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At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Recognition of microclimate zones through radon mapping, Lechuguilla Cave, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico.

Radon concentrations range from less than 185 to 3,515 Bq m-3 throughout Lechuguilla Cave, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico. Concentrations in the entrance passages and areas immediately adjacent to these passages are controlled by outside air temperature and barometric pressure, similar to other Type 2 caves. Most of the cave is developed in three geographic branches beneath the entrance passages; these areas maintain Rn levels independent of surface effects, an indication that Rn levels in deep, complex caves or mines cannot be simply estimated by outside atmospheric parameters. These deeper, more isolated areas are subject to convective ventilation driven by temperature differences along the 477-m vertical extent of the cave. Radon concentrations are used to delineate six microclimate zones (air circulation cells) throughout the cave in conjunction with observed airflow data. Suspected surface connections contribute fresh air to remote cave areas demonstrated by anomalous Rn lows surrounded by higher values, the presence of mammalian skeletal remains, CO2 concentrations and temperatures lower than the cave mean, and associated surficial karst features.

Air Pollutants, Radioactive↗
PubMed2000

Effect of the microclimate on horses during international air transportation in an enclosed container.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the microclimate is detrimental to horses during international air transportation in an enclosed container. PROCEDURE: On each of two 12 h and two 24 h flights three horses were transported in an enclosed container designed to prevent exposure to insect vectors. Heart rates were monitored throughout and blood samples were collected periodically. Air in the container was sampled for bacteria and fungal spores and the temperature and relative humidity were recorded inside and outside the container periodically during the flight. On the two 12 h flights similar observations were made on three horses transported in regular open containers, which were used as controls. RESULTS: Heart rates during the flights reflected any agitation of the horses. Agitation was only mild and generally associated with take-off and landing. There were no changes in haematological or blood biochemical values that suggested any detrimental effects of the flights. The temperature in the Airstable was relatively constant during each flight (means ranged from 18.7 to 23.4 degrees C) and was significantly warmer than in the cargo hold (range 13.9 to 18.3 degrees C). Relative humidity fluctuated more widely and reflected the ambient humidity during airport stops. The numbers of bacteria and fungal spores in the Airstable air varied during the flights but were of no apparent significance to the horses' health. CONCLUSION: The Airstable proved a convenient means to transport horses on international flights and caused no discernible ill effects on the horses studied.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMed2003

Efficacy of intermittent, regional microclimate cooling.

The vasomotor response to cold may compromise the capacity for microclimate cooling (MCC) to reduce thermoregulatory strain. This study examined the hypothesis that intermittent, regional MCC (IRC) would abate this response and improve heat loss when compared with constant MCC (CC) during exercise heat stress. In addition, the relative effectiveness of four different IRC regimens was compared. Five heat-acclimated men attempted six experimental trials of treadmill walking ( approximately 225 W/m(2)) in a warm climate (dry bulb temperature = 30 degrees C, dewpoint temperature = 11 degrees C) while wearing chemical protective clothing (insulation = 2.1; moisture permeability = 0.32) with a water-perfused (21 degrees C) cooling undergarment. The six trials conducted were CC (continuous perfusion) of 72% body surface area (BSA), two IRC regimens cooling 36% BSA by using 2:2 (IRC(1)) or 4:4 (IRC(2)) min on-off perfusion ratios, two IRC regimens cooling 18% BSA by using 1:3 (IRC(3)) or 2:6 (IRC(4)) min on-off perfusion ratios, and a no cooling (NC) control. Compared with NC, CC significantly reduced changes in rectal temperature ( approximately 1.2 degrees C) and heart rate ( approximately 60 beats/min) (P < 0.05). The four IRC regimens all provided a similar reduction in exercise heat strain and were 164-215% more efficient than CC because of greater heat flux over a smaller BSA. These findings indicate that the IRC approach to MCC is a more efficient means of cooling when compared with CC paradigms and can improve MCC capacity by reducing power requirements.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Microclimate in two types of rat cages.

The microclimate in two types of rat cages (a Makrolon type IV with a solid floor and a stainless steel cage with a wire mesh floor (five rats per cage)) placed in the same macro-environment was compared. The temperature, relative humidity and ammonia concentration in the cages were measured twice a day for 8 days. The cages were cleaned every 4 days. The greatest difference between the cage types was in the ammonia build-up. In Makrolon cages the ammonia concentration never reached 5 ppm, whereas in steel cages it showed a constant increase and already exceeded the threshold limit for man (25 ppm for 8 h per day) on the third day after cleaning.

