Thermal Window Research Articles

The use of infrared thermography to noninvasively measure the surface temperature of polar bears during bouts of social play.

Infrared thermography or thermal imagery is a noninvasive tool that can be used to measure the temperature of surfaces. Typically, thermal imagery is used for construction or military purposes but is increasingly used as a noninvasive tool in wildlife studies. We investigated the use of thermal imagery to measure surface temperature changes as a proxy for energetic expenditure. We measured the surface temperature of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) eyes, while immobilized, to determine whether the eye is a thermal window that can accurately indicate internal temperature. We found a significant difference (2.68 ± 0.41°C) between the surface temperature of the eye measured with thermal imagery and the internal rectal temperature. Additionally, we measured surface temperature changes in polar bears after bouts of social play as a proxy for energy expenditure. Mean temperature of the eye increased by 1.34 ± 0.43°C after social play, indicating that this activity increased energy expenditure. During the fasting season, polar bears rely on fat stores, and any energy expenditure beyond what is required to travel may be costly to their survival, particularly in years of low resource availability. We conclude that thermal imagery is a useful tool to noninvasively investigate the energetics of social play.

European Lobster Larval Development and Fitness Under a Temperature Gradient and Ocean Acidification.

Climate change combined with anthropogenic stressors (e.g. overfishing, habitat destruction) may have particularly strong effects on threatened populations of coastal invertebrates. The collapse of the population of European lobster (Homarus gammarus) around Helgoland constitutes a good example and prompted a large-scale restocking program. The question arises if recruitment of remaining natural individuals and program-released specimens could be stunted by ongoing climate change. We examined the joint effect of ocean warming and acidification on survival, development, morphology, energy metabolism and enzymatic antioxidant activity of the larval stages of the European lobster. Larvae from four independent hatches were reared from stage I to III under a gradient of 10 seawater temperatures (13–24°C) combined with moderate (∼470 µatm) and elevated (∼1160 µatm) seawater pCO2 treatments. Those treatments correspond to the shared socio-economic pathways (SSP), SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 (i.e. the low and the very high greenhouse gas emissions respectively) projected for 2100 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Larvae under the elevated pCO2 treatment had not only lower survival rates, but also significantly smaller rostrum length. However, temperature was the main driver of energy demands with increased oxygen consumption rates and elemental C:N ratio towards warmer temperatures, with a reducing effect on development time. Using this large temperature gradient, we provide a more precise insight on the aerobic thermal window trade-offs of lobster larvae and whether exposure to the worst hypercapnia scenario may narrow it. This may have repercussions on the recruitment of the remaining natural and program-released specimens and thus, in the enhancement success of future lobster stocks.

Combining Promising Electrolyte Research and 3D Printing: Ionic Liquid Based Printable Membrane Materials

As promising components in energy devices such as fuel or solar cells and batteries ionic liquids (ILs) are discussed due to their promising properties. These salts with melting points below 100 °C show e.g., high thermal and electrochemical stability, high ionic conductivities and non-flammability, making them interesting candidates for use as electrolytes.[1] One of the most pressing global issues of our time, when disregarding the current COVID19 crisis, is the climate change with its well-known challenges concerning the climate policy and the energy economy. In this context due to their many benefits, the aforementioned fuel cells and batteries are being discussed as potential appliances, although there are some disadvantages attached to these technologies. Most polymer-electrolyte-membrane (PEM) fuel cells work with Nafion®, a sulfonated fluorocopolymer, as their membrane. Nafion® however loses conductivity at higher temperatures due to dehydration, limiting its operation temperature to around 80 °C at ambient pressure.[2] ILs are considered compounds that can overcome these limitations as they offer high conductivities even at elevated temperatures.For the applications as electrolytes in the aforementioned systems the immobilization of the ILs is necessary, however, to prevent leaking and realize proper function.[1] The resulting ionogels (IGs) then combine the properties of the polymer matrix, i.e. its mechanical stability, with the characteristics of the respective IL. A suitable method to realize precise geometries and shapes for these membranes is given by 3D printing, which offers adaptable electrolyte design.[3] The synthesis and characterization of ILs for ion (specifically proton) conduction is the aim of this work. These ILs exhibit wide electrochemical and thermal stability windows. The ionic conductivities of the investigated compounds range between 10-2 - 10-4 S/cm at elevated temperatures. The ILs are furthermore investigated under aspects of ion and proton transport via different spectroscopy methods.[3,4] Moreover, the ILs are immobilized in different matrix materials to provide flexible and transparent IGs that contain up to 80 wt% of IL. Additionally, successful 3D-printing and structuring of the IGs is also demonstrated.[3] [1] M. Martinez, et al, Journal of Power Sources, 2010, 195, 5829-5839.[2] J. Le Bideau, et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2011, 40, 907-925.[3] K. Zehbe, et al., Energy Fuels, 2019, 33, 12885-12893.[4] Z. Wojnarowska, et al., ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2021, 13, 30614–30624.

