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At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

Air temperature and relative humidity effects on behavioral activity of blacklegged tick (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs in New Jersey.

Air-temperature and relative humidity data were used to explain variation in behavioral activity of Ixodes scapularis Say nymphs. We estimated behavioral activity as the residual variation in drag-sample data after seasonal changes in population density were removed by regression. The seasonal decline in drag samples between June and August 1995 on field plots at Morristown National Historical Park, NJ, can be described by a simple negative exponential function. Residuals around a fitted exponential were significantly correlated with temperature and with relative humidity measured at the leaf-litter surface, and explained 34 and 44% of the variance, respectively. Multiple regression on temperature and relative humidity explained 51% of the variance. These regressions estimated the explanatory power of microclimate, independent of seasonal correlations, and might provide a basis for day-to-day prediction of human exposure to Lyme disease.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Effects of temperature and humidity on oviposition, molting, and longevity of Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae).

The juvenile development and survival of Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer) kept in vitro at different temperatures and humidity were investigated to obtain biological baseline data for a Swedish population. Individual females, eggs, larvae, and protonymphs were observed with regard to egg production, duration of various stages, and longevity when kept at different temperatures and relative humidities. Female mites laid eggs at temperatures between 5 and 45 degrees C with the highest numbers laid at 20 degrees C and 70% RH, but development to larvae and protonymphs was only observed at temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees C. The average duration of oviposition varied from 1.0 to 3.2 d within the temperature range 20-45 degrees C but was gradually increased to 28 d at 5 degrees C. Specimens survived for up to 9 mo without access to food when kept in the temperature range of 5-25 degrees C. Temperatures > 45 degrees C and at -20 degrees C were found to be lethal. Longevity was similar for females and protonymphs kept at 30 and 45% RH, but it was enhanced at 70 and 90% RH for protonymphs. This study showed that D. gallinae can survive for a long time without feeding if the microclimate is suitable, but it does not thrive at low relative humidities and at temperature extremes. This indicates that changing of the abiotic conditions in infested poultry houses could be a possible measure to reduce mite populations.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Improved running performance in hot humid conditions following whole body precooling.

On two separate occasions, eight subjects controlled speed to run the greatest distance possible in 30 min in a hot, humid environment (ambient temperature 32 degrees C, relative humidity 60%). For the experimental test (precooling), exercise was preceeded by cold-water immersion. Precooling increased the distance run by 304 +/- 166 m (P < 0.05). Precooling decreased the pre-exercise rectal and mean skin temperature by 0.7 degrees C and 5.9 degrees C, respectively (P < 0.05). Rectal and mean skin temperature were decreased up to 20 and 25 min during exercise, respectively (P < 0.05). Mean body temperature decreased from 36.5 +/- 0.1 degrees C to 33.8 +/- 0.2 degrees C following precooling (P < 0.05) and remained lower throughout exercise (P < 0.01) and at the end of exercise (by 0.8 degrees C; P < 0.05). The rate of heat storage at the end of exercise increased from 113 +/- 45 to 249 +/- 55 W.m-2 (P < 0.005). Precooling lowered the heart rate at rest (13%), 5 (9%), and 10 min (10%) exercise (P < 0.05) and increased the end of exercise blood lactate from 4.9 +/- 0.5 to 7.4 +/- 0.9 mmol.L-1 (P < 0.01). The VO2 at 10 and 20 min of exercise and total body sweating are not different between tests. In conclusion, water immersion precooling increased exercise endurance in hot, humid conditions with an enhanced rate of heat storage and decreased thermoregulatory strain.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Humidity-conditioned gravimetric method to measure the water content of hydrogel contact lens materials.

