Investigating the Influence of Fluctuating Humidity and Temperature on Creep Deformation in High-Performance Concrete Beams: A Comparative Study between Natural and Laboratorial Environmental Tests.

To investigate the influence of temperature and humidity variations on creep in high-performance concrete beams, beam tests were conducted in both natural and laboratory settings. The findings indicate that the variations in creep primarily stem from temperature changes, whereas humidity changes have little influence on fluctuations in both basic creep and total creep. The influence of humidity on creep is more strongly reflected in the magnitude of creep. Functions describing the influence of temperature and humidity on the creep behavior of high-performance concrete (HPC) subjected to fluctuating conditions are proposed. The findings were employed to examine creep deformation in engineering applications across four places. This study complements the correction method for the creep of members under fluctuating temperature and humidity. This research application can provide a basis for the calculation of the long-term deformation of HPC structures in natural environments.

Thermography as an indicator of goat welfare in an intensive production system.

This study evaluated the welfare of Saanen, Moxoto, and Anglo-Nubian goats kept in collective or individual pens for a feedlot system, evaluated with infrared thermography. A total of twenty-four goats were used, eight for each breed. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized design, with a 2 × 3 factorial with two fixed effects: housing type (collective or individual pens) and breed (Moxoto, Saanen, and Anglo-Nubian). The surface temperature was evaluated using an infrared thermographic camera, and behavioral analysis was based on the qualitative behavior assessment using a fixed list of descriptors. The breed was not different for all behavior evaluations and surface temperature (p>0.05). There was a difference between the housing types, where the collective pens showed goats more agitated, frustrated, and sociable (p<0.05). There was an influence of agitated, apathetic, frustrated, attentive, and curious behaviors on surface temperatures, in which feet and body temperatures decreased in these goats. (p<0.05). Moxoto, Anglo-Nubian, and Saanen goats showed similar behavior even when kept in collective or individual pens. Individual pens can restrict the goats' social relationships but reduce negative behaviors such as irritation and frustration. The lower foot temperatures of feedlot goats are related to the attention behavior in 86.75% of the observations.

Environmental factors on the probability of pregnancy in early or conventionally weaned beef cows.

Potential variables for the reproductive success of beef cows were evaluated. Included in the model were the age of the cow at calving; the interval between the Julian calving date and the end of the breeding season; the body weight and conditions at calving, at 75 days post-partum and at the end of the breeding season; and the mean daily variation in weight between these dates. Logistic regression was used in the analysis, with the parameters evaluated using the odds ratio statistic, estimating the chance of pregnancy. The mean rate of pregnancy was 84% and 55% for early and late-weaned cows, respectively. For early weaned cows, the regression variables were the Julian calving date, age of the cow, weight gain from calving to 75 days post-partum, and from 75 days post-partum to the end of the reproductive period. For late-weaned cows, there were only two regression variables, weight at calving and weight gain from calving to the end of the reproductive period. For every year above the average age of the herd, early weaned cows have an 80.9% greater chance of pregnancy, while a reduction of one year reduces the chance of pregnancy by 44.7%. In early weaned cows, every seven days after the mean Julian calving date reduces the chances of pregnancy by 22.6%, whereas every seven days before the mean calving date increases pregnancy by 29.2%. Greater gains in cow body weight, from calving to the end of the reproductive period, determine a greater probability of pregnancy.

Near work, light levels and dioptric profile - Which factor dominates and influences the short-term changes in axial length?

