Greenhouse integrated photovoltaics (GIPV): Effects in microclimatic parameters and canopy production

Energy demand of greenhouses is an important factor for their economics, and photovoltaics (PV) can be used as an alternative method to supply electrical energy for electrical and heating needs. Infrared (IR) radiation heating systems operate via the conversion of the electrical energy into heat and possess the advantage of low electrical energy consumption with high directional control, appropriate for creating localized temperature conditions in open or thermally unprotected spaces. The objective of this research was to evaluate a low energy demand greenhouse that uses IR heating and PV panels installed on the roof and causing partial shading. The effects of the PV panels on plant growth and development were an additional target of the research. Experimental results are presented from a full cultivation period inside two greenhouses outfitted with and without PV systems, respectively. Pepper (California Wonder) was used as the test crop for a three-month period. Graphs are presented showing electrical energy output, incoming solar radiation flux, temperature and plant performance. Finally, the design and energy performance of the above PV installation modes is analyzed and the corresponding results are presented. © 2020 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved

Effects of a structured dance program in Parkinson's disease. A Greek pilot study

Introduction: Dance for Parkinson's Disease® (DfPD®) is a structured dance program that has never been evaluated in Greek PD population. This study assesses for the first time the efficacy, safety and feasibility of DfPD® program in Greek PD patients. Material and methods: A total of 16 early-to-mid-stage PD patients (50% men, aged 56 ± 12) underwent a total of 16 60-min classes of adjusted to Greek music and dance culture DfPD®, twice weekly, over 8 weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of the study period and included quality of life (PDQ-8), depressive symptoms (BDI-II), fatigue (PFS-16), cognitive functions (MoCA), balance (BBS) and body mass index (BMI). Safety (possible falls, injuries, muscle soreness or excessive fatigue) and feasibility (technical and financial parameters, willingness for participation and continuation, recruitment rates) were also assessed. Results: Statistically significant improvements were found in quality of life (29 ± 47%, p = 0,020), depressive symptoms (26 ± 52%, p = 0,046), fatigue (13 ± 20%, p = 0,021), cognitive functions (17 ± 23%, p = 0,010), balance (5 ± 4%, p = 0,003) and BMI (2 ± 2%, p = 0,010). No adverse events, high adherence (93,75%) and low attrition (12,5%) rates were reported. Conclusion: A twice weekly 60-min DfPD® class for 8 weeks is a safe and feasible non-pharmacological complementary therapeutic intervention for Greek PD patients and may improve their quality of life, depressive symptoms, fatigue, cognitive functions, balance, and BMI. Further research on this intervention is warranted. © 202

Effects of infrared radiation (IR) on growth parameters of eggplant cultivation and greenhouse energy efficiency

Greenhouses are an exceptionally energy consuming sector of rural production with important contribution in the environmental imprint. This is because they are complex and sophisticated productive systems of intensive exploitation and require optimal management of radiation, heating and cooling. Energy consumption for greenhouse heating represents a serious concern for greenhouse operators throughout Europe that is further aggravated by the present oil price. An alternative method of heating the plants in a greenhouse is the use of infrared (IR) radiation. Infrared radiation heating systems possess the advantage of high directional control and focused compensation of energy losses, appropriate for creating local temperature conditions in thermally unprotected spaces like greenhouses. The advantages of infrared heating are verified and demonstrated in an experimental greenhouse with eggplant cultivation. The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of infrared radiation on growth parameters of eggplant. Extensive experimental results are presented from a full cultivation period inside two identical, small scale experimental greenhouses, with IR and forced air heating system, correspondingly, in South-West of Peloponnese, Greece. Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is used as the test crop for a three months’ period. The design, energy performance and plant growth results from the two greenhouses are presented, regarding the effect of IR heating to the cultivated plant. The produced data include solar radiation, relative humidity, and greenhouse indoor air temperature and plant growth. Results are compared to conventional cultivation. The implementation of an IR heating system in a greenhouse for eggplants production had satisfactory results, establishing a smooth distribution of the temperature at the canopy, while inside greenhouse air temperature was maintained at lower values than in the conventionally heated greenhouse. Quantitative results on plant growth and yield have been collected, and the favourable conditions resulted in better plant growth than in the conventionally heated greenhouse. © 2020 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved

Effects of infrared radiation (IR) on growth parameters of eggplant cultivation and greenhouse energy efficiency

Greenhouses are an exceptionally energy consuming sector of rural production with important contribution in the environmental imprint. This is because they are complex and sophisticated productive systems of intensive exploitation and require optimal management of radiation, heating and cooling. Energy consumption for greenhouse heating represents a serious concern for greenhouse operators throughout Europe that is further aggravated by the present oil price. An alternative method of heating the plants in a greenhouse is the use of infrared (IR) radiation. Infrared radiation heating systems possess the advantage of high directional control and focused compensation of energy losses, appropriate for creating local temperature conditions in thermally unprotected spaces like greenhouses. The advantages of infrared heating are verified and demonstrated in an experimental greenhouse with eggplant cultivation. The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of infrared radiation on growth parameters of eggplant. Extensive experimental results are presented from a full cultivation period inside two identical, small scale experimental greenhouses, with IR and forced air heating system, correspondingly, in South-West of Peloponnese, Greece. Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is used as the test crop for a three months’ period. The design, energy performance and plant growth results from the two greenhouses are presented, regarding the effect of IR heating to the cultivated plant. The produced data include solar radiation, relative humidity, and greenhouse indoor air temperature and plant growth. Results are compared to conventional cultivation. The implementation of an IR heating system in a greenhouse for eggplants production had satisfactory results, establishing a smooth distribution of the temperature at the canopy, while inside greenhouse air temperature was maintained at lower values than in the conventionally heated greenhouse. Quantitative results on plant growth and yield have been collected, and the favourable conditions resulted in better plant growth than in the conventionally heated greenhouse. © 2020 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved

NT-proBNP in Children With Left to Right Shunt and Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are elevated in children with congenital heart disease involving a left-to-right shunt (LRS) and are also raised in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). As far as we know, there are few reports in the literature comparing the change of the NT-proBNP in LRS and DCM especially in the pediatric age group. Objectives The aim of the study was to compare the changes of the NT-proBNP in pediatric patients with LRS and DCM. Correlation between the levels of NT-proBNP and the echocardiographic parameters in both groups was determined. Patients and Methods A total of 30 children (13 males and 17 females) participated in the study. There were 11/30 (36.7%) DCM and 19/30 (63.3%) LRS. The control group consisted of 44 healthy infants and children. Manifestations of heart failure (decompensation) were recorded. The NT-pro BNP levels were measured. The following Echo parameters were assessed: systolic function (ejection fraction and fraction shortening), pulmonary to systemic flow (Qp/Qs) in LRS, pulmonary flow and pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) and LV diastolic function (E-wave, A-wave, E/A ratio and deceleration time). Results Clinically 17/30 (56.7%) (11 of the LRS and 5 of the DCM) were decompensated. Significant shunt was present in 15/19 (78.9%) in LRS. Systolic dysfunction was presented in 5/30 (16.7%) cases (4 patients were DCM and one case was LRS). Two types of diastolic dysfunction, impaired relaxation in 5/22 (22.7%) patients and restrictive-like filling pattern in 5/16 (31.2 %) were observed. The NT-Pro BNP level was significantly elevated 11 and 16 times in the LRS and DCM groups respectively. Negative significant correlations were observed between the levels of NT-ProBNP and the following echo variables; EDD, LAD, E wave and E/A ratio in the LRS patients. Positive significant correlations were observed between the levels of NT-ProBNP and the following echo variables; PAP and QP/QS in the LRS. Both the PAP and QP/QS were higher in the elevated NT-Pro BNP group compared to the normal level group. The NT-Pro BNP level was elevated in all 17/30 (56.7%) decompensated patients (11 were LRS, 6 were DCM) (P = 0.002). However, the level was elevated in only 7/13 (23.3%) of the compensated patients (3 were LRS, 4 were DCM) (P = 0.002). The NT-Pro BNP level was also elevated in 18/19 cases with pulmonary hypertension (P = 0.01). Finally, we conclude that the NT-ProBNP level is elevated in both LRS and DCM in pediatric age. This elevation is more remarkable with heart failure and increased PAP in both diseased groups. The level was also elevated and correlated to Qp/Qs in the LRS patients. Conclusions So, we recommend the use of NT-ProBNP as a routine marker for following up patients with heart failure and pulmonary hypertension in LRS and DCM