Passive cooling strategies to optimise sustainability and environmental ergonomics in Mediterranean schools based on a critical review

This article identifies and compares the passive cooling strategies used and their relationship to optimising sustainability and environmental ergonomics based on 47 case studies. The analysis of the schools has resulted in the identification of 20 passive strategies, eight parameters related to sustainability and six related to environmental ergonomics. The results show that the most used passive strategies are natural ventilation, green roofs, low thermal transmittance windows and solar shading. In contrast, the least used strategies are ventilated façades and evaporative cooling systems. In terms of sustainability, energy efficiency is present in most case studies; in contrast, the circular economy is hardly considered in schools. In terms of environmental ergonomics, thermal comfort is present in most case studies, while acoustic comfort is not assessed. Furthermore, the results show an absence of optimisation of acoustic and visual comfort, climate change adaptation measures and involvement of the educational community. This work provides a detailed understanding of the status quo for researchers, practitioners and policymakers and predicts the dynamic directions of the field. It highlights the need to incorporate passive design protocols explicitly applied to schools to achieve a sustainable and climate-resilient educational building stock within the principles of the circular economy.

Energy performance in residential buildings: Evaluation of the potential of building design and environmental parameter

Buildings are responsible for dominant amount of energy consumption in hot regions. The predominant quantity of energy consumption is connected to existing buildings. The aim of this work is to highlight solutions for current buildings, in order to contribute to a reduction in the amount of energy consumed. Thermal insulation, window to wall ratio and shading devices are major variables in this study. It is expected that WWR is a leading variable in energy performance in hot regions. In addition, the research is questioning the impact of each variable on building. TAS EDSL used for energy analysis to envision energy efficiency in the building case study as well as some advanced equipment. The study carried out the influence of zone functionality in residential building with a particular consideration of the use of kitchen, bedroom and office. Southern orientation is responsible for a rise of 3 °C in indoor temperature, however, this orientation found to be favourable in winter time as zero heating loads was observed. The research found that the size of glazing system is the prime variable which can be adjusted according to required daylight and heating sources in the region. The findings further indicate that thermal insulation and window to wall ratio can have a major impact on energy consumption and thermal comfort in hot regions. Reduction of WWR into 20% has improved energy consumption by 15%. For energy efficiency as well as daylight quality, WWR should not exceed 30%. The influence of reduction of WWR is substantially greater in cooling compared to heating demand. The study also revealed that ASHRAE and CIBSE found to be misleading when applied in hot regions.

A productivity bottleneck in the Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras): Early life-history processes and recruitment variability

Exogenous anomalies induced by contemporary climate change may severely impact dynamics of early life stages of fish. Here, we modelled how growth rate and abundance of postflexion larvae, and recruitment of Baltic spring-spawning herring (Clupea harengus membras) in the Pärnu Bay, Gulf of Riga (GoR) may respond to shifting climate variables. Higher larval growth rates were aligned with later seasonal emergence of yolk-sac larvae, while lower abundance of postflexion larvae occurred in years of earlier seasonal seawater warming. Cooler temperatures (<16 °C) in spring expanded the optimal thermal window for first-feeding herring larvae, attributable to the absence of early seasonal water temperature warming. Higher recruitment levels emerged in years of seasonally delayed warming and were associated with higher abundance of postflexion larvae. In recent decades, the trend towards earlier warming of the Baltic Sea in spring threatens to create a bottleneck to successful recruitment of herring. The existing paradigm that abundant Baltic herring year-classes occur only in the years following mild winters no longer stands as environmental conditions undergo rapid change. The relative contribution of Pärnu Bay larval nursery areas to recruitment has diminished as the suitable thermal window has been dramatically reduced in recent decades. Evolving thermal dynamics in the GoR have developed relatively recently and in future present a bottleneck for herring production.

