Numerical simulation of effect of vegetation configuration on human thermal comfort / 环境与职业医学

Background The urban heat island effect has a significant negative impact on human health. Urban green space can effectively improve the urban thermal environment while enhancing human thermal comfort. Objective To investigate the effects of vegetation configuration structure on temperature and humidity and on human thermal comfort, with a view to providing reference for the landscape planning of urban reserve, preventing and reducing the impact of urban heat island effect on the health of urban residents. Methods The study was carried out on a typical clear and cloudless summer day without extreme weather in a university reserve area in Hefei. The numerical simulation accuracy of ENVI-met software was verified by measured data. Based on the quantitative definition of vegetation configuration structure scheme from vertical and horizontal perspectives, nine simulation scenarios were established based on three aspects including vegetation configuration type (grass, shrub + grass, tree + grass, tree + shrub + grass), planting layout (column planting, uniform spot planting), and planting density [the aspect ratio of trees (ART) between plants was 0.75, 1.13, 1.50, and 2.25, respectively] to quantitatively evaluate the cooling and humidifying effects and human thermal comfort [physiological equivalent temperature (PET)] of the vegetation configurations. Results The change trends of the cooling and humidifying effects of all the simulated scenarios were consistent, basically first increasing and then decreasing. Among all the simulated scenarios, the cooling and humidifying effects of scenario 8 (tree + grass, ART=2.25, uniform spot planting) were the best, with the greatest cooling of 1.36 ℃ and humidification of 6.29% in comparison to the worst scenario 1 in the reserve area. The human thermal comfort of scenario 9 (tree + shrub + grass, ART=2.25, uniform spot planting) was the best, with the PET of 35.37 ℃. The order of improvement effect of different vegetation configurations on thermal comfort from strong to weak was tree + shrub + grass structure (scenario 9) > tree + grass structure (scenario 8) > shrub + grass structure (scenario 2) > grass structure (scenario 1). At 15:00, the PET value of tree + shrub + grass structure (scenario 9) decreased by 7.44 ℃ in comparison to that of grass structure (scenario 1). The higher the planting density among trees, the higher the difference in temperature and relative humidity between the simulated and the original scenarios. In case of holding the same amount of greenery, uniform spot planting showed better human comfort when the vegetation was planted sparsely, but the difference between the PET value of scenario 3 (tree + grass, ART=0.75, uniform spot planting) and scenario 5 (tree + grass, ART=1.5, column planting) was only 0.15 ℃; when the vegetation was planted densely, column planting was more favorable to wind circulation and more effective in reducing the temperature of the site, with a lower PET value of 0.87 ℃ for scenario 7 (tree + grass, ART=2.25, column planting) than for scenario 4 (tree + grass, ART=1.13, uniform spot planting). Conclusion Urban green space has obvious cooling and humidifying effects in summer. The human comfort of tree + shrub + grass structure with uniform spot planting is optimal, and the cooling and humidifying effects of tree + grass structure with uniform spot planting are the most obvious. The optimization of vegetation configuration structure is crucial for reducing urban heat island, improving human thermal comfort, and promoting residents’ health.

Evaluation of thermal environment and human thermal comfort in 8 types of public places from 2019 to 2021 / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the thermal environment of different types of public places and the thermal comfort of employees, so as to provide scientific basis for the establishment of microclimate standards and health supervision requirements. Methods: From June 2019 to December 2021, 50 public places (178 times) of 8 categories in Wuxi were selected, including hotels, swimming pools (gymnasiums), bathing places, shopping malls (supermarkets), barber shops, beauty shops, waiting rooms (bus station) and gyms. In summer and winter, microclimate indicators such as temperature and wind speed were measured in all kinds of places, combined with the work attire and physical activity of employees in the places. Fanger thermal comfort equation and center for the built environment (CBE) thermal comfort calculation tool were used to evaluate the predicted mean vote (PMV), predicted percent dissatisfied (PPD) and standard effective temperature (SET) according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 55-2020. The modification effects of seasonal and temperature control conditions on thermal comfort were analyzed. The consistency of GB 37488-2019 "Hygienic Indicators and Limits in Public Places" and ASHRAE 55-2020 evaluation results on thermal environment was compared. Results: The thermal sensation of hotel, barber shop staff and the gym front-desk staff were moderate, while the thermal sensation of swimming place lifeguard, bathing place cleaning staff and gym trainer were slightly warm in summer and winter. Waiting room (bus station) cleaning and working staff, shopping mall staff felt slightly warm in summer and moderate in winter. Service staff in bathing places felt slightly warm in winter, while staff in beauty salons felt slightly cool in winter. The thermal comfort compliance of hotel cleaning staff and shopping mall staff in summer was lower than that in winter (χ(2)=7.01, 7.22, P=0.008, 0.007). The thermal comfort compliance of shopping mall staff in the condition of air conditioning off was higher than that in the condition of air conditioning on (χ(2)=7.01, P=0.008). The SET values of front-desk staff in hotels with different health supervision levels were significantly different (F=3.30, P=0.024). The PPD value and SET value of the front-desk staff, and the PPD value of cleaning staff of hotels above three stars were lower than those of hotels below three stars (P<0.05). The thermal comfort compliance of front-desk staff and cleaning staff in hotels above three stars was higher than that in hotels below three stars (χ(2)=8.33, 8.09, P=0.016, 0.018). The consistency of the two criteria was highest among waiting room (bus station) staff (100.0%, 1/1) and lowest among gym front-desk staff (0%, 0/2) and waiting room (bus station) cleaning staff (0%, 0/1) . Conclusion: There are different degrees of thermal discomfort in different seasons, under the condition of air conditioning and health supervision, and the microclimate indicators can not fully reflect the thermal comfort of human body. The health supervision of microclimate should be strengthened, the applicability of health standard limit value should be evaluated in many aspects, and the thermal comfort of occupational group should be improved.

