East-west Orientation Research Articles

MHD Modeling of a Geoeffective Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection with the Magnetic Topology Informed by In Situ Observations

Variations of the magnetic field within a solar coronal mass ejection (CME) in the heliosphere depend on the CME’s magnetic structure as it leaves the solar corona and its interplanetary evolution. To account for this evolution, we developed a new numerical model of the inner heliosphere that simulates the propagation of a CME through a realistic solar wind background and allows various CME magnetic topologies. To this end, we incorporate the Gibson–Low CME model within our global MHD model of the inner heliosphere, GAMERA-Helio. We apply the model to study the propagation of the geoeffective CME that erupted on 2010 April 3, aiming to reproduce the temporal variations of the magnetic field vector during the CME’s passage by Earth. Parameters of the Gibson–Low CME are informed by STEREO white-light observations near the Sun. The magnetic topology for this CME—the tethered flux rope—is informed by in situ magnetic field observations near Earth. We performed two simulations testing different CME propagation directions. For an in-ecliptic direction, the simulation shows a rotation of all three magnetic field components within the CME, as seen at Earth, similar to that observed. However, the magnitudes of the components, particularly at the back of the CME, are underestimated by the model. With a southward direction, suggested by coronal imaging observations, the B x component lacks the observed change from negative to positive. In both cases, the model favors the east–west orientation of the flux rope, consistent with the orientation previously inferred from the images from STEREO/Heliospheric Imager.

Phylogenomic and anatomical evidence for the Late Cretaceous diversification of African characiform fishes, including a new family, under the influence of the Trans-Saharan Seaway

Abstract Geological evidence supports the occurrence of an epicontinental Trans-Saharan Seaway bisecting the African continent during the Late Cretaceous to early Paleogene. The seaway formed a wide saltwater channel connecting the Neotethys with the South Atlantic, yet no previous study has investigated its impact on freshwater fish diversification. Phylogenomic data and time-calibrated trees indicate a Late Cretaceous signature for the appearance of three modern lineages of characiform fishes. Phylogenetic analyses using ultraconserved elements of 83 characiforms reveals that Alestidae, Hepsetus, and Lepidarchidae fam. nov. originated during the Santonian-Campanian of the Late Cretaceous (84–77.5 million years ago; Ma). Lepidarchidae consists of two monotypic taxa not previously recognized as sister species: the Niger tetra Arnoldichthys endemic to the lower Niger and Ogun rivers of Nigeria, and the dwarf jellybean tetra Lepidarchus from coastal rivers of Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. Microcomputed tomography scans (µCT) of 117 characiforms provide three novel morphological characters supporting Hepsetus and Lepidarchidae, four characters for monophyly of Lepidarchidae and five for a restricted Alestidae. The Santonian-Campanian divergence indicates allopatric speciation processes influenced by the Trans-Saharan Seaway, partitioning the African ichthyofauna in a west-east orientation. The timing for African characiform cladogenesis aligns with the Cenomanian fossil record and is circa 16–23 Ma younger than the earliest characiform-like fossils from Late Cretaceous outcrops of Morocco and Sudan. This study highlights the magnitude of Cretaceous transgression events shaping the freshwater biota and gaps in our understanding of the evolutionary history and paleobiogeography of ray-finned fishes across the African continent.

A Study on Carbon Emission Reduction in the Entire Process of Retrofitting High-Rise Office Buildings Based on the Extraction of Typical Models