A method to determine the humidity-conditioned gravimetric water content of hydrogel contact lens materials has been developed, in which errors due to blotting have been eliminated by conditioning the lens in a series of relative humidity (RH) environments before measuring the water content gravimetrically, and then extrapolating the water content to 100% RH. This method has been used to determine the water contents of representative materials from each of the four FDA lens groups, which were compared with their labeled values, as well as with values obtained from refractive index measurements. The deviation of the water content of soft contact lenses as measured by refractive index from that obtained gravimetrically increased as the water content decreased. The humidity-conditioned gravimetric method to determine water content of hydrophilic contact lenses is being proposed as an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard, as an improvement over the gravimetric and refractive index methods.

Caprolactam↗

PubMed1998

Dynamic programming approach for newborn's incubator humidity control.

The anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the human skin have been studied for a long time. A special interest has been shown in the water permeability of the premature infant's skin, which is known to be an important factor in the maintenance of a controlled water and heat balance. The rate of evaporative heat exchange between the skin surface of a very premature infant and the surrounding incubator air may be so high that evaporative heat loss alone may exceed the infant's total metabolic heat production. However, it has been demonstrated in several investigations published in recent years that basal evaporative water loss can be consistently reduced by increasing the ambient humidity. Nevertheless, the passive humidification system (water reservoir) used in most incubators cannot achieve high and steady humidity levels. In this paper, we propose an active humidification system. The algorithm is based on a combination of optimal control theory and dynamic programming approach. The relative-humidity (R.H.) regulation is performed in range of 35-90% at 33 degrees C with small oscillations (+/- 0.5% R.H.) around the reference value (i.e., prescribed R.H.).

Algorithms↗

PubMed1995

House dust mite allergen levels in two cities in Canada: effects of season, humidity, city and home characteristics.

The homes of 120 patients with asthma, 57 in Vancouver and 63 in Winnipeg, were studied. The characteristics of the homes were assessed by a questionnaire. Dust samples were collected and the indoor relative humidity was measured four times during the year covering all four seasons in both cities. Mite allergen levels were determined using monoclonal antibodies against Der p I and Der f I by the ELISA method. The mean levels of both mite allergens in mattress and floor samples in the homes in Vancouver and in Winnipeg were relatively low for all seasons. Mite allergen levels were found to be associated with city, season and individual home differences. They were significantly higher in Vancouver than in Winnipeg. Der p I and Der f I in mattress samples in both cities and Der f I in floor samples in Vancouver, varied by season. The indoor relative humidity level in the homes in Vancouver were also significantly higher than those in Winnipeg. There was, however, no significant association between the levels of indoor relative humidity and the levels of mite allergens after adjusting for variations in city, season and individual home. Although individual home differences were highly associated with mite allergen levels, only a few home characteristics were found to be related to mite allergen levels such as the type and the age of the home, the type of heating, the use of feather pillows and the number of occupants in the homes. Whether low levels of mite allergens are partially responsible for the relatively low prevalence of childhood asthma in Canada remains to be investigated.

Allergens↗

PubMed1987

Preservation of humidity and heat of respiratory gases during anaesthesia--a laboratory investigation.

Humidification and heating of anaesthetic gases are desirable to prevent respiratory tract damage and a fall in body temperature during operative procedures. Numerous studies on the humidity and temperature of inspiratory gases in different breathing systems for anaesthesia have been carried out, but comparisons are difficult since different methods have been used. In this laboratory set-up we studied a non-rebreathing system with and without humidifiers and a circle absorber system with low (0.5 l/min) or medium (5 l/min) fresh gas flows regarding their ability to heat and humidify anaesthetic gases. The humidity of inspired gases was acceptable in the non-rebreathing system using either a Bennett Cascade humidifier or disposable humidifiers and in the circle absorber system using a fresh gas flow of 5 l/min or less. The temperature of the inspired gases was highest with the Bennett Cascade humidifier, followed by the low-flow circle system. The circle absorber system used with low fresh gas flow gave higher inspiratory gas temperature and humidity than the non-rebreathing system with a good disposable humidifier.