Do crocodilians have an air‐conditioning unit in their skulls? Experimental test of purported thermoregulatory function of the dorsal temporal fenestrae in the American alligator

The classic view of dorsal temporal fenestrae (DTFs) in diapsids posits that they provide attachment sites for jaw adductor muscles. A recent hypothesis suggested that DTFs in archosaurs may play a role in selective brain thermoregulation, but did not provide supporting experimental data. We tested this hypothesis in two years‐old juveniles of the American alligator. We used chronically implanted thermocouples to monitor brain (Tb) and core (Tc) temperatures in constrained but unanaesthetised animals during acute heat exposure. Animals were first equilibrated to either 15°C (n=9, body mass range 200‐563 g) or 30°C (n=6, body mass range 173‐362 g), and then exposed to a radiant heat source (a 75W incandescent light bulb suspended 20cm above the animal). As experimental treatment, we used insulating covers (custom‐made of adhesive foam tape and aluminium foil) to obscure either the DTFs or a corresponding skull surface in subsequent trials. We expected that obscuring the DTF (as opposed to covering the skull roof) would result in Tb rising more slowly in animals at 15°C (i.e., interfering with selective brain warming), and would result in Tb rising faster in animals at 30°C (i.e., interfering with selective brain cooling). We found no statistically significant differences in the rate of brain warming between DTF‐covered vs. skull‐covered treatments in animals at either 15°C (0.541°C/min vs. 0.683°C/min) or 30°C (0.356°C/min vs. 0.358°C/min). Our results suggest that DTFs, at least in small (&lt;1 kg) alligators, do not function as thermal windows for heat exchange with the environment to afford them selective brain temperature control. However, given that the DTF surface area scales with positive allometry on brain mass (Mb^1.25) in the American alligator, further experiments are needed to determine whether DTFs acquire a thermoregulatory function in larger crocodilians.

Plate‐Based Respirometry to Assess Zebrafish Embryo Bioenergetics in situ in Changing Environmental Conditions

All species require bioenergetic adaptation to maintain life functions, especially in changing environmental conditions. Global warming and deteriorating water quality may pose threats to aquatic species by interfering with bioenergetic mechanisms. Mitochondrial oxidative metabolism is a key component for bioenergetic responses as it provides the major proportion of cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In our studies, we aim to establish the assessment of zebrafish mitochondrial bioenergetics and investigate the mechanisms, adaptation, and plasticity to temperature, pollutants, and the combination of both to gain insights into the upcoming threats for their energy homeostasis and survival. Using plate‐based respirometry of the Seahorse XF96 analyzer, we measured zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo oxygen consumption rates in situ. To understand how temperature alters oxidative phosphorylation, we exposed 48 hours post‐fertilization zebrafish embryos to five different water temperatures before measuring oxygen consumption at various assay temperatures. The oxygen consumption rates were challenged using respiratory chain inhibitors and chemical uncouplers to reveal bioenergetic mechanisms and adjustments of mitochondrial efficiency. We show that at 18°C assay temperature, basal oxygen consumption of the embryo is low due to decreased ATP‐linked respiration and not limited by maximum substrate oxidation. Basal oxygen consumption rates increase with assay temperature and remain stable up to 37°C, before rapidly deteriorating at 41°C and above. The pre‐exposure of embryos to 37°C, however, expands the thermal window to higher limits, indicated by stable basal oxygen consumption rates at 41°C. Proton leak respiration, which wastes nutrient energy in parallel to ATP production, increases at assay temperatures above 28°C, thereby reducing the efficiency of ATP synthesis. This is seen as a decrease in coupling efficiency, which is defined as the fraction of oxygen consumption that drives ATP synthesis. Collectively, temperature affects the performance of zebrafish embryos by reducing cellular ATP turnover at lower temperatures and by increasing proton leak at higher temperatures, resulting in an optimum energy conversion temperature that can be shifted by thermal adaptation. In current experiments, we measure how pollutants impact zebrafish bioenergetics and its relation to thermal adaptation.

