Search Results (47)

A comfortable and livable living environment can be created through the design of patios in traditional southern rural Chinese dwellings. By connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, patios enable the comprehensive functions of ventilation and shading. To investigate the effects of patios on the building environment and energy conservation, the field parameters of the Wu Family Mansion in Cuijiao Village, Fujian Province, southern China, were measured in August 2016. The results indicate that patios located at the center of dwellings can effectively mitigate the impact of outdoor climate on the indoor environment. Furthermore, a reasonable depth-to-width ratio of the patio is conducive to natural ventilation and energy utilization. Through discussions and simulations using CFD and EcoTECT, it is determined that the reasonable depth-to-width ratio should not be less than 0.06, and a depth of 1.6 m is the most appropriate for patio design to achieve adequate ventilation and illumination. With the Adaptive Predicted Mean Vote (APMV) value ranging from 0 to 1.41, the indoor environment of this rural building falls within the adaptive comfort zone. Compared with air-conditioned rooms, the energy-saving rate achieved by natural ventilation is approximately 26.2%. Full article

Species of the orders Charadriiformes and Anseriformes serve as the primary long-distance disseminators of various avulaviruses. The most economically significant among them is Newcastle disease virus (NDV), or Avian orthoavulavirus 1 (AOAV-1), which causes diseases of varying severity in both domestic and wild birds. Other avulaviruses have been studied to a much lesser extent, and for most of them, only single isolates are known, which does not allow a comprehensive assessment of their potential threat. To evaluate the biological diversity and potential risks posed by avian paramyxoviruses spread by wild waterfowl during autumn migration, fecal samples from mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) (n = 3604) were collected at water bodies in Moscow and the Moscow Region between 2008 and 2024. From these samples, AOAV-1 (n = 4) and Avian paraavulavirus 4 (APMV-4) (n = 9) were isolated and partially sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all AOAV-1 isolates belong to genotype 1 of class II, while all APMV-4 isolates belong to the Eurasian subgenotype of genotype 1. Analysis of the F protein cleavage site motif indicated conformity with the consensus sequences characteristic of lentogenic and non-pathogenic avian paramyxoviruses in all isolates. Full article

This review systematically examines research on indoor thermal comfort for older adults conducted in China since 2010. It highlights several existing research gaps, including the lack of a systematic understanding of environmental and individual influences, limitations of thermal comfort models, challenges in their optimization, and inadequate integration of intelligent technologies. Results indicate that environmental factors usually exert a greater impact on the elderly’s neutral temperature than individual factors. Thermal comfort models differ in predictive accuracy, data requirements, and applicability. The adaptive predicted mean vote (aPMV) model is better suited for group-level assessments. Machine learning (ML) models, featuring high flexibility and accuracy, are more appropriate for personalized predictions. In addition, physiological parameters could play a critical role in thermal assessments. When integrated with ML models, physiological parameters could further improve predictive accuracy. When integrated into artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) systems, forehead and back skin temperatures could act as early-warning indicators during heat exposure, while lower-limb temperatures are more indicative of thermal discomfort during cold exposure. Overall, this review summarizes current progress and limitations, offering a reference for the development of user-friendly modeling and intelligent temperature-control systems. Full article

Within the framework of the Healthy China strategy, daylighting in primary and secondary schools is crucial for students’ health and learning efficiency. Most schools in China still face insufficient and uneven daylighting, along with limited outdoor solar exposure, underscoring the need for systematic optimization. Guided by the “Daylighting School” concept, this study proposes a campus design model that integrates indoor daylighting with outdoor activity opportunities and explores a generative optimization approach. The research reviews daylighting and thermal performance metrics, summarizes European and American “Daylighting School” experiences, and develops three classroom prototypes—Standard Side-Lit, High Side-Lit, and Skylight-Lit—together with corresponding campus layout models. A two-stage optimization experiment was conducted on a high school site in Guangzhou. Stage 1 optimized block location and functional layout using solar radiation illuminance and activity accessibility distance. Stage 2 refined classroom configurations based on four key performance indicators: sDA, sGA, UOD, and APMV-mean. Results show that optimized layouts improved activity path efficiency and daylight availability. High Side-Lit and Skylight-Lit classrooms outperformed traditional Side-Lit in illuminance, uniformity, and glare control. To improve efficiency, an ANN-based prediction model was introduced to replace conventional simulation engines, enabling rapid large-scale assessment of complex classroom clusters and providing architects with real-time decision support for daylight-oriented educational building design. Full article