The building sector is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions globally, with high-rise office buildings being a major source due to their energy-intensive operations. This study aims to address the critical issue of carbon emission reductions through the retrofitting of existing high-rise office buildings, focusing on the entire life cycle of these buildings, including the embodied, operational, and demolition phases. Existing research has primarily concentrated on energy consumption and carbon emissions during the operational phase, neglecting the carbon impact of the retrofitting process itself. This research seeks to fill that gap by quantifying the carbon reduction benefits of retrofitting across all life-cycle stages. Using data from 100 high-rise office buildings in Hangzhou’s Gongshu District, five typical models were extracted based on their construction eras and architectural features. Retrofitting strategies tailored to these models were developed, and the carbon reduction benefits were calculated using the carbon emission factor method. The primary findings indicated that the shape and orientation of buildings are crucial factors influencing the carbon reduction benefits of retrofitting. Buildings oriented east–west tend to exhibit greater carbon reductions after retrofitting. During the embodied and demolition phases, retrofitting emissions remain similar for models constructed in the same era due to consistent material inputs. However, emissions vary for models from different eras, primarily due to differences in envelope materials and subsequent material consumption. High-rise office buildings constructed between 2007 and 2021 demonstrate higher overall retrofit carbon reduction rates compared to those built before 2007, despite the latter achieving greater reductions during the operational phase. The shorter remaining lifespans of pre-2007 buildings diminish their life-cycle carbon reduction advantages. Notably, complex-shaped buildings from the same era do not necessarily exhibit lower overall retrofit carbon reduction rates compared with rectangular or L-shaped buildings, with comparable reductions per unit area. This suggests that complex-shaped buildings should not be disregarded for retrofitting based solely on shape considerations. Furthermore, the remaining lifespan of a building significantly impacts its post-retrofitting carbon reduction benefits; longer lifespans result in greater benefits, and vice versa. In practical engineering applications, structural reinforcement measures can be implemented prior to retrofitting to extend a building’s structural lifespan, ultimately enhancing its carbon reduction benefits.

Tectonic and magmatic evolution of the southernmost Mariana convergent margin: Constraints from geochronology and geochemistry of the Challenger Deep sediments

The southernmost Mariana convergent margin (SMCM) is a distinct segment of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana (IBM) subduction system with unique east-west orientation, however, its nature and tectonic history remains enigmatic. Here, for the first time, we present the detailed geochemical data of detrital minerals and UPb ages of accessory minerals from two sediment samples recovered at the deepest part of Southern Marianna Trench including the Challenger Deep. Detrital magmatic zircon UPb ages can be divided into three groups. Group 1 zircons show a weighted mean age of 50.3 ± 1.2 Ma, contemporary to the published boninites from northern IBM. The εHf(t) of these zircons (11.1–16.4) are also similar to the boninites (12.6–16.8) and volcanic arc rocks (4.2–14.2), but lower than forearc basalts (17.8–22.1), suggesting that these zircons are from boninitic or arc magmatism. The apatite UPb dating obtained a similar age of 55.0 ± 5.5 Ma. Therefore, if they are all from boninites, then subduction initiation magmatism ended at SMCM was likely coeval with northern IBM. Group 2 and Group 3 zircons have εHf(t) values similar to Group 1 zircons, but recorded younger 206Pb/238U ages of 16.8 ± 1.8 Ma and 11.0 ± 0.2 Ma, respectively, which are most likely related to the arc volcanism at West Mariana Ridge (WMR). Additionally, a rutile age of 19.0 ± 0.6 Ma is identified, which is also likely related to WMR. The chemical composition and calculated P-T conditions of clinopyroxenes indicate that they are mainly from the Mariana forearc basalts and arc volcanic rocks. In situ Sr isotopic compositions of plagioclases also show strong affinity to the Mariana forearc basalts and arc volcanic rocks. Therefore, our study indicates that sediments at the deep trench can record the long-term tectonic and magmatic evolution of the convergent margin.

Aeolian sediments in western Mongolia: Distribution and (paleo)climatic implications

The largest dune fields in Mongolia are mainly restricted to the Basin of Great Lakes in western Mongolia. These dune fields extend from 800 m a.s.l. in the basins for 200 to 300 km into the mountains up to about 2100 m a.s.l. Analyses of these dune fields, using an integrative mapping approach, provide evidence for different wind regimes. The dune fields result from a long-term Quaternary sediment cycle. Rivers transported the sand into the basins from where the wind carried the sand eastwards along the dune fields with a concurrent loss of silt-sized particles. Different paleolake levels and sandy plains with mobilized sand at their western ends exist in the lake basins. The largest masses of dune sand are found in the central parts of the dune fields. Towards their eastern ends, lower and more vegetated dunes and sand sheets result from both the decrease in sediment supply and increased vegetation at higher elevations. Three climatic and paleoclimatic implications are derived from the mapping approach. A: Under the modern semi-arid to semi-humid climate, wind systems from north to the north-west prevail, whereas in the southern Mongolian Els also wind from the south-east occurs. B: The highest lake levels occurred during pluvial phases in the basins, caused by increased moisture supply, also due to water supply from glacier- and permafrost retreat. C: The fundamental west-east orientation of the dune fields is a result of westerly winds which were prevalent during arid periods.

