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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
05:56
Construction of a Compact Low-Cost Radiation Shield for Air-Temperature Sensors in Ecological Field Studies
Published on: November 6, 2018
Sensing biological environments with a portable radiation thermometer
Applied Optics
|January 14, 2010
Summary
This study details the radiation environment affecting organisms and introduces a portable infrared thermometer for measuring surface temperatures. Field observations demonstrate its utility in diverse ecological settings for understanding thermal radiation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biophysics
- Ecology
Background:
- Organisms exist within a complex radiation environment.
- Understanding the energy budget of organism surfaces is crucial for ecological interactions.
- Previous methods for measuring organism surface temperatures were limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the radiation environment relevant to organisms.
- To introduce and validate a portable infrared radiation thermometer for ecological studies.
- To report field measurements of plant and animal surface temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of organism-radiation coupling and energy budgets.
- Development and testing of a prototype portable infrared radiation thermometer.
- Field data collection on surface temperatures in various ecosystems.
Main Results:
- The portable infrared thermometer proved effective for measuring organism and environmental surface temperatures.
- Field observations provided data on plant and animal surface temperatures in diverse ecological niches.
- The theory of radiation thermometry for biological surfaces was elaborated.
Conclusions:
- Portable infrared thermometers are valuable tools for ecological research.
- Accurate measurement of surface temperatures is essential for understanding organismal responses to the environment.
- This technology facilitates novel field observations in biophysical ecology.
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Glass-bulb Thermometer:
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Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Here are the steps to accurately measure oral temperature using an electronic thermometer:
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
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Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
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Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most precise method for assessing core body temperature and typically registers higher than oral temperature. For adults, the rectal thermometer should be inserted 1 to 1.5 inches into the rectum to obtain the most accurate reading.
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...