Apples (Malus domestica), one of Iran’s oldest cultivated fruit crops, hold considerable economic importance. In this study, 170 apple leaf samples representing various commercial cultivars were collected across the country. RT-PCR screening targeted five common apple-infecting viruses and two viroids: apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), apple stem pitting virus (ASPV), apple stem grooving virus (ASGV), apple green crinkle-associated virus (AGCaV), apple mosaic virus (ApMV), apple scar skin viroid (ASSVd), and hop stunt viroid (HSVd). To identify additional or novel agents, 40 RT-PCR-negative samples were pooled into two composite groups and analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). NGS was also performed on individual samples with mixed infections to retrieve full genomes. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of ACLSV, ASPV, ASGV, AGCaV, ApMV, and HSVd. NGS further revealed three additional pathogens: citrus concave gum-associated virus (CCGaV), apple hammerhead viroid (AHVd), and apricot vein clearing-associated virus (AVCaV), which were subsequently detected across the collection by RT-PCR. AGCaV was most prevalent (47.6%), followed by ACLSV (45.8%), HSVd (27.6%), AVCaV (20.5%), ASGV (17%), AHVd (15.2%), ASPV (14.1%), CCGaV (4.7%), and ApMV (3.5%). Mixed infections occurred in 67% of samples. Phylogenetic analysis based on CP genes (ACLSV, ASGV, AGCaV) and full genomes (AVCaV, AHVd) clustered Iranian isolates together, suggesting a common origin. This is the first report in Iran of AGCaV, CCGaV, ApMV, and AVCaV in apple, and notably, the first global report of AVCaV in a non-Prunus host. The findings provide the first comprehensive assessment of the sanitary status of apple trees in Iran. Full article

Wild waterbirds are circulating important RNA viruses, such as avian coronaviruses, avian astroviruses, avian influenza viruses, and avian paramyxoviruses. Waterbird migration routes cover vast territories both within and between continents. The breeding grounds of many species are in the Arctic, but research into this region is rare. This study reports the first Newcastle disease virus (NDV) detection in Arctic Russia. As a result of a five-year study (from 2019 to 2023) of avian paramyxoviruses and avian influenza viruses in wild waterbirds of the Taimyr Peninsula, whole-genome sequences of NDV and H3N8 were obtained. The resulting influenza virus isolate was phylogenetically related to viruses that circulated between 2021 and 2023 in Eurasia, Siberia, and Asia. All NDV sequences were obtained from the Herring gull, and other gull sequences formed a separate gull-like clade in the sub-genotype I.1.2.1, Class II. This may indirectly indicate that different NDV variants adapt to more host species than is commonly believed. Further surveillance of other gull species may help to test the hypothesis of putative gull-specific NDV lineage and better understand their role in the evolution and global spread of NDV. Full article

Kazakhstan is recognized as one of the primary centers of origin of the wild apple Malus sieversii, concentrated mainly in the mountains like Trans-Ile and Zhongar Alatau, as well as parts of the Tarbagatay, Talas Alatau, and Karatau ranges. As the wild progenitor of Malus domestica, M. sieversii harbors a critical genetic diversity essential for apple breeding and conservation efforts. However, its natural populations are increasingly threatened by latent viral infection, which weakens trees, reduces reproduction, and hinders regeneration. In this study, the spread of apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) and apple stem pitting virus (ASPV) was documented in four wild apple populations, with detection rates of 50.2% and 42.2%, respectively. Mixed infections were observed in 28.8% of sampled trees. Apple stem grooving virus (ASGV) was detected exclusively in cultivated orchards, whereas apple mosaic virus (ApMV) and apple necrotic mosaic virus (ApNMV) were not found in either wild forests or cultivated orchards. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, we developed the first spatial distribution maps of these viruses in wild apple forests in the Tian Shan region, revealing site-specific variation and infection rates. These results underscore the importance of monitoring viral infections in wild M. sieversii populations to preserve genetically valuable, virus-free germplasm critical for apple breeding, crop improvement, and sustainable orchard management. Full article