Styli in Vilnius

Stylus is a metal or bone instrument that was used for writing on a birch bark or wax-coated wooden tablets. The tool itself (Greek: stilos; Latin: stilus) originated in antiquity: styli were common in ancient Greece and Rome. In Medieval Rus', which is characterised by an abundance of archaeological finds related to writing, the first styli date back to the 10th century. In the Middle Ages two types of styli were used – made of iron, for writing on birch, and made of animal bone, for writing on waxed tablets. This particular paper focuses on the latter. Medieval bone styli are a very rare find in Lithuanian archaeological material, especially in burial monuments. According to the data from 1998, only 15 graves out of almost 8000 contained styli. Bone styli are also rare in urban cultural layers. In addition, styli found in cities precede those found in burial grounds. Styli found in ethnic Lithuania are identical to those found in other cities of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, therefore their origin and spread could be associated with the influence of Ruthenian cities of the duchy. Two medieval burial grounds were found in the earliest towns of pagan Lithuania – Kernavė and Vilnius – where the dead were buried according to the Christian tradition (inhumation of the deceased, the east-west orientation (head to the west), wooden constructions, the scant presence of grave goods, and so forth). The most abundant type of grave goods included ornaments; however no tools or weapons typical of pagan burials were found in these two burial grounds. According to archaeological and historical material, burial grounds in Kernavė and Bokšto Street are nearly contemporaneous, both dating back to 13th–14th century although, the burial ground in Bokšto Street remained in use late as the 15th century. Various arguments are provided in debates on the religious affiliation of those who buried members of their community in these burial grounds. Some researchers disagree that the Orthodox were buried in these two burial grounds in the still pagan Lithuania. The lack of evidence on writing in the layers of the town of Kernavė, that is the absence of styli (except those found on the site of the ruler's castle), birch bark or waxed tablets, is presented as one of the arguments supporting the theory of non-Orthodox burials there. It is well known, that such finds were typical of Rus' cities, especially in Great Novgorod, where 1144 items of birch bark have been found up to 2021. Notably, fewer such finds were found in other cities of the Rus'. During the detailed archaeological investigations on the burial ground in Bokšto Street, several bone styli were found. It must be mentioned, that these artefacts were not found in the horizon of the burial ground, but in the later cultural layer, dating back to the 16th century. The material found is discussed in this paper. We also tried to answer the question of whether these styli could have originated from the horizon of the burial ground and how (or if) they could be associated with the 'Civitas Rutenica', Ruthenian city of Vilnius, which was mentioned in historical sources in 1383.

EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF VEGETATION STRUCTURES (VS) AND LANDSCAPE ORIENTATION IN MINIMIZING THERMAL PERFORMANCE IN A TROPICAL CLIMATE: A FIELDWORK STUDY

The study investigates the impact of vegetation structure within two landscape orientations on thermal performance, a critical consideration in urban planning and environmental management. Given the increasing concerns about Urban Heat Islands and global warming, understanding how vegetation influences thermal regulation is essential. This research employed a quantitative method through field measurement studies, focusing on two single-storey semi-detached houses namely East Landscape Orientation (ELO) and West Landscape Orientation (WLO) located at Seri Iskandar, Perak Malaysia. The snowball technique was utilized to select the case study houses, ensuring a targeted approach to understanding the effects. Thermal Microclimate Data Logger and Indoor Air Quality Monitor Data Logger were used to measure environmental parameters for thermal conditions, ensuring consistent, reliable, and comprehensive data for analyzing thermal performance in both outdoor and indoor environments. The research findings reveal that the orientation of a house relative to the sun's path significantly impacts its thermal dynamics, with vegetation playing a crucial role in moderating these effects. ELO houses benefit from milder morning sunlight and effective afternoon cooling, while WLO houses experience higher outdoor and indoor temperatures due to intense sunlight and less efficient transpiration by vegetation. Vegetation on the west side provides shade and reduces heat absorption, improving comfort and energy efficiency. Understanding these dynamics can help homeowners and architects make informed decisions about landscape design, enhancing thermal comfort and energy efficiency in homes. This research also contributes to the expanding knowledge base on sustainable urban design by exploring the use of vegetation to enhance thermal performance.

