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PubMed2004

Malaria transmission in Southern Madagascar: influence of the environment and hydro-agricultural works in sub-arid and humid regions. Part 1. Entomological investigations.

A 4-year entomological study was carried out in Southern Madagascar to identify malaria vectors, evaluate the transmission and compare the influence of irrigation in the sub-arid and adjacent humid regions. Three villages were involved in this entomological survey: Androvasoa (located in the natural sub-arid ecosystem), Pépiniére (sited at the centre of an irrigated rice scheme in the sub-arid region) and Esana (bordered with rice fields in the humid region). Mosquitoes were collected inside and outside dwellings when landing on human beings, with light traps and with knockdown indoor sprays. Anopheles arabiensis, Anopheles merus and Anopheles funestus were found in every village while Anopheles gambiae s.s. was only found in the village bordering the rice-fields (Pépiniére) and Anopheles mascarensis, a mosquito native to Madagascar, was only found in the humid region (Esana). In Pépiniére, the annual entomological inoculation rate (EIR) was low (EIR=0.4 infective bites/man/year (IBM)). In the irrigated scheme of the sub-arid region, malaria transmission was 150 times higher (mean EIR=63 IBM) than in the natural ecosystem and A. funestus was the main vector, responsible for 90% of infective bites. In Esana, the level of malaria transmission was high (EIR=41 IBM) and 2/3 of the infective bites were due to A. mascarensis, despite the presence of A. gambiae s.s. and A. funestus. These results are discussed with reference to the impact of irrigation on malaria in Africa ("the paddies paradox").

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Influence of relative humidity on electrical properties of alpha-Al2O3 powders: resistivity and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

The influence of humidity on the electrical properties of alpha-Al2O3 powders has been investigated using adsorption isotherms, DC resistivity, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Samples of two alpha-Al2O3 particle sizes were examined, both individually and mixed together. The results show that the grain-bed resistivity decreases with humidity, whereas the grain capacitance is almost constant. The resistivity difference between the two particle sizes is of several orders of magnitude, while the capacitance values are not very different. These results are interpreted in terms of the layer-by-layer growth of water adsorbed on the grain surfaces. The first, more tightly bound adsorbed layer does not provoke the same effects as those layers adsorbed at higher relative humidity.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2002

Lateral diffusion in substrate-supported lipid monolayers as a function of ambient relative humidity.

We analyzed the influence of water activity on the lateral self-diffusion of supported phospholipid monolayers. Lipid monolayer membranes were supported by polysaccharide cushions (chitosan and agarose), or glass. A simple diffusion model was derived, based on activated diffusion with an activation energy, E(a), which depends on the hydration state of the lipid headgroup. A crucial assumption of the derived model is that E(a) can be calculated assuming an exponential decay of the humidity-dependent disjoining pressure in the monolayer/substrate interface with respect to the equilibrium separation distance. A plot of ln(D) against ln(p(0)/p), where D is the measured diffusion coefficient and p(0) and p are the partial water pressures at saturation and at a particular relative humidity, respectively, was observed to be linear in all cases (i.e., for differing lipids, lateral monolayer pressures, temperatures, and substrates), in accordance with the above-mentioned diffusion model. No indications for humidity-induced first-order phase transitions in the supported phospholipid monolayers were found. Many biological processes such as vesicle fusion and recognition processes involve dehydration/hydration cycles, and it can be expected that the water activity significantly affects the kinetics of these processes in a manner similar to that examined in the present work.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

PubMed1999

Aggregation density and longevity correlate with humidity in first-instar nymphs of the cockroach (Blattella germanica L., Dictyoptera).

Nymphs and adults of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, tend to aggregate. The effect of six different relative humidities (RH) on the aggregation behaviour of groups of 30 first instars was tested. The results show that grouping is denser under lower RHs than under higher humidities. The mean interindividual distances (nearest neighbour distances) proved to be inversely proportional to saturation deficiency (SD). The effect of aggregation behaviour in regulating water loss by evaporation is discussed. Under deprivation of food and drinking water survival times of the nymphs depend on RH. For five humidity levels tested the longevity (defined as MT(50)) proved to be inversely proportional to SD. The correlation is best fitted by a hyperbola.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

Spectroscopy of growing and evaporating water droplets: exploring the variation in equilibrium droplet size with relative humidity.