Application of blood/fluid warmer during plateletpheresis in winter and its nursing / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To study the safety, effectiveness and nursing of blood/fluid warmer during the process of plateletpheresis in winter. 【Methods】 The blood re-transfusion speed during plateletpheresis in winter and the time of blood passing through the blood return pipeline was counted. The vitro blood was heated with a blood/fluid warmer under different temperature settings, and the rising speed of blood temperature was recorded. The blood samples were tested for blood routine examination, free Hb and erythrocyte morphology at 0, 15 and 30 minutes. In the process of plateletpheresis in winter, the blood donors′ ear temperature and the skin temperature near the reinfusion needle in the observation group and the controls were measured, and the blood donors were observed for shivering, arm chills, pain or other discomfort. After the blood donation, the thermal comfort was evaluated. 【Results】 There was no difference in the results of routine blood test and plasma free Hb test of vitro blood after warming at 41℃, 42℃ and 43℃ for 0, 15 and 30 minutes (P>0.05), and no change in erythrocyte morphology was found. The skin temperature near the reinfusion needle (before vs. after the start of phlebotomy) was statistically different by applying blood/fluid warmer or not(P0.05). The vitro blood heating experiment showed that when the room temperature was within 22~24℃, the blood retransfusion speed was (100-120) mL/min; after the application of blood/fluid warmer, the temperature of reinfusion blood could be raised from 27℃ to 33~37℃. The proportion of feeling comfortable and very comfortable and the score of thermal comfort in the blood donors who used the warmer were higher than those in the controls (P<0.05). When the temperature of the warmer was set above 38℃, the average score of thermal comfort of blood donors was above 8. 【Conclusion】 It is safe to apply the blood/fluid warmer during the plateletsapheresis in winter, which can significantly improve the comfort of blood donors and reflect the humanized service of blood stations, and is worth popularizing.

Carnauba (Copernicia prunifera) straw as an alternative bedding material for dairy cows housed in a Compost barn system / [Bagana de carnaúba como material de cama alternativo para vacas leiteiras alojadas em sistema Compost barn]

The replacement of bedding in compost dairy barns (CB) comprises a recurrent management practice, but bedding materials are often not readily available in all regions and the choice of alternative materials is necessary. The objective was to evaluate the thermal attributes of carnauba straw (CS) bedding in compost dairy barn facilities. Environmental monitoring operations were performed at a commercial farm located in Northeast Brazil. Mini weather stations were used to evaluate environmental variables. The THI was evaluated as one of the comfort parameters. Analysis of the spatial distribution of bed surface temperature (BST) in the CB was performed using geostatistical techniques. The cows remained out of the comfort zone according to THI results. The BST indicated satisfactory performance and from the thermal point of view can be used as alternative bedding material in CB facilities. However, it was observed that the CS showed fast biomass degradation compared to conventional materials, widely known. In addition, inadequate temperature values (< 45°C) were found in the deeper of the CS bed, signaling higher risks of pathogenic microbial activity. Additional studies are needed for searching the proper management plans that increase the life span of the bed formed by carnauba straw.(AU)

A reposição de cama na instalação Compost Barn (CB) compreende uma prática recorrente de manejo, porém os materiais de cama muitas vezes não estão facilmente disponíveis em todas as regiões, sendo necessária a adoção de materiais alternativos. Objetivou-se avaliar os atributos térmicos da cama à base de bagana de carnaúba (BC) para instalações CB. Foram realizadas operações de monitoramento ambiental em uma fazenda comercial situada no nordeste do Brasil. Miniestações meteorológicas foram utilizadas para avaliação de variáveis ambientais. O ITU foi avaliado como um dos parâmetros de conforto. A distribuição espacial da temperatura superficial da cama (TSC) no galpão foi analisada usando técnicas da geoestatística. As vacas mantiveram-se fora da zona de conforto, conforme resultados do ITU. A TSC indicou desempenho satisfatório e, do ponto de vista térmico, pode ser utilizada como material alternativo para cama em instalações CB. Entretanto, observou-se que a BC apresentou rápida degradação da biomassa em comparação a materiais convencionais, amplamente conhecidos. Além disso, valores inadequados de temperatura (< 45°C) foram encontrados nas camadas profundas da cama de BC, sinalizando maiores riscos de atividade microbiana patogênica. Estudos adicionais tornam-se necessários para a busca de planos de manejo que aumentem o tempo de vida útil da cama formada por bagana de carnaúba.(AU)

Percepción del Confort Térmico en Conjuntos Residenciales y su Incidencia en la Calidad de Vida / Thermal Comfort in Residential Complexes as life Quality Enhancers / Conforto Térmico em Complexos Residenciais como Melhoradores da Qualidade De Vida

Resumen Introducción. En este artículo se presentan los resultados finales de la investigación Análisis del confort térmico de conjuntos habitacionales realizada en la ciudad de Portoviejo, Ecuador. Objetivo. Analizar la percepción del confort térmico de las viviendas del conjunto habitacional Fuentes del Río de la ciudad de Portoviejo y reconocer los elementos que favorecen o no la calidad climática del interior de sus espacios, mediante técnicas de investigación y herramientas tecnológicas, evidenciando el valor de orientar las edificaciones de carácter residencial de acuerdo a las condicionantes climáticas que influyen en ellas. Materiales y Métodos. Se presenta una investigación bibliográfica y de campo, apoyada en el diagnóstico del conjunto arquitectónico en estudio. Resultados. Una vez obtenidas las valoraciones, se procedió mediante estrategias de diseño a idear elementos que mitiguen las incidencias climáticas en el interior de viviendas además de elaborar un listado de parámetros bioclimáticos que aporten en la proyección de futuros conjuntos urbanísticos en el área urbana de la ciudad de Portoviejo. Conclusiones. los elementos analizados permiten reconocer la importancia de emplear parámetros bioclimáticos o principios de arquitectura sustentable y el uso de tecnología constructiva que faciliten la creación de programas habitacionales sustentables, contribuyendo en forma positiva con el medio ambiente y mejorando la habitabilidad de los espacios.