Anesthesia, Inhalation↗

PubMed1995

Physiological measurements in horses after strenuous exercise in hot, humid conditions.

The purpose of this study was 1) to measure and compare some physiological parameters in horses during a standardised treadmill exercise performed either in temperate atmospheric conditions (TC) (ambient temperature: 15 degrees C; relative humidity: 55%), or in hot and humid conditions (HHC) (ambient temperature: 30 degrees C; relative humidity: 75%) and 2) to follow the recovery of the same horses during 1 h after both tests. Five healthy fit Standardbred horses were investigated twice at 8 days interval, in TC and in HHC. Some measurements were made during a standardised treadmill exercise test (SET), others during a 1 h recovery period. The SET consisted of 8 min warm-up and 8 min exercise. During the SET, respiratory airflow and O2 and CO2 fraction in the respiratory gases were continuously recorded, using 2 ultrasonic pneumotachographs connected to a face mask and a mass spectrometer. Oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide output, respiratory quotient and expired minute volume (VE) were obtained on a breath-by-breath basis. The maximal values obtained during the highest intensity of the SET and the values obtained 2 min after the end of the test were used for the comparison between both tests. Heart rate (HR) and skin temperature were continuously recorded, using a heart rate recording system and a real time infrared thermographic unit, respectively. After both SETs in TC and HHC, the horses recovered in TC. Heart rate, respiratory frequency (f) and rectal temperature were regularly measured during 1 h after the test. Venous blood was sampled after the completion of the test for biochemical analysis, namely plasma electrolytes and enzymatic activities. Exercising in HHC induced a reduction of the aerobic metabolism to the total energy requirement, i.e. a 20% decrease of VO2 and 55% increase in lactate, as well as a decrease in VE. The increase in rectal and skin temperature, the dehydration and the weight loss were higher in HHC than in TC. During the recovery period the HR and f remained higher up to 30 min after the end of the SET in HHC while the rectal temperature remained higher up to 60 min after the end of this test. Therefore, despite the fact that our horses recovered in TC after exercising in HHC, there were significant differences between their physiological parameters measured during the recovery. This means that the recovery in air-conditioned unit would probably be an insufficient measure to ensure an adequate cooling of the horses and justify consequently the adaptations proposed by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), i.e. the decrease of the distance of the run and the increase of the time devoted to the halt between phases.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Thermal and cardiorespiratory responses of horses to submaximal exercise under hot and humid conditions.

The objective of this study is to determine the effects of heat, and heat and high relative humidity (RH) on the thermal and cardiorespiratory responses to exercise and recovery. Five Thoroughbred horses (age 3 to 6) completed exercise tests under each of 3 environmental conditions: cool, dry (CD, room temperature (T) = 20 degrees C, RH = 45-55%), hot, dry (HD, T = 32-34 degrees C, RH = 45-55%) and hot, humid (HH, T = 32-34 degrees C, RH = 80-85%). Horses were exercised at a workload equal to 50% of VO2max on a treadmill set at a 10% slope until attainment of a pulmonary artery blood (PA) temperature of 41.5 degrees C followed by a 30 min walking recovery (0% slope), and a further 30 min standing recovery in the same environmental conditions. Blood (PA), rectal, skin (dorsal aspect of the thorax) and muscle (middle gluteal muscle) temperatures and heart rate were measured before, during and after exercise. Respiratory rate was measured before exercise and during the 60 min recovery period. Exercise duration for HD (mean +/- s.e. 28 +/- 2 min) and HH (16.5 +/- 1 min) was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased when compared with CD (37 +/- 2 min). The rate of increase in PA blood temperature was significantly higher in HH (0.26 +/- 0.03 degrees C/min) than in HD (0.17 +/- 0.04 degrees C/min) and CD (0.12 +/- 0.05 degrees C/min). Temperature in the middle gluteal muscle after 15 min of exercise was significantly higher in HH (41.9 +/- 0.3 degrees C) than in HD (40.7 +/- 0.25 degrees C) and CD (40.15 +/- 0.35 degrees C); whereas rectal temperature at the end of exercise was significantly lower in HH (39.1 +/- 0.3 degrees C) than in HD (40.1 +/- 0.3 degrees C) and CD (40 +/- 0.2 degrees C). The PA blood:skin temperature difference was significantly smaller in HD and HH than in CD. When compared with CD, temperatures at all sites were higher in HD and HH during the 60 min of recovery. Throughout exercise and recovery, heart rate was significantly higher in HH when compared with the other conditions. Post exercise respiratory rate was significantly higher in HD and HH than in CD throughout recovery. It was concluded that the added thermal loads of high temperature and relative humidity increased the rate of heat storage during exercise and delayed dissipation of heat during recovery. The impairment to heat dissipation was probably the result of a reduced capacity for heat transfer from the skin to the environment.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Sweating rate and sweat composition during exercise and recovery in ambient heat and humidity.

