Temperature comparison
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Temperature Comparison: Insights from Recent Research
Integer Comparisons Based on Temperature Language
Challenges in Temperature Comparison Language
Research has shown that the language used in temperature comparisons can significantly affect how students interpret and compare integer values. For instance, when second and fourth graders were asked to compare temperatures using terms like "hottest," "coldest," "most hot," and "least cold," their responses varied based on the phrasing and the nature of the numbers (positive, negative, or mixed)1. Students found it easier to identify the "hottest" temperature among positive numbers but struggled more with identifying the "coldest." Conversely, with negative numbers, identifying the "coldest" was easier than identifying the "hottest"1. This suggests that students often view hot and cold as categorical opposites rather than points on a continuum.
Core Body Temperature Measurement Techniques
Rectal vs. Aural Thermometry in Hyperthermic Individuals
A meta-analysis comparing rectal (T(re)) and aural (T(au)) thermometry in hyperthermic, exercising individuals found that rectal temperatures were consistently higher than aural temperatures across all phases of exercise (pre, during, and post)2. The difference in temperature readings increased with the core temperature, indicating that aural thermometry tends to underestimate core body temperature as measured by rectal thermometry2. This finding is crucial for clinicians who rely on accurate temperature measurements in hyperthermic conditions.
Brain vs. Core Temperature in Neurological Studies
Studies comparing brain temperature to core temperature (measured via blood, rectal, bladder, and esophageal methods) have consistently found that brain temperatures are higher, with differences ranging from 0.39 to 2.5 degrees Celsius4. This discrepancy is significant in the context of acute neurological injury, where elevated brain temperatures can exacerbate neuronal damage. The review highlights the need for precise brain temperature monitoring to detect and manage 'brain fever' effectively4.
Global and Regional Temperature Comparisons
Reanalysis of Maximum and Minimum Temperatures
A comparison of three global reanalyses of daily maximum and minimum temperatures at 2-m and 1000-hPa levels revealed significant differences at the 2-m level, especially over land, with discrepancies often exceeding ±5°C and sometimes reaching ±10°C3. However, at the 1000-hPa level, the reanalyses were generally consistent, suggesting that while 1000-hPa temperatures are interchangeable across reanalyses, 2-m temperatures are not due to varying diagnostic methods3.
Indoor Thermal Comfort Across Regions
A comparative study of winter indoor thermal environments across South Europe, North America, and Asia found regional differences in indoor operative temperatures and relative humidity. European and North American cities generally had higher indoor temperatures compared to Chinese cities, which had the lowest5. The study also noted that Europeans tend to feel colder than predicted when indoor temperatures deviate from the neutral zone, while Chinese occupants' thermal sensations were closer to neutral predictions5.
Temperature Measurement in Clinical Settings
Infrared Ear vs. Rectal Thermometry in Children
A systematic review comparing infrared ear thermometry with rectal thermometry in children concluded that while the mean differences were small, the wide limits of agreement indicate that ear thermometry is not a reliable substitute for rectal thermometry in clinical settings where precise body temperature measurement is critical9. This finding underscores the importance of choosing the appropriate method for accurate temperature assessment in pediatric care.
Various Methods vs. Pulmonary Artery Core Temperature
In intensive care settings, a study comparing urinary bladder, esophageal, rectal, axillary, and inguinal temperatures against pulmonary artery core temperature found that urinary bladder and esophageal thermometers were the most reliable, followed by rectal thermometers. Axillary and inguinal thermometers were less accurate10. This information is vital for clinicians to ensure accurate core temperature monitoring in critically ill patients.
Conclusion
The research highlights the complexities and critical differences in temperature measurement across various contexts, from educational settings to clinical environments. Understanding these nuances is essential for accurate temperature assessment and effective decision-making in both educational and healthcare settings.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Most and Least: Differences in Integer Comparisons Based on Temperature Comparison Language
Students struggle with "coldest" in temperature comparisons, but are more successful with "hottest" in positive number choices, suggesting they view hot and cold as categorical opposites rather than on a continuum.
Comparison of rectal and aural core body temperature thermometry in hyperthermic, exercising individuals: a meta-analysis.
Rectal thermometry consistently provides a more accurate assessment of core body temperature in hyperthermic individuals than aural thermometry, especially as T(core) increases.
Meta-Analysis
Highly CitedGlobal and Regional Comparison of Daily 2-m and 1000-hPa Maximum and Minimum Temperatures in Three Global Reanalyses
Three global reanalyses are generally interchangeable in 1000-hPa temperatures, but their methods for diagnosing 2-m temperatures are very different.
Comparison of brain temperature to core temperature: a review of the literature.
Brain temperatures are higher than core temperatures, but current studies are limited by low sample sizes, limited statistical analysis, and inconsistent measures.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedA comparison of winter indoor thermal environment and thermal comfort between regions in Europe, North America, and Asia
European and North American cities have higher indoor temperatures, while Chinese cities have lower temperatures, but all regions meet comfort requirements, with North America having the highest ratio of matching comfort zones.
Highly CitedA Comparison of CCM2-BATS Skin Temperature and Surface-Air Temperature with Satellite and Surface Observations
The CCM2BATS model accurately reproduces many features of skin temperature, but may underestimate high latitudes in January and overestimate low- and midlatitudes in July.
Highly CitedTemperature comparison chart
The highest temperature is 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
Analysis and Some Aspects of the Results of Key International Comparisons in the 83.8058–933.473 K Temperature Range
The KC3 international temperature measurements show that national metrological institutes' results are close to each other and near the mean values of all participants.
Infrared ear thermometry compared with rectal thermometry in children: a systematic review
Infrared ear thermometry is not a reliable approximation of rectal temperature in children, even when used in rectal mode.
Highly CitedTemperature measurement in intensive care patients: comparison of urinary bladder, oesophageal, rectal, axillary, and inguinal methods versus pulmonary artery core method
Urinary bladder and oesophageal electronic thermometers are more reliable than rectal thermometers for measuring core temperature in critically ill patients.
Observational StudyHighly Cited