Evaluation of the cooling, heating and water demands for tomato production in a solar greenhouse by integrating the solar energy, evapotranspiration and TOMGRO models

The design, operation and maintenance of solar greenhouses in optimum condition can improve the water and energy consumption and agricultural production. This study has been integrated the energy, humidity and growth models to determine the cooling, heating and water requirements for producing tomato in the even span, uneven span and arc roof type greenhouse structures with north–south and east–west orientations. In the proposed integrated framework, firstly, the incident and transmitted diffuse, direct and ground solar radiations for any side of solar greenhouse, along with different evapotranspiration models and TOMGRO model for tomato growth and production have been assessed comprehensively. Then, by using the set point day and night temperatures and relative humidity the phenomena of the energy and water transfer such as convection, longwave radiation, infiltration, and cover condensation as well as TOMGRO state variables have been calculated. By considering the temperature, humidity, structure and orientation as decision variables, the east–west uneven span structure with day/night temperatures of 20/16 °C and relative humidity of 80 % is recommended as the best case in Pakdasht city of Iran. This solar greenhouse requires 0.92 MW/m2 and 3.83 MW/m2 heating and cooling energy, respectively, to produce 46.68 kg/m2 mature tomatoes during the whole cultivation period. This research has provided a tool to select the most appropriate structure and orientation of a solar greenhouse in any location based on the trade-off between energy and water consumption and tomato production.

Weed Competition and Performance of Sorghum and Groundnut Intercrop as Influenced by Row Orientation and Arrangement

Background: Intercropping and row arrangement represent a dynamic frontier of research and practical application, influencing resource allocation, weed competition and overall crop productivity in a modern agro ecosystem. This study aimed to investigate the impact of row orientation and arrangement on weed competition and crop performance within the Sudan savannah ecology of Nigeria during the 2018 rainy season. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at BUK (Latitude 11°58'N and Longitude 8°25'E) and Minjibir (Latitude 12.14590N and Longitude 0.866'4850E), utilizing two orientations (East-West and North-South) and seven sorghum: groundnut row arrangements (1:1, 1:2, 2:1, 2:2, 3:3, 2:4 and 4:2). A randomized complete block design with three replications was used, with simultaneous cultivation of SAMSORG 40 sorghum and SAMNUT 24 groundnut varieties. Result: The 2:1 row arrangement exhibited the lowest weed density (23.2 and 31.1 m-2) and dry weight (408.6 and 438.2 kg ha-1). East-West orientation reduced weed density by 24.5% at BUK and 20.8% at Minjibir. North-South row orientation significantly increased sorghum grain yield by 17.7% and reduced groundnut kernel yield by 9.37%. Higher sorghum yield (699.6 and 773. 7 Kg ha-1) was observed with 2:1 whereas the 1:2 arrangement yielded more groundnut kernels (329.2 and 338.1 kg ha-1). East-West orientation and the 2:1 row arrangement suppressed weed growth and recorded higher yields.

Assessment of maize-cowpea intercropping response to row orientation in diverse agro-ecologies of Côte d'Ivoire