Abstract Introduction. This article presents the final results of the research Analysis of the thermal comfort of residential complexes carried out in the city of Portoviejo, Ecuador. Objective. Analyze the perception of thermal comfort of the housing units of the Fuentes del Río housing complex in the city of Portoviejo and recognize the elements that favor or not the climatic quality of the interior of their spaces, through research techniques and technological tools, demonstrating the value of orienting the buildings of a residential nature according to the climatic conditions that influence them. Materials and methods. A bibliographic and field research is presented, supported by the diagnosis of the architectural complex under study. Results. Once the valuations were obtained, we proceeded by means of design strategies to devise elements that mitigate the climatic incidences inside homes, in addition to preparing a list of bioclimatic parameters that contribute to the projection of future urban complexes in the urban area of the city of Portoviejo. Conclusions. The elements analyzed allow us to recognize the importance of using bioclimatic parameters or principles of sustainable architecture and the use of constructive technology that empower the creation of sustainable housing programs, contributing positively to the environment and improving the habitability of the spaces.

Resumo Introdução. Este artigo apresenta os resultados finais da pesquisa Análise do conforto térmico de complexos residenciais realizada na cidade de Portoviejo, Equador. Objetivo. Analisar a percepção de conforto térmico das unidades habitacionais do conjunto habitacional Fuentes del Río, na cidade de Portoviejo, e reconhecer os elementos que favorecem ou não a qualidade climática do interior de seus espaços, por meio de técnicas de pesquisa e ferramentas tecnológicas, demonstrando o valor da orientação dos edifícios. de natureza residencial de acordo com as condições climáticas que os influenciam. Materiais e métodos. É apresentada uma pesquisa bibliográfica e de campo, apoiada no diagnóstico do complexo arquitetônico em estudo. Resultados. Uma vez obtidas as avaliações, procedemos por meio de estratégias de projeto para conceber elementos que mitigam os incidentes climáticos dentro das casas, além de elaborar uma lista de parâmetros bioclimáticos que contribuem para a projeção de futuros complexos urbanos na área urbana da cidade de Portoviejo. Conclusões. Os elementos analisados permitem reconhecer a importância do uso de parâmetros ou princípios bioclimáticos da arquitetura sustentável e o uso de tecnologia construtiva que possibilite a criação de programas habitacionais sustentáveis, contribuindo positivamente para o meio ambiente e melhorando a habitabilidade dos espaços.

Green to Grey: An Urban Heat Assessment of Kumasi, Ghana

The current study assessed the city of Kumasi, Ghana to find out the extent of urban heat and the views of the populace about their climate. Both the subjective and objective approaches were utilized in the study. Secondary data from the Meteorological Survey Department in Kumasi covering temperature and relative humidity values for a 42- year period (1976 - 2018) was retrieved and used in the analysis to find the trend of urban heat phenomenon. Alongside, a developed questionnaire had a response from 2,083 people. The findings reveal among other things that there’s a 2ºC rise in mean annual temperature from 1976 to 2018. Additionally, the data shows that the past 4 years have had high mean temperature values. Subjectively, 1, 271 residence representing 61% voted in the “slightly warm-hot” range on the thermal sensation scale. Majority of the respondents across all the ages indicated how uncomfortable their outdoor spaces have become in recent times. 36% of the respondents attributed this discomfort to the lack of greenery with over 95% across all ages indicating that Kumasi city has lost its greenery and green spaces to buildings and other infrastructural activities. Whiles climate change and global warming have both become a global menace, the onus lies on individual countries and for that matter, various city authorities to make a conscious effort in planning our cities with greenery to alleviate the menace we already find ourselves. A conscious effort to retrieve and restore encroached green spaces must be undertaken by the city authorities while the parks and gardens division ought to be efficiently resourced to manage our green spaces.

A relação entre capacidade atencional, psicopedagogia e o conforto térmico em salas de aula / The relation between attentional capacity, psychopedagogy and thermal comfort in classrooms

A interferência do conforto térmico na capacidade de atenção dos estudantes em salas de aula já tem sido relatada em pesquisas nas áreas que desenvolvem os projetos de edifícios escolares. Entretanto, no campo da educação trata-se da temática da capacidade atencional e da aprendizagem sem relacionar ao ambiente construído. Desse modo, verifica-se o quanto é preciso trazer esse debate a fim de subsidiar e inter-relacionar as áreas. Assim, este trabalho teve por objetivo tratar das possíveis relações entre a capacidade atencional, a psicopedagogia e o conforto térmico no ambiente escolar a partir de seus percursos e da produção de conhecimentos, assim como dos dados coletados com os estudantes. Esta pesquisa tem natureza de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, com base em levantamentos de dados realizados em duas instituições públicas de educação superior, localizadas na cidade de Belo Horizonte e em Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais. Os resultados em Belo Horizonte indicaram que, a impaciência, dificuldade de concentração e sonolência foram mais percebidas pelos discentes, e ainda 70% têm a atividade de estudo prejudicada no ambiente de sala de aula. Em Ouro Preto ao serem perguntados sobre o prejuízo na atividade de estudo, 79% dos estudantes conseguem desenvolver a atividade de estudo normalmente no interior das salas de aula

Interference of thermal comfort to attention capacity of students in classrooms has been reported in research areas developed by school buildings. In the meantime, no field of education is concerned with the subject of attentional capacity and the apprenticeship of the relationship between the built environment, the way in which it is verified, or how much precise it needs to be in order to subsidize and inter-relate the areas. Thus, this work has as objective to deal with possible relationships between attentional capacity, psychopedagogy, and thermal comfort in school environment, based on the production of materials, as well as collected data with students. This research has a qualitative and quantitative approach, based on data from two public institutions of higher education, located in the city of Belo Horizonte, and in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais. The results in Belo Horizonte indicated that impatience, difficulty concentrating and drowsiness were more perceived by students, and 70% still have impaired study activity in the classroom. In Ouro Preto, when asked about the impairment in the study activity, 79% of students are able to develop the study activity normally inside the classrooms