Contributions of the rostral vs. middle conchae in temporal countercurrent exchange in the domestic chicken

The nasal conchae in extant endothermic vertebrates have been hypothesized to contribute to heat conservation during breathing at low ambient temperatures and heat dissipation at high ambient temperatures. In birds, the rostral and middle conchae in the nasal cavity increase surface area of the respiratory epithelium while decreasing the distance between the epithelium and the respiratory airstream. This improves the efficiency of heat and water transfer between them during temporal countercurrent exchange. To determine the role of each concha, we used surgical ablation to remove either the rostral conchae or both rostral and middle conchae in juveniles of the domestic chicken, as well as performing sham surgery on the control group (n=8, n=6, n=8, respectively). Using fast‐response thermocouples, we measured exhaled air temperature measurements at the external nares and glottis to determine heat and water savings in different portions of the upper respiratory tract. Measurements were taken in adult chickens under mild sedation within the ambient temperature (Ta) range of 10‐40°C and relative humidity of 30%. We expected that minimum exhaled air temperatures (Te) in animals which had undergone conchaectomies would be higher than those of the control group, especially in individuals with both the rostral and middle conchae removed. As expected, Ta had a significant effect (MANOVA, p&lt;0.0001) on the efficiency of heat exchange in the nasal cavity, with the most pronounced (Ta‐Te) difference at the lowest Ta (10°C), and the least at the highest Ta (40°C). We also found surgical treatment had a significant effect, with double conchaectomised animals having higher Te’s than either the sham (p&lt;0.05) or single conchaetomised (p&lt;0.01) animals. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference between the latter two treatment groups. We found a significant interaction between Ta and surgical treatment (p&lt;0.001), Ta and animal sex (p&lt;0.01), and treatment and sex (p&lt;0.05), Hens had slightly higher Te’s than roosters. Whether this was an effect of body mass, breathing rate, or cranial thermal windows (comb, wattle) remains to be determined. Overall, our data suggest that the middle conchae makes a significant contribution to the efficiency of the temporal countercurrent exchange in the nasal cavity, but the rostral conchae does not. Which begs the question – why did the rostral concha evolve?

Ratiometric temperature sensing and molecular logic AND gate execution via Eu3+ doped BaWO4 nanophosphor

Self-calibrated Luminescence thermometry (LT), a contactless temperature measurement technique has gained significant recognition owing to its idiosyncratic contours over conventional thermal sensors. Apart from high relative sensitivity, large operating thermal window, insignificant absolute error with minimum temperature uncertainty are perquisite requirements for feasible endeavor of the developed temperature sensors. In the current work, after efficaciously preparation of Eu3+ doped BaWO4 via hydrothermal route, the inherent thermally coupled energy levels (TCEL) 5D1 and 5D0 of Eu3+ were employed for ratiometric temperature sensor design in 80–500 K range. The intense down-shifting luminescence and high temperature sensitivity elicit small temperature uncertainty (0.05 K) and a low absolute error (−0.12 to 0.14 K). Nevertheless, along with good repeatability (>95%) in thermal cycles, the prepared nanophosphor also demonstrates good stability (after repeated thermal cycles). Additionally, carried out Judd-Ofelt analysis provides significant insight in LT based upon emission behavior of Eu3+. A high value of relative sensitivity (1.65% K−1 and 2.95% K−1 from decay kinetics and ratiometric respectively) with chromaticity shift of 78* 10−3 manifests a visual change in inherent red emission profile from the prepared phosphor. Further, exploiting heat and incident UV as input, the prepared phosphor material is utilized to develop an exclusive dry molecular logic gate (here AND) implementation. As versatile spectroscopic probe, Eu3+ ion was exercised for details structural analysis to disclose the change of local site symmetry in BaWO4 due to aliovalent substitution.