PURPOSE: Given the agonistic nature of near work to promote axial elongation and the antagonistic nature of time outdoors to prevent myopia, we aimed to investigate the following: (a) how the short-term effect of near work performed outdoors (Experiment 1) influences axial length and (b) how near work performed in two different dioptric profiles (uncluttered and cluttered) alters the changes in central axial length (Experiment 2). METHODS: Forty-six adults (age range: 19-32 years) participated in the study. In Experiment 1, 22 participants completed a 15-min distance task and a reading task in both the outdoor (~30,000 lux) and indoor (~70 lux) locations. In Experiment 2, 24 participants performed the same reading task at a study desk in uncluttered and cluttered reading environments. Pre- and post-task ocular biometry measurements were performed for each session using a non-contact biometer. RESULTS: In Experiment 1, a significant increase in axial length from baseline was found after performing reading tasks in both outdoor (mean ± SEM: +12.3 ± 3.4 µm, p = 0.001) and indoor locations (+11.9 ± 3.1 µm, p = 0.001). In Experiment 2, axial length increased significantly from baseline to post reading task, in both uncluttered (+17.9 ± 3.5 µm, p < 0.001) and cluttered reading environments (+19.2 ± 2.9 µm, p < 0.001). No significant changes in axial length were observed either between outdoor and indoor locations (p = 0.92) or between the uncluttered and cluttered reading environment (p = 0.75). CONCLUSION: Independent of light intensity (outdoor or indoor location) and dioptric profile of the near-work environment (uncluttered or cluttered), a 15-min reading task led to a significant increase in axial length. While the long-term effects of these findings need to be evaluated, practitioners should emphasise how near work can reduce the beneficial effects of time outdoors, while providing recommendations related to time outdoors for myopia control.

Thermal comfort thresholds for Japanese quails based on performance and egg quality.

Knowledge of the effects of thermal stress on Japanese quails helps support decision-making regarding the management of climate control systems. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and egg quality of Japanese quails subjected to different air temperatures (tair) and to propose thresholds for the temperature-humidity index (THI), the Black globe humidity index (BGHI), and enthalpy (H). Two experiments (21 days each) were conducted in four climate-controlled wind tunnels. In the first experiment, tair was 20, 22, 24, and 26 °C, and in the second, tair was 20, 28, 30, and 32 °C. The relative humidity (RH) and air velocity were 60% and 0.3 ms-1, respectively. To define the comfort thresholds, the productive performance of the birds, water intake, and egg quality were evaluated. No differences were observed (p > 0.05) for the performance-related variables, except for feed intake, which decreased (p < 0.05) as tair increased, and water intake, which increased (p < 0.5) by 15.9% starting at 28 °C. For experiments 1 and 2, with tair at 20 °C (tair,obs = 20.8 and 21.3 °C, respectively), there was evidence of cold stress. The shell thickness, Haugh unit, and internal quality unit were negatively influenced (p < 0.05) by tair starting at 28 °C. Japanese quails were able, within certain limits, to adapt to continuous thermal stress. The Japanese quails thermal comfort intervals recommended for THI, BGHI, and H are 68.4 to 76.2, 69.1 to 77.2, and 50.5 to 67.2 kJ kgdry air-1, respectively.

Key points for the thermal comfort of water buffaloes in Eastern Amazon / Pontos-chave do conforto térmico de bubalinos na Amazônia Oriental

This study presented relevant aspects about the Amazonian environment and how it impacts the thermal comfort of domestic buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) raised in the Eastern Amazon. Furthermore, strategies for monitoring and mitigating animal heat stress are presented, based on research results with the species. Although domestic buffaloes are considered adaptable animals, exposure to intense solar radiation causes thermal discomfort. This condition is expressed in biophysical indicators, in metabolic, endocrine, behavioral responses, and in body thermographic patterns. Therefore, the biometeorological monitoring of production is crucial to support decision-making regarding environmental management strategies, genetic selection of thermotolerant individuals, and increase in animal welfare. Lastly, the use of silvopastoral systems can help to provide higher thermal comfort, which is a condition that directly impacts the productivity of milk and meat buffaloes when they are raised in tropical regions, such as in the Eastern Amazon.

