Tropical Climate Research Articles

Pharmacological and Nutritional Value of Moringa Oleifera: A Comprehensive Review of Its Role as a Food and Medicine

Moringa oleifera, a highly valued plant of the Moringaceae family, is renowned for its exceptional nutritional and therapeutic properties. Originally from sub-Himalayan areas of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, it is currently grown extensively in tropical and subtropical climates. This review presents a comprehensive overview of M. oleifera’s phytochemical profile, nutritional composition, medicinal potential, and industrial applications. The plant is rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, flavonoids, and unique compounds such as glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, contributing to its broad spectrum of bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective effects. Various parts of the plant, such as leaves, seeds, pods, roots, flowers, and oil, have been traditionally used for both nutritional supplementation and treatment of chronic and infectious diseases. Recent studies also highlight its role in combating malnutrition and enhancing immunity in both humans and livestock. Additionally, its seed oil holds industrial value as a lubricant and fragrance stabilizer, while moringa powder is increasingly used in cosmetics for skin protection. This review emphasizes the importance of M. oleifera as a multifunctional plant and explores its potential as a functional food and phytotherapeutic agent, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Analysis of the Material and Coating of the Nameplate of Vila D. Bosco in Macau

This study focuses on the nameplate of Vila D. Bosco, a modern building in Macau from the time of Portuguese rule, and looks at the types of metal materials and surface coatings used, as well as how they corrode due to the tropical marine climate affecting the building’s metal parts. The study uses different techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total internal reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and cross-sectional microscopic analysis, to carefully look at the metal, corrosion products, and coating of the nameplate. The results show that (1) the nameplate matrix is a resulfurized steel with a high sulfur content (Fe up to 97.3% and S up to 1.98%), and the sulfur element is evenly distributed inside, which is one of the internal factors that induce corrosion. (2) Rust is composed of polycrystalline iron oxides such as goethite (α-FeOOH), hematite (α-Fe2O3), and magnetite (Fe3O4) and has typical characteristics of atmospheric oxidation. (3) The white and yellow-green coatings on the nameplate are oil-modified alkyd resin paints, and the color pigments are TiO2, PbCrO4, etc. The surface layer of the letters is protected by a polyvinyl alcohol layer. The paint application process leads to differences in the thickness of the paint in different regions, which directly affects the anti-rust performance. The study reveals the deterioration mechanism of resulfurized steel components in a subtropical polluted environment and puts forward repair suggestions that consider both material compatibility and reversibility, providing a reference for the protection practice of modern and contemporary architectural metal heritage in Macau and even in similar geographical environments.

Mucormycosis Caused by Apophysomyces elegans—A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature of Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Cases of the Genus Apophysomyces

Introduction: Orbitocerebral mucormycosis, caused by Apophysomyces, is a rare infection, usually occurring in tropical and subtropical climates, with a high mortality rate. We report a case of orbitocerebral mucormycosis caused by A. elegans in a person living with HIV (PLWHIV) from Africa alongside a systematic literature review updating current diagnostic and treatment strategies for orbitocerebral mucormycosis caused by Apophysomyces. Methods: The presented case was treated in our hospital for polytrauma following a motor vehicle accident (MVA) with aggressive surgical debridement and therapy with liposomal Amphotericin B (AMB). We evaluated clinical presentation, imaging, surgery, and postoperative outcomes. A systematic review of English or German language articles (published between 1985 and 2025) was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles describing patients with mucormycosis due to Apophysomyces were summarized. Quantitative values for relevant parameters that indicated a reduction in mortality and morbidity were obtained. Results: The systematic search initially identified 452 publications, from which 79 studies were retrieved. Seventeen publications comprising 21 cases were included, along with one additional case from our institution, for a total of 22 rhino-orbito-cerebral infections caused by the genus Apophysomyces. Apophysomyces elegans (A. elegans) was the most frequently isolated species (n = 17), followed by A. variabilis (n = 4) and A. ossiformis (n = 1); A. trapeziformis was not reported. The majority of patients were male (72.7%), with a mean age of 40.7 ± 15.9 years. Trauma (27.3%) and diabetes mellitus (18.2%) were the most common underlying risk factors, with SARS-CoV-2 infection identified in 13.6% of cases. Conclusion: Mucormycosis due to Apophysomyces is a rare but potentially devastating condition. Based on our experience and the literature, we suggest that the early diagnosis of Apophysomyces treated with liposomal AMB and aggressive surgical debridement is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Integrated Process Combining High-Temperature Fermentation and Extractive Ethanol Removal via CO2 Stripping