Study of Polymer Binders to Develop Low Emissive Paints for Thermal Radiation Management Applications

The management of thermal emittance always possess challenges in both military and civil domains. The low emissive materials in form of paints offers viable solution for minimising thermal emittance of military objects for camouflage and enhancing infrared reflectivity of roof to reduce cooling loads. Binder apart from pigments is one of the critical components of low emissive paint formulation to decide its ultimate performance. For selection of appropriate resin and binder, a comparative study of five prevalent polymers viz. polyurethane (PU), poly vinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) has been carried out. Polymeric film of thickness 100μm of each of the polymer is prepared by Elcometer 4340 motorized film applicator. Infrared spectra and thermogravimetric profile have been obtained by Bruker make Tensor 27 FTIR in spectral range 4000 – 600 cm-1 and TGA Q 500. Film formation of PU is excellent and transmission in 3-5 μm is almost 100%. Hence, it may be chosen as binder in low emissive paint for MWIR band. PVC and PMMA among the polymers offer excellent transmission 87-99% in both thermal transmission windows 3-5 μm and 8-12 μm. Thermogravimetric (TG) profile of polymer films evident of thermal stability of PVC, PMMA and PU polymers up to 200 °C. Infrared transmission, TG profile and film formability manifest that both binders- PVC and PMMA are suitable for development of low emissive paints applicable up to temperature 200 °C for both IR transmission windows to evade thermal detectors working for detection of military objects and reducing cooling load in buildings by enhancing reflectivity of roof by application of low emissive paint.

Targeting river operations to the critical thermal window of fish incubation: Model and case study on Sacramento River winter‐run Chinook salmon

AbstractAllocating reservoir flows to meet societal and ecosystem needs under increasing water demands and climatic variability presents challenges to resource managers. Often, rivers have been regulated to meet flow and temperature compliance points or mimic historical patterns. Because it is difficult to assess if this approach is efficient, process‐based models are being used to design river operations. This paper describes a model for fish incubation survival based on the premise that mortality from thermal stress occurs over a critical window (CW) of embryo development. A model for the embryo CW based on metabolic studies of development is combined with density‐dependent and background mortalities to describe salmonid survival from egg fertilization to fry detection downstream. The model is calibrated with a two‐decade dataset of Sacramento River winter‐run Chinook salmon egg‐to‐fry survival. The effects of temperature exposure over a range of CWs were explored. Based on statistical and biological support, two alternative CWs were identified for temperature control: the entire incubation period and a short duration window prior to hatching. Survival under different CW assumptions and temperature control operations were simulated with an internet‐accessible form of the model. The analysis indicated that under years of limited cold‐water resources, targeting water releases to the CW prior to hatching would yield the highest incubation survival.

Thermal and Circulatory Changes in Diverse Body Regions in Dogs and Cats Evaluated by Infrared Thermography.

Simple SummaryInfrared thermography is a tool that measures changes in the surface temperature of the skin and has been used in companion animals to determine their health state and to diagnose inflammatory processes, neoplasia, pain, or neuropathies. Body regions such as the face, body, or hind/forelimbs are commonly used for thermography in dogs and cats. However, since there is disagreement about the differences in temperature recorded using this tool, this article analyzes the usefulness of IRT in companion animals (pets) as a complementary diagnostic method for evaluating thermal and circulatory changes. It analyzes the recent scientific evidence on the use of facial, body, and appendicular thermal windows in dogs and cats under different clinical conditions.Infrared thermography (IRT) has been proposed as a method for clinical research to detect local inflammatory processes, wounds, neoplasms, pain, and neuropathies. However, evidence of the effectiveness of the thermal windows used in dogs and cats is discrepant. This review aims to analyze and discuss the usefulness of IRT in diverse body regions in household animals (pets) related to recent scientific evidence on the use of the facial, body, and appendicular thermal windows. IRT is a diagnostic method that evaluates thermal and circulatory changes under different clinical conditions. For the face, structures such as the lacrimal caruncle, ocular area, and pinna are sensitive to assessments of stress degrees, but only the ocular window has been validated in felines. The usefulness of body and appendicular thermal windows has not been conclusively demonstrated because evidence indicates that biological and environmental factors may strongly influence thermal responses in those body regions. The above has led to proposals to evaluate specific muscles that receive high circulation, such as the biceps femoris and gracilis. The neck area, perivulvar, and perianal regions may also prove to be useful thermal windows, but their degree of statistical reliability must be established. In conclusion, IRT is a non-invasive technique that can be used to diagnose inflammatory and neoplastic conditions early. However, additional research is required to establish the sensitivity and specificity of these thermal windows and validate their clinical use in dogs and cats.