The objective of this study was to determine the composition and extent of sweat losses during submaximal exercise under hot and humid conditions and to compare these findings with the same exercise protocol conducted under cool, dry and hot, dry conditions. Five Thoroughbred horses (age 3 to 6) completed exercise tests under each of 3 environmental conditions in random order: cool, dry (CD), room temperature (T) = 20 degrees C, relative humidity (RH) = 45-55%; hot, dry (HD), T = 32-34 degrees C, RH = 45-55%; and hot, humid (HH), T = 32-34 degrees C, RH = 80-85%. Horses exercised at 50% of their predetermined VO2max on a treadmill set at a 10% slope until attainment of a pulmonary artery blood temperature of 41.5 degrees C followed by a 60 min recovery. Sweat was collected from a sealed polyethylene pouch enclosing a 150 cm2 area on the lateral thorax. During exercise and the first 30 min of recovery, sweat fluid losses were 7.9 +/- 0.7 litres, 9.9 +/- 0.5 litres and 6.6 +/- 1.2 litres (mean +/- s.e.m.) for CD, HD and HH, respectively. Sweating rate (SR), calculated from sweat volume per unit area of enclosed skin, was lowest in CD and similar in HD and HH during exercise such that at end of exercise in HH (16.5 min) calculated sweat losses were approximately 5% and 32% higher than in HD and CD, respectively. In recovery, SR declined in all conditions but was significantly lower in CD (P < 0.05). Sweating was detectable until 30 min recovery in CD, 45 min recovery in HD and 60 min recovery in HH. Sweat composition and osmolality was different under the 3 environmental conditions and changed gradually during exercise and recovery in all conditions. Osmolality and [Na] was highest in HD and lowest in CD. During exercise, [Na] increased with increasing SR. Although exercise duration was significantly decreased in HH (16.5 +/- 1 min) when compared to HD (28 +/- 2 min) and CD (37 +/- 2 min), fluid and ion losses in HH were comparable to those in HD as a result of a high SR and prolonged sweating during recovery.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Adaptations to daily exercise in hot and humid ambient conditions in trained thoroughbred horses.