Fermentation at high temperatures may be a viable alternative for ethanol production, especially in tropical climate regions. This work describes the evaluation of ethanol production through extractive fermentation at high temperatures using thermotolerant Kluyveromyces marxianus. An experimental design was applied to assess the effect of temperature on the ethanol removal process by CO2 stripping. Subsequently, kinetic modeling of conventional batch ethanol fermentation at high temperatures was performed, and the hybrid Andrews−Levenspiel model was found to be suitable for describing the kinetics of this process. Experiments were conducted to evaluate ethanol production at high temperatures using thermotolerant yeast, specifically evaluating the effects of different specific CO2 flow rates (ϕ = 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 vvm) on ethanol stripping. The results indicated that in all the extractive fermentations conducted with K. marxianus, there was faster substrate uptake and earlier substrate exhaustion compared to conventional fermentation. Significant ethanol removal by stripping was achieved using a CO2 flow rate of 1.0 vvm (EFHT1), and complete substrate consumption was observed by the end of 12 h of fermentation. This result highlights the positive effect of temperature on ethanol entrainment. In addition, integrating the CO2 stripping technique with high-temperature fermentation (T = 40 °C) improves process efficiency with a lower gas flow rate. This is advantageous, especially for industrial-scale applications, as it can reduce equipment costs associated with the CO2 feed.

Brazilian livestock and mineral nutrition in beef cattle: a review

The objective of this literature review is to analyze the Brazilian livestock farming scenario in the global context, discussing the intensification processes and the adoption of technologies in feedlot. The focus will be on mineral nutrition and supplementation with organic minerals, highlighting their implications and benefits for the production of beef cattle. Brazilian livestock farming has undergone innovations over the years; these innovations have placed the country in a prominent position in the global scenario, as the main exporter of beef, and ranks second in herd size and beef production. Although the national livestock farming has evolved over time, the numbers are below the potential that the tropical climate can provide. Mineral nutrition in livestock farming, which began in a mild way, today has a prominent position, given the importance of minerals in the metabolism and physiology of growth of cattle. In view of this, mineral supplementation in organic form has been gaining ground when compared to traditional mineral sources, due to greater bioavailability, which can reduce potential contamination of the soil. The results of organic mineral supplementation are conflicting, which may be associated, in part, with factors such as the dose and type of mineral used, the health status and nutritional history of the animals, the presence of antagonists in the diet or water, and the nutritional profile of the diet provided. In summary, although minerals complexed with amino acids present theoretical advantages and positive effects under certain conditions, experimental results are still conflicting. This reinforces the need for further studies that consider the interaction between type of mineral, production phase, health condition, and diet composition.

Residential satisfaction and living experience in low-cost housing within tropical climates: a case study of Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract Amidst escalating housing prices and inflation in Sarawak, the government has implemented four schemes to assist low-income families in securing affordable homes. However, challenges persist in delivering quality housing for this demographic. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess residential satisfaction, focussing on the principal factors and impact of socio-demographic characteristics on residential contentment. A comprehensive questionnaire survey was administered to 100 residents across three low-cost housing communities in Kuching, Sarawak. The findings reveal that 31.7% of respondents earn below RM2000 per month, while 29.6% have incomes between RM2000 and RM2999, positioning them in the lower income brackets. A substantial 78.3% of respondents reside in low-cost flats. Three-room units, constituting 43.7% of low-cost housing, are the most feasible option for affordability and space. Three family members comprise 20.7% of the household, followed by four at 24.6% and five at 18.2%. The survey revealed widespread flaws: 95% of respondents struggle with limited living space, 63.3% struggle with shared amenities, 20% report inadequate safety features, and 13.3% have experienced maintenance issues. Most responders are residing a considerable distance from their workplaces and schools. The study underscores the necessity for targeted improvements in housing policy and community planning to enhance the life quality for low-income families. These viable improvements can serve as a blueprint for developing affordable housing in the near future.