We demonstrate that the thermodynamic properties of a single liquid aerosol droplet can be explored through the combination of a single-beam gradient force optical trap with Raman spectroscopy. A single aqueous droplet, 2-6 microm in radius, can be trapped in air indefinitely and the response of the particle to variations in relative humidity investigated. The Raman spectrum provides a unique fingerprint of droplet composition, temperature, and size. Spontaneous Raman scattering is shown to be consistent with that from a bulk phase sample, with the shape of the OH stretching band dependent on the concentration of sodium chloride in the aqueous phase and on the polarization of the scattered light. Stimulated Raman scattering at wavelengths commensurate with whispering gallery modes is demonstrated to provide a method for determining the size of the trapped droplet with nanometer precision and with a time resolution of 1 s. The polarization dependence of the stimulated scatter is consistent with the dependence observed for the spontaneous scatter from the droplet. By characterizing the spontaneous and stimulated Raman scattering from the droplet, we demonstrate that it is possible to measure the equilibrium size and composition of an aqueous droplet with variation in relative humidity. For this benchmark study we investigate the variation in equilibrium size with relative humidity for a simple binary sodium chloride/aqueous aerosol, a typical representative inorganic/aqueous aerosol that has been studied extensively in the literature. The measured equilibrium sizes are shown to be in excellent agreement with the predictions of Köhler theory. We suggest that this approach could provide an important new strategy for characterizing the thermodynamic properties and kinetics of transformation of aerosol particles.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

Pulsed plasma polymerized maleic anhydride films in humid air and in aqueous solutions studied with optical waveguide spectroscopy.

Optical waveguide spectroscopy (OWS) was employed to monitor the swelling behavior of pulsed plasma polymerized maleic anhydride (PPPMA) films in humid air and in aqueous solutions by measuring the film thicknesses and refractive indices. With the relative humidity of air increasing, both the thickness and the refractive index of the PPPMA films increased, indicating water penetration into and uptake by the films. The swelling of the hydrated PPPMA films in humid air is reversible. In aqueous media, the thickness and the refractive index of the washed PPPMA film increased with an increase of pH and ionic strength, respectively. On the basis of the present data, a hypothesis concerning the structure of the PPPMA film is proposed. Our model suggests that the unique structure of the PPPMA films originates from the cyclic structure of maleic anhydride and depends on parameters of the plasma deposition process, and the interaction between H(2)O and the carboxylic groups.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

Influence of humidity on the fabrication of high-quality colloidal crystals via a capillary-enhanced process.

Three-dimensional colloidal crystals have attracted a great deal of attention because of their potential use in photonic crystal, sensors, and other applications, but the bottlenecks in fabricating colloidal crystals include longer processing time and the lack of large-area ordered samples. A proposed capillary-enhanced method, which is a novel, efficient process for fabricating high-quality colloidal crystals in 24 h, is reported. It is necessary for increasing the processing rate by elevating the evaporation temperature but commonly resulted in the deposition of less-ordered crystals. However, high-quality colloidal crystals can be obtained in a controlled high-humidity system, resulting from the existence of secondary capillary forces present in high ambient humidity. Furthermore, the effect of secondary capillary forces will be confirmed, and it will increase with increasing humidity levels according to the semiquantitative analysis view of the surface thermodynamic behavior of small particles, including the modified Kelvin and Young-Laplace equations. Therefore, it can fine tune the relative position of the neighboring particles in the microarray and efficiently decrease the number of defects, resulting in the formation of perfect colloidal crystals with the assistance of enhanced secondary capillary forces.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1993

Comparison of chemiluminescence and ultraviolet ozone monitor responses in the presence of humidity and photochemical pollutants.

The effect of water vapor and other pollutants on ozone monitoring instruments was investigated. Five UV-type and two chemiluminescence-type monitors were employed in this study. The results of the study indicate that in systems containing ozone, water vapor and zero air only, the UV-based monitors showed negligible effects due to humidity. On average, the UV monitors were within 0.5 percent of independently determined ozone values judged to be extremely accurate. The chemiluminescence-based monitors showed systematically higher readings than the UV monitors with added water vapor. The effect was found to be linear with water vapor concentration with an average positive deviation of 3.0 percent per percent H2O at 25 degrees C. For these measurement, ozone concentrations ranged from 85 to 320 ppbv and water concentrations from 1 to 3 percent (i.e., dew point temperatures from 9 to 24 degrees C). These results are largely in agreement with previous studies conducted to measure this interference, although the present study extends the range of water concentrations tested. Studies were also performed with a smog chamber with simulated polluted air (containing paraffinic, olefinic and aromatic hydrocarbon precursors) and varying relative humidities. Although the presence of water vapor did not appear to represent a substantial interference in these systems, a positive interference was observed with the UV monitors. This interference was likely a result of the presence of toluene and some of its aromatic photooxidation products (e.g., benzaldehyde), which can be partially removed from the reference stream by the ozone scrubber within the UV monitor. If the compound absorbs radiation at 254 nm, it is detected as ozone. However, when the results are scaled back to ambient concentrations of toluene and NO(x), the effect appears to be very minor (ca. 3 percent under the study conditions). It is concluded that under atmospheric conditions at moderate pollution and relative humidity levels, both types of instruments can give accurate measurements of the ozone concentration. These potential effects should be recognized when conducting ambient ozone measurements.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1994

Survival of immature Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) at different relative humidities.