Dados de estação meteorológica oficial subestimam o estresse por calor em bovinos leiteiros criados em ambiente tropical / Official meteorological station data underestimate the heat stress on dairy cattle in a tropical environment

Determinaram-se os valores de temperatura do ar, umidade relativa e índice de temperatura e umidade (ITU) de uma propriedade rural de produção de leite a pasto e da estação meteorológica oficial mais próxima, confrontando-os. Na fazenda, as leituras dos dados foram registradas por uma estação meteorológica automática, a cada cinco minutos, de fevereiro de 2015 a setembro de 2016. Depois, calcularam-se a média por hora e o ITU horário. Selecionaram-se os valores diários mínimo, médio e máximo. O mesmo foi feito com os dados da estação meteorológica oficial, que foram horários. As temperaturas mínima e média na estação meteorológica foram maiores que na fazenda durante todo o período experimental e em 16 meses, respectivamente. A temperatura máxima da propriedade rural foi maior que a da estação em seis meses. Já a umidade relativa mínima, a média e a máxima da estação meteorológica foram inferiores às da fazenda. O ITU mínimo foi maior na estação oficial e o ITU máximo superior na fazenda em todos os meses. Por fim, o número de dias com um ITU máximo igual ou superior ao ITU crítico foi maior na fazenda. Assim, dados da estação meteorológica oficial subestimam o estresse por calor.(AU)

The values of air temperature, relative humidity and Temperature Humidity Index (THI) of one pasture-based milk production farm and from the nearest official weather station were confronted. At the farm, data readings were recorded by an automatic weather station, every five minutes, from February 2015 to September 2016. Then, the hourly average and hourly THI were calculated. The minimum, average, and maximum daily values were selected. The same was done with data from the official hourly weather station data. The minimum and mean temperature in the meteorological station were higher than on the farm throughout the experimental period and in 16 months, respectively. The maximum temperature of the rural property was greater than that of the station in six months. Meanwhile, the minimum, average, and maximum relative humidity of the meteorological station were lower than those of the farm. The minimum THI was higher at the official station and the maximum THI was higher at the farm in every month. Finally, the number of days with a maximum THI equal to or greater than the critical THI was greater on the farm. Thus, official weather station data underestimate the heat stress.(AU)

Efeito de diferentes tempos de exposição ao calor e de linhagens sobre o rendimento de carcaça e a composição química de peito de frangos de corte / Effect of different timing of exposure to heat and strains on the carcass yield and breast chemical composition of broiler

Investigaram-se os efeitos de diferentes tempos de exposição ao calor sobre o rendimento de carcaça, cortes e vísceras comestíveis e a composição química da carne de peito de frangos de corte de duas linhagens. Foram alojados 560 pintos de corte da linhagem Cobb 500 Slow® e 560 da Hubbard Flex® em 32 boxes. A partir do 14º dia, eles foram divididos nos ambientes térmicos: controle, uma hora, duas horas ou três horas diárias de estresse por calor. O rendimento de carcaça, peito sem osso, coxa e sobrecoxa com osso, asas, pés, fígado, moela e coração foi avaliado em seis aves de cada linhagem em cada ambiente térmico. Amostras foram obtidas para analisar matéria seca, extrato etéreo, proteína bruta e matéria mineral. O estresse cíclico por calor por até três horas diárias não influenciou o rendimento de carcaça, de peito sem osso, de coxa e sobrecoxa, de asa, de coração, de moela, de fígado e a composição química do peito. A linhagem Cobb 500 Slow® apresentou maior rendimento de peito. A Hubbard Flex® apresentou peito com maior percentual de matéria mineral e proteína. A linhagem Cobb é mais indicada à produção de peito, e a linhagem Hubbard à produção de frango inteiro.(AU)

The effects of different exposure periods under heat on the carcass yield, cuts and edible organs and breast chemical composition of broilers from two strains were investigated. Five hundred and sixty Cobb 500 Slow® and 560 Hubbard Flex® broiler chicks were housed in 32 pens and from the 14th day on, they were divided in thermal environments: control, 1 hour, 2 hours or 3 hours a day under heat stress. Carcass yield, boneless breast, thigh and drumstick with bone, wings, feet, liver, gizzard and heart were evaluated in six birds of each strain in each thermal environment. Samples were obtained to assess dry matter, ether extract, crude protein and mineral matter. The cyclic heat stress for up to three hours a day did not influence 33 the carcass yield, boneless breast, thigh and drumstick, wing, heart, gizzard, liver, and the breast chemical composition. Cobb 500 Slow® strain had higher breast yield. Hubbard Flex® had breast with higher percentage of mineral matter and protein. Cobb strain is best designed to breast production, and Hubbard is best for whole chicken production.(AU)

A Method to Protect Mine Workers in Hot and Humid Environments

BACKGROUND: Work comfort studies have been extensively conducted, especially in the underground and meteorological fields resulting in an avalanche of recommendations for their evaluation. Nevertheless, no known or universally accepted model for comprehensively assessing the thermal work condition of the underground mine environment is currently available. Current literature presents several methods and techniques, but none of these can expansively assess the underground mine environment since most methods consider only one or a few defined factors and neglect others. Some are specifically formulated for the built and meteorological climates, thus making them unsuitable to accurately assess the climatic conditions in underground development and production workings. METHODS: This paper presents a series of sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of environmental parameters and metabolic rate on the thermal comfort for underground mining applications. An approach was developed in the form of a “comfort model” which applied comfort parameters to extensively assess the climatic conditions in the deep, hot, and humid underground mines. RESULTS: Simulation analysis predicted comfort limits in the form of required sweat rate and maximum skin wettedness. Tolerable worker exposure times to minimize thermal strain due to dehydration are predicted. CONCLUSION: The analysis determined the optimal air velocity for thermal comfort to be 1.5 m/s. The results also identified humidity to contribute more to deviations from thermal comfort than other comfort parameters. It is expected that this new approach will significantly help in managing heat stress issues in underground mines and thus improve productivity, safety, and health.

