CLIMATE CHANGE AND RURAL WORKERS THERMAL COMFORT: HISTORICAL AND FUTURE IMPACTS

<div><p>Abstract The aim of the present research was to propose a bioclimatic mapping to classify the thermal comfort and discomfort of rural workers within the state of Minas Gerais, considering historical and future scenarios. Monthly historical series (1976-2014) of minimum, mean and maximum temperature-humidity index (THI), determined through the values of air temperature (minimum, mean and maximum) and relative humidity from 48 weather stations located in the state of Minas Gerais were used to analyze the trends through Mann-Kendall and linear regression assays. The bioclimatic mapping of human comfort, obtained via geostatistical analysis, was developed as a function of the minimum, medium and maximum THI for the historical period (1976-2014) and future scenario (2024). Results indicate an overall trend of increasing in thermal discomfort conditions throughout the mesoregions of the state of Minas Gerais during the weather seasons, being more incisive in summer and spring.</p></div

Air quality, sound pressure level, and thermal environment of two swine nursery styles

<div><p>ABSTRACT Because of the importance of the ambiance in swine facilities, this study aimed to evaluate the air quality, the sound pressure level, and the thermal environment of two distinct swine nursery styles. A completely randomized block design with a split-plot arrangement was used, in which the main plots were composed of the nurseries and the external environment; the subplots were the hours; and the replications were the collection days. Air temperature data (ºC), relative humidity (%), and black globe humidity index (BGHI) data were collected throughout the day at 10-min intervals, with means compared by Tukey’s test at 0.05 probability level. Instantaneous concentrations of ammonia (ppm), carbon dioxide (ppm), and sound pressure levels (dB(C)) were measured three times daily and analyzed on boxplot graphs. The results showed no difference between the two nurseries with respect to thermal, air, and acoustic environment. The nurseries can be considered uncomfortable for the animals with respect to thermal conditions. Concentrations of gases and sound pressure levels did not exceed the limits established by current regulations. In both nurseries only at 09h00 it was possible to detect sound pressure levels that characterize the condition of comfort thermal of the environment, at the other times, alert and stress conditions were observed.</p></div