Viral infections in stone fruit crops cause substantial economic losses across all sectors of production. Despite their significance, viruses affecting stone fruits remain under-investigated in Kazakhstan. Among these, plum pox virus (PPV, genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae), commonly known as Sharka, is the most critical viral pathogen worldwide, severely threatening the sustainable cultivation of stone fruits and posing risks to food security. This study aimed to evaluate virus management strategies in stone fruit crops to facilitate the production of healthy planting material from valuable genotypes. Field surveys were conducted in plum and apricot orchards located in the Almaty region (Southeast Kazakhstan) and the Saryagash region (Southern Kazakhstan). Plant samples were tested for the presence of the following viruses: apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), apple mosaic virus (ApMV), PPV, prune dwarf virus (PDV), prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV), and myrobalan latent ringspot virus (MLRSV). Real-time RT-PCR diagnostics confirmed the presence of PPV in the ‘Stanley’ and ‘Ansar’ cultivars and Prunus armeniaca genotypes, while both PPV and ACLSV were detected in the ‘Ayana’ variety. Chemotherapy (Ribavirin), thermotherapy, cryotherapy, and shoot apical meristem (SAM) culture, both individually and in combination, were used to eliminate viruses and regenerate virus-free plants. Successful virus eradication was achieved for PPV and ACLSV. However, the ‘Stanley’ and ‘Ansar’ cultivars did not survive the treatment process, likely due to high thermo- or cryo-sensitivity. As a result of this research, an in vitro collection of virus-free plants was established, comprising eight rootstocks, six plum cultivars, and three apricot genotypes. Full article

Newcastle disease, caused by virulent strains of avian paramyxovirus 1 (APMV-1), occurs globally and has significant social and economic impact. APMV-1 is a rapidly evolving RNA virus and is genetically divided into class I and class II with almost all virulent viruses being of class II. The considerable genetic diversity of the virus adds complexity to maintaining the high sensitivity and specificity of molecular detection assays. The current USDA’s fusion gene rRT-PCR assay was designed for class II APMV-1 isolates with an emphasis on early-2000s US strains. Assessment with globally circulating genotypes confirmed previously described lower sensitivity (sub-genotypes VII.1.1, VII.2) and identified absence of detection (genotype XIV). An additional forward primer and two probes were designed using a comprehensive complete fusion gene sequence database. The optimized multiplex assay detected genotype XIV and improved sensitivity for sub-genotypes VII.1.1 and VII.2, with maintained sensitivity for the remaining genotypes. No near-neighbors or APMV-1 of low virulence were detected. Using field and experimental clinical samples, both the specificity and sensitivity were determined to be 100%, compared to the current assay with 100% and 93%, respectively. The new assay identifies all known chicken virulent APMV-1 genotypes with the benefit of using an exogenous internal positive control, which monitors extraction efficiency and inhibitors. Full article

Apple viruses pose significant threat to global apple production. In this study, HTS technology was used to investigate the apple virome in the Czech Republic. Previously reported viruses, including ACLSV, ASPV, ASGV, ApMV, AGCaV, and CCGaV, were confirmed, and near-complete genomes were assembled. Additionally, two novel viruses, ARWV1 and ARWV2 were identified for the first time in the Czech Republic. Phylogenetic analyses showed low genetic variability among ARWV2 isolates, suggesting a possible recent introduction or limited diversification. In contrast, ARWV1 isolates displayed distinct clustering in the coat protein coding region, separating symptomatic and asymptomatic samples, indicating a potential involvement of genetic determinants in symptom expression. Mixed infections were prevalent, with multiple molecular variants of ACLSV, ASPV, and AGCaV detected within individual samples, along with co-infections involving viruses from different families. Recombination analysis identified frequent recombination events in ACLSV and ASPV, often involving non-apple parental sequences, suggesting their potential for cross-host infections. Additionally, an interspecific recombination event was detected in an almond ApMV isolate, with PNRSV as a minor parent. These findings highlight the impact of agricultural practices on viral evolution and host adaptation. This study demonstrates the utility of HTS as a powerful tool for uncovering viral diversity, recombination events, and evolutionary dynamics. Full article

