Microclimate Parameters Research Articles

Hygiene of keeping calves

In the first days of life of calves, the influence of numerous environmental factors most strongly affects the full flow of physiologically important processes. Fluctuations in the parameters of the microclimate in calves leads to a decrease in natural resistance, an increase in the level of colds and intestinal diseases in calves of the prophylactic period. Taking into account the natural and climatic territories and technologies used in farms, it is necessary to develop effective measures to control microclimate parameters in order to prevent diseases of calves of various etiologies. The most critical period in calves is the first few weeks of their life, which is associated with the transition from sterile intrauterine development to contact with environmental factors. Possessing complete information about the requirements of the calf's body to the external environment and for their further successful rearing, it is very important to comply with the normative parameters of the indoor microclimate for this type of animal.

Outdoor thermal perception in the semi-arid climate of Constantine, Algeria: A field survey during the post-COVID-19

The purpose of the paper was to assess pedestrians' thermal perception, in the semi-arid climate of Constantine, Algeria, with particular emphasis on the protocols implemented in public spaces during the post-COVID-19. Three outdoor public spaces were selected in August 2021 to conduct a field study involving 254 respondents, randomly assigned. The adopted approach combined objective and subjective assessment, as well as numerical simulations using ENVI-met. Accordingly, microclimate monitoring and a questionnaire survey were carried out simultaneously from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in each study site. A strong association was found between the combined microclimate parameters (objective variables) and thermal sensation of the surveyors with (R2 = 0.74). Besides, Kruskal-Wallis H test revealed that the subjective thermal sensation was significantly influenced (p-value <0.05) by thermal history and purpose of visit (subjective variables). Most interviewees preferred ‘move to shade’ measure as a remedial behavior to reduce their thermal discomfort. Further, a neutral temperature of 22.7 °C PET was obtained by a linear regression between the Mean Thermal Sensation Votes (MTSV) and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET), the comfort range was estimated between 18.6 °C ≤ PET≤ 26.8 °C during summer. Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic effects, the Chi-square test suggests that the frequency of pedestrian visits was statistically independent of the imposed pandemic measures. However, the planned activities were affected by social distancing and the use of face masks increases pedestrians' thermal discomfort. Overall, the study highlights the significance of environmental and non-environmental factors to improve outdoor thermal comfort, and ensure human well-being.

Indoor environmental conditions of selected shopping malls in Nigeria: A comparative study of microclimatic conditions, noise levels, and microbial burdens

The activities of people and equipment used within shopping malls are major factors that contribute to air pollution and increased sound levels, thereby affecting indoor environmental quality and the well-being of mall operators. This study assessed indoor environmental quality through microbial characterization and measurement of environmental conditions present in selected shopping malls. Investigations were conducted at three shopping malls in Ibadan selected through convenience sampling technique. Environmental parameters such as noise level, relative humidity, temperature, PM2.5 levels, total volatile organic compound (TVOC) levels, microbial characterization, and quantity were determined. Microclimatic parameters (temperature and relative humidity) were measured using a 4-in-1 Precision Gold N09AQ multi-tester. Culturable airborne microbes were collected using the settle plate technique. PM2.5 and TVOC levels were measured using a Thermo Scientific MIE pDR-1500 PM monitor and sf200-TVOC meter respectively. Two bacteria species and five fungi species were isolated across the malls. The noise levels ranged from 61.27 to 81.20 dB. The mean temperatures (highest mean of 33.44 ± 1.42 °C), PM2.5 (highest mean of 114.06 ± 25.64 μg/m3), and TVOC (highest mean of 55.21 ± 8.28 ppm) concentrations were higher than the permissible limits stipulated by the WHO guidelines and NESREA standard limits across all the selected malls. A positive correlation was found to exist between particulate matter and TVOC (r = 0.174, p = 0.004). The total bacteria count was generally high with the highest mean of 1965.33 ± 368.56 CFU/m3, while the total fungi count was generally low with the highest mean of 579.82 ± 51.55 CFU/m3. Bacillus spp. and Candida spp. were found to the consistent from all sample points across the three malls. The bacteria isolated are Gram-positive bacteria associated with human skin which suggests a high rate of indoor pollution from humans. In conclusion, this research has demonstrated the necessity to monitor noise levels and indoor air quality in malls. Also, there is need for government policies to improve indoor air quality which must be enforced and regulated, especially within shopping malls.

