Values Of Meteorological Parameters Research Articles

Seasonal dynamics of cold airway hyperresponsiveness in patients with asthma

Introduction. Cold air-induced bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma, leading to a breakdown in disease control, is one of the most serious problems in the northern countries of the world.Aim. To assess the seasonal dynamics of the airway response (ΔFEV1CA) to cold bronchoprovocation in asthma patients with cold airway hyperresponsiveness (CAHR).Materials and methods. Out of 513 asthma patients who underwent primary bronchoprovocation testing, 273 patients (140 women; 133 men) with diagnosed CAHR took part in the retrospective analysis. The design objectification of clinical data using the Asthma Control Test questionnaire (ACT, Quality Metric Inc., 2002), a screening questionnaire for identifying clinical symptoms of response to low ambient temperature in everyday life; assessment of the lung function; bronchoprovocation test of 3-minute isocapnic hyperventilation with cold (-20ºC) air (IHCA).Results. At the time of testing, the average age of patients was 34.8±0.87 years, FEV1 88.5±1.3% of predicted, FEV1/VC 70.9±0.7%; ACT 16 (12; 19) points. On average in the group, ΔFEV1CA was -19.2±0.6%. The frequency of CAHR detection in the winter was 22%, spring – 34%, summer – 22%, autumn – 24% (p>0.05). The minimum changes in FEV1 in response to IHCA were recorded in May-June (mean value ΔFEV1CA -16.2±1.3 and -14.5±1.6%, respectively) and were significantly less in comparison with February (-21.9±2.3%, p˂0.05) and April (-23.0±2.36%, p˂0.01). A correlation has been found between the monthly mean values of meteorological parameters and CAHR, as well as the value of ACT in points and ΔFEV1 (r=0.16; p=0.018).Conclusion. Seasonal changes in the strength of the action of meteorological factors produce a change in the response of the airways to cold bronchoprovocation, and contribute to the loss of asthma control. The maximum values of CAHR fall on February-April, August, November. The data obtained reflect the presence of a complex interaction of physical environmental factors in the induction of seasonal fluctuations of CAHR, which requires a search for specific mechanisms for the formation of altered airway reactivity associated with the characteristics of molecular reception of low temperatures and humidity in the human airways.

Mesoscale numerical modeling of the boundary atmospheric layer adapted to the north-western Black Sea region. Part 1. Mathematical problem formulation

The article presents a complete mathematical formulation of the problem of the boundary layer of the atmosphere and the interacting surface layers of the soil with the active layer of the sea adapted to the North-Western Black Sea Region through the inclusion of the coastline shape, relief elevation angles and climatic characteristics of soil moisture. The numerical model is a three-dimensional, unsteady, hydrostatic model with one- or two-parameter closure. The paper presents a detailed description of the applied sub-grid processes parameterizations such as cloudiness in the lower tier, flows of short- and long-wave radiation throughout thickness of the boundary layer and near the Earth, antigradient migration for basic meteorological variables in the presence of neutral or weakly stable stratification, components of water, heat and radiation balance, phase transitions of moisture in the atmosphere, and different parameterizations of turbulent processes used in the model. The possibilities of the model include description of neutral and stable boundary layers with consideration of the kinetic energy of vertical velocity fluctuations instead of the kinetic energy of longitudinal and transverse velocity fluctuations. Identification of the type of the boundary layer at a particular point in time is estimated using values of the Richardson number. In addition, in case of convective conditions presence, parameterization of dry convection and wet-convective adaptation may be implemented. At the boundaries of "free boundary layer – surface or near-water layer of air, air-soil and air-water" certain bonding conditions are to be set to ensure continuity of meteorological parameters or their flows. On the upper boundary of the free boundary layer actual values of meteorological parameters and necessary parameters, or corresponding values from the global atmospheric model are to set. At the lower boundary of the deep soil layer the invariance of the vertical temperature gradient of the active layer of the sea – the value of temperature which is equal to the value of the latter according to its climatic values in the considered season of the year is to be set. The presented model is the first approximation in numerical modeling of the boundary layer over the adapted territory and is designed for studying the thermodynamic structure of the boundary layer of the adapted territory, as well as for identifying the breeze effects over the terrain.

