QuickBird data, allowed us to identify numerous traces of archaeological interest, in Mollo Kontu mound, less investigated than the monumental area. Some of these traces were in perfect accordance with the results of independent studies, other were completely unknown. As a whole, the detected features, composing a geometric pattern with roughly North–South orientation, closely match those of the other residential contexts at Tiwanaku.These new insights, captured from ASTER and QuickBird data processing, suggested new questions on the ancient landscape and provided important information for planning future field surveys and archaeogeophyical investigations.

The Nabataeans in Focus: Current Archaeological Research at Petra; Papers from the Special Session of the Seminar for Arabian Studies Held on 29 July 2011

The Nabataeans in Focus: Current Archaeological Research at Petra; Papers from the Special Session of the Seminar for Arabian Studies Held on 29 July 2011

Efficient stationary solar thermal collector systems operating at a medium-temperature range

In this paper, a stationary solar thermal collector system using an evacuated glass and a counter-flow tube for medium is modeled, analyzed, fabricated, and tested. The proposed non-tracking system consists of an evacuated counter-flow type absorber paired with an external compound parabolic concentrators (XCPC) as a non-imaging reflector. This configuration allows the system to operate with a high solar thermal efficiency for medium working temperature (100–300°C). Efficiencies for both East–West and North–South orientations are modeled and measured at various working temperatures. Simulation and experimental test results show that the proposed configuration outperforms other non-tracking solar thermal systems and can achieve more than 40% efficiency above 200°C.

Cattle on pastures do align along the North–South axis, but the alignment depends on herd density

Alignment is a spontaneous behavioral preference of particular body orientation that may be seen in various vertebrate or invertebrate taxa. Animals often optimize their positions according to diverse directional environmental factors such as wind, stream, slope, sun radiation, etc. Magnetic alignment represents the simplest directional response to the geomagnetic field and a growing body of evidence of animals aligning their body positions according to geomagnetic lines whether at rest or during feedings is accumulating. Recently, with the aid of Google Earth application, evidence of prevailing North-South (N-S) body orientation of cattle on pastures was published (Begall et al. PNAS 105:13451-13455, 2008; Burda et al. PNAS 106:5708-5713, 2009). Nonetheless, a subsequent study from a different laboratory did not confirm this phenomenon (Hert et al. J Comp Physiol A 197:677-682, 2011). The aim of our study was to enlarge the pool of independently gained data on this remarkable animal behavior. By satellite snapshots analysis and using blinded protocol we scored positions of 2,235 individuals in 74 herds. Our results are in line with the original findings of prevailing N-S orientation of grazing cattle. In addition, we found that mutual distances between individual animals within herds (herd density) affect their N-S preference-a new phenomenon giving some insight into biological significance of alignment.

Study on Building Engineering with Simulation and Analysis of Outdoor Thermal Environment for a Residential Subdistrict in Hot Summer/Cold Winter Region

Thermal environmental problems in urban high-rise buildings are prevalent. To analyze the phenomenon, the thermal environment of a typical urban residential subdistrict is simulated by using CFD techniques considering the affects of different type of wall material. The simulation data are carefully analyzed. Some useful results are thus obtained. The direction of the buildings affects air circulation greatly with the north-south orientation having the best effects. Temperature in the subdistrict is about 3~5°C higher than its surroundings because of heat island effects which could be weakened if greening rate of the sbudistrict is increased. Finally, simulation results show that wall materials affect the environment considerably.

A reexamination of Pleistocene tunnel valley distribution on the central Scotian Shelf

Tunnel valleys are an erosional channel characterized by anastomosing, steep-sided channel systems formed by subglacial, confined meltwater flow. Our study uses two-dimensional (2D) industry reflection seismic on the Scotian Shelf near Sable Island to better constrain the geometry of tunnel valleys in the area. Here, U- to V-shaped buried channels north and west of Sable Island extensively branch, reconnect, and meander. They average 2–5 km wide and 150–700 m deep (below sea level) and have a dominantly north–south orientation. Immediately to the south and southwest of Sable Island, the channels become narrower (1–1.5 km), shallower (300–400 m maximum) and more widely spaced. Multiple tunnel valley generations may be present, but could not be separately mapped. There is a notable gap of 20–30 km between the ends of the detectable tunnel valleys and the shelf edge south of Sable Island. An exception is erosive features at the shelf edge at the head of Logan Canyon, but these channels are disconnected from the tunnel valley network further north and may not be tunnel valleys. The reason for the gap south of Sable Island is not clear; however, we do not believe it is due to data coverage or resolution issues. If the tunnel valleys genuinely end south of Sable Island, then the gap between them and the shelf edge means that between The Gully and Logan Canyon these subglacial meltwater channels did not empty directly at the shelf edge. This implies direct meltwater and sediment delivery by tunnel valleys to the Scotian Slope during the Pleistocene may have been limited in this area.