DECISION-MAKING METHOD FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN THE SMART HOME

The current challenge is to provide automatic decision support in a smart home. A study of the top solutions of well-known smart homes has shown that existing solutions usually do not provide for fully automatic control in a smart home, but are focused either on automatic control in conjunction with manual control or user-controlled control. Therefore, the goal of this study is to support decision-making for fully automatic temperature control in a smart home. Human well-being and performance depend on the meteorological conditions of the environment in which a person is located. The most important condition for high performance, rest, and health is the creation and maintenance of an optimal home microclimate. One of the main parameters of the indoor microclimate is temperature. The room temperature control subsystem ensures the optimal temperature level and allows for individual adjustment for each family member. The developed rules for determining the optimal room temperature allow you to evaluate the existing temperature parameters for further automatic operation of the smart home temperature control subsystem in residential premises of various types. The purpose of the temperature control subsystem is to provide comfortable conditions in residential premises of various types in terms of their temperature regime. The developed decision-making method for temperature control in a smart home, which is the basis of the smart home temperature control subsystem, provides a comfortable and optimal (taking into account building and sanitary and hygienic standards) temperature in the corresponding living space. The results of the functioning of the smart home temperature control decision-making method have shown that the developed method provides for the recognition of situations (optimal temperature, low temperature, high temperature) and support for decision-making on the temperature regime in a certain type of residential space (turning on heating devices, turning on cooling devices, no action, etc.).

Analysis of proposed technical solutions for maintaining the microclimate of livestock buildings

Technical solutions to ensure the necessary values of parameters are studied. Considered scientific research on the subject of control of microclimatic parameters. Identified the main components of the living conditions, ways to maintain their regulated values in the room. The methods of influencing them are considered. Developed a simplified model of the farm in the software package SketchUp 2020, simulations were carried out in the software package SolidWorks 2020. General parameters set for the calculation: heat emitted by the cows — 1000 W; amount of carbon dioxide — 4% in the exhaled air; wind speed at the window inlet — 2 m/s, humidity — 70%, temperature — 25 ºC. The materials used in the study are displayed. Parametric models for the nature and velocity of air flows are presented. The main ways of regulating the indicators of interest are analyzed. The most suitable solutions for modernization and re-equipment of production facilities to improve the microclimate in the cattle housing are identified and described. The functional and structural scheme of technical solutions to ensure the parameters of the microclimate is formed. The technological map of conceptual proposals is made and displayed. On their basis, the main solutions for modernization of farms are defined: natural ventilation, axial and suspended fans, light ridge, nozzles, lifting curtains, artificial lighting.

Thermal Comfort and Microclimate in Indoor Spaces of Low-rise Residential Buildings in Dry Tropical Climate

The aim of this research is to analyze thermal comfort and microclimate for indoor spaces in low-rise residential buildings in dry tropical climate. The study area is the municipality of Palmar de Varela in northern Colombia. The experimental methodology is based on measuring three microclimatic parameters: air temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH) and natural ventilation (W). The study assessed the thermal sensation in indoor spaces based on Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) and Predicted mean vote (PMV). Data gathered from surveys were analyzed with data mining technologies. The findings suggest that suspended ceilings and ceramic tiles aid to the thermal equilibrium of the building, resulting in a 1.1 °C decrease in indoor air temperature. Likewise, the correlation between temperature and wind (r = -0.72; -0.56) indicates that natural ventilation in buildings can alleviate thermal discomfort. Based on the thermal sensation evaluation, the predominant feeling reported by interviewees in indoor spaces was warm (2) in S1 and S2, and slightly warm (1) in S3. In addition, the correlation between air temperature and comfort sensation in indoor spaces (r = 0.64; 0.44) suggests that temperature has a direct impact on thermal sensation votes.

Preliminary Study on Indoor Air Temperature and Moisture Behaviour in 13th-Century Churches in Latvia

The microclimate plays a crucial role in the conservation of historical cult buildings and their artifacts for future generations. In order to conserve these buildings and their artifacts, it is imperative to ensure that the microclimate is conserved. The norms and standards existing so far in Latvia do not stipulate thresholds for air parameters that would ensure a conserving microclimate for historical cult buildings. In order to identify these thresholds, the air parameters were measured simultaneously at nine measuring points within the Krimulda Church (LV) of the 13th century. The temperatures of the surfaces of the building envelope and potential condensation were calculated using the actual data of indoor and outside air. The indoor and outdoor air humidity ratio was calculated for each measurement. The conservation threshold of indoor microclimate parameters was determined by using intermittent heating on the basis of the air parameter fluctuations and calculations. The moisture vapours from the building structures were quantified in this research. The indoor humidity ratio during the warm season and the upper threshold during the heating season were determined.