The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine the effects of heat and high relative humidity (RH) on the clinical and physiological responses of horses during and after daily exercise training and 2) determine whether repeated exposure to, and exercise in, the heat would result in improved thermal tolerance (heat acclimation). Six trained Thoroughbred horses completed 1 h of submaximal exercise in cool, dry conditions (CD) and during a daily 4 h period of exposure to high heat and humidity (HH, room temperature = 33-35 degrees C, RH = 80-85%) for 22 days. Rectal temperature (Tre) and heart rate (HR) were measured before, during and after exercise and respiratory rate (RR) was measured before exercise and during a 2 h recovery. In HH, the rate of rise in Tre was significantly higher than in CD. However, by HH Day 5, Tre before, during and after exercise was significantly lower than on HH Day 1. The day-to-day decrease in Tre during exercise was reflected in significant decreases in heat storage following exercise by HH Day 10 (910 +/- 47 kcal) when compared to HH Day 1 (1211 +/- 75 kcal). At rest, RR was initially higher in HH than CD, and a further increase in pre-exercise RR from HH Day 1 to Day 10 may have contributed to the lower pre-exercise Tre. Recovery RR was higher after HH Day 1 and was associated with a lower end-of-exercise HR did not change in the 1 h before exercise in CD and did not differ from HH Days 1-22. By HH Day 10, mean HR during the latter part of exercise was lower than HH Day 1 and was not different from pre-exercise by 60 min of recovery. Pre-exercise body mass did not change during the 3 wk period and the decrease in body mass that occurred during the 4 h training period was significantly attenuated by HH Day 15 (9.8 +/- 0.8 kg) when compared to HH Day 1 (12.5 +/- 0.8 kg). Over the 3 week period of HH, mean 24 h water consumption increased from 26.0 +/- 2.1 litres to 39.5 +/- 3.2 litres, largely reflecting a 2-fold increase in water intake during the 4 h period of heat exposure. It is concluded that 3 weeks of daily exposure to, and exercise in, hot and humid ambient conditions resulted in a progressive reduction in thermal and cardiovascular strain. Furthermore, the reported physiological adaptations are consistent with an improved thermal tolerance (heat acclimation).

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1996

Restoration of water and electrolyte balance in horses after repeated exercise in hot and humid conditions.

Nine adult riding horses performed on a treadmill a competition exercise test (CET) and 24 h later a standardised exercise test (SET) at mean temperature 28 degrees C and relative humidity 58%. Each horse performed the tests 5 times at 2 week intervals. The horses were given isotonic glucose-electrolyte solution via a nasogastric tube 30 min after the CET, except after the last trial when water was given. Blood lactate, plasma concentration of aldosterone, arginine vasopressin, protein, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and calcium were measured. Heart rate at blood lactate concentration 4 mmol/l (PLa4) in the SET, plasma volume (PV) and red cell volume (CV) were determined. Mean weight loss after CET was 3.1% and did not change significantly during the study. Bodyweight loss (BWL2) before SET (-1.8% after the first trial) decreased linearly with time (P < 0.05) and was -0.8% after the fourth trial. After the fifth trial, when only water was given, the weight loss was -2.5%. PLa4 correlated significantly (P < 0.001) with BWL2 when BWL2 was greater than -1.2%. The horses acclimated to exercise in hot and humid conditions as indicated by better recovery of bodyweight, increased PV, lower peak lactate concentrations and heart rate and attenuated decrease in the concentrations of sodium and chloride. It is concluded that changes in bodyweight provide a good indication of recovery of horses after exercise in hot and humid conditions; and administration of an isotonic glucose-electrolyte rehydration solution after exercise helps to overcome dehydration better than water alone.

Aldosterone↗

PubMed1993

Effect of humidity on solid-state isomerization of various kinds of lactose during grinding.

The effect of humidity on isomerization during grinding of alpha-monohydrate, alpha-anhydrate and beta-anhydrate of lactose was investigated. Samples were ground in an agate centrifugal ball mill at 270 rev min-1 at room temperature (21 degrees C) and at 5 and 60% relative humidity. Crystallinity of the ground lactose was measured by Hermans' method from the powder X-ray diffraction profiles. The alpha- and beta-lactose content of the ground lactose was measured by using angular rotation spectrophotometry. The crystalline lactose samples were transformed into noncrystalline solids by mechanical stress during grinding. After grinding, the adsorbed water content of all ground lactose samples increased, and the isomerized amount increased with increase of the water content during grinding at 5 and 60% relative humidity. The results suggest that the isomerization rate of alpha-monohydrate during grinding may depend on the crystallinity, but those of alpha- and beta-anhydrate depend on the content of adsorbed water.