Survival of unfed larvae and nymphs of Ixodes scapularis Say (formerly named I. dammini Spielman, Clifford, Piesman & Corwin) was tested at 27 degrees C for relative humidities ranging from 65 to 100%, which were maintained by various saturated salts or water. The times until half the larvae died (LT50) at 100, 93, 85, 75, and 65% RH were 67.1, 26.6, 8.3, 1.3, and 1.1 d, respectively. Maximal larval survival in the laboratory was 129, 59, 24, 3, and 2 d at the same relative humidities. There was a distinct difference between the mortality curves for larvae at 93% RH and 100% RH, which suggests that larvae were taking in water from the air at the higher RH whereas those at an RH < or = 93% were not. There was little difference between the 100 and 93% RH survival curves for the nymphs. All of the nymphs at 100% RH survived at least 149 d. At 93 and 100% RH, one nymph survived at each RH for 210 and 205 d, respectively. The LT50s for the nymphs of I. scapularis were 169.9 (100% RH), 168.5 (93%), 118.8 (85%), 10.7 (75%), and 3.6 (65%) d. Maximal nymphal survival in the laboratory was 162, 65, and 8 d at 85, 75, and 65% RH, respectively. The inability of the larvae to retain water effectively is probably more important than the ability to imbibe water from subsaturated air in the survival of this stage. Subadult I. scapularis require a relatively humid habitat for survival, although some individuals have the potential to seek a host for many weeks within a mesic environment.

Acclimatization↗

PubMed2001

Dynamics of electrostatically driven granular media: effects of humidity.

We performed experimental studies of the effect of humidity on the dynamics of electrostatically driven granular materials. Both conducting and dielectric particles undergo a phase transition from an immobile state (granular solid) to a fluidized state (granular gas) with increasing applied field. Spontaneous precipitation of solid clusters from the gas phase occurs as the external driving is decreased. The clustering dynamics in conducting particles is primarily controlled by screening of the electric field but is aided by cohesion due to humidity. It is shown that humidity effects dominate the clustering process with dielectric particles.

Journal Article↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Air humidity and mucociliary activity.

The relationship between varying humidity levels in the surrounding air and the mucociliary activity in rabbit trachea has been investigated. At a relative humidity (R.H.) above 70% the risk for ciliestasis is very small in the temperature range between 34 C and 40 C. At 37 C ciliestasis is not obtained until a relative humidity (R.H.) of 50% has been reached. The critical border is reached already at 60% R.H. if the temperature is 40 C. At 37 C and a decrement from 90% to 60% R.H. the mucociliary wave frequency was reduced by 30%, but at 40 C the corresponding reduction was 60%.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Optical fiber long-period grating humidity sensor with poly(ethylene oxide)/cobalt chloride coating.

A long-period fiber grating (LPFG) humidity sensor is reported utilizing poly(ethylene oxide)/cobalt chloride (PEO/CoCl2) as a hybrid hygrosensitive cladding coating. A thin overlay of the material is deposited on the LPFG and with exposure to different ambient humidity levels, its spectral properties are modified. The material parameters associated with the sensing mechanism may include those of refractive index, absorption, and morphological alterations of the overlaid material. Relative humidity variations in the range from 50% to 95% have been detected with a resolution better than 0.2%. The response time constant of the fiber sensor is of the order of a few hundred milliseconds.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Optical fiber humidity sensor based on evanescent-wave scattering.

The phenomenon of evanescent-wave scattering (EWS) is used to design an optical-fiber humidity sensor. Porous solgel silica (PSGS) coated on the surface of a silica optical-fiber core scatters evanescent waves that penetrate the coating layer. Water molecules in the gas phase surrounding the optical fiber can be absorbed into the inner surface of the pores of the porous silica. The absorbed water molecules form a thin layer of liquid water on the inner surface of the porous silica and enhance the EWS. The amount of water absorbed into the PSGS coating is in dynamic equilibrium with the water-vapor pressure in the gas phase. Therefore the humidity in the air can be quantitatively determined with fiber-optic EWS caused by the PSGS coating. The humidity sensor reported here is fast in response, reversible, and has a wide dynamic range. The possible interference caused by EWS to an optical-fiber gas sensor with a reagent-doped PSGS coating as a transducer is also discussed.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1999

Haematological and plasma electrolyte changes after long distance running in high heat and humidity.