Keanekaragaman Coccinellid Predator sebagai Musuh Alami Hama Kutu-Kutuan pada Ekosistem Pertanaman Cabai Merah di Kecamatan Merawang, Kabupaten Bangka

Coccinellid beetles (Coleoptera), most of which are predatory species on small, soft-bodied insects. Predatory Coccinellids are biological agents that functions as pest control in cultivated plants. The control of plant pests needs the availability of data on potential coccinellid predators. This reserach aims to study the diversity, richness, evenness and dominance of predatory coccinellid and to determine their relationship with environmental microclimate parameters. The research was carried out in the red chili plantation ecosystem at Merawang District, Bangka Regency. Three stations were used, i.e., station 1, 2, and 3 in Kimak, Jada Bahrin, and Balunijuk villages, respectively. Predatory coccinellid were collected by hand picking and by using a sweep net. Data on diversity analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener, Data on richness analyzed using the Margalef, Data on evenness analyzed using the Pielow evenness indices. dominance species was analyzed using the Simpson formula. The results showed that there were 7 species of predatory coccinellid, namely Coccinella tranversalis, Harmonia octomaulata, Menochilus sexmaculatus, Coelephora. macullata, C. bisellata, Verania lineate, and V. discolor with diversity at a moderate level (1,254), evenness at a low level (0.239) , the richness at a low level (1,628), and dominance of coccinellid at a low level (0.369).

Indoor Microclimate and Microbiological Risks in Heritage Buildings: A Case Study of the Neologic Sinagogue, Oradea, Romania

Heritage buildings face risks related to the degradation of exhibited or stored artefacts, up to their destruction over time, as well as the health of workers and visitors. The main causes are microclimatic parameters (temperature, humidity, brightness, particles suspension, pollutants, degree of ventilation or air circulation), biological (bacteria, fungi, molds and insects) and anthropogenic ones (improper maintenance of the building and overcrowding of rooms). In accordance with these, the present study considers a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the air quality and the degree of microbiological contamination of the surfaces and the air inside a synagogue in the municipality of Oradea, Romania. The microbiological study highlighted the presence of some potentially harmful genera of fungi (Alternaria sp., Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp., Botrytis sp. and Cladosporium sp.) in the indoor air and on the surfaces inside the synagogue; suggesting an average degree of fungal contamination, with possible risk to individual health, especially in children and people with allergic status or allergic respiratory diseases. Statistical analysis concerning the occupational exposure to airborne microbes poses health risks to employees and visitors. Multivariate regression analysis results emphasize that higher symptoms scores were independently associated with experiencing a too low indoor air temperature; these symptoms would disappear within one to two hours after leaving the space. Air pollutants have become part of everyday life; therefore, consistent monitoring of indoor environments offers an effective approach to prevent or minimize the adverse health risk to building occupants in spaces such as heritage buildings.

Development of climate-based thermal comfort ranges from existing data: Analysis of the Smart Controls and thermal comfort (SCATS) database

Despite the multifaceted nature of notion of thermal comfort, designers have embraced a very strict definition of it, which consists of very tight and static environments, were transition and stimuli are not admitted, and with very narrow ranges of microclimatic parameters required equally for all the subjects. This neglects all the potential implications related to different users. However, when it comes to thermal comfort, the long-term history of subjects and their climatic background play a pivotal role towards their own thermal sensations and preferences. In this work, to address these diversities, the authors analysed the existing database of the Smart Controls and Thermal Comfort (SCATS) project, which was built from monitoring and survey campaigns conducted in the late 90s in five different European countries. Data were studied by means of statistical techniques to grasp and define the potential combined influence of climatic location, seasonal variations, subjective variables and ventilation modes on the occupants’ thermal feeling and preference. Different scenarios recommended by standard EN 16798 were tested to address the differences in the thermal feelings of users living in different European countries. Finally, country-based operative temperatures that optimize users’ thermal feeling and preference were determined. Results highlight that users in different countries differently evaluate indoor thermal parameters both in terms of thermal feeling and thermal preferences. This results in differences among countries for acceptability levels associated with standardised indoor conditions. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of air movement to improve acceptability at higher indoor temperatures for all the countries.