Satisfaction and Motivation of Homeowners Towards Green Homes

Whilst green homes have been constructed by housing developers in Malaysia, developers should determine how satisfied homeowners are with their green homes. This paper first reviews data from a survey to determine the satisfaction level of homeowners towards their residence in terms of green features in Iskandar Malaysia. Next, factor analysis is carried out to identify benefits that motivate households to own green homes, and then followed by logistic regression analysis to determine the effects of motivators on housing satisfaction. Results show that homeowners are most satisfied with the green features of high ceiling, North–South orientation, double-glazed panel glass doors and windows, solar panel system and landscaped parks with facilities. Rain water harvesting system and low-flow water fixtures, on the other hand, are the least satisfied green features among homeowners. Four motivators are found that describe households’ belief about green homes: ‘Financial Incentives’, ‘Healthy and Sustainable Environment’, ‘Energy Efficiency’ and ‘Livability’. The findings also demonstrated that the extent of housing satisfaction may depend on what motivates homeowners to own green homes. It would seem that house buyers do not just demand a typical house to stay in but also sustainable houses that do not compromise the environment.

Catching the Sun

This article discusses various aspects of concentrating solar power (CSP) systems. CSP system ensures that more solar energy reaches the earth in one hour than the combined worldwide consumption of energy by human activities in one year. The article also focuses on various challenges posed by the CSP systems as alternative energy sources. Some CSP systems focus sunlight onto a line, where tubes contain a working fluid, such as synthetic oil, which is heated and pumped to heat exchangers to produce high-pressure steam. These systems are oriented north–south and track on a single axis from east to west over the course of a day. Technological improvements have been made in nearly all the sub-components of CSP systems over the past few years. Research efforts include developing novel materials and heat-transfer fluids, designing receivers that can achieve high temperatures, and building higher efficiency heat collectors. The study shows that nearly every part of the CSP system presents rich opportunities for mechanical engineers to contribute their expertise. In particular, the challenging SunShot Initiative goals call for innovations and ingenious system designs to drive costs down, while improving efficiencies.

Songbird Use of Floodplain and Upland Forests along the Upper Mississippi River Corridor during Spring Migration

Abstract. The Upper Mississippi River is thought to provide important stopover habitat for migrating landbirds because of its north-south orientation and floodplain forests. The river flows through the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota where forests are plentiful, yet forests of the floodplain and Driftless Area uplands differ greatly in landscape setting, tree species composition, and topography. We compared landbird assemblages in these upland and floodplain forests over three springs, 2005–2007, using line-transect surveys at randomly selected areas in and within 16 km of the floodplain. We found more species of both transient and locally breeding migrants per survey in floodplain than in upland forest. Detections of transient neotropical migrants did not differ statistically by habitat. Detections of locally breeding neotropical and temperate-zone migrants and transient temperate-zone migrants were greater in floodplain than in upland forest. Between floodplain and up...

Recent and Ancient Death-assemblages of Molluscs in Lakes Eğirdir and Beyşehir (SW Anatolia, Turkey)

In the summer of 2000 samples of beach deposits on the shore of Lake Eğirdir were collected. Subsequently, in August 2002, further samples were taken from a sequence exposed near Lake Beyşehir that was composed of carbonatic and gyttja layers containing abundant aquatic molluscs; these were dated to the end of the Middle Pleistocene. Species identification was made difficult by the fact that anatomical studies could not be made, and also because the taxonomy of Turkish molluscs still suffers from the effects of the once widespread habit of identifying Anatolian species as similar European species. The latter difficulty is well on the way to be resolved.<br />For much of the Middle-Upper Pleistocene and Holocene, Lake Eğirdir had characteristics similar to those of the large Beyşehir-Suğla Basin: a piedmont location enclosed by mountain ranges, large size and north-south orientation, maximum depth of about 15 m, variable water level and nutrient concentration (occasionally becoming a large pond), and probable increases in salinity. The qualitative and quantitative study of both malacofaunas, together with taphonomic observations on the shells,gave deeper insight into the formation processes of natural lacustrine shell accumulations and certain aspects of zooarchaeological interest, improving our understanding of such phenomena.