Cave dwellings in the Loess Plateau and western Henan region are ancient architectural forms that offer significant potential for rural revitalization and cultural heritage preservation. This study examines their role in Mogou Village through field surveys and mathematical analysis, highlighting their contributions to urban–rural integration, rural tourism, and cultural sustainability. Key findings include the mean radiant temperature (MRT) in cave dwellings remaining stable between 22.7–25.9 °C, facilitating lower indoor temperatures in summer. These dwellings maintain an APMV within the Class I thermal environment (−0.5 ≤ APMV ≤ 0.5), achieving a 90% satisfaction rate for thermal comfort. Despite excellent thermal insulation, improvements in ventilation design are necessary. Moreover, cave dwellings attract urban residents, fostering urban–rural integration and rural tourism development. They also preserve cultural heritage through traditional construction techniques and philosophical thought. Preserving local characteristics while protecting traditions is essential for social harmony, economic development, and cultural inheritance, supporting sustainable urban–rural integration. Full article

Newcastle disease, which affects poultry and is endemic in many nations across the world, is caused by Avian Paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1). This experimental study was conducted from January to June 2021 at the National Veterinary Institute (NVI) to evaluate the virus viability and antibody titer of Newcastle disease vaccines (Hichner’s B1, Lasota, and ThermostableI2) stored at different temperature storage conditions. Chickens (12 treatment groups and 1 control group) were vaccinated and challenged with the virulent ND virus (0.5 × 10^6.5 embryonic lethal dose fifty (ELD₅₀)). The immune responses (antibody titers) of chickens were evaluated using hemagglutination (HA) and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays. The Newcastle disease vaccines (Hachiner’s B1 (ND-HB1), ND-Lasota, and ND-Thermostable I2) stored at +4 °C HI-induced antibody titers of 151 (±103.3), 136 (±53.4), and 145 (±91) on day 14, respectively, whereas on day 21, they increased to 160 (±82) for ND-HB1 and 144 (±74.5) for ND-Lasota. ND-Thermostable I2 showed a decrement to 133 (±44.8). All three vaccines stored at different temperature storage conditions (+4, +23, and +30 °C) used in this experiment induced antibody titers greater than 128 on day 28 post-vaccination, except the Newcastle disease vaccine Thermostable I2 stored at +30 °C. The vaccines collected from private veterinary drugstores (customer vaccines Hachiner’s B1 and ND-Thermostable I2) used in this experiment induced very low antibody titers, less than 128 antibody titers, from days 14 to 21. Statistically significant induced mean antibody titers were observed for chickens that received vaccines stored at different temperature storage conditions for 72 h (p < 0.05), except for the ND-HB1 mean HI-induced antibody titer at days 7 and 28. Further, vaccine protection was confirmed by inoculation of both the vaccinated (treatment groups) and control groups by the virulent ND virus, where the control group started dying three days post-challenge but all chicks that received the vaccines survived. Overall, this study showed the impact of temperature storage conditions on the antibody titer and their effect on the titer of the viable virus in the vaccine, and thereby its protective capacity, warranting appropriate cold chain management of the vaccines along the value chain. Full article

The virulent form of Avian paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1), commonly known as Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), is a pathogen with global implications for avian health, affecting both wild and domestic bird populations. In Pakistan, recurrent Newcastle Disease (caused by NDV) outbreaks have posed significant challenges to the poultry industry. Extensive surveillance in Pakistan over 20 years has demonstrated a dynamic genetic diversity among circulating APMV-1 strains, emphasizing the potential necessity for customized vaccination strategies and continuous surveillance. In this study, 13 APMV-1-positive isolates harboring four different APMV-1 genotypes circulating throughout Pakistan were identified. These included the highly virulent genotypes VII and XIII, genotype XXI, commonly associated with Columbiformes, and genotype II, hypothesized to have been detected following vaccination. These findings underscore the intricate interplay of mutational events and host-immune interactions shaping the evolving NDV landscape. This study advances our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of APMV-1 in Pakistan, highlighting the need for tailored vaccination strategies and continuous surveillance to enable effective APMV-1 management in avian populations, further emphasizing the importance of globally coordinated strategies to tackle APMV-1, given its profound impact on wild and domestic birds. Full article

