| 1. |
- Dalerum, Fredrik, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of phylogenetic associations on environmental and temporal niche partitioning among sympatric mammals
- 2024
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Ingår i: Basic and Applied Ecology. - 1439-1791 .- 1618-0089. ; 74, s. 98-107
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mammals have evolved to occupy spatial and temporal niches in order to optimize resource utilization and minimize predation risk or competition. Subsequently, niche partitioning may be influenced by phylogenetic associations, which could have substantial consequences for ecosystem structure and function. We use the output from occupancy models based on camera trapping data to construct a tri-partite network describing the environmental and temporal partitioning of activity among twelve sympatric mammals in the Apennine Mountains of central Italy. We further evaluate if there were any effects of phylogenetic associations on the contributions of species to the properties of this spatio-temporal network. The Apennines form a pristine region in central Italy with a relatively intact Mediterranean mammal fauna. The mammal community in our study consisted of species ranging in size from 300 gs to over 200 kg, and included herbivores, omnivores and predators. There was limited structuring of the network describing environmental and temporal niche use. Furthermore, we did not find any phylogenetic signal in species contributions to network structures, and phylogenetic relatedness among species was not associated with their similarities in environmental or spatial niche use. However, animals appeared to have partitioned environmental niches more than temporal ones, suggesting that spatial variation in resource availability may have been more important than temporal avoidance of predation risk or competition in shaping activity within this mammal community. Our study highlights the need to evaluate under which conditions evolutionary history is influencing contemporary ecological processes.
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| 2. |
- Hachem Vermette, Caroline, et al.
(författare)
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Towards the development of legislative framework for solar neighborhoods
- 2024
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Built Environment. - 2297-3362. ; 10
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The growing implementation of sustainable urban infrastructure, utilizing solar energy for heat and power generation, daylighting, and thermal comfort, has intensified the focus on sustainability standards and guidelines. Nevertheless, a noticeable deficiency persists in regulations that specifically address solar energy access and protection, posing a barrier to the diffusion of solar-centric neighborhoods. This paper examines the traditional urban regulatory frameworks and the state of solar energy regulations and practices within five countries (i.e., Canada, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland). The aim of the study is to (i) identify gaps in existing regulations, standards, and codes, (ii) highlight the need for future regulations to protect solar access and rights, and (iii) support the deployment of solar technologies on a large scale. The results underline that climate-related regulations often fall short of specificity tailored to regional and local climates, relying on generalized climate considerations. Solar energy legislation is generally scarce and lacks comprehensive planning. Finally, despite various financial incentives for the installation of active solar strategies, their impact remains limited, impeding the wide spread of solar technology as a primary source of energy production in urban environment.
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| 3. |
- Manni, Mattia, et al.
(författare)
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Ten questions concerning planning and design strategies for solar neighborhoods
- 2023
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Ingår i: Building and Environment. - 0360-1323. ; 246
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Planning of neighborhoods that efficiently implement active solar systems (e.g., solar thermal technologies, photovoltaics) and passive solar strategies (e.g., daylight control, sunlight access through optimized buildings' morphology, cool pavements, greeneries) is increasingly important to achieve positive energy and carbon neutrality targets, as well as to create livable urban spaces. In that regard, solar neighborhoods represent a virtuous series of solutions for communities that prioritize the exploitation of solar energy, with limited energy management systems. The ten questions answered in this article provide a critical overview of the technical, legislative, and environmental aspects to be considered in the planning and design of solar neighborhoods. The article moves from the categorization of “Solar Neighborhood” and the analysis of the state-of-the-art passive and active solar strategies to the identification of challenges and opportunities for solar solutions’ deployment. Insights into legislative aspects and lessons learned from case studies are also provided. Ongoing trends in solar energy digitalization, competing use of urban surfaces, and multi-criteria design workflows for optimal use of solar energy are outlined, emphasizing how they generate new opportunities for urban planners, authorities, and citizens. A framework is introduced to guide the potential evolution of solar neighborhoods in the next decade and to support the design of urban areas and landscapes with architecturally integrated solar energy solutions.
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