Challenges in Selecting an Appropriate Heat Stress Index to Protect Workers in Hot and Humid Underground Mines

BACKGROUND: A detailed evaluation of the underground mine climate requires extensive measurements to be performed coupled to climatic modeling work. This can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, and consequently impractical for daily work comfort assessments. Therefore, a simple indicator like a heat stress index is needed to enable a quick, valid, and acceptable evaluation of underground climatic conditions on a regular basis. This can be explained by the unending quest to develop a “universal index,” which has led to the proliferation of many proposed heat stress indices. METHODS: The aim of this research study is to discuss the challenges in identifying and selecting an appropriate heat stress index for thermal planning and management purposes in underground mines. A method is proposed coupled to a defined strategy for selecting and recommending heat stress indices to be used in underground metal mines in the United States and worldwide based on a thermal comfort model. RESULTS: The performance of current heat stress indices used in underground mines varies based on the climatic conditions and the level of activities. Therefore, carefully selecting or establishing an appropriate heat stress index is of paramount importance to ensure the safety, health, and increasing productivity of the underground workers. CONCLUSION: This method presents an important tool to assess and select the most appropriate index for certain climatic conditions to protect the underground workers from heat-related illnesses. Although complex, the method presents results that are easy to interpret and understand than any of the currently available evaluation methods.

Productive sustainability in a silvopastoral system / Sustentabilidade produtiva em sistema silvipastoril

The objective was to analyze the productive and economic sustainability of the silvopastoral system, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The system had been implanted five years earlier, using Eucalyptus sp. (GG100), arranged in stands with three rows in an East/West direction, 20 meters apart, with 1.2 meters between plants and 1.5 meters between rows. The eucalyptus trees were planted in consortium with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu and Nelore heifers, in the rearing (post-weaning) phase, weighing 186.2 Kg (± 21.18) and aged approximately 12 months. Samples were collected for chemical evaluation of the soil, determination of the quantity of carbon fixed by the tree species, evaluation of the forest component, study of the animals' grazing behavior, measurement of the physiological and behavioral indicators of stress in the heifers, meteorological monitoring, analysis of animal yield and economic viability. There were improvements in the content of soil organic matter in the surface layer of the soil (0 to 10 cm) and a tendency for the soil organic matter content to rise as distance from the rank of trees increased. The central rows of each stand showed less growth in height and diameter, when compared to the outer rows. There were significant differences for the mass of dry matter from leaves, branches, stem and roots between the different rows in the stand. In general, these values were higher in the lowest row, indicating that in arrangements with three rows, the central row tends to present lower development in relation to the side rows, reflecting negatively on the volume of wood and yield. The capacity for neutralizing greenhouse gases emitted by cattle was influenced by the position of the trees in the stands, and there were differences in the carbon content between the different compartments of the trees. Plasmatic concentrations of cortisol and progesterone were measured and associated with the interval in the day when animals grazed most, between 10.00h and 16.00h. This indicated that the thermal comfort provided in the site by the system was favorable to ingestion at the time of greatest sunshine, as well as resulting in less total time spent on ingestion compared to what is seen in other production systems for cattle in extensive pastures. The financial balance for the silvopastoral activities carried out on the property revealed, in general, greater return rate for the forestry compared to cattle in the system, so far.

Objetivou-se analisar a sustentabilidade produtiva e econômica do Sistema Silvipastoril, em Mato Grosso do Sul, implantado há 5 anos, mediante consórcio entre Eucalyptus sp. (GG100), dispostos em renques com fileiras triplas no sentido Leste/Oeste, distantes entre si por 20 metros, com 1,2 metros entre plantas e 1,5 metros entre fileiras, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu e novilhas Nelore, em fase de recria, com 186,2 Kg (± 21,18) e aproximadamente 12 meses. Foram coletadas amostras para avaliação química do solo, determinação da quantidade fixada de carbono pela espécie arbórea, avaliação do componente florestal, estudo do comportamento de pastejo dos animais, mensuração dos indicadores fisiológicos e comportamentais de estresse das novilhas, controle meteorológico, da produtividade animal e a viabilidade econômica. Houve melhorias nos teores de matéria orgânica do solo na camada superficial do solo (0 a 10 cm) e uma tendência de aumento do teor de matéria orgânica no solo a medida que se distancia do renque. As fileiras centrais de cada renque tiveram menor crescimento em altura e em diâmetro, quando comparadas às fileiras laterais. Houve diferenças significativas para a massa de matéria seca de folhas, ramos, caule e raízes entre as diferentes fileiras do renque, sendo de maneira geral, maiores na fileira inferior, indicando que em arranjos com fileiras triplas, as fileiras centrais tendem a apresentar um desenvolvimento inferior em relação às fileiras laterais, o que reflete negativamente no volume de madeira e produção. A capacidade de neutralizar a emissão de GEEs por bovinos foi influenciada pela posição das árvores nos renques de plantio e houve diferenças nos teores de carbono dos diferentes compartimentos das árvores. A mensuração das concentrações plasmáticas de cortisol e de progesterona, associados ao intervalo do dia em que se observou maior frequência de pastejo pelos animais, entre 10 e 16 horas, indica que o conforto térmico proporcionado no ambiente local pelo sistema é favorável para a ingestão nos momentos de maior incidência de luz solar, bem como resultou em menor tempo de ingestão total comparado ao que se verifica nos demais sistemas de produção de bovinos em pastejo extensivo. O balanço financeiro das atividades silvipastoril realizadas na propriedade revelou, no geral, maior taxa de retorno à silvicultura comparada à criação de bovinos no sistema, até o momento.