Objetivou-se apresentar aspectos relevantes sobre o ambiente amazônico e como este impacta no conforto térmico de búfalos domésticos (Bubalus bubalis) criados na Amazônia Oriental. Adicionalmente, são apresentadas estratégias para monitoramento e mitigação do estresse térmico animal, a partir de resultados de pesquisa com a espécie. Apesar dos búfalos domésticos serem considerados animais adaptáveis, a exposição à intensa radiação solar provoca desconforto térmico. Essa condição é expressa em indicadores biofísicos, nas respostas metabólicas, endócrinas, comportamentais e nos padrões termográficos corporais. Assim, o monitoramento biometeorológico da produção é crucial para subsidiar tomadas de decisão em relação a estratégias de manejo ambiental, seleção genética de indivíduos termotolerantes e incremento do bem-estar animal. Por fim, o uso de sistemas silvipastoris pode auxiliar na oferta de maior conforto térmico, que é uma condição que impacta diretamente na produtividade de bubalinos de leite e carne, quando estes são criados em regiões tropicais, como na Amazônia Oriental.

Double-Sided Wearable Multifunctional Sensing System with Anti-interference Design for Human-Ambience Interface.

Multifunctional sensing systems play important roles in a variety of applications, incluing health surveillance, intelligent prothetics, human-machine/ambinece interfaces, and many others. The richness of the signal and the decoupling among multiple parameters are essential for simultaneous, multimodal measurements. However, current multifunctional sensing fails to decouple interferences from various signals. Here, we propose a double-sided wearable system that both enables multifunctional sensing and avoids the interferences among multiple parameters. Specifically, the sensitivities of system modules to strain are controlled through customizing the pattern and morphology of sensing electrodes as well as the modification of active materials. Compensation of temperature drift and selection of sensing mechanisms ensure the thermal stability of the system. The encapsulation of modules resists the interferences of proximity, normal pressure, and gas molecules at the same time. A double-sided partition layout with serpentine interconnections reduces the effect of motion artifacts and ensures simultaneous operation of electrochemical-sensing modules. Cooperation among decoupled modules acts as the bridge between the perception of ambience changes and the timely feedback of the human body. In addition, to sense the signal at the interface, modules for energy harvesting and storage are also integrated into the system to broaden its application scenarios.

Prevalence of Eimeria sp. in Broiler Poultry Houses with Positive and Negative Pressure Ventilation Systems in Southern Brazil.

Coccidiosis is an enteric disease caused by protozoa of the Eimeria genus and is of great economic relevance in industrial aviculture. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of Eimeria sp. in broiler poultry houses with positive (System 1) and negative (System 2) pressure ventilation and assess the associated factors. A transversal study was conducted using 8 random broiler chickens from 64 houses (n = 512) and macroscopic and histologic evaluation of the intestines, as well as PCR for Eimeria sp. The prevalence of Eimeria sp. was 90.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 97.8-83.5), with 93.8% (95% CI: 100-85.4) in System 1 and 87.5% (95% CI: 99.0-76.0) in System 2. The most prevalent species was Eimeria acervulina, and the most common combination was Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria tenella. System 2 and the negative Eimeria subgroup showed the best results for feed conversion and daily weight gain. By evaluating litter treatment, we found that quicklime reduced the risk of presence of Eimeria maxima and Eimeria tenella. In conclusion, Eimeria sp. had a high prevalence in both systems, with a predominance of mixed infections. System 2 and negative flocks showed the best zootechnical results.

Prevalencia de Eimeria sp. en casetas de pollo de engorde con presión positiva y presión negativa. La coccidiosis es una enfermedad entérica causada por protozoos del género Eimeria. Es una enfermedad de gran relevancia económica en la avicultura industrial. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de Eimeria sp. en gallineros de engorde con ventilación de presión positiva (sistema 1) y negativa (sistema 2) y evaluar los factores asociados. Se realizó un estudio transversal con ocho pollos de engorde de 64 galpones (n = 512) con los cuales se realizó una evaluación macroscópica e histológica de los intestinos, así como PCR para Eimeria sp. La prevalencia de Eimeria sp. fue 90,6% (95% CI: 97,8-83,5), con 93,8% (95% CI: 100-85,4) en el sistema 1 y 87,5% (95% CI: 99,0-76,0) en el sistema 2. La especie más prevalente fue Eimeria acervulina, y la combinación más común fue Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima y Eimeria tenella. El sistema 2 y el subgrupo Eimeria negativo mostraron los mejores resultados para la conversión alimenticia y el aumento de peso diario. Al evaluar el tratamiento de la cama, la cal viva redujo el riesgo de presencia de Eimeria maxima y Eimeria tenella. En conclusión, Eimeria sp. tuvo una alta prevalencia en ambos sistemas, con predominio de infecciones mixtas. El sistema 2 y los lotes negativos mostraron los mejores resultados zootécnicos.