A novel machine learning models for meteorological drought forecasting in the semi-arid climate region

The central region of Maharashtra, India, is susceptible to agriculture, meteorological, and hydrological droughts, impacting local ecosystems. The scarcity of historical data impedes monitoring and forecasting regional droughts. Given the limited studies on ensemble and Machine Learning (ML) models for drought forecasting, this research compares five ML models [Robust Linear Regression, Bagged Trees, Boosted Trees, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Matern Gaussian Process Regression (GPR)] to determine superior accuracy in the regional context. The study aims to assess the accuracy of the developed models in predicting future drought events and gain insights into meteorological droughts in tropical climates using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI)-SPI-3 and SPI-6. Subset regression analysis exhibited SPI-1, -3, -4, -5, and -6 as the best input subsets for SPI-3, whereas SPI-1 and -2 for SPI-6. Results indicated that the Matern GPR model outperformed other models in SPI-3 and SPI-6 training phases (MSE = 0.1954, 0.0493; RMSE = 0.4420, 0.2221; MAE = 0.3382, 0.1683; MARE = 1.3807, 0.5237; NSE = 0.6585, 0.9048; R = 0.9165, 0.9920; R2 = 0.8399, 0.9841). In testing, the SVM model bettered in SPI-3 and SPI-6 forecasting (MSE = 0.5735, 0.8479; RMSE = 0.7573, 0.9208; MAE = 0.5882, 0.5300; MARE = − 0.5638, − 0.3621; NSE = 0.8676, 0.8601; R = 0.9317, 0.9275; R2 = 0.8680, 0.8603). The ensemble method played a novel and crucial role in significantly improving the accuracy of drought forecasting by developing ML models based on various algorithms that operate more efficiently, require fewer inputs, and exhibit less complexity than precise models, proving highly effective for drought warning systems. Therefore, results offer valuable insights for crop planning, drought challenges, water management, and maintaining the study area ecosystem. In conclusion, the study addressed the challenge proposed by incomplete previous data for monitoring and forecasting regional drought events by employing advanced data imputation techniques, ensemble learning methods, and incorporating robust ML models like SVM and Matern GPR.

Seagrass as Climate-Smart Insulation for the Tropics: Key Insights from Numerical Simulations and Field Studies

Seagrass ecosystems provide essential ecological services and are increasingly recognized for their potential as sustainable building insulation. While prior studies have examined seagrass insulation in temperate climates, its suitability for tropical construction remains largely unexplored. This study assesses the insulation performance, practical challenges, and adoption barriers of seagrass insulation in tropical climates, using building physics simulations and structured expert interviews, with case studies in Seychelles and Auroville, India. Simulation results indicate that seagrass insulation with its high specific heat capacity effectively reduces overheating risks and demonstrates consistently low mould-growth potential under persistently humid tropical conditions. Despite these technical advantages, expert interviews reveal significant non-technical barriers, including negative public perception, regulatory uncertainties, and logistical complexities. Seychelles faces particular hurdles such as limited coastal storage capacity and stringent environmental regulations. In contrast, Auroville emerges as an ideal demonstration site due to its strong sustainability culture and openness to innovative building materials. The study further identifies that integrating seagrass insulation into a structured, regulated supply chain—from sustainable harvesting and processing to quality assurance—could simultaneously enhance ecosystem conservation and material availability. Implementing a harvesting framework analogous to sustainable forestry could ensure environmental protection alongside supply stability. The findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted awareness initiatives, regulatory alignment, and economic feasibility assessments to overcome barriers and enable wider adoption. Overall, this research highlights seagrass insulation as a promising, climate-positive construction material with strong potential under tropical conditions, provided that identified logistical, societal, and regulatory challenges are addressed through dedicated research, stakeholder collaboration, and practical pilot projects.

Declining growth and changes in biomass allocation with warming in rainforest trees from temperate to tropical climates.

Australian rainforests occur from temperate to tropical latitudes, but how climate warming will affect tree growth along this climate gradient remains poorly understood. We examined how changes in biomass allocation, leaf area, and photosynthetic capacity were linked to the capacity of these species to maintain growth rates with +3.5°, +7° and +10.5°C warming in seedlings of tropical, subtropical and temperate rainforest trees. Temperate species maintained or increased final biomass (+14%), leaf area (LA) and leaf area ratio (LAR, the ratio of leaf area to plant dry mass) with warming along with similar or increased leaf mass fraction (+14%). Subtropical species increased biomass with +3.5° (+28%) and +7 °C (+17%) warming but were negatively impacted with >10 °C warming (-31%). Tropical species reduced LA, LAR, photosynthetic capacity and leaf nitrogen, along with 14% increased root allocation in response to warming, resulting in large biomass reductions with +3.5 °C (-20%) and +7 °C (-53%). Tropical species were more susceptible to climate warming with reduced photosynthetic capacity and reduced biomass which can lead to a reduced carbon sink in the future, especially in late-successional tree species which are the most abundant with a large role in carbon assimilation of tropical rainforests.