Effects of forced-air prewarming combined with fluid warmingon body temperature and thermal comfort in patients undergoing lobectomy / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the effects of forced-air prewarming combined with fluid warming on body temperature and thermal comfort in patients undergoing lobectomy.Methods Forty six patients scheduled for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) of lobectomy were randomized into two groups (n=23 each):warming group (group T) and the control group (group C).Forced-air prewarming combined with infusion heating was applied in the warming group,while only conventional passive warming was used in control group.The tympanic membrane temperatures were recorded before prewarming,after prewarming, during the anesthesia, the end of operation, the moment in and out of the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).Incidence of postoperative shivering, thermal comfort and the time in the PACU were recorded.Results The warming group had a slower temperature decrease at 1,2, 3 hours after operation and end of operation(P< 0.01), warming group had significantly lower incidence of hypothermia and shivering than control group(8.7% vs 56.5%, 4.3% vs 34.8%,P<0.05),and the thermalcomfort score was higher in warming group than in control group(8.52±0.94 vs 7.65±0.83,P<0.05).Conclusions Forced-air prewarming combined with fluid warming has significant clinical effects to stabilize patients` body temperature during operations,to reduce the incidence of hypothermia and shivering and to improve the thermal comfort, which provides a simple and effective temperature protection strategy for patients undergoing lobectomy.

Impact thermal environment of armored vehicle cabin on humans / 军事医学

Objective To prolong the working time of the crew under a high temperature and high humidity environment in armored vehicles , improve work efficiency , and to prevent excessive heat load from doing any harm to the human body . Methods The man-machine environment was analyzed , the corresponding environment and the conditions aboard were further quantitatively studied , and man-machine-environment interactions were analyzed .Also,a questionnaire survey was conducted at the same time .Results and Conclusion The thermal equilibrium and thermal comfort calculation program were compiled and validated through the questionnaire survey in order to provide support for environment assessment and protection design .

Efeitos da ilha de calor nos níveis de conforto em ambientes externos e internos para as condições climáticas de Curitiba / Effects of the urban heat island on outdoor and indoor thermal comfort for the climatic conditions of Curitiba

RESUMO: O crescimento urbano e o decorrente surgimento de ilhas de calor são fatores responsáveis não apenas por mudanças nos padrões de conforto e desconforto térmico urbanos mas também por possíveis impactos no aumento da demanda de energia (em climatização artificial) das edificações urbanas. Países em desenvolvimento, a maior parte deles localizada em regiões tropicais, apresentam taxas de crescimento urbano mais elevadas relativamente aos países desenvolvidos; segundo dados da ONU, no período de 2005 - 2010, a taxa de urbanização dos primeiros foi cerca de cinco vezes mais alta que a dos últimos. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar a atual ilha de calor urbana de Curitiba, decorrente de seu considerável crescimento urbano nas últimas décadas, a partir de um monitoramento climático contínuo entre dezembro de 2011 e fevereiro de 2013 por meio de estações meteorológicas localizadas na mancha urbana. Adicionalmente à análise de diferenças na temperatura local, quantificaram-se níveis de conforto/desconforto térmico a fim de se verificar o efeito integrado das diversas variáveis meteorológicas em termos de percentuais de horas em frio, conforto e calor, e suas variações dentro e fora da área urbana. Complementarmente são analisadas implicações da ilha de calor urbana em níveis de conforto em ambientes internos. Verificou-se que a presença de uma ilha de calor na área urbana para combater o frio no inverno acarreta aumento desproporcional do calor em situação de verão, não havendo benefício térmico de maneira geral.

ABSTRACT: Urban growth and the resulting urban heat island effect are not only responsible for variations in thermal comfort and discomfort levels within the city but also for increases in building energy demand for air conditioning. In tropical regions, urbanization rates tend to be the highest: the average annual rate of change of the urban population for the five-year period 2005 - 2010 was just over five times higher in the less developed regions than in the more developed part of the world, following a rising trend. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the urban heat island of Curitiba, which results from its considerable urban growth over the last decades, by means of a long-term climate monitoring between December 2011 and February 2013 with a pair of weather stations within the urban area. Additionally, an analysis was performed with regard to outdoor comfort, so that the combined effect of relevant meteorological variables could be assessed in terms of percentages of cold, comfortable and hot hours and variations in and outside the urban area. Finally, implications of the urban heat island effect on indoor conditions are analyzed. It is concluded that the heat island effect with reductions of cold stress in winter does not offset the occurrence of excess heat in summer, with an overall not advantageous effect.

Behaviour of cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) at two temperatures in captivity / Comportamento de calopsita (Nymphicus hollandicus) sob duas temperaturas em cativeiro

Behavioural studies with cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) in captivity are scarce. Due to the need for appropriate management of these animals, this study was performed to examine the behaviour of cockatiels kept in captivity at two temperatures. Sixteen cockatiels were individually housed in cages (62cm high x 43cm long x 27cm wide) and fed with a commercial ration and seed mixture for psittacids. Water was provided ad libitum. The eight-day experiment was divided into two stages of four days each. In the first stage, the birds were kept at room temperature (25°C) with 70% relative humidity during 24 hours. In the next stage, they were kept at 35°C from 06:00 to 18:00h and 25°C from 18:00 to 06:00h, also at 70% relative humidity. The behaviour of the birds was assessed by the analysis of video recordings taken from 6:00 to 18:00h. Lateral displacement on the perch, walking on the wire net, resting on the abdomen, stopping on the wire net, standing on the drinker or feeder, seed intake, cleaning the wings and shaking the plumage were not influenced (P>0.08) by temperature. Undesirable activities such as gnawing the perch or the wire net also showed no influence of temperature (P>0.15). At 35°C, the birds remained on the cage floor less often (P<0.02) and more often on the perch. Flapping or gnawing the feeder increased as did the consumption of ration (P<0.01). Increase in temperature from 25 to 35°C changed the behaviour of the cockatiels, although these behaviours were not characterised as responses to temperature stress.