The Effect of Annealing Ambience on the Material and Photodetector Characteristics of Sputtered ZnGa2O4 Films.

Spinel ZnGa2O4 films were grown on c-plane sapphire substrates at the substrate temperature of 400 °C by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. Post thermal annealing was employed at the annealing temperature of 700 °C in order to enhance their crystal quality. The effect of thermal annealing on the microstructural and optoelectronic properties of ZnGa2O4 films was systematically investigated in various ambiences, such as air, nitrogen, and oxygen. The X-ray diffraction patterns of annealed ZnGa2O4 films showed the crystalline structure to have (111) crystallographic planes. Transmission electron micrographs verified that ZnGa2O4 film annealed under air ambience possesses a quasi-single-crystalline structure. This ZnGa2O4 film annealed under air ambience exhibited a smooth surface, an excellent average transmittance above 82% in the visible region, and a wide bandgap of 5.05 eV. The oxygen vacancies under different annealing ambiences were revealed a substantial impact on the material and photodetector characteristics by X-ray photoelectron spectrum investigations. ZnGa2O4 film exhibits optimal performance as a metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector when annealed under air ambience. Under these conditions, ZnGa2O4 film exhibits a higher photo/dark current ratio of ~104 order, as well as a high responsivity of 2.53 A/W at the bias of 5 V under an incident optical light of 240 nm. These results demonstrate that quasi-single-crystalline ZnGa2O4 films have significant potential in deep-ultraviolet applications.

Environmental variables responsible for Zebu cattle thermal comfort acquisition.

The aim of this study was to estimate, using data mining, which microclimate and behavioral variables affect the behavior of animals to seek shaded or sunny areas. The experiment was carried out between January and May 2016 in an integrated crop-livestock-forest system. In this system, we defined two different areas: shaded and sunny. Microclimatic variables (At, BGt, RH, and WS) were measured in each area on 4 consecutive days per month. With these variables, we determined the bioclimatic indicators (THI, BGHI, HLI, MRT, RTL, and ETI). In addition, we calculated the absolute difference (Δ) by subtracting the value recorded in shaded areas from the value recorded in sunny areas for all microclimatic variables and bioclimatic indicators, except for WS. The behaviors (grazing, ruminating, and other activities), posture (standing or lying), and use of areas (shaded or sunny) of 38 Zebu cattle were recorded on 2 consecutive days per month. The data mining technique was applied for analysis in a classification task. The model correctly classified 76% of the instances with a Kappa statistic of 0.51 after features selection from the database. The ΔBGt was the most important feature in the model to classify the decision of Zebu cattle to seek another area or remain in a determined area. The model was built with seven classification rules, being one simple rule, composed of the interaction between ΔBGt and rumination; and other more complex rules, composed of the interactions among the ΔBGt, WS, and rumination. The preference of Zebu cattle to seek or remain in shaded or sunny areas was influenced by eight features: rumination, drinking water, WS, ΔBGt, MRT in shade, BGHI in sun, ΔBGHI, and HLI in sun.

A new insight into the vibrational modeling of contact mode for atomic force microscope beams in various immersion ambiances.