METROLOGICAL PROVISION OF WORKPLACE CERTIFICATION ACCORDING TO WORKING CONDITIONS

The purpose of the study is to determine the requirements for research methods, measurements with the help of FTA of harmful and dangerous production factors, which will allow to ensure a high level of attestation of workplaces according to working conditions. The task of the research includes consideration of issues related to ensuring the unity of measurements in the field of labor safety, compliance of metrological activity in the specified field with the requirements of current legislation in the field of metrology. The task of the research is also to identify problems related to the methodological support of laboratory research in the field of occupational safety, the absence of metrological requirements for laboratory research methods, metrological confirmation of FTAs, which are intended to perform workplace attestation. Currently, there are separate scientific works on the development of standard procedures for measuring dangerous or harmful factors of the production environment, there is an established norm for any harmful parameter, but there is no national order in the methodology of measuring each parameter. Individual measurement methods do not have the status of a normative legal act. Thus, at present, there are no legal acts regulating mandatory methods of measuring the parameters of harmful factors of the production environment and the labor process during workplace attestation. Analyzing regulatory documents, it can be concluded that from the main documents establishing the standardization of some factors of the working environment, the accuracy of measurements was established only for microclimate parameters. It should be concluded that in the field of labor protection, the state of ensuring the unity of measurements cannot be recognized as satisfactory. Summing up, we can come to the disappointing conclusion that for a reliable assessment of working conditions in workplaces, it is necessary to follow the methods of measurement and calculation of measurement uncertainty, which, unfortunately, are not always set out in mandatory documents. Keywords: harmful and dangerous factors, certification of the workplace, uncertainty of measurements, checking, verification.

Hygienic assessment of mycological contamination of the internal environment of residential and public buildings

The paper presents the results of a comprehensive hygienic assessment of the fungal contamination of the internal environment of the premises of residential and public buildings and developed proposals for the methodology for conducting mycological examination of indoor air and building structures. &#x0D; Materials and methods. The objects of research were urban atmospheric air, residential apartments, and office premises with and without fungal infection of wall structures, medical premises for various purposes. The studies included determination of the number of microscopic fungi in 1 m3 of air (CFU/m3); determination of the content of viable fungal flora in scrapings and in swabs from places suspected of having a fungal infection; measurements of humidity of enclosing structures and microclimatic parameters of the indoor air environment; evaluation of the ventilation system. &#x0D; Results. The concentration of microscopic fungi in indoor air without fungal infection of wall structures was shown to depend on fungal pollution of atmospheric air. The peak of fungal air pollution in unaffected rooms and the ambient air, was detected over the spring-summer season. In residential apartments and office premises of public buildings with fungal infection of wall structures, the content of microscopic fungi in the air, regardless of the season, was tens and hundreds of times higher than the content of fungal flora in the air of “healthy” premises and in the atmospheric air. Fungal air pollution in residential and office premises is mainly associated with fungi of the Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Rizopus genera in wards, treatment and diagnostic rooms – yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. &#x0D; Limitations. The results of the study do not apply to the production facilities of biological industry enterprises, livestock and poultry complexes.&#x0D; Conclusion. The necessity of conducting a mycological examination of premises has been substantiated, and a draft of methodological recommendations for conducting mycological examinations of indoor air and building structures has been developed.

A Modified Approach for Forecasting Relative Humidity in Indoor Premises

In order to forecast certain microclimatic parameters in a room, such as relative humidity, it is necessary to collect a large amount of data. For this reason, an electronic system for providing comfortable conditions in a room has been developed, which is based on the becoming largely popular Internet of Things (IoT) technology. On the basis of the obtained data, the future change of the relative humidity in a room can be forecasted, which aims to ensure the health and well-being of its inhabitants. It should be noted that working with large datasets requires more sophisticated methods for prediction, and for this reason, this paper presents results obtained from a modified ordinary differential equation approach for forecasting relative humidity. For the purposes of the study, a program code was developed in Matlab. The resulting predicted relative humidity values are comparable to actual measured values, which would help to improve indoor air quality and provide thermal comfort to occupants.