The stability of cropping systems in a changing climate context depends on numerous factors, including row orientation, to optimize the use of environmental resources. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of agricultural systems based on the row orientation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and maize (Zea mays) in three different ecological conditions in Côte d’Ivoire, in 2020 and 2021. An experimental design with plots divided into three complete randomized blocks with six subplots per block and three repetitions was set up, varying the row orientation in intercropping and monoculture. Row orientation, cropping system used, and ecological zone significantly influenced crop yield and its components. In intercropping, cowpea (tiligré) showed the best yields when oriented North–South (NS) in the tropical rainforest zone and the sub-Sudanian savannah, while East–West (EW) orientation was optimal in the forest-savannah mosaic zone. In contrast, maize (GMRP18) yielded the best in intercropping when rows were oriented East–West, regardless of the season. In monoculture, cowpea yielded best when oriented EW in the tropical rainforest zone (488.17 kg ha−1) and in the forest-savannah mosaic zone (1262.12 kg ha−1), while NS orientations were preferable (228.6 and 259.54 kg ha−1) in the sub-Sudanian savannah zone. For maize monoculture, EW orientation was also preferable. Throughout the study, for both seasons, the highest yield advantages in maize-cowpea intercropping were obtained in EW orientation, regardless of the ecological zone. Overall, the forest-savannah mosaic zone yielded the best cowpea yields (1262.12 and 663.9 kg ha−1).

LCA analysis of a roof mounted PV system: a Romanian case study

Using solar photovoltaic power sources has become a discussed topic in the construction and energy industry. The pressing need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, increasing costs of traditional electricity generation, and affording photovoltaic modules has sparked a growing interest in solar photovoltaics. This study aims to optimis e the layout of solar photovoltaic systems to minimise environmental impact and building load, comparing the performing south-oriented panels with east-west-oriented panels. The comprehensive analysis performed hinges on a diverse array of determinative factors that demand thoughtful consideration before embarking upon implementing any photovoltaic installation. These salient factors, including but not limited to structural integrity, incorporating ballast for stability enhancement, integrating requisite electrical components, selecting solar panels, quantifying energy production capabilities, assessing carbon emissions, and discerning associated benefits, require thoughtful consideration before implementing any photovoltaic installation. The findings derived from this study underscore that, within the context of the given geographical location, the solar photovoltaic system configured with an East-West orientation represents the optimal choice to reduce both emissions and structural load. This study provides a scientific basis for the construction industry and the energy field and guides the future development of photovoltaic installation projects in a more economic and environmentally friendly direction.

Fault control on sedimentation in the southern gentle slope of the Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin

Located in eastern China, the Dongying Sag is characterized as a prototypical rift basin with intricate fault systems. While research efforts have traditionally honed in on the geometry and kinematics of the northern steep slope zone, the structural characteristic of the southern gentle slope zone (SGS) have received comparably less attention, with a notable gap in the understanding of the fault's geometry and kinematics. The sedimentary facies distribution of the rift basin is unequivocally linked to structural activity, but previous studies have treated sedimentary facies and structural characteristics in isolation, leading to an unclear comprehension of the factors influencing sedimentary facies distribution. This study leverages 3D seismic data encompassing 650 km2 along with 20 well logs, directing focus on the key fault zones within the SGS (i.e. Chenguanzhuang (CGZ) and Liangjialou (LJL) fault zone). Using methodologies such as seismic-well integration, planar attribute extraction, and throw-stripping, the research studies the geometric and kinematic characteristic of these fault zones, scrutinizes their activity features, and elucidates the interplay between structural and sedimentary processes in both temporal and spatial dimensions. The results show that (1) the CGZ fault zone is characterized by an array of east-west oriented, en-echelon faults, which nucleated during the nascent phases of rifting (Es4). Within the fault zone, the F1 fault exhibits the greatest strike extension, which can be further segmented into three distinct sections: F1-1, F1-2, and F1-3. These segments have undergone a kinematic evolutionary process of “separation-connection-extension” during the Es. Concurrently, the SGS is subject to a supply of sources from an east-west orientation, leading to the development of a delta-gravity flow sedimentary system within the hanging wall of the CGZ fault zone. (2) Conversely, the LJL fault zone exhibits a broom-like , comprising a series of NEE-oriented faults. The predominant faults (i.e. F10, F11, and F13) nucleated during the late rifting phase (Es3u). Concurrent with the Es3u interval, the northern part of the study area developed shallow-water delta within the hanging wall of the LJL fault zone. (3) During the Es3m period, the expansion index of the CGZ fault zone attained its zenith, this has facilitated the formation of gravity flow deposits arising from slumping at the delta front. Subsequently, fault activity within the study area experienced an overall decline, the gentle paleo-topography promotes a large-scale shallow water delta developed in the Es3u. The decreasing activity of the CGZ fault zone and the increasing activity of the LJL fault zone in Es3u drove the depocenter shifting towards the NW.