In this article, the vibrations of V-shaped beam as the most usable atomic force microscope (AFM) beam in contact mode has been modeled using finite element method. This work is a fundamental issue for contact resonance AFM. We have considered carbon tetrachloride (CCL4 ), methanol, acetone, water, and vacuum the immersion ambiences. For modeling of the beam dynamics, both of the Timoshenko and Euler-Bernoulli beam principles have been used. For presenting the best theoretical model all specifications for AFM beam and sample surface has been assumed. The outcomes show that by raising the interaction force between AFM beam and sample surface, the resonant frequency increases. By diluting the liquid surroundings, the resonant frequency and amplitude of frequency response functions (FRF) of vertical movement increase. The amplitude of FRF increases by raising the beam thickness and rectangular part breadth, but reduces by increasing the rectangular and tapered part lengths. The resonant frequency reduces by boosting the rectangular and tapered parts lengths and rectangular part width, but raises by increasing the beam thickness. Theoretical model in attendance and lack of tip-sample interaction force have been evaluated with experimental works for vacuum and water as the immersion ambiances. Results show good agreement.

Thermoregulatory and Behavioral Responses of Buffaloes With and Without Direct Sun Exposure During Abnormal Environmental Condition in Marajó Island, Pará, Brazil.

This study aimed to assess the effect of thermal-hydraulic variables in female buffaloes with or without direct solar exposure in a year of strong El Niño through behavior responses and infrared thermography to reinforce the environmental comfort indicators, in Marajó Island, Pará, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in Cachoeira do Arari municipality and 20 female Murrah buffaloes were randomly assigned to two groups: Group WS (n = 10) was kept in pickets with native trees. Group NS (n = 10) was kept in crush squeeze with no shade. Data on air temperature (AT, °C), relative air humidity (RH, %), wind velocity (WV, m/s), rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), and body surface temperature (BST) were collected. Practical Buffalo Comfort Climatic Condition Index (BCCCI), practical Buffalo Environmental Comfort Index (BECI), Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) and Benezra's Thermal Comfort Index (BTCI) were obtained. Infrared thermography analysis was carried out with a FLIR T-series T640bx camera. Data on time spent grazing, ruminating, idleness, and in other activities were recorded. A significant difference in AT of ~1°C was found between the groups at 6 a.m., 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. THI indicated emergency conditions. Female buffaloes were at danger PBCCCI conditions at 2 p.m. There was also significant difference for RT between treatments at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., whose values were higher (P < 0.05) for animals from NS Group, with the highest mean time at 2 p.m. Pearson correlation was significant and positive (P < 0.01) between RT mean and VUL, TI and ORB mean, maximum and minimum temperatures. The total time given to grazing was 518.2 min for the group NS and 629.5 min for the group WS. Rumination was more pronounced in the afternoon shift for the group NS. Buffaloes kept in a system with trees graze, ruminate and perform other activities with more intensity than animals raised in systems without access to shade, and tend to hyperthermia, mainly at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., in Marajó Island, Pará, Brazil.

Exploring Effective Sensory Experience in the Environmental Design of Sustainable Cafés.

The aim of this study was to explore and construct spatial indicators suitable for green café ambience. The indicators were further empirically verified. A three-round questionnaire survey, based on the Delphi method, was conducted with 15 experts, including university professors (food and beverage services management and interior environmental design), café operators, and personnel from government agencies. Data were collected, and the results on the characteristics of the repeated feedback from the experts were convergent. Thirty-six indicators suitable for the design of green café ambience were extracted, of which 17 were verified by actual cafés as highly operable. The five-sense indicators of sustainable green ambience design obtained in this study can facilitate positive customer experiences and enhance the appeal of maintaining sustainable green trends for cafés. These indicators can also provide references for café operators in business planning and green café ambience design.

Thermal environment in mobile shelters with different cover types used for chicken housing at the semi-extensive rearing system.