Crystallization↗

PubMed2002

Determination of deforestation rates of the world's humid tropical forests.

A recently completed research program (TREES) employing the global imaging capabilities of Earth-observing satellites provides updated information on the status of the world's humid tropical forest cover. Between 1990 and 1997, 5.8 +/- 1.4 million hectares of humid tropical forest were lost each year, with a further 2.3 +/- 0.7 million hectares of forest visibly degraded. These figures indicate that the global net rate of change in forest cover for the humid tropics is 23% lower than the generally accepted rate. This result affects the calculation of carbon fluxes in the global budget and means that the terrestrial sink is smaller than previously inferred.

Africa↗

PubMed1969

Plant injury by air pollutants: influence of humidity on stomatal apertures and plant response to ozone.

Ozone injury to Bel W3 tobacco and pinto bean plants increases with increasing humidity. The degree of plant injury sustained correlates well with porometer measurements; this indicates that the size of stomatal apertures increases with increasing humidity. Humidity may therefore influence plant response to all pollutants and may account in part for the greater sensitivity of plants to ozone-type injury in the eastern United States compared with the same species of plants grown in the Southwest. with those grown in the Southwest.

Air Pollution↗

PubMed1968

Infectivity-destroying effect of humidity for dried coliphage T1.

Infectivity of dried coliphage T1 has been measured as a function of humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure. Loss of infectivity by a factor of 10(4) was caused by water vapor of approximately 40 to 85% saturation when the microorganisms were kept for 3 days at 34 C in evacuated containers. At humidities below 40% and above 90% saturation, no loss of infectivity occurred. At a temperature of 24 C, the infectivity loss was 20-fold. When the virus preparation was kept at 34 C and atmospheric pressure, some loss of infectivity was also found at humidities below 40% and above 90% saturation. Damage to tail proteins or to the phage chromosome is considered as a possible explanation for the inactivation.

Coliphages↗

PubMed1971

Effect of relative humidity on dynamic aerosols of adenovirus 12.

Dynamic aerosols of adenovirus 12 were generated in the same Henderson apparatus under conditions of high, medium, and low relative humidity. High relative humidities resulted in more recovery of adenovirus 12 from aerosols and lungs of newborn Syrian hamsters. At 89, 51, and 32% relative humidity, the total infectious virus recovered from a 20-min aerosol was 10(6.7), 10(6.0), and 10(4.3) TCD(50), respectively. Hamsters exposed to these 20-min aerosols retained measured lung doses of 10(3.0), 10(2.4), and 10(1.0) TCD(50), respectively. The measured retained lung doses were compared to calculated inhaled lung doses based on both total virus aerosolized and total virus recovery from the aerosols.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed1972

Effect of relative humidity on the inactivation of airborne Serratia marcescens by ultraviolet radiation.

Apparatus was designed and constructed in which a bacterial aerosol of known age, particle size, and relative humidity (RH) could be exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation of measured intensity for a given period of time and then be sampled quantitatively. Aerosols of Serratia marcescens were exposed to UV dosages between 96.0 and 0.75 (muw-sec)/cm(2) at humidities ranging from 25 to 90%. A sharp decline in the fraction of organisms killed was found at RH values above 60 to 70%. Above 80% RH, there was evidence for reactivation induced by UV. The plot of "log fraction organisms remaining" versus UV dose was curvilinear, suggesting noncompliance with the monomolecular law of reaction velocity, but the Bunsen-Roscoe law of reciprocity between time and intensity of UV exposure was demonstrated to hold. These results could be accounted for by postulating the presence in the aerosol of two populations of organisms with different sensitivities to UV, each individually obeying the monomolecular law of reaction velocity. The data amplify existing information on the relationship between UV disinfection of airborne organisms and RH. In the middle range of humidities, the sensitivity of the organisms to UV was greater than would be expected from published reports.

Aerosols↗