Assessment of Geographical Conditions for Wellness Tourism Potential in Dak Lak Province

Wellness tourism is forecasted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the six tourism trends that will grow significantly in the 21st century. After COVID-19 global pandemic, the need to be healthy in body, mind, and spirit has gained attention and wellness tourism becomes more popular in the world as well as in Vietnam. Wellness tourism business models have been established in Vietnam; however, they are still in their early stages, and further studies are needed to analyze the potential for wellness tourism. Dak Lak province offers numerous advantages for promoting wellness tourism, including a tropical monsoon climate in the highlands, dozens of rapids, more than 300 lake landscapes, and unique and diverse biological resources in two national parks and five conservation areas, along with the natural medicinal systems and cultural values of 49 ethnic groups. The work of inventorying and evaluating tourism resources for the development of wellness tourism contributes to diversifying products, prolonging the length of stay, and increasing spending of tourists to Dak Lak. The study applied the Multi Criteria Decision Making Approach, which combines six research methods, to determine the potential of wellness tourism in Dak Lak province with three geographical sub-regions that are as “very favorable”, three are “fairly favorable”, and two are “averagely favorable”. Two core clusters, three auxiliary clusters, and dominant sub-regional health care and resort tourism products have been identified and spatially oriented.

Comprehensive investigation of rooftop photovoltaic power plants with monocrystalline polycrystalline and thin-film technologies for exergy economic and environmental assessments

This research aims to conduct an exergy, economic, and environmental analysis of a 6.57 kWp rooftop photovoltaic (PV) power plant that combines different PV technologies, comprising 2 kWp of poly-crystalline (p-Si), 1.87 kWp of mono-crystalline (m-Si), and 2.7 kWp of thin-film amorphous silicon (a-Si) technologies. A comprehensive assessment was conducted to evaluate the environmental and techno-economic parameters of a PV plant system. This study is based on the performance data obtained over four years of energy production under the weather conditions of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The embodied energy required for the manufacturing of the PV power plant was estimated using embodied energy indices available in the literature. Additionally, a detailed economic evaluation was conducted based on the electricity costs in Malaysia. Moreover, the environmental impact was assessed over the plant’s life cycle, considering the emission factors of coal power plants. Results indicate that the exergy payback time for the different technologies i.e., m-Si, p-Si, a-Si, when operated individually, and when combined within a single PV system, are found to be ~ , and years, respectively. Over its life cycle, it was found that the PV plant emits about . Emission breakdown analysis has revealed that the manufacturing process of the m-Si, p-Si, a-Si, and the monitoring systems contribute to , , , and of emissions, respectively. However, the PV power plant could offset about annually, equivalent to the emission of a car over approximately 3 years. This study offers critical insights into the exergy efficiency, environmental impact, and economic viability of a grid-connected rooftop PV power plant that integrates multiple PV technologies under tropical climate conditions.

Understanding MJO Teleconnections to the Southern Hemisphere Extratropics During El Niño, La Niña, and Neutral Years

AbstractThe Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) and the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are the two major tropical climate modes important for weather and climate predictability and teleconnections on sub‐seasonal to seasonal timescales. Although the modulation of MJO teleconnections by ENSO has been extensively studied for the Northern Hemisphere, there are limited studies for the Southern Hemisphere. We investigate the impact of ENSO on MJO teleconnections during the four major seasons. We find that especially during the austral summer season, El Niño tends to significantly change the MJO teleconnections for the early MJO phases (8/1 and 2/3), while La Niña modifies them for the late MJO phases (4/5 and 6/7). The combined ENSO‐MJO teleconnection composites show a higher contribution from the ENSO component to the teleconnection patterns during austral summer, with this effect being particularly pronounced during La Niña years.

Analisis Stabilitas Lereng dan Penanganan Longsor dengan Dinding Penahan di Palaran, Samarinda.

Landslides or commonly called landslides are a disaster that often hits areas with tropical climates. The damage caused by landslides is most dominantly structural damage such as damaged road sections that are cut off. At the research location, there was a landslide that resulted in the obstruction of the road flow which was originally two lanes to one lane, it is feared that landslides will occur again, so one of the landslide prevention techniques is to use retaining walls. Based on this, this study is deemed necessary to determine the slope safety factor and to determine the safety of the slope after using retaining walls. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of slope safety without being given a load, the level of slope safety after being given a load of 25 Kpa and the level of slope safety after being given a load of 25 kpa and the addition of a retaining wall on the research slope using a Retaining Wall. In this study using the Finite Element Method in the calculation to find the level of safety of a slope, the researcher used the help of Plaxis 2D V20 Software, and the results of the calculation obtained a slope safety factor of 1.31, after being given a load of 25 kpa the slope safety factor was 1.14 and after being given a retaining wall the slope safety factor increased to 2.46.