Ammonia↗
PubMed1976

Influence of microclimate on the life cycle of the common tick Ixodes ricinus (L.) in thermophilic oak forest.

Under conditions of the South Moravian thermophilic oak forest (Valtice near Breclav), the life cycle of the common tick Ixodes ricinus was studied by continuous recording of main elements of microclimate (temperature and humidity) in three different biotopes: forest, margin of the forest and meadow. Simultaneously conditions and the process of tick hibernation were studied in four soil layers (surface, depths of 10, 20 and 30 cm). Observations made in the winter and vegetation periods were assessed by mathematical-statistical tests. Results obtained in the forest biotope and at its margin are presented in this paper; results from the meadow biotope will be published separately.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

[Ultraviolet radiation in the light microclimate of a city].

The problems of ultraviolet microclimate under conditions of urban environment are discussed. Changes in the quantitative and qualitative content of the ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth surface of free spaces, or else penetrating living premises, accounts for a characteristics of the short-wave spectrum supplied by the natural sun radiation, obviously unfavourable in biological and hygienic respect.

Bulgaria↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The treatment of superficial burns of the hands under controlled microclimate conditions].

In the treatment of the superficial burns of the hands, since October 1996, we have used exclusively the method of the controlled microclimate, verified in different variants starting early sixties. At the end of the usual primary wound treatment, the hand covered with the chosen topic is an ordinary new polyethylene bag. The bags are not pre-sterilized but the test showed no pathogen germs. The patient uses the hands for the daily activities--eating, reading. He/she is encouraged to perform active exercises (light gymnastics). We change the bags daily or whenever necessary, after a careful of the wound. We evaluated the healing time, the epithelial quality, secretions, mobility, patient's and medical personnel's acceptability, and the economic aspect. Though we couldn't notice a shorter period of healing, the epithelium showed a better quality in the early period of regeneration. The range of mobility was faster restored but long term results were the same as with usual dressings. We consider the method is appropriate for standardization in superficial hand burns in inpatients or outpatients for at least 4 reasons: comfort for the patient, his active and conscious participation in the process of healing, high acceptability among medical personnel, the semnificative economic advantage.

Burns↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Symptoms of ocular discomfort and microclimate: epidemiologic and environmental survey in operating rooms].

An epidemiological investigation regarding the ocular symptoms of 213 subjects working in the operating theatres of a hospital of the eastern Sicily was conducted. Information was gathered via a questionnaire designed to identify the ocular symptoms that occurred most frequently during working hours in the operating theatre. The questionnaire was administered by a specialist in Occupational Health, before any decision was made to investigate the indoor air quality. The microclimate parameters (temperature, relative humidity, number of air changes/hour, air velocity, illumination levels) of the operating theatres were also studied. The results of the epidemiological investigation showed that 154 subjects out of 213 (72.3%) reported a lack of eye comfort. The most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue (35.21%) and heaviness (34.27%), followed by burning (25.82%), redness (25.35%), lacrimation (17.84%), itching (2%), blinking (20%), foreign body sensation (19%) and photophobia (10%). The study of the indoor climate of the operating theatres showed that the number of air changes/hour and illumination level were not consistent with those recommended by the Italian Regulatory Authority. Others parameters were considered to be satisfactory. The Authors conclude that the low illumination level may be responsible for the high percentage of subjects suffering from eye fatigue and heaviness. The ineffective rate of room air exchange, possibly interacting with chemicals and aerosols, is thought to be responsible for the other ocular symptoms experienced by the workers. The present study suggests that the operating theatre environment might be a cause of the ocular discomfort often complained of by health care workers. Further studies are needed in this area.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Effect of microclimate on bacterial count and airborne emission from dairy barns on the environment.