Temperature and barometric pressure affect the activity intensity and movement of an endangered thermoconforming lizard

AbstractGlobal warming is expected to affect movement‐related thermoregulation in ectotherms, but the likely effects on thermoconforming lizards, which spend little energy in thermoregulation behavior, are unclear. We used the Guatemalan beaded lizard (Heloderma charlesbogerti) as a model thermoconforming species to investigate the effects of ambient temperature and barometric pressure (a cue for rain in the study area) on activity intensity and the structure of movement paths. We tracked 12 individuals over a total of 148 animal days during the wet season of 2019 using Global Positioning System tags and triaxial accelerometry. We found a clear positive effect of ambient temperature on activity (using vectorial dynamic body acceleration [VeDBA]) and step length of lizard movements. The movement also became more directional (longer step lengths and smaller turning angles) with increasing ambient temperatures. There was a small negative effect of barometric pressure on VeDBA. We propose that our patterns are indicative of internal state changes in the animals, as they move from a state of hunger, eliciting foraging, which is enhanced by lower temperatures and rainfall to a thermally stressed state, which initiates shelter‐seeking. Our findings highlight the sensitivity of this species to temperature change, show that not all thermoconforming lizards are thermal generalists, and indicate that predicted regional increases in temperature and reduction in rainfall are likely to negatively impact this species by reducing the width of their operational thermal window.

Temperature and Diet Acclimation Modify the Acute Thermal Performance of the Largest Extant Amphibian.

Simple SummaryThe Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) is one of the largest extant amphibian species, and it is considered critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. Previous studies have demonstrated that future climate change could strongly affect this species. However, how to conduct the related conservation activities are still unclear. Understanding the thermal physiology of A. davidianus is meaningful in guiding its conservation, e.g., habitat selection and preadaptation before population translocation. In this study, the influences of temperature and diet on the metabolic capacity and thermal limits were studied for A. davidianus larvae based on laboratory experiments. Our results indicated prominent physiological plasticity in the thermal tolerance of A. davidianus in response to temperature and diet changes. This thermal plasticity likely, to some extent, buffers the effects of climate change on the Chinese giant salamander. In addition, the potential mechanisms underlying this plasticity were discussed. Our results provide insights for the formulation of conservation strategies for this species.The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus), one of the largest extant amphibian species, has dramatically declined in the wild. As an ectotherm, it may be further threatened by climate change. Therefore, understanding the thermal physiology of this species should be the priority to formulate related conservation strategies. In this study, the plasticity in metabolic rate and thermal tolerance limits of A. davidianus larvae were studied. Specifically, the larvae were acclimated to three temperature levels (7 °C, cold stress; 15 °C, optimum; and 25 °C, heat stress) and two diet items (red worm or fish fray) for 20 days. Our results indicated that cold-acclimated larvae showed increased metabolic capacity, while warm-acclimated larvae showed a decrease in metabolic capacity. These results suggested the existence of thermal compensation. Moreover, the thermal tolerance windows of cold-acclimated and warm-acclimated larvae shifted to cooler and hotter ranges, respectively. Metabolic capacity is not affected by diet but fish-fed larvae showed superiority in both cold and heat tolerance, potentially due to the input of greater nutrient loads. Overall, our results suggested a plastic thermal tolerance of A. davidianus in response to temperature and diet variations. These results are meaningful in guiding the conservation of this species.

The Aerosol Module in the Community Radiative Transfer Model (v2.2 and v2.3): accounting for aerosol transmittance effects on the radiance observation operator

Abstract. The Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM), a sensor-based radiative transfer model, has been used within the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) system for directly assimilating radiances from infrared and microwave sensors. We conducted numerical experiments to illustrate how including aerosol radiative effects in CRTM calculations changes the GSI analysis. Compared to the default aerosol-blind calculations, the aerosol influences reduced simulated brightness temperature (BT) in thermal window channels, particularly over dust-dominant regions. A case study is presented, which illustrates how failing to correct for aerosol transmittance effects leads to errors in meteorological analyses that assimilate radiances from satellite infrared sensors. In particular, the case study shows that assimilating aerosol-affected BTs significantly affects analyzed temperatures in the lower atmosphere across several regions of the globe. Consequently, a fully cycled aerosol-aware experiment improves 1–5 d forecasts of wind, temperature, and geopotential height in the tropical troposphere and Northern Hemisphere stratosphere. Whilst both GSI and CRTM are well documented with online user guides, tutorials, and code repositories, this article is intended to provide a joined-up documentation for aerosol absorption and scattering calculations in the CRTM and GSI. It also provides guidance for prospective users of the CRTM aerosol option and GSI aerosol-aware radiance assimilation. Scientific aspects of aerosol-affected BT in atmospheric data assimilation are briefly discussed.