In tropical climate countries, animal production faces a huge challenge, being the high solar irradiation levels an important factor that negatively influences the welfare and animal performance. The purpose of this research was to check the environment inside mobile shelters with different kinds of cover materials. This research has been developed at the State University of Goiás, Brazil, being used four different cover materials: DFPC, double-faced plastic canvas; PVC, polyvinyl chloride; VFB, tiles made with vegetable fiber and bitumen; and VFBW, tiles made with vegetable fiber and bitumen being the outer face painted white. Covers were placed up mobile shelters with the following dimensions: 1 m length × 1 m width × 1 m height and cover pitch of 30°. The environment was evaluated through thermal comfort indexes: enthalpy (H), temperature and humidity index (THI), black globe and humidity index (BGHI), mean radiant temperature (MRT) and thermal heat load (THL), and the measurement of thermal environmental variables (temperature of external (EST) and internal (IST) surface of the cover, dry bulb temperature (Tdb), black globe temperature (Tbg), relative humidity (RH), and wind speedy (WS)). Data analysis was performed using PROC MIXED of SAS® by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey test, at 5% of significance level. There was observed beneficial effect of the usage of shading, with a decrease in air temperature and thermal comfort indexes when compared with the unshaded environment. The materials presented different thermal behavior, with better results for PVC and VFBW, that presented lower internal (IST) and external surface temperature (EST), in addition to lower black globe temperature, thermal heat load, and black globe and humidity index. PVC and VFBW were the best types of covers evaluated, with significant decreased thermal comfort indexes.

Evaluation of different heating systems for new-born swine.

The use of heating systems for new-born piglets can prevent major losses in the first 5 weeks of life. The present study had the objective of evaluating three heating systems in creeps for new-born piglets, being: floor-heated floor with circulating water (HF), incandescent lamp type SPOT 40 W (L) and incandescent lamp type SPOT 40 W plus black metal plate (LP). The variables evaluated were piglet performance (total weight gain and mortality), bioclimatic data (temperature and relative air humidity), animal behaviour and economic revenue. Bioclimatic data were recorded in the external environment, in the maternity and in the interior of each shelter/creep for 21 days, three times a day, as well as the capture of photographic images for analysis of the animals' disposal. The mean temperature of the retractors, the weight at weaning and the weight gain were higher in the HF treatment. Treatment HF improved the percentage of dispersed animals and provided the best thermal environment and the highest revenue at the time of the commercialization of the piglets.

Análise termográfica aplicada na produção de calor corporal de vacas F1 HxZ manejadas em diferentes microclimas / Thermographic analysis applied to body heat production of F1 HxZ cows managed in different microclimates

Avaliou-se a produção de calor corporal de vacas F1 HxZ manejadas em diferentes microclimas. Foram avaliadas 48 vacas, divididas em três grupos, manejadas em pastos e microclimas diferentes. Cada grupo foi subdividido em três grupos de suplementação fornecida durante a ordenha. Os registros termográficos dos flancos direito e esquerdo ocorreram com os animais a pasto. As temperaturas do olho e retal foram mensuradas após a ordenha. O ITGU caracterizou sinal de perigo para o microclima 1 no período da tarde (81,7) e para o microclima 2 nos turnos da manhã e da tarde (81,6 e 83,8, respectivamente). No microclima 2, houve diferença da temperatura do flanco direito para animais do grupo 2 em relação aos animais do grupo 3. A temperatura do flanco esquerdo foi superior para os animais do grupo 1. O microclima 1 foi caracterizado de conforto térmico, e o 2 de desconforto nos períodos da manhã e da tarde. A suplementação não influenciou na produção de calor dos animais. As médias da temperatura retal e do olho não diferiram entre os grupos, e a correlação apresentou valores baixos e moderados para os microclimas 1 e 2, respectivamente. A oferta de diferentes fontes de suplementação não interfere na produção de calor corporal de vacas F1 HxZ, mesmo quando fornecido em ambiente climático em que o ITGU é próximo a 84.(AU)