The main microclimate parameters, i.e. bacterial count and airborne emission to the immediate environment, were analyzed in a dairy barn. Air temperature, relative humidity and air flow velocity were measured on an attested Testo 400 device (Testo Inc., Germany). Air samples were collected by use of a Merck MAS-100 device (Merck KgaA, Darmstadt, Germany) onto a commercially available nutrient Columbia agar (Biolife, Milan, Italy) and incubated for 24 h in an incubator at 37 degrees C work temperature. Measurements were carried out once a week in the morning, at noon, and in the evening during October and November 2002. In the barn, measurements were performed in the animal housing area along the feedlot, and outside the barn at a distance of 5 m, 25 m and 50 m eastward and westward from the barn. The measured dairy barn temperature ranged from 11.2 degrees C to 13.1 degrees C, relative humidity from 71.3-78.6 %, and air flow velocity from 0.09-0.11 m/s. The mean value of total bacterial count in the barn air ranged from 2.82 x 10 (4) cfu/m(3) at noon to 7.76 x 10(4) cfu/m(3) in the evening. Bacterial count decreased at particular measuring sites outside the barn, with Wilcoxon matched pair test showing statistical significance (p < 0.05) at a distance of 5 m eastward and 5 m westward of the barn.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗
PubMed1991

[Analysis of combined effects of noise and heating microclimate on various indicators of the status of the human body].

Experimental study was performed to establish the characteristics of a complex action of noise and heating microclimate on some physiological and psychophysiological indices. The affecting factors were registered on one of the three possible levels: for noise--65, 80, 95 dBA; for temperatures--23 degrees, 28 degrees, 33 degrees C in 90 min. after which the recuperation process was registered for 30 min. Practically healthy male volunteers, aged 19-28, were involved in the study. It was established that the types of the physiological and psychophysiological dynamics' indices differed not only in the chart elements, but also in the characteristics of the factors' interaction, which confirmed inadvisability of using average indices of the functions studied. At all levels, the combination of the factors, their interaction were close to the additive type. This should be taken into account in the standardization procedures.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The seasonality of the development of house dust mites depending on the microclimate of the quarters].

Changes in the extensiveness and intensity of the premise contaminations with home dust ticks depending on the above-sea level have been confirmed. It has been shown that two peaks in the ticks' number during the year correlate with the microclimate in the premises, primarily with the level of relative humidity. Fluctuations in the number of ticks in Uzbekistan are less expressed in the mountain areas than on the plain.

Altitude↗
PubMed1990

[Body function and the biological aging of those working under the conditions of a warming microclimate].

The state of the cardiovascular system, indices of thermoregulation, immunological reactivity, cardiopulmonary and biological age were investigated in workers of "hot" professions. It was established that persons working in conditions of heating microclimate show a weakening of the compensation capacities of the cardio-vascular system manifested in a reduction of tone of arterial vessels, inhibition of immunological reactivity. These workers revealed an increased rate of aging of the body at working length over 15 years.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Results of studies on long-term results of the effects of hot microclimate on the body of workers].

The article presents data on the functional features of thermoregulation, cardiovascular and respiratory system, neuro-muscular and immune state in those engaged in heating microclimate labour conditions. It is proposed that intensive heat and physical overload results in presenilation among workers, which is proved by changes in their cardiopulmonary and biologic aging processes.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Comparative evaluation of regulated and non-regulated periods of work and rest in a high-temperature microclimate in the glass industry].

During warm periods of the year under unregulated work regimen the thermal state of the workers of glass manufacturing hot shops was regarded as discomfort. Under regulated work regimen the indices of workers' thermal state and hemodynamics were stabilized at a lower level. The dynamics of changes of the central nervous neuromuscular systems was also more favourable compared to the unregulated regimen. It was considered advisable to restrict the time of continuous stay at the workplace with heating microclimate for those engaged into work of mean intensity by 48 min. It was suggested to supply the workplace with the air with adequate microclimatic parameters and to organize health and psychophysiologic relief rooms.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[External respiratory function in healthy subjects under joint exposure to conditions of a central highlands and a salt mine microclimate].

Spirographic examinations have been performed in 20-25-year-old healthy men randomized into two groups. Group I subjects underwent a 24-day adaptation to the climate of moderate altitudes (2100 m above the sea level). In addition, group II subjects spent a few hours daily (day 5-23, altogether 170 hours) in a salt mine Chon-Tuz. It was found that in healthy men microclimate of a salt mine potentiated the adaptive changes of external respiration in moderate altitudes as shown by increased bronchial permeability and vital capacity indicating growing functional reserves of external respiration.

Adaptation, Physiological↗