APCA Honors Five Individuals and Three Sections In 1988 Awards Program

The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of fungi in the chapel crypt. The MAS 100 was used to monitor the air pollution. The lowest numbers of fungal colonies were isolated at the entrance to the cemetery (2400 CFU/m3). The outside temperature ranged from 24.5oC to 28.1oC, and relative humidity was between 35.3% and 46.4 %. The highest of fungal colonies from air samples at baseline were isolated inside the crypt when coffin was opened (4820 CFU/m3). The temperature in the crypt at baseline varied between 19.6°C and 25.6°C and humidity was between 50.8% and 60.1%. The number of fungal colonies increased significantly at the end of the study. Ten species of fungi were isolated from air samples inside and outside the chapel, and seven species of fungi were isolated on the surface of the exterior and interior of the chapel. Thirteen types/species of fungus were isolated from air samples collected in the crypt; 15 species of fungi were isolated on the walls, surface of the coffin, bones and other objects. Assessment of fungi in the air samples and different surfaces of the crypt, it revealed very high levels of molds in the air samples.

Implications: Assessment of fungi in the air samples and different surfaces of the crypt revealed high levels of molds in the air samples. Fungal numbers within the crypt exceed recommended limits for occupational exposure. Employees working in the crypts should know about these hazards.     

Bionik: Grenzen und Perspektiven

Bionics, based on analogies between living beings and technical systems, neglect fundamental differences, e.g., on the one hand, technology uses high temperatures, a mean closed to all living beings and, on the other hand, the cells of all organisms keep high autonomy. The first fact makes it possible, e.g., to construct airplanes three or four powers of ten heavier than the heaviest birds, whereas the second fact enables each cell to reproduce itself, to restore lost limbs or even the whole organism, far beyond the reach of technology. The symbiosis of organisms and technical installations (biotechnology) or, on a higher level, of mankind and environment, may be a guiding star for future development.