Prediction and Optimization Analysis of the Performance of an Office Building in an Extremely Hot and Cold Region

The White Paper on Peak Carbon and Carbon Neutral Action 2022 states that China is to achieve peak carbon by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Based on the “3060 dual-carbon” goal, how to improve the efficiency of energy performance is an important prerequisite for building a low-carbon, energy-saving, green, and beautiful China. The office performance building studied in this paper is located in the urban area of Turpan, where the climate is characterized by an extremely hot summer environment and a cold winter environment. At the same time, the building is oriented east–west, with the main façade facing west, and the main façade consists of a large area of single-layer glass curtain wall, which is affected by western sunlight. As a result, there are serious problems with the building’s energy consumption, which in turn leads to excessive carbon emissions and high life cycle costs for the building. To address the above problems, this paper analyzes and optimizes the following four dimensions. First, the article creates a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) prediction model with Total Energy Use in Buildings (TEUI), Global Warming Potential (GWP), and Life Cycle Costs (LCC) as the performance objectives. After optimization, the R2 of the three are 0.9908, 0.9869, and 0.9969, respectively, thus solving the problem of low accuracy of traditional prediction models. Next, the NSGA-II algorithm is used to optimize the three performance objectives, which are reduced by 41.94%, 40.61%, and 31.29%, respectively. Then, in the program decision stage, this paper uses two empowered Topsis methods to optimize this building performance problem. Finally, the article analyzes the variables using two sensitivity analysis methods. Through the above research, this paper provides a framework of optimization ideas for office buildings in extremely hot and cold regions while focusing on the four major aspects of machine learning, multi-objective optimization, decision analysis, and sensitivity analysis systematically and completely. For the development of office buildings in the region, whether in the early program design or in the later stages, energy-saving measures to optimize the design have laid the foundation of important guidelines.

The Impact of System Sizing and Water Temperature on the Thermal Characteristics of Floating Photovoltaic Systems

Accurately calculating the annual yield of floating PV (FPV) systems necessitates incorporating appropriate FPV-specific heat loss coefficients into the calculation, including both wind-dependent and wind-independent factors. The thermal behavior of several FPV systems has been investigated within this study, through the analysis of heat loss coefficients across various system sizes and configurations. Over a one-year period, data were collected from two measurement sites with three distinct systems: two ~50 kWp demonstrator-scale setups of Solarisfloat (azimuthal tracking) and Solar Float (East-West orientation) and a 2 MWp commercial-scale East–West system by Groenleven. The Solarisfloat demonstrator revealed a wind-dependent heat loss coefficient of 3.2 W/m3Ks. In comparison, the Solar Float demonstrator system displayed elevated wind-dependent heat loss coefficients, measuring 4.0 W/m3Ks for the east-facing module and 5.1 W/m3Ks for the west-facing module. The Groenleven system, which shares design similarities with Solar Float, showed lower wind-dependent heat loss coefficients of 2.7 W/m3Ks for the east-facing module and 2.8 W/m3Ks for the west-facing module. A notable discrepancy in the wind-dependent coefficients, particularly evident under a north wind direction, indicates a more efficient convective cooling effect by the wind on the demonstrator scale system of Solar Float. This could possibly be attributed to improved wind flow beneath its PV modules, setting it apart from the Groenleven system. Additionally, a thermal model founded on a ‘balance-of-energy’ methodology, integrating water temperature as a variable was introduced. The heat loss coefficient, dependent on the surface water temperature, fluctuated around zero, depending on whether the water temperature surpassed or fell below the ambient air temperature. It can be concluded that it is not of added value to introduce this floating specific heat loss coefficient parameter, as this parameter can be integrated in the wind speed independent Uc parameter.