Assessment of Influence of Meteorological Parameters on the Risk of Accidents on Roads Outside Settlements

Road traffic accidents, especially occurring on road sections outside of populated areas, are characterized by high severity of consequences and, therefore, are one of the main safety problems of the technosphere. Studies of many authors confirm the importance of the influence of meteorological parameters on the accident rate. However, most results don’t contain quantitative data demonstrating how risk of occurring a car accident depends on weather conditions. Research of this article assesses the impact of five main meteorological parameters on the accident rate using as example one of the Russian Federal roads. Nonlinear dependences of weather conditions and road accident risk were obtained by means of calculation of frequencies. The results are presented in the form of graphical dependencies. As a result of approximation there were found formulas that describe the relationship between values of meteorological parameters and the variation of a car accident risk. According to probability theory, the mathematical model can be based on the multiplication of risks caused by each meteorological parameter.

Assessment of the impact of spatial development changes on thermal comfort experienced by man in the external environment

Progressive urbanization has a direct influence on both the local and consequently global climate. The spatial development methods of the area require the use of modern computer technologies that support planning decisions by key decision makers. Evaluation of the prevailing microclimate conditions in the external environment is possible using CFD software. In this paper were presented scenarios of the impact of changes in spatial development of the area covered by revitalization process in the most urbanized zone of Lodz. The changes proposed by the authors included two types of simulation input data, i.e. values determined for a typical meteorological year and values of meteorological parameters from the nearest measuring station – Lodz-Lublinek. PMV index enabled to evaluate the thermal comfort of human in an external environment. Conducted research has shown that the more effective solutions were scenarios based on a growth of the green area rather than introduction of water elements within the analyzed public space.

Aeropalynological study of two selected locations in North-Central Nigeria

Pollen and spores have been found as major biological sources of morbidity among individuals sensitive to respiratory disorders. The aim of the present study was to analyse the deposition rate of atmospheric pollen and fern spores at selected sites in Benue and Plateau states of the North-Central Nigeria between July 2015 and June 2016. This was accomplished by: (1) determining the pollen and fern spore content of each monitoring station; (2) establishing the relationship between total pollen count and meteorological parameters; and (3) comparing the recovered airborne pollen spectra with identified plants in the surrounding vegetation types of the sampling sites. The collection of atmospheric pollen was done using a modified Tauber sampler and plants in the surrounding environment of the sampling sites were enumerated. The residual solution was collected monthly and acetolysed, after which slide preparation and microscopy of the treated residue were done. Meteorological data were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Lagos. The results obtained reveal seasonal distribution patterns of various airborne pollen grains in the study locations. The most abundant pollen types recovered in Plateau State were produced by Syzygium guineense, Tridax procumbens, Alchornea sp., Terminalia sp., Poaceae and Amaranthaceae. Pollen types of Casuarina equisetifolia, Syzygium guineense, Tridax procumbens, Poaceae and Cyperaceae were preponderant in Benue State. Pteris sp., Nephrolepis sp. and a trilete fern spore were also represented in this study. The recovered airborne pollen spectra correspond favourably with some identified plants in the study locations. There was no significant correlation between monthly total pollen count and mean monthly values of meteorological parameters in Benue State. Air temperature and wind speed correlated significantly with monthly total pollen count in Plateau State. It is suggested that the allergenic effect of these abundant pollen types on humans should be further examined.

Microclimate Evaluation of the Hradec Králové City using HUMIDEX

Abstract Urban environment differs from the surrounding landscape in terms of the values of meteorological parameters. This is often referred to as the urban heat island (UHI), which in simple terms means higher air temperatures in cities. The cause of these changes lies in the different active surfaces in cities, which subsequently results in a different radiation balance. The higher temperatures, however, also affect the living conditions in the city and during very high temperature periods can have negative effects on the health of the city inhabitants. The results presented in this paper are based on measurements taken over several years at locations near Hradec Králové, which is surrounded by different surface areas. Environment analysis was performed using the Humidex index. The obtained results show that replacing green areas with built-up areas affects temperatures in the city, when air temperatures are very high they significantly increase the discomfort of the inhabitants. Differences in the frequency of discomfort levels are observed especially during periods of high temperatures, at lower temperatures these differences are not significant. Higher frequencies of discomfort are observed at locations with artificial surfaces (asphalt, cobblestones, concrete) and in closed spaces. In contrast, locations with lots of green areas almost always have the value of this index lower or more balanced. The results should therefore be a valid argument for maintaining and extending green areas in cities.

Correlation Between Occurrence and Deterioration of Respiratory Diseases and Air Pollution Within the Legally Permissible Limits.