Estudos comportamentais com calopsitas (Nymphicus hollandicus) em cativeiro são escassos. Devido à necessidade de um manejo adequado desses animais, este estudo foi realizado para avaliar o comportamento de calopsitas mantidas em cativeiro em duas temperaturas. Dezesseis calopsitas foram alojadas individualmente em gaiolas (62cm de altura x 43cm de comprimento x 27cm de largura) e alimentadas com ração comercial e mistura de sementes para psitacídeos. A água foi fornecida ad libitum. O período experimental foi de oito dias, dividido em duas fases de quatro dias cada. Na primeira fase, as aves foram mantidas à temperatura ambiente (25°C), com 70% de umidade relativa, durante o dia e a noite. Na etapa seguinte, elas foram mantidas a 35°C de 6-18h e 25°C de 18-6h, também com 70% de umidade relativa. O comportamento das aves foi avaliado através de filmagem de 6-18h. Os comportamentos, deslocando lateralmente no poleiro, andando na tela da gaiola, repousando sobre o ventre, paradas na tela da gaiola, de pé sobre o bebedouro ou comedouro, ingestão de sementes, limpeza das asas e sacudindo a plumagem, não foram influenciados (P>0,08) pelas duas temperaturas testadas. Atividades indesejáveis, tais como roer o poleiro ou a tela da gaiola também não foram influenciadas (P>0,15). Sob a temperatura de 35°C, as aves permaneceram menos frequentemente no chão da gaiola (P<0,02) e mais frequentemente no poleiro. Nessa temperatura, bater as asas e roer o comedouro aumentaram com o aumento do consumo de ração (P<0,01). Concluiu-se que o aumento da temperatura de 25 para 35°C alterou o comportamento das calopsitas, embora esses comportamentos não pudessem ser caracterizados como respostas ao estresse térmico.

Comportamento de poedeiras criadas em diferentes densidades populacionais de alojamento / Behavior of laying hens raised in different population density accommodations / Comportamiento de ponedoras creadas en diferentes densidades poblacionales de alojamiento

Objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros fisiológicos e comportamentais de poedeiras de ovos vermelhos em diferentes densidades de alojamento. Utilizaram-se 150 poedeiras Dekalb Brown com 30 semanas de idade, durante 84 dias (quatro ciclos de 21 dias). As aves foram alojadas em galpão convencional com gaiolas metálicas de arame galvanizado, com duas subdivisões de 50 x 45 x 40 cm. Adotou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos e cinco repetições. As densidades avaliadas foram: oito (562,5 cm²/ave); 10 (450,0 cm²/ave) e 12 aves/gaiola (375,0 cm²/ave). Foram avaliados os parâmetros fisiológicos (frequência respiratória e temperaturas da pele, retal, crista, barbela e canela) e comportamentais (comendo, bebendo, sentada, postura, parada, movimentos de conforto, investigando pernas, bicagens - agressiva e não agressiva) em dois períodos distintos (manhã e tarde), considerando 30 minutos para cada período de avaliação comportamental. Conclui-se que a criação de poedeiras em menor densidade (562,5 cm2/ave) permite a maior dissipação de calor por meio da crista. O alojamento das aves na densidade de oito aves/gaiola (562,5 cm²/ave) mostrou-se mais adequado às condições fisiológicas de poedeiras criadas em sistema de gaiolas.

The present paper aimed to evaluate the physiological and behavioral parameters of red-egg laying hens in different housing densities. A total of 150 Dekalb Brown hens with 30 weeks of age, for 84 days (four 21-day cycles) were used. The birds were housed in conventional sheds with galvanized wire cages, with two 50 x 45 x 40 cm subdivisions. A completely randomized design with three treatments and five replications was adopted. The evaluated densities were eight (562.5 cm²/bird); 10 (450.0 cm²/bird) and 12 birds/cage (375.0 cm²/bird). The physiological (respiratory rate and temperature of the skin, rectal, crest, wattles and shin) and behavior parameters (eating, drinking, sitting, holding the position, stop, comfort movements, investigating feathers, aggressive and not aggressive pecking) were analyzed in two different periods (morning and afternoon), given 30 minutes for each behavioral evaluation period. It could be concluded that the breeding of laying hens in a lesser density (562.5 cm2/bird) enables further dissipation of heat through the crest. The housing density of birds in eight birds/cage (562.5 cm²/bird) was the most appropriate for the physiological conditions of laying hens in cage system.

El objetivo fuera evaluar los parámetros fisiológicos y de comportamiento de gallinas ponedoras de huevos rojos en diferentes densidades de vivienda. Se utilizaron 150 ponedoras Dekalb Brown con 30 semanas de edad, durante 84 días (cuatro ciclos de 21 días). Las aves fueron alojadas en galpón convencional con jaulas de alambre galvanizado, con dos subdivisiones de 50 x 45 x 40 cm. Se adoptó un diseño completamente al azar con tres tratamientos y cinco repeticiones. Las densidades evaluadas fueron: ocho (562,5 cm²/ave); 10 (450,0 cm²/ave) y 12 aves/jaula (375,0 cm²/ave). Se evaluaron los parámetros fisiológicos (frecuencia respiratoria y temperaturas de la piel, rectal, cresta, barbillas y canela) y el comportamiento (comiendo, bebiendo, sentada, realizando la postura, parada, movimientos de confort, investigando plumas, picotazos - agresivos y no agresivos) en dos períodos diferentes (mañana y tarde), dado 30 minutos para cada período de evaluación conductual. Se concluye que la creación de ponedoras en densidad menor (562,5 cm2/ave) permite mayor disipación de calor a través de la cresta. El alojamiento de las aves en menor densidad de ocho aves/jaula (562,5 cm2/ave) fuera más apropiado a las condiciones fisiológicas de las gallinas ponedoras creadas en sistema de jaulas.

