A new “COMECON” standard for thermal comfort within residential and civic buildings

A new COMECON standard for thermal comfort within residential and civic buildings (Table 1) is based on the Complex System of Evaluation of Hygro-Thermal Microclimate (Jokl, 1972) starting from an exact mathematical model of the indoor environment (Jokl, 1981). Not only optimal parameters are predicted but also admissible values and their ranges, i.e. their possible changes — also the requirements for the sensitivity of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls.     

Antheseabhängige UV-Muster in Blütenständen von Asteraceen

The pseudanthia ofHeliopsis scabra andRudbeckia vulgaris (Asteraceae) were examined during the anthesis for differences in their UV patterns. Distinct changes in the reflectance and absorbance properties could be observed. The results suggest a close correlation between different stages of floral development and pollinator attraction.

Herrn Prof. Dr.Lothar Geitler zum 90. Geburtstag gewidmet.     

Disrupted autophagy undermines skeletal muscle adaptation and integrity

This review assesses the importance of proteostasis in skeletal muscle maintenance with a specific emphasis on autophagy. Skeletal muscle appears to be particularly vulnerable to genetic defects in basal and induced autophagy, indicating that autophagy is co-substantial to skeletal muscle maintenance and adaptation. We discuss emerging evidence that tension-induced protein unfolding may act as a direct link between mechanical stress and autophagic pathways. Mechanistic links between protein damage, autophagy and muscle hypertrophy, which is also induced by mechanical stress, are still poorly understood. However, some mouse models of muscle disease show ameliorated symptoms upon effective targeting of basal autophagy. These findings highlight the importance of autophagy as therapeutic target and suggest that elucidating connections between protein unfolding and mTOR-dependent or mTOR-independent hypertrophic responses is likely to reveal specific therapeutic windows for the treatment of muscle wasting disorders.     

Über ein natürlich entstandenes Lentoid

Ohne Zusammenfassung Mit 1 Textabbildung.     

An introduction to the theory of NON-uniformity of hygrothermal constituent of the environment

Non-uniformity of the hygrothermal constituent of the environment (NUN) causes problems not only of hot workplaces in industry, but also in lightweight buildings, and air-conditioned and even ventilated buildings. It is almost impossible to avoid cold draughts, unilateral thermal radiation etc. in such situations. The theory and definition of NUN in space and in time, and NUN climatic (convective, radiant, perspiratory) and NUN conductive are described.     

New units for indoor air quality: decicarbdiox and decitvoc

Abstract Two new units are proposed for the evaluation of indoor air quality using the decibel concept, which give a much better approximation of the human perception of odour intensity, compared to the CO₂ and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) concentration scales: the decicarbdiox and the devitvoc. On the psychophysical scale according to Yaglou, the weakest odour that can be detected by the human smell sensors is equal to one, and corresponds to the lower limit of percentage dissatisfaction (PD) of 5.8%. It is equivalent to: (1) a CO₂ threshold concentration of 485 ppm – 0 dB (odour CO₂) – 0 dCd (decicarbdiox), and (2) a TVOC threshold concentration of 50 μg m⁻³– 0 dB (odour TVOC) – 0 dTv (decitvoc). The upper limit is determined by the initial value of toxicity: (1) CO₂– 15,000 ppm – 134 dCd, and (2) TVOC – 25,000 g/m⁻³– 135 dTv. Optimal pollutant values (corresponding to PD=20%) and admissible values (PD=30%) for unadapted and adapted persons are calculated. Long-term tolerable values (determining the sick building syndrome range) and short-term tolerable values (the beginning of the toxic range) are also stated. The same system used to evaluate noise can be used to evaluate air quality. Additionally, the contribution of the individual constituents (at present acoustic and odour) to the overall quality of the environment can be ascertained. The new units dCd and dTv can express an increase or decrease in air contamination, e.g. by the use of air cleaners, new building materials etc. The proposed system of using dCd and dTv is compatible with BSR/ASHRAE 62–1989 R which can be used to determine the required volume of fresh air for ventilation by an improved method, which takes into account different levels of required indoor air quality. Received: 21 January 1998 / Revised: 20 May 1998 / Accepted: 30 September 1998     

The human thermoregulation range within the neutral zone.

A mathematical and physical model of thermoregulatory mechanisms has been derived and experimental data are presented for the elements of the model. The thermoregulatory range within the neutral zone has been analyzed by regression analysis of the experimental data. The optimal globe temperature and the adaptational shifts in temperature for winter and summer are also given.     

Effect of altitude upon 1968 Olympic Games running performances

The record running times of Mexico City Olympic Games gold medal winners (men and women) were plotted against the pre-October 1968 records, showing that performances for short distances were better at mid-altitude, while for long distances the performances were better at low elevations.

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Zusammenfassung Die Rekord-Laufzeiten der Goldmedalliengewinner der Olympischen Spiele in Mexico City wurden gegen die Vor-Oktober 1968 Rekorde aufgetragen. Die Leistungen auf den Kurzstrecken waren besser als im Tiefland und liessen auf den mittleren Strecken nach, bei den Frauen früher als bei den Männern.

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Resume On a comparé les temps obtenus par les vainqueurs (médailles d'or) des Jeux Olympiques de Mexico City aux records établis avant l'automne 1968. Les résultats de Mexico ont été meilleurs que ceux obtenus en plaine pour les courtes distances alors qu'ils étaient moins bons au fur et à mesure que les distances augmentaient. La chute des performances se fait plus vite sentir chez les femmes que chez les hommes.

     

Eine neue Meereschytridinee:Pleotrachelus Ectocarpii nov. spec.

Ohne Zusammenfassung