Different roles of Indian Ocean Basin and Dipole modes in tropical Pacific climate variability

Indian Ocean (IO) variability, including the Indian Ocean Basin (IOB) mode and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) mode has been suggested to influence Tropical Pacific (TP) variability. On the other hand, variability in the tropical Pacific, especially the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has also been presented as a major driver of both IOB and IOD. The relative importance of these coupled feedbacks is still debated. Here, we use a Linear Inverse Model (LIM) capable of selectively including or excluding IO-TP coupling to evaluate the relative roles of the IOB and IOD modes on TP variability, and the preferred timescales of those impacts. Our findings reveal a reduction in TP interannual variability (~40%) and a substantial increase in central TP low-frequency variability (>6 years) in the absence of IO coupling. Specifically, both the IOB and IOD contribute significantly to TP interannual variance. IOB dynamics substantially damp central TP low-frequency variability, while the IOD exhibits negligible impacts on the TP at low-frequencies. We further assess the relative importance of internal IO dynamics versus that induced in the IO by the Pacific in shaping tropical Pacific variability. Our findings indicate that internal IO dynamics predominantly impact Pacific interannual variance, while the Pacific’s influence on the IOB, rather than internal IOB dynamics, is the primary factor dampening Pacific low-frequency variance. This study deepens our understanding of the intricate coupled IO-TP interactions.

Revitalization of nipa thatch as sustainable roofing material at Sekolah Alam Balikpapan

Nipa as thatch roofing material originates from leaves of nipa palm tree (Nypa fruticans). Although nipa has a long history in Southeast Asia, it has gradually been replaced by other materials. Nature school (sekolah alam), a relatively new education model established in Indonesia in 1998, offer a different approach to school facilities, one of which is the use of open-air classroom buildings. Balikpapan Nature School, located in island of Borneo, is one of many institutions developing the nature-based school concept. The school has adopted the Dayak Kenyah longhouse design, incorporating nipa thatch roofing in its buildings. However, one of the buildings has had its nipa roofing replaced with bitumen. This research investigates the heat gain characteristics of nipa roofing as a sustainable material in comparison to bitumen roofing. Analysis of the observational data using paired t-test shows a significant difference, with nipa roofing effectively reducing heat gain. These supports findings support previous studies that have identified nipa as an environmentally friendly material capable of providing better thermal comfort in humid tropical climates.

Seasonal effect on farrowing duration in sows within a temporarily confined farrowing system under tropical climates.

Seasonal effect on farrowing duration in sows within a temporarily confined farrowing system under tropical climates.

Optimization of U-Enclosure Courtyard (UEC) Design Factors in Tropical Climate: Energy Assessment

Optimization of U-Enclosure Courtyard (UEC) Design Factors in Tropical Climate: Energy Assessment

Laboratory performance assessment of low-cost water level sensor for field monitoring in the tropics.

Laboratory performance assessment of low-cost water level sensor for field monitoring in the tropics.

Students’ thermal comfort and cognitive performance in tropical climates: A comparative study

Students’ thermal comfort and cognitive performance in tropical climates: A comparative study

Hydrological Implications of Urban Vegetation and Energy Dynamics in Heat and Climate Adaptation

ABSTRACTThis research paper investigates the interplay between urban vegetation, surface energy fluxes, and hydrological processes in mitigating heat and adapting to global warming. Through climate model simulation, this study explored how vegetation coverage (measured by leaf area index, LAI) and the impervious surface fraction (fimp) influence hydrological dynamics, urban heat island (UHI), and energy fluxes across various climate zones within Asian cities for the period of 2000 to 2014. Kuala Lumpur and Singapore (tropical rainforest) showed significant increasing UHI trends of 0.319°C and 0.271°C/month, respectively. Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh (tropical savanna) showed a negative correlation between LAI and temperature (UHI) of −0.31 (−0.57), indicating the cooling effects of vegetation through evapotranspiration. In tropical rainforest climates, a strong positive correlation between LAI and latent heat flux highlights the critical role of water availability in modulating hydrological cycles and vegetation dynamics. Humid continental/subtropical climates showed a positive correlation between LAI and sensible heat flux, highlighting the influence of sensible heat exchange on vegetation growth. A positive correlation was demonstrated between energy fluxes and fimp across all climate zones, indicating that urbanisation intensifies hydrological disruptions, exacerbating the UHI effect. This study emphasises the importance of integrating hydrological insights into urban vegetation strategies for effective heat mitigation and climate adaptation.