Estudo bioclimático das regiões litorânea, agreste e semiárida do estado de Sergipe para a avicultura de corte e postura / Bioclimatic study for broiler production and posture in the of coastal, agreste and semi arid regions of Sergipe state, Brazil

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho realizar o estudo bioclimático do estado de Sergipe para a avicultura, como forma de definir os limites de aceitabilidade da espécie às condições ambientais prevalecentes nas regiões litorânea, agreste e semiárida do estado. Para isso, foi realizado o levantamento histórico dos valores médios mensais de temperatura e umidade relativa do ar e o cálculo mensal do índice de temperatura e umidade (ITU) das três regiões do estado de Sergipe. Verificou-se que, apesar de suas particularidades climáticas, as regiões litorânea, agreste e semiárida do estado de Sergipe apresentam as melhores condições de conforto térmico para a avicultura de corte e postura apenas durante os meses de junho a setembro; no período seco, nenhuma das regiões apresenta condições de conforto térmico para a atividade avícola; no período chuvoso, apenas a região agreste apresenta condições de conforto para a avicultura de corte; para a avicultura de postura, apenas a região litorânea não apresenta condições de conforto térmico.

This research aimed to carry out a bioclimatic study of Sergipe state to poultry farming, as a way to define the limits of acceptability of the species to the prevailing environmental conditions in coastal, agreste and semi arid regions of the state. For this survey it was conducted a history of the monthly mean values of temperature and relative humidity of the air and the calculation of the monthly index of temperature and humidity (ITU) of the three regions of the state of Sergipe. It was found that despite its special climate, coastal, agreste and semi arid region of Sergipe present the best thermal comfort conditions for the poultry industry and posture only during the months from June to September. In the dry season, no region presents thermal comfort conditions for the poultry activity. Only in the rainy season the region has rugged comfort conditions for the poultry industry. For laying poultry only the coastal region not provides thermal comfort.

Eficiência de sistema de aquecimento auxiliar para aviários, com base nos índices de conforto térmico / Auxiliary heating system efficiency for poultry housing, based on thermal indexes

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar protótipos de aquecedor solar para pintinhos com 1,0; 1,5 e 2,0 m de diâmetro (tratamentos AQ1, AQ2 e AQ3, respectivamente) com base nos índices de conforto térmico no município de Marechal Candido Rondon, Paraná. Valores de temperatura de globo negro, bulbo seco, bulbo úmido e velocidade do vento foram registrados acima do dissipador e nas condições externas. Os dados foram coletados a cada duas horas, entre 08h00min e 16h00min durante o período experimental. Com base em valores horários por aquecedor, o Índice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITU) e o Índice de Temperatura Globo Umidade (ITGU) não apresentaram resultados que diferenciassem entre os coletores avaliados. A maior Carga Térmica de Radiação (CTR) foi observada para AQ1 e AQ2 às 14 h. Quando se comparam os aquecedores, independente do horário de observação, verifica-se que os maiores valores de ITU e ITGU ocorreram para AQ1 e AQ3 e a CTR para AQ1. O horário para o qual foram observados os maiores valores destes índices foi às 14 h. Concluiu-se que o sistema de aquecimento pode se constituir uma alternativa para uso em aviários já que propicia condições de conforto térmico semelhante aos sistemas empregados comercialmente.

This study had as objective to evaluate prototypes of solar heater for broiler chicken with diameter of 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 m (treatments AQ1, AQ2 and AQ3, respectively) based on the thermal comfort indexes in Marechal Candido Rondon, Paraná State, Brazil. The values of black globe temperature, dry bulb, wet bulb and wind speed were registered above the heater and in the external conditions. Data were collected each two hours, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM during the experimental period. Based on hourly values for heater, the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) and the Black Globe Humidity Index (BGHI) didn't present results that differentiated the appraised heaters. The highest value of Thermal Heat Load (THL) was observed for AQ1 and AQ2 at 2:00 PM. When the heaters are compared, independent of the observation schedule, was verified that the largest values of THI and BGHI occurred for AQ1 and AQ3 and CTR for AQ1. The time which were observed the largest values of these indexes was 2:00 PM. It was concluded that the heating system can be constituted an alternative for use in aviaries considering that provide similar conditions of thermal comfort that the commercial systems.

Natural ventilation and surface temperature distribution of piglet crate heated floors / Ventilação natural e temperatura da superfície de pisos aquecidos em escamoteadores

This research had the objective of evaluating the influence of the natural ventilation on the surface temperature distribution of heated crates. The research used six crates from a farrowing room in a commercial swine production farm located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Three crates were heated using a heat mat while the other three had the environment heated by incandescent light bulbs (200W) fixed on the lateral wall. The surface temperature of the crate's floor (1.55x0.55m) was registered in 36 points, distributed in 18 quadrants (0.26x0.18m) using an infrared thermometer in three different conditions of the room's natural ventilation: opened, semi-opened, and closed lateral curtain. The isotherms and the temperature distribution of the floor heat were processed using the SURFER® (1995), and the statistical analysis was done using the MINITAB® (Statistical..., 2002). It was found that the room's natural ventilation had a significant influence on crate floor surface temperature distribution. The crate with a heat mat system provided higher temperatures and led to a more homogeneous surface temperature distribution.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da ventilação natural sobre a distribuição da temperatura na superfície de pisos aquecidos em escamoteadores. Foram avaliados seis escamoteadores da maternidade de uma granja de suínos localizada no estado de São Paulo. Dentre os escamoteadores avaliados, três deles usavam piso aquecido para o acondicionamento dos leitões, e os outros usavam lâmpadas incandescentes (200W), fixadas na parede lateral do interior do escamoteador. A temperatura da superfície do piso (1,55x0,55m) foi registrada medindo-se 36 pontos distribuídos em 18 quadrantes (0,26x0,18m), por meio de um termômetro infravermelho, em três diferentes condições de ventilação natural: com cortina lateral aberta, semiaberta e totalmente fechada. As isotermas e a distribuição da temperatura sobre o piso aquecido foram processadas usando-se o software SURFER®. Verificou-se que a ventilação natural teve efeito sobre a distribuição da temperatura da superfície do piso dos escamoteadores. O escamoteador aquecido com manta térmica forneceu temperaturas mais altas e distribuição mais homogênea na superfície de contato com os leitões.