Chinese universities have gone through three periods of centralized construction and significant differences in the design of teaching buildings in different periods may cause various thermal environment problems. This study takes a city in a cold region in northern China as an example and selects three teaching buildings built during three concentrated construction periods: 1950s to 1960s, 1980s to 1990s, and early 21st century as common cases. Based on field research, thermal environment measurement, APMV and PMV-PPD evaluation, and DeST simulation methods, it was found that the average summer APMV of the three teaching buildings was 1.37, indicating poor thermal comfort. In winter, the ambient temperature of the classrooms was below 18 °C for about 30% to 40% of the whole year, the average PMV value was −2.36, and the PPD value was obtained as 83.28%, far exceeding the standard requirements. The obtained results form a design strategy to optimize the thermal environment of teaching buildings. By considering the teaching building of historical architecture from the 1950s to 1960s as an example, the optimization design was carried out from three aspects to improve the indoor thermal environment and reduce the building’s cooling and heating load. The cumulative load of the building throughout the year was reduced by 21%, the cumulative heat load was reduced by 28.3%, and the cumulative cooling load was reduced by 10.1%. This research is anticipated to be of great reference significance for enhancing the thermal comfort of existing buildings, promoting energy conservation, and reducing carbon emissions. At the same time, it contributes to the protection and optimal use of historical buildings. Full article

The flyways of many different wild waterfowl pass through the Caspian Sea region. The western coast of the middle Caspian Sea is an area with many wetlands, where wintering grounds with large concentrations of birds are located. It is known that wild waterfowl are a natural reservoir of the influenza A virus. In the mid-2000s, in the north of this region, the mass deaths of swans, gulls, and pelicans from high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) were noted. At present, there is still little known about the presence of avian influenza virus (AIVs) and different avian paramyxoviruses (APMVs) in the region’s waterfowl bird populations. Here, we report the results of monitoring these viruses in the wild waterfowl of the western coast of the middle Caspian Sea from 2017 to 2020. Samples from 1438 individuals of 26 bird species of 7 orders were collected, from which 21 strains of AIV were isolated, amounting to a 1.46% isolation rate of the total number of samples analyzed (none of these birds exhibited external signs of disease). The following subtypes were determined and whole-genome nucleotide sequences of the isolated strains were obtained: H1N1 (n = 2), H3N8 (n = 8), H4N6 (n = 2), H7N3 (n = 2), H8N4 (n = 1), H10N5 (n = 1), and H12N5 (n = 1). No high pathogenicity influenza virus H5 subtype was detected. Phylogenetic analysis of AIV genomes did not reveal any specific pattern for viruses in the Caspian Sea region, showing that all segments belong to the Eurasian clades of classic avian-like influenza viruses. We also did not find the amino acid substitutions in the polymerase complex (PA, PB1, and PB2) that are critical for the increase in virulence or adaptation to mammals. In total, 23 hemagglutinating viruses not related to influenza A virus were also isolated, of which 15 belonged to avian paramyxoviruses. We were able to sequence 12 avian paramyxoviruses of three species, as follows: Newcastle disease virus (n = 4); Avian paramyxovirus 4 (n = 5); and Avian paramyxovirus 6 (n = 3). In the Russian Federation, the Newcastle disease virus of the VII.1.1 sub-genotype was first isolated from a wild bird (common pheasant) in the Caspian Sea region. The five avian paramyxovirus 4 isolates obtained belonged to the common clade in Genotype I, whereas phylogenetic analysis of three isolates of Avian paramyxovirus 6 showed that two isolates, isolated in 2017, belonged to Genotype I and that an isolate identified in 2020 belonged to Genotype II. The continued regular monitoring of AIVs and APMVs, the obtaining of data on the biological properties of isolated strains, and the accumulation of information on virus host species will allow for the adequate planning of epidemiological measures, suggest the most likely routes of spread of the virus, and assist in the prediction of the introduction of the viruses in the western coastal region of the middle Caspian Sea. Full article