The aim of the study was to investigate the unknown effect of air pollutants on the occurrence or deterioration of respiratory diseases in the area with a humid continental climate. This retrospective study included 5868 patients with respiratory symptomatology (upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), pneumonia, acute bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma) admitted to emergency department (ED). The number of patients, values of meteorological parameters (mean daily values of air temperature pressure and relative humidity) and concentrations of air pollution particles (≤10 μm (PM10), ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)) were collected during a two-year ( July 2008 - June 2010) period. There were 1839 (31.3%), 1712 (29.2%), 1313 (22.4%), 614 (10.5%) and 390 (6.6%) patients with pneumonia, COPD, URTI, acute bronchitis and asthma, respectively. The mean daily concentrations of NO2 (25.9 (1.7-89.7) μg/m3), O3 (47.1 (4.7-135.4) μg/m3) and PM10 particles (25.7 (4.6-146.6) μg/m3) were below the legally defined thresholds. Among other results, the occurrence of respiratory diseases showed positive Spearman's correlation with the values of air humidity (days 0-3, r=0.15 to 0.19), PM10(days 0-3, r=0.10 to 0.13) and NO2 concentrations (day 0, r=0.11), and negative correlation with the values of air temperature (days 0-3, r=-0.36 to -0.34), pressure (day 0, r=-0.10) and O3 concentrations (days 0-3, r=-0.21 to -0.22) (p<0.05 all). In conclusion, the occurrence of respiratory diseases showed correlation with weather conditions and air pollutants despite the legally permitted values in the region with a humid continental climate.

Correlation Between Concentration of Air Pollutants and Occurrence of Cardiac Arrhythmias in a Region with Humid Continental Climate

In this study, we investigated the correlation of air temperature, pressure and concentration of air pollutants with the rate of admissions for cardiac arrhythmias at two clinical centers in the area with a humid continental climate. This retrospective study included 3749 patients with arrhythmias admitted to emergency department (ED). They were classified into four groups: supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia (VT), atrial fibrillation/undulation (Afib/Aund), and palpitations (with no ECG changes, or with sinus tachycardia and extrasystoles). The number of patients, values of meteorological parameters (average daily values of air temperature, pressure and relative humidity) and concentrations of air pollutants (particles of dimensions ~10 micrometers or less (PM(10)), ozone (O(3)) and nitrogen dioxide (NO(2))) were collected during a two-year period ( July 2008-June 2010). There were 1650 (44.0%), 1525 (40.7%), 451 (12.0%) and 123 (3.3%) patients with palpitations, Afib/Aund, SVT and VT, respectively. Spearman’s correlation yielded positive correlation between the occurrence of arrhythmias and air humidity on the day (r=0.07), and 1 (r=0.08), 2 (r=0.09) and 3 days before (r=0.09), and NO(2) particles on the day (r=0.08) of ED admission; palpitations and air humidity on the day (r=0.11), and 1 (r=0.09), 2 (r=0.07) and 3 days before (r=0.10), and PM(10) (r=0.11) and NO(2) (r=0.08) particles on the day of ED admission; and Afi b/Aund and air humidity 2 days before (r=0.08) ED admission (p<0.05 all). In conclusion, there was a very weak positive correlation of the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias with air humidity and concentration of air pollutants in the region with a humid continental climate.

Extreme value statistical analysis of meteorological parameters observed at Kudankulam site during 2004–2014

For any civil engineering work, knowledge of extreme weather conditions at the site of interest is essentially required to design engineering structure that can withstand such extreme weather stresses. This paper presents an analysis of extreme values of meteorological parameters like temperature, estimated wind gust at 10 m height, wind speed, daily, monthly, and annual rainfall for 2004–2014. The yearly variations of these meteorological parameters were subjected to distribution analysis. Various distribution function parameters for each variable are determined. Extreme values corresponding to return periods of 50 and 100 years are worked out. These studies carried out in Kudankulam provide an insight into the extreme values of the considered variables over a period, generally during the expected lifetime of the reactor units and help the designer to arrive at the design basis values of different parameters as regards the safety of the units.

Seasonal variation of Ganoderma spore concentrations in urban and suburban districts of the city of Szczecin, Poland.

According to recent studies, Ganoderma may be the third genus, after Alternaria and Cladosporium, the spores of which cause symptoms of allergy, and concentration is related to meteorological factors. The aerobiology of Ganoderma spores in Szczecin in urban and suburban districts was examined using Lanzoni Volumetric Spore Traps in 2008-2010. Ganoderma spores were present in the atmosphere on more than 90% of the days from June through September with peak concentrations in June, July and September. The number of days with spores was lower in the suburban district, while the total number of spores collected was higher there than in the urban district. Correlation and multiple regression analyses revealed weak relationships between Ganoderma and meteorological conditions, while testing the significance of differences between the districts showed that urban development did not have a clear impact on the values of meteorological parameters. A significantly higher abundance of spores in the suburbs of Szczecin seemed to be conditioned by the closeness of potential area sources. This study indicates that a single measuring site in the city centre insufficiently reflected the dynamics and level of Ganoderma spore concentration in peripheral districts.