Estimation of maximum photovoltaic cover ratios in greenhouses based on global irradiance data

In this study, a method for estimating the maximum PV (photovoltaic) cover ratio for plastic greenhouses based on various years of global horizontal irradiance (GHI) data is presented and illustrated with an exemplary site in southeastern Spain. CAMS (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service) GHI data from 2005 to 2023 were analyzed to estimate the DLI (daily light integral) inside the greenhouses for various PV coverage ratios with East-West or North-South orientation. The conversion from GHI to photosynthetically active radiation is performed with the usage of a regression model from literature based on satellite and measurement data. The shading effect of the PV cover is estimated with a regression model from literature based on radiation distribution simulations in different greenhouse types. The maximum PV cover ratio was derived for different minimal DLI thresholds, corresponding to different crops. The proposed methodology has been tested for the Almería region in southeastern Spain which is characterized by high solar irradiance and can be applied also to other regions with similar climatic conditions. With a required DLI of at least 12 mol/m2/day, a theoretical maximum PV coverage of about 44% is acceptable even in December at the studied site for East-West orientation, while it reaches up to 100% (June) during the year. Further, the maximum PV cover ratios for a DLI threshold range have been calculated and compared with experimental results for plastic greenhouses from literature. In 87.2% of the case studies analyzed from literature, the proposed method showed an agreement in the estimation of the effect of PV shading ratios on marketable crop yields. The study indicates that significant PV cover ratios are theoretically possible even for light demanding crops considering DLI thresholds only and can help to select a useful PV cover ratio in PV greenhouses.

Performance of Direct-Seeded Upland Rice-Based Intercropping Systems Under Paired Rows in East-West Orientation

Production potential of rice based intercropping systems with legumes in Uganda is little known. Studies were conducted at Ikulwe Station of the National Agricultural Research Organisation to evaluate upland rice-based intercropping systems under paired-rows in the EW direction. A randomized complete block design with 3 replications was adopted during 2022 and 2023 with 8 pure stand and intercropped treatments. Adjustment from conventional planting to paired rows recorded high rice height and significant 1000 seed weights. In 2022 the 2 pure rice treatments produced significantly more tillers and panicles but legume intercrops reduced numbers of rice tillers and panicles. Intercropping significantly reduced the beans height (48%) and soybean pods (41%) during both years and also reduced the pods filling for beans (66%), groundnuts (36%) and soybeans (18.3%) during 2022. Although paired rice did not influence rice yield during both years, lower mean yield for rice (19.8%), beans (35%), groundnuts (33%) and soybeans (30.5%) were recorded. Lower legume intercrop yields were similarly recorded for beans (70%), groundnuts (73%) and soybeans (62%) during 2023. Partial (p) land equivalent ratios (LER) for intercrops were not significant and less than unity, but the one for rice intercropped with beans increased to more than unity (1.06) during 2023. All combined LER for rice-legumes were more than unity and the pLER of sole crops was 1.0. Rice + beans recorded high area time equivalent ratio during the 2 years while high relative equivalent yield and monetary advantage indices were recorded under rice + soybeans. Rice was more aggressive than other crops and intercropped treatments recorded higher Total Rice Grain yield equivalent (TRGYE) than sole rice. Rice + soybeans (2022) and rice + beans (2023) scored higher TRGY. The findings suggest that farmers can intercrop soybean in rice under paired rows in EW orientation for more benefits.

Conceptual design and preliminary experimental study on curved PV ventilated facade assisted heat pump system (CPVF-HP)

Integrating photovoltaic PV with curved architecture boosts renewable energy use and reduces carbon emissions in building applications. This paper proposes a curved PV ventilated facade assisted heat pump system (CPVF-HP), utilizing curved PV ventilation facade as carrier for the application of PV in curved buildings, and enhancing overall energy efficiency through synergistic operation with heat pumps. In the cooling mode, the system employs the heat pump evaporator to pre-cool the air entering the curved PV ventilated facade, thereby reducing the temperature of the PV cells and the air conditioning load of the building. In the heating mode, the CPVF-HP system preheats the air entering the heat pump evaporator using the curved PV ventilated facade, elevating the evaporation temperature of the heat pump. The experimental setup of CPVF-HP is established, and the dynamic performance of the CPVF under various ventilation conditions and its synergistic operational performance with the heat pump have been investigated. The results indicate that CPVF displays considerable difference in irradiance and temperature across its east–west orientation, especially noticeable during morning and afternoon hours, affecting the system's electrical performance. Notably, isotropic scattered radiation improves radiation uniformity and the electrical efficiency of CPVF. The system achieves a notable average electrical efficiency increase of 69.90% on cloudy days compared to sunny conditions. CPVF-HP system effectively manages temperatures by precooling or preheating the air, enhancing the electrical efficiency by 34.43% in cooling mode, and increasing COP by 5.23% in heating mode compared to an independent heat pump operation. The CPVF-HP system demonstrates a synergistic improvement in both thermal and electrical performance, offering an innovative approach to optimizing energy efficiency in curved PV integrated buildings.