Study on selection of woody plants to create sustainable green spaces in sparsely forested rural areas

For sustainable development of rural areas in low forested regions it is necessary to create additional areas of artificial plantations from the adapted gene pool of woody plants. The existing artificial plantations were created more than 70 years ago, so they do not effectively fulfill their ameliorative functions. The aim of the research is the selection of woody plants to form landscaping spaces of recreational type in sparsely forested regions. Bioecological studies of 18 tree species of the families Rosaceae, Oleaceae, Fabaceae, Fagaceae, Cornaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Corylaceae, Anacardiaceae, Rhamnáceae in dendrological collections of the Federal Research Centre of Agroecology RAS were carried out from July to October 2021 under field conditions. Conventional methods for evaluating crown structure on microclimatic parameters and ornamental value were applied. Original data were obtained by non-invasive method (Dualex Scientific device), which showed species-specificity of quantitative indicators of photopigments, their lability as an indicator of resistance to high temperatures was given. Dynamics of pigment indices in leaves showed that interspecific variation of the index is higher than intraspecific variation. The adapted assortment of trees and shrubs for arid regions has been identified. It is established that trees (Quercus robur) and shrubs with dense crowns (Ligustrum vulgare, Syringa vulgaris, Rosa rugose, etc.) reduce air temperature more effectively (by 2.2-4.3°C) than woody species with openwork crowns (species of genera Gleditsia and Robinia). It is shown that changing the composition of phytodiversity will increase the quality class of plantations. Quercus robur, Robinia pseudoacacia, Rhus typhina, Cotinus coggygria, species of Gleditsia and Amelanchier are recommended for creation of artificial plantations in the research region.

Adaptive predictive control of a fan-ventilated tunnel greenhouse with evaporative cooling

In the present work, micro-climate control of a fan-ventilated tunnel greenhouse with evaporative cooling is investigated via simulation study. For this purpose, the adaptive generalized predictive control (AGPC) strategy is adopted to control temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentration in the greenhouse on extremely hot summer days. A dynamic model which integrates a distributed model of greenhouse micro-climate with a crop growth model is used for numerical simulation of the tunnel greenhouse. The controller performance is analyzed via numerical simulation. The relative gain array analysis confirms that greenhouse micro-climatic parameters are highly interactive. However, simulation results showed that AGPC can efficiently handle variables interaction and follow set-points despite actuator limitations and high outside temperature. Besides, by considering output constraints in applying AGPC, the control system can keep the humidity of the greenhouse in a specific range instead of in a particular set point. The calculation burden for the AGPC strategy is kept low without increasing prediction error by employing a linear model and on-line adaptive identification. The applied strategy can handle the uncertainty of the design model due to the model mismatch by on-line identification of model parameters using the recursive least square method.

Green strategies for improving urban microclimate and air quality: A case study of an Italian industrial district and facility

Densely built areas are affected by higher air-pollutant concentrations, representing a significant risk to public health. At the same time, urban settlements have a remarkable environmental impact: cities are responsible for 70% of annual carbon emissions while buildings account for 37% of global energy and process emissions. Moreover, people living in urban areas are frequently exposed to extreme micro-climate conditions caused by the urban heat island effect, related to increased external air temperature and peculiarities of the built environment. Given this framework and considering the Sustainable Development Goals, it is necessary to point out some effective and strategical mitigation measures to ameliorate micro-climate conditions, reduce pollutants concentration and enhance building performance. This paper investigates the potential advantages of green roofs as retrofitting solutions and tree planting on several micro-climate parameters and particulate matter concentration, considering an industrial district located in Italy and using ENVI-met software. The influence of the extensive green roof on energy performance is further investigated at the building level recurring to Design Builder energy models. Results showed that an extensive green roof could reduce external air temperature by up to 1.5 °C, outer surface temperature by up to 15 °C and wind speed by 50% at roof level compared to current state conditions. The application of the green roof let also to achieve energy savings of 15% for both the summer and winter seasons. Focusing on the effect on particulate matter, intensive green roof solutions proved to be more efficient in capturing air pollutants.

Analysis of Cross-Influence of Microclimate, Lighting, and Soil Parameters in the Vertical Farm