Body heat production of F1 HxZ cows managed in different microclimates was evaluated. We evaluated 48 cows, divided into two groups, managed in different pastures and microclimates. Each group was subdivided into three groups of supplementation provided during milking. The thermographic records of the right and left flanks occurred with the animals on the grass. Eye and rectal temperatures were measured after milking. The BGT had a danger signal for microclimate 1 in the afternoon (81.7) and microclimate 2 in the morning and afternoon shifts (81.6 and 83.8, respectively). In microclimate 2, there was difference in the temperature of the right flank for animals in group 2 in relation to the animals in group 3. The temperature of the left flank was higher for the animals in the group 1. Microclimate 1 was characterized by thermal comfort and 2 was discomfort in the morning and afternoon. Supplementation did not influence the heat production of the animals. Rectal and eye mean averages did not differ between groups and the correlation presented low and moderate values for microclimate 1 and 2, respectively. The supply of different sources of supplementation does not interfere with the production and body heat of F1 HxZ cows even when supplied in a climatic environment in which the BGT is close to 84.(AU)

Thermal comfort of sows in free-range system in Brazilian Savanna.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the thermal comfort of sows in a free-range system in the Brazilian Savanna, based on behavior observation, availability of shading resources, meteorological and physiological variables. The sows were analyzed in the gestation sector at Água Limpa Farm from University of Brasília; the sows were housed in paddocks of 1000 m2 each containing artificial and natural shading structures, where air temperature (Tair, °C), wind speed, relative humidity (RH, %) and black globe temperatures (TG, °C) were collected for the environment characterization in 20-min-intervals. From the black globe temperature, the Mean Radiant Temperature (TMR, °C) and the Radiant Heat Load (RHL, W m-2) were calculated in the sun and under the shade structures. The total short-wave irradiance was calculated through the sum of direct, diffuse and reflected radiations. For the behavioral evaluation, an ethogram was elaborated, taking in consideration where the animals were in the paddocks, body posture, and the activity performed. The physiological variables such as respiratory rate (breaths.min-1), surface and rectal temperatures (°C) were measured during the experiment. The data was statistically analyzed through analysis of variance and frequency analysis. There was a difference at 11a.m., 2 and 3p.m., with values above 40 °C under the shade and above 70 °C in the sun for the TMR. The preferential choice was for natural shading by the sows, due to the lower TMR and RHL throughout the day and resting activity had been predominated. The rectal temperature did not differ between the animals and the days evaluated, respiratory rate varied according to air temperature, and surface temperature only among the evaluated animals. It was concluded that even when there is a greater radiation incidence and meteorological variables above the condition of comfort for sows, they did not express any abnormal behavior that could indicate discomfort.

Infrared thermography for evaluation of the environmental thermal comfort for livestock.

The objective of this study was to assess the use of infrared thermography as a microclimate-evaluating tool and an estimate of the thermal comfort provided by four types of tree to cattle under grazing conditions in the central region of Brazil. The experiment was conducted at the Embrapa Beef Cattle Company, in Campo Grande, MS, Brazil, from June to August 2015. Evaluations were carried out over four consecutive days, at 1-hour intervals, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (local time; GMT - 4:00). Infrared thermography images of tree crowns and soil surface underneath them from the shadow projection of four tree species native to the Brazilian cerrado (savannah-like) biome were obtained. The microclimate was assessed by estimation of thermal indices: temperature and humidity index, black globe, and radiation thermal load. The previous was calculated based on records of air temperature, dew point temperature, black globe temperature, air relative humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. The geometrical settings of the trees were assessed for each tree component. Five thematic groups were formed based on multiple factor analysis that summarizes three synthetic analytical dimensions to explain the total variance among the studied elements and the existing correlations between groups. Positive linear correlations were found between thermography and the temperature measurements, thermal comfort indices, and radiation, suggesting that infrared thermography can be used as a tool for estimating and monitoring the microclimate and thermal comfort, presenting a potential use of measurement in agroforestry systems.