Study on the Glare Phenomenon and Time-Varying Characteristics of Luminance in the Access Zone of the East–West Oriented Tunnel

In response to the special feature of the east–west oriented road tunnel entrance being easily exposed to direct sunlight, a study was conducted on the glare phenomenon at the access zone for this type of tunnel and on the time-varying characteristics of the L20(S) value outside the tunnel. First, the actual situation of luminance difference inside and outside the tunnel was considered. Field tests were carried out in a 20° field of view of the human eye within a stopping distance. Then, the environment paraments outside the tunnel were collected by combining the environment schematic method with the digital camera method. Finally, the differences and time-varying characteristics between the measured and recommended values of luminance outside the tunnel were analyzed. The PGSV daylight calculation model was used to analyze the glare effect in the 20° field of view of the human eye. The results indicate that the luminance L20(S) outside the tunnel towards the east (west) generally shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, and reaches its maximum value in the morning (afternoon). The difference in the contribution ratio of luminance inside and outside the tunnel for this type shows an overall trend of first increasing and then decreasing, and the maximum difference appears in the morning (afternoon), reaching about 97% and 96% respectively. The time-varying characteristics of glare in the access zone of an east (west) oriented road tunnel are roughly consistent with the variation trend of the luminance L20(S) outside the tunnel and exceed the intolerable glare limit. Due to direct sunlight, the luminance outside the tunnel is too high, resulting in an uncomfortable glare that the driver cannot tolerate, becoming more serious after rainfall, and which affects driving comfort and safety.

New Evidence of Neolithic Funerary Monuments from the Eastern Margins of the Long Barrows Territory in Central Europe

Late Neolithic long barrows are commonly found throughout Central and Northwestern Europe, within the Funnel Beaker Culture territory. The sites of this Culture are known from Bohemia covering a period between 3900 and 3400 BC. However, long barrows have not been detected in Bohemia for a long time. The main reason is that they are located in areas where they were affected by modern ploughing. A significant contribution to their recognition was the remote sensing of modern fields, especially aerial archaeology. Current research in Bohemia provided new evidence of dozens of long barrows of several types, significantly expanding our knowledge of this phenomenon in the southeastern margins of its distribution. A new type of long barrow has been identified in Bohemia using remote sensing and current excavation data. The characteristic parameters of the long barrows in Bohemia are an east-west orientation with the ceremonial place in the eastern front and the delineation of the perimeter by a palisade trough or a ditch. The mounds can be divided into at least two structural and chronological forms. The first is the narrow and sometimes extremely long mound with perimeter defined by a palisade trough dating to the 3900–3800 BC. The second type of barrow is enclosed by a trapezoidal ditch. Based on radiocarbon dating, these structures were constructed during the 3700–3600 BC. This type of monument is currently known exclusively from Bohemia.

Straight impact crater rim segments on Mercury

ABSTRACT The formation of straight impact crater rims is widely accepted to be influenced by preexisting lithospheric structure. We investigate the distribution and orientations of straight crater rim segments across Mercury. We devise a mapping workflow aimed at minimizing distortions of length and orientation that arise when working on projected image mosaics on a global scale and produce a global map of the rims of 7,145 impact craters with diameters between 20 and 400 km. We extract straight rim segments that maintain consistent orientations for at least 10 km to assess their frequency and orientation. Our dataset shows that 83% of craters have straight rim segments that show strong east–west orientations at the poles and weak north–south or random orientations at lower latitudes. This emphasizes the importance of lithospheric structure for impact cratering on Mercury. Our map dataset provides valuable insights for future investigations into the tectonic evolution of Mercury.