Urban vertical farming is an innovative solution to address the increasing demand for food in densely populated cities. With advanced technology and precise monitoring, closed urban vertical farms can optimize growing conditions for plants, resulting in higher yields and improved crop quality. However, to fully optimize closed urban vertical farming systems, research is needed to enhance crop yields and reduce the growing season. The present study is focused on the research of the mutual influence of microclimate parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration, as well as the spectral composition of light, humidity, and amount of peat in the substrate. The research was conducted within the cultivation of the “Innovator” potato variety at the experimental automated vertical farm of the “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Based on the correlation and Fourier analysis of the dependences of soil moisture and carbon dioxide concentration on time, it is shown that after watering potatoes, there is a 56 h delayed decrease in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the cultivation room, which can be explained by a delayed increase in the intensity of the photosynthesis process. Moreover, a comparison of CO2 dependence on time with the lighting dynamics at the scale of one day indicates the presence of the intrinsic daily biological rhythm of the CO2 absorption rate that does not depend on the external lighting conditions. In addition, by analyzing the dependencies of microclimate parameters and the spectral composition of the lighting over time, it was found that switching on lighting influences the microclimate parameters, which can be explained by the heating of LEDs used for lighting. Moreover, the multiple regression analysis of microclimate parameters and soil moisture showed that an increase in peat content in the substrate leads to a transition from the decisive influence of air humidity on soil moisture to the dominant influence of air temperature. The obtained results reveal the complex mutual influence of the parameters determining the growing conditions within automated closed vertical farms. Consideration of this influence is necessary when optimizing the conditions of vegetation and the development of intelligent plant-growing systems.

The effect of water and vegetation elements as microclimate modifiers in buildings in hot and humid tropical climates

Thermal comfort in buildings is determined by several aspects of the climate, such as external and internal wind speeds. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the effect of water elements and vegetation as microclimate modifiers in buildings, to obtain thermal comfort through air velocity and flow analysis. In this context, the field analysis emphasized microclimate parameters. Two cases were also encompassed, namely the interior space of a residential building and a shopping center. By using field measurements with quantitative methods, data were obtained through the analysis of the PMV (thermal comfort index Predicted Mean Vote), PPD (Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied), and TSV (Thermal Sensation Vote). This experiment was conducted to determine the influential levels of the building water and vegetation on comfort and the thermal environment. Data analysis was also processed using a statistical approach, with airflow being simulated through CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) method. The results showed that the air movement occurring in the building to the comfort and thermal environment, through architectural elements, reduced the temperature and humidity in the room. This was due to the heat radiation outside the building, leading to an impact on the effective air temperature for the thermal sensation of visitors. In this case, the movement of air in the building with the placement of architectural elements, such as water, vegetation, and good ventilation, was important for various activities. These activities included the following, (1) providing positive value, (2) improving the quality of the indoor environment, (3) maintaining the stability of the thermal environment at the building scale, and (4) achieving a comfortable thermal sensation.

Assessment of Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Urban Public Space, during the Hottest Period in Annaba City, Algeria

In this study; the outdoor thermal comfort of the users of two urban plazas with different morphologies in Annaba city, Algeria, have been evaluated. First, field measurements of the microclimatic parameters took place; namely the air temperature and the relative humidity in the two urban plazas, during hot days. Then, these measurements were compared with the results of the numerical simulations carried out by ENVI-met software in order to validate the model. The outdoor thermal comfort was evaluated by microclimatic measurements as well as a questionnaire survey consisting of interviews during the measurement days. The main objective was to determine the neutral Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and to examine the influence of urban microclimatic conditions on the subjective thermal perception of people, as well as to compare it with different indexes of thermal comfort. Hence, the aim was to compare the microclimatic parameters of the two plazas, with and without vegetation and to see their impact on the thermal comfort indices. The results show that there is a difference between the two morphologies. Moreover, vegetation and urban morphology influence the neutral values of the thermal comfort indices.

Improving children's outdoor thermal comfort: A field study in China's severely cold regions

This study used meteorological monitoring, subjective thermal perception surveys, and activity records to explore the factors that affect children's outdoor thermal comfort in China's severely cold regions. The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) was used to determine children's thermal benchmarks and calendar, based on which a strategy to improve thermal comfort was proposed. Results showed (1) significant differences in solar radiation and wind speed, but not in air temperature and relative humidity between different areas. (2) Different Microclimate parameters affected children's thermal perception in different seasons: solar radiation (G) in winter, air temperature (Ta) in summer. (3) Children tolerate the UTCI changes in winter than in summer. (4) Children's neutral UTCI in winter and summer were 9.7 °C and 17.6 °C, respectively, and its ranges were 2.3–17.1 °C and 13.6–21.7 °C, respectively. The thermal acceptability range by 80% of the interviewed children was 2.1–16.3 °C. (5) Based on these results, a thermal comfort improvement on two dimensions—children and the environment—was implemented. This study enriches basic research on children's outdoor thermal comfort and provides a reference for the construction of urban child-friendly spaces.