Comportamiento hidrogeoquímico de flujos subterráneos en acuíferos cársticos fracturados, aplicando modelación inversa: Caso Huasteca Potosina

The study area is located inside the Valles-San Luis Potosi platform, which belongs to the Sierra Madre Oriental (SMO), whose mountain portion, formed by anticlines and synclines, has a North-South preferential orientation and a very important system of faults and fractures with East-West orientation that control the groundwater flow into the Gulf of Mexico. In order to demonstrate the hydraulic connectivity of the East-West system of faults and fractures, inverse modeling was applied to four sections. Other performed tests in possible connections between fractures were not able to reproduce these processes, which are interpretated as non-hydraulic connection points. Two main types of water were identified: one with calcium bicarbonate because of the interaction with carbonate rocks such as limestone, and other with calcium sulfate that is related with a process of water-rock interaction, mainly from evaporite

Optimal barn characteristics for high-yielding Holstein cows as derived by a new heat-stress model

Meticulous planning is required to minimize heat-stress conditions in barns. The objective of this study was to determine optimum barn characteristics for high-yielding dairy cows under Israeli (Mediterranean) summer ambient conditions, by using a new stress model that takes ambient temperature, relative humidity and wind velocity into account. During the summers of 2004 and 2005, three meteorological stations were alternately installed in 39 barns: two stations inside the barn at the prevailing downwind direction, and a third station outside the upwind end of the barn. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction were measured and recorded every 10 min for 3 to 5 consecutive days at each barn in turn. The data were collected at different geographical and climatic conditions. Therefore, the data collected by an outside station were used as covariates. A heat-stress model was used to determine the threshold temperature (THRT) at which a cow begins to increase its respiratory rate; THRT was the response variable in the statistical model. The THRT model takes in account assumed values of a cow's physiological characteristics: daily milk yield of 45 kg, containing 3.5% fat, and 3 mm fur depth. The independent variables were: orientation, barn type, roof slope, roof ridge, marginal height, roof type (fixed or sliding) and barn width. Results showed that the optimal barn for high-yielding cows is the loose-housing type, oriented with its long axis perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction. Advantageous to the design would be an open ridge or pagoda with marginal height of over 4.7 m for north-south orientation and over 5 m for east-west orientation, roof slope over 11%, and barn width between 43 and 51 m for north-south orientation but lower than 42 m for east-west orientation. A sliding roof was also found to be an excellent solution when outside yards are banned by environmental regulations.

Aerodynamic Mode of Double-Skin Transparent Façade with Narrow Physical Cavity and its Influence on Indoor Environment in the Summer Season

Tall slab-shaped building of north-south orientation. Narrow-cavity double skin transparent façade. South (S) external wall with application of double-skin transparent façade. Aerodynamic regime of narrow-cavity double skin transparent façade in summer. The total aerodynamic resistance of natural physical cavity and its relationship to the convection air lift force. Air stagnation in the cavity as the physical defect of the double-skin façade. Aerodynamics of the double-skin transparent façade as a conditional factor of the thermal discomfort of indoor climate in the building.

Hemicycla (Hemicycla) fuenterroquensis (Gastropoda: Helicoidea: Helicidae), a new species from La Palma, Canary Islands

The rugged, volcanic oceanic island of La Palma (Fig. 1), with the oldest subaerial rocks dated at 1.7 Ma, is one of the youngest islands of the Atlantic Canarian Archipelago. La Palma is an elongated island with North-South orientation (about 45 km long and near 28 km wide in the northern half, then tapering towards its southernmost tip), with an area of 708 km2 and an altitude of 2426 m above sea level (a.s.l.). The island is in the second stage (“emergence and subaerial construction”) out of the six phases of the hotspot island’s life cycle (Fernández-Palacios & Whittaker, 2010). The most recent volcanic eruption occurred at the Teneguía volcano in 1971. The island exhibits a considerable range of habitats (from arid lowland shrub zones to humid highland evergreen forests) generated by high mountains that intercept the moist trade winds. This great variety of habitats has enhanced land snail radiation and speciation, so the island accommodates about 30 validly described endemic species of land snails, most of them belonging to the main genera (e. g., Napaeus Albers, 1850, Canariella Hesse, 1918, Insulivitrina Hesse, 1923) living today in the archipelago. The genus Hemicycla Swainson, 1840 is second land gastropods in terms of species richness within the Canary Islands, with about 40 known living species (Neiber et al., 2011). Only two of these Hemicycla species are present in La Palma, H. vermiplicata (Wollaston, 1878) and H. granomalleata (Wollaston, 1878) (Fig. 2 A, E), which were merely studied conchologically back in the 19th century. Moreover, Odhner (1937) mentions the presence in Santa Cruz de La Palma of H. ethelema Mabille, 1882, a species viewed as endemic to the Gran Canaria Island, in basis to three shells placed at his disposal by Count C. Strömfelt, Stockholm, and he compares these shells with those of H. granomalleata, indicating that he finds the best concordance in all essential charecteristics, but having the H. granomalleata shells finer granulation than those of H. ethelema.