Independent and combined interaction of fine particulate matter in atmospheric air and the frequency of acute myocardial infarction hospitalizations in Varna, Bulgaria

Abstract

Long-term variations of long-wave radiation in Moscow

Using the data of long-term (1958–2012) actinometric and meteorological observations of the Meteorological Observatory of Lomonosov Moscow State University, the observed and computed long-wave fluxes and the factors defining their variability are estimated. Obtained are the normals and determined are the limits of variability of effective radiation. Analyzed are the peculiarities of atmospheric back radiation. Demonstrated is the trend towards the decrease (in absolute value) in effective radiation caused by the increase in the atmospheric back radiation flux (Ea). The trend towards the increase in the atmospheric back radiation is determined by the increase in the values of meteorological parameters: cloudiness, atmospheric moisture content, and temperature. The content of aerosol and carbon dioxide does not affect the long-term variations of Ea registered in Moscow. Derived empirical formulae can be recommended for estimating the atmospheric back radiation and effective radiation of the Earth surface using meteorological observations.

Evaluation of thermal discomfort in Athens territory and its effect on the daily number of recorded patients at hospitals’ emergency rooms

Previous research has shown that temperature and humidity affect human health. However, only a few studies have examined the association of a biometeorological index, which combines several meteorological parameters and human physiology, with health outcomes. The aim of the present study is to assess the thermal discomfort in Athens city by using the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) as well as to examine its association with the number of patients recorded at the emergency rooms of four main hospitals. Patients were selected based on their diagnosis during the summer season (June-August) from 1998 to 2004. Data included hourly values of meteorological parameters and daily numbers of patients who visited the emergency units of cardiology departments. Poisson regression models were applied using generalized estimating equations. A strong negative correlation between mean and maximum daily values of PMV and the number of emergency department visits was identified. More studies are needed to explore the association of this biometeorological index with health outcomes in other regions.

Some characteristics of oxidant occurrence in the atmosphere of belgrade

Oxidant occurrence in the atmosphere of Belgrade was investigated during the warm periods of the years 1981 and 1982. Air samples were taken daily (04–20 h) at the Aerological Observatory, Zeleno Brdo and Meteorological Station, Vračar in the periods June–September 1981 and May–September 1982. Episodic measurements were occasionally performed. Oxidant concentrations were determined by the alkaline spectrophotometric iodometric method. Measurements of direct and global u.v.-radiations at 320 nm were performed simultaneously at the Aerological Observatory. Radiosounding was carried out at this observatory every 6 h. In addition, hourly values of meteorological parameters in the surface layer were measured at both sites throughout the period. In characteristic episodes micrometeorological measurements were performed at 40 points in the city. Extra-high oxidant concentrations were found at both sites in the period June–August, 1981. In the same period of 1982 the oxidant concentrations dropped to the permitted level. However, short episodes with extra-high concentrations at one of the sampling sites appeared in September of both observed years. The episodes of June 1981 and 16 September 1982 in particular were analysed to illustrate the conditions which favour photochemical smog occurrence in Belgrade. It is shown that a chaotic arrangement of sources of precursors presents an inherent danger of oxidant occurrence in situations with stable, calm and warm weather.

Effect of the meteorological factors on the incidence of paddy stem-borer (Tryporyza Incertulas Walker) and its zonal apportionment

Paddy stem-borer (Tryporyza Incertulas Walker) infestation is very much influenced by meteorological factors. The effect of various weather elements on its incidence is endeavoured in present statistical analysis. It is found that less moisture content in the atmosphere in the elongation stage and a minimum temperature lower than 23 deg. C and sunshine hours more than 8 hours in flowering stage are favourable for increased larval activity in the earing stage of summer paddy crop at Bhubaneshwar. Northeast region of India are prone to heavy attack in summer and winter crops earing stage. Similar studies for other stations are necessary to draw general conclusion about threshold values of meteorological parameters to be used in forewarning of the infestation of stem-borer in paddy.

On a method for the representation of the normal state of the lower atmosphere in the extratropics, and its applications

Theoretical reasons for considering the temporal, zonal and time-and-zone root mean square values of meteorological parameters as their normal values in the extratropics are given. Using geostrophic relative vorticity (ζ g ) data for the Northern Hemisphere Extratropics for four months typical of the four seasons it is shown that the time averages of the zonal root mean square values of ζ g — calledK — are useful in determining the normal locations and other properties of extratropical jet streams.