Plasticizing Effect of Ionic Liquid on Poly (vinyl alcohol) with Different Degrees of Polymerization

AbstractThe plasticized poly(vinyl alcohol) (TPVA) was successfully prepared using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide (BMIMBr). Plasticizing effect of the degree of polymerization (DP) on PVA was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and melt flow indexer (MI). It was found that new hydrogen bonds between PVA and BMIMBr were formed, which was confirmed by the‐OH shift of PVA in FT‐IR analysis. XRD analysis showed that the original lattice and more irregular molecular chain structures in the amorphous region of PVA were destroyed effectively, which was conducive to the decrease of degree of crystallinity. Moreover, the plasticizing effect decreased with the increase of DP duo to more molecular entanglements in PVA. TPVA‐1799 possessed the largest thermal processing window and best melt flowability, which was significant for melt spinning in the future.

Polyethylene porous microsphere coated coaxial fiber composite membrane for high safety lithium‐ion battery

AbstractA polyetherimide/polyvinylidene fluoride (PEI/PVDF) coaxial fiber membrane coated with polyethylene (PE) porous microspheres with thermal shutdown function was prepared. The PE porous microspheres created by the suspension dispersion method are composed of a large number of pleated petal structures, which contain abundant pore structures and have a melting point of 108°C. Ionic conductivity test, scanning electron microscope test, open circuit voltage test, and cycle performance test show that the composite membrane with PE microspheres layer can effectively close the pore structure at 110°C and stop the battery reaction. The thermal stability test shows that the composite membrane does not shrink at 210°C, the thermal shutdown temperature window is as high as 100°C, and the PE coating can significantly improve the high temperature thermal dimensional stability of the membrane. Thanks to the porous microstructure of PE microspheres and the good electrolyte affinity of the PVDF skin layer, the PE composite membrane has good electrolyte wetting and uptake capabilities. The battery assembled by the PE composite membrane has a capacity retention rate of 88.6% after 100 cycles at 0.5 C and has excellent C‐rate capability.

CONSTRUCTION AND APPLICATION OF HIGH ENERGY EFFECTIVITY MOBILE MICRO-ECO-HOUSES FOR RECEIVING PROPHYLACTIC PROCEDURES AND SELF-ISOLATION OF CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 AND OTHER DISEASES

The scientific article describes an innovative, high energy efficiency construction solution for mobile wooden frame buildings that can be used for various purposes. An interdisciplinary study of the engineering and medical sciences has been described the influence of prophylactic procedures to the human viral infections, such as Coronavirus Covid-19. The micro-eco-houses are intended for receiving various preventive treatment procedures, self-isolation as well as other needs of a wide profile. In climate conditions, where heat energy efficiency requirements are increased, it is provided that will be used a thick layer of thermal insulation, double window and door design solutions, to reduce heat energy losses and cold bridges impact.

Transparent thermal insulation ceramic aerogel materials for solar thermal conversion.

Thermal management in energy-efficient solar thermal energy conversion and transparent windows requires advanced materials with low thermal conductivity and high transparency, such as transparent silica aerogel materials. However, the large scatter domains in porous silica materials would deteriorate their optical transparency. Herein, we report transparent silica aerogels by controlling hydrolyzation and meanwhile silylation modification to enhance the integrity of the microstructure under ambient pressure drying. The transparent silica aerogel materials show a broad-spectrum transparency of 70% from 400 nm and 800 nm, showing promising applications in transparent windows and solar thermal energy conversion systems. The scalability for transparent windows could be achieved with a composite material by incorporating transparent polymeric materials. The solar receiver coupled with a transparent silica aerogel could reach 122 °C within 12 min at a solar irradiance of 1 Sun, ∼200% higher than that in the ambient atmosphere. The engineered structure of the transparent porous silica backbone provides a pathway for solar thermal systems and transparent window applications.