Distant from others, but close to home: The relationship between home attachment and mental health during COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant consequences for Americans' daily lives. Many people are spending more time in their homes due to work from home arrangements, stay at home orders, and closures of businesses and public gathering spaces. In this study, we explored how one's attachment to their home may help to buffer their mental health during this stressful time. Data were collected from a three-wave, longitudinal sampling (n=289) surveyed at baseline, two, and four weeks after. We found a clear relationship between an individual's attachment to home and positive mental health. Across all three waves, home attachment was negatively associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Furthermore, participants' home attachment at baseline was predictive of subsequent mental health two weeks after, which suggests that one's relationship to their home was particularly important during the initial onset of the national response to the outbreak. Predictors of home attachment included conscientiousness, agreeableness, and restorative ambience. Over the course of the study, kinship ambience also emerged as a predictor of home attachment. In the midst of increased mental health concerns and limited resources due to COVID-19, the home may buffer some individuals from depressive and anxiety-related symptoms by functioning as a source of refuge, security, and stability.

Alternative light colors in suckling piglet creep area: preference and validation tests in swine maternity / Cores alternativas de luz de abrigos escamoteadores para leitões lactentes: teste de preferência e validação em maternidade suína

ABSTRACT: We performed a two-stage experiment: a preference and a validation test in swine litters, to determine whether suckling piglets preferred alternative light colors in their creep area over white light; we also determined whether the preferred color affected piglet behavior. In the first stage, five trials of two consecutive days were performed, each at 21-day intervals. In each trial, 40 piglets, from three to five days old, from four F1 sows (Large White x Landrace), were distributed in four treatments, in a paired scheme, receiving the following treatments: Treatment GR: white light vs. green light ; Treatment BL: white light vs. blue light; Treatment YE: yellow light vs. white light; Treatment RD: white light vs. red light. For the validation test, three consecutive lots of eight F1 sows (Large White x Landrace) and their corresponding maternity were used, remaining from birth under the influence of treatments T_Gr and T_Wh, totaling three replicates. T_Gr corresponded to four creep areaswith green LED light and T_Wh to four nurseries with white LED light. The piglets showed a significant preference only for white over blue. Among the alternative colors, piglets significantly preferred green. In the validation stage, there was no significant effect of colors on the mean percentage of permanence of the piglets inside the creep areas over all evaluated periods. Piglets between two and five days of age prefer green lighting;however,in the creep area, the light color used did not influence piglet behavior.

RESUMO: Foi realizado um experimento de duas etapas: teste de preferência e validação em maternidade suína, para verificar se leitões possuem preferência por cores alternativas de luz do abrigo escamoteador em relação à luz branca, e o efeito da cor de luz preferida em teste realizado em abrigos escamoteadores (cor alternativa e branca) no comportamento de leitões. Na primeira, foram realizados cinco ensaios de dois dias cada, em intervalos de 21 dias. Quarenta leitões, entre três e cinco dias de vida, provenientes de quatro matrizes F1 (Large White x Landrace), foram distribuídos em quatro tratamentos, em esquema pareado: Tratamento Vd: luz branca/luz verde; Tratamento Az: luz branca/luz azul; Tratamento Am: luz amarela/luz branca; Tratamento Vm: luz branca/luz vermelha. Para a validação, três lotes consecutivos de oito matrizes F1 (Large White x Landrace) e suas leitegadas permaneceram desde o nascimento sob os tratamentos T_Vd e T_Br. T_Vd correspondia a quatro escamoteadores com luz de LED verde e T_Br a quatro escamoteadores com luz de LED branca. A comparação entre cada cor alternativa e o branco mostrou diferença quanto à preferência (p<0,05) apenas para o azul. Entre as cores alternativas os leitões preferem a cor verde (p<0,05). Na etapa de validação, não houve efeito (p>0,05) no percentual médio de permanência dos leitões no interior dos escamoteadores, entre as cores de luz, para todos os períodos avaliados. Leitões entre dois a cinco dias de vida preferem a iluminação verde, porém no ambiente de maternidade, a cor de luz utilizada não influenciou no comportamento dos leitões.