AIM OF STUDY: To investigate the acute effects of an 18 km run on the haematological and plasma electrolyte parameters, in recreational runners under conditions of high temperatures and humidity. METHOD: Haematological and electrolyte parameters changes were measured in 21 acclimatised recreational runners before and after an 18 km run in environmental temperatures and relative humidity of 27.1 +/- 0.3 degrees C and 85.0 +/- 1.7% respectively, which was measured using the wet bulb globe monitor. RESULTS: There was a loss of weight which averaged 2.5 +/- 0.2% (p < 0.001) of initial body weight. Rectal temperature increased by an average of 2.7 +/- 0.2 degrees C (an increase of 7.2 +/- 0.7%; p < 0.001). Immediately after the race, there was a significant (p < 0.01) increase in haemoglobin, haemotocrit and plasma osmolality. Mean plasma volume decreased by 4.1 +/- 1.1%. Plasma sodium and potassium significantly (p < 0.01) increased by 4.5 +/- 0.5% and 20.3 +/- 3.5% respectively, while magnesium significantly (p < 0.01) decreased by 9.0 +/- 1.8%. Peripheral blood profile showed significant increases in the post-race white blood cell counts (p < 0.001) and platelets (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The acute changes in haematological variables and plasma electrolytes reported in this study at relatively high ambient temperature and humidity were found to be similar to that seen after long-distance running under cooler climatic conditions. However, it is recommended that long-distance runners should be hyperhydrated just before the race and also be encouraged to consume 150 mL to 300 mL every 15 minutes while running to prevent the effects of dehydration.

Adult↗

PubMed1975

[The problem of the measurement of relative humidity in the disinfecting dryceaning process (author's transl)].

One of the most important conditions for obtaining reproducible microbiological results by disinfecting drycleaning is a control of the relative humidity of the drycleaning bath. An apparatus called "Wasserkontroller" (see Fig. 1) had been recommended as a device for the determination of the relative humidity. It consists of a special cylindrical casing into which the sensor of a hair hygrometer has been introduced. In contrast to electric instruments, this apparatus has the advantages of rigidity, simple adjustment, and above all of a low cost price. In practice, however, the "Wasserkontroller" proved to be a failure, since it indicated false values at times. In the studies published and discussed in the present paper, the causes for the malfunction of the hair hygrometer, in the device mentioned were determined. It could be observed that a malfunction of the hair hygrometer mainly occurred when the hairs fixed in the sensor were moistened by the drycleaning bath or by the drycleaning solvent (perchloroethylene), respectively. Then the hair hygrometer is no longer capable of reacting sufficiently to the fluctuation of the relative humidity of the bath. On the basis of the experimental results obtained instructions are given for the employment of hair hygrometers in drycleaning and for the design of the device casing: 1. The hair hygrometer has to be protected inside the device casing against a contamination by the bath or the condensing drycleaning solvent. 2. The inlet pipes to the device casing and the casing itself have to be protected against loss of heat as well as against the influence of heat sources. Temperatures of drycleaning bath and device should be balanced. 3. The inlet pipes to the device should be provided with a flowmeter or a flow detector, respectively. 4. The outlets of the device should be connected directly with the drum filled with the drycleaning bath. 5. The device has to be constructed in such a way that no infiltrated air may be sucked in. 6. The hair hygrometer has to be cleaned and to be adjusted at suitable time intervals. Provided that the technical requirements are met, hair hygrometers may also be considered as reliable measuring instruments in the practice of drycleaning.

Clothing↗

PubMed2001

Dynamic changes of TNF-alpha content in dogs after gunshot wound in the limbs in hot and humid environment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the dynamic changes of TNF-alpha content in the plasma and body tissues of dogs after gunshot wound in the limbs in hot and humid environment. METHODS: Eighteen dogs with gunshot wound were divided into 3 groups (6 in each), one observed in normal environment (Ne group) and the other two in hot and humid environment including a heat-acclimatized group (HA group) and a non-acclimatied group (NHA group). The contents of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the plasma and muscle tissues from the gunshot wound tract were measured at 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 18, 24 h respectively after the injury. RESULTS: TNF-alpha content in the muscular tissue from gunshot wound tract was significantly higher than that in the plasma (P<0.05). At 4 h after injury, TNF-alpha content started to rise in NE group, reaching the peak level at 14 h, the rise and peaking of which occurred at 3 and 10 h respectively in NHE group with higher peak level than that in NE group (P<0.05). The changes of TNF-alpha participates in the pathophysiological process after gunshot wound in hot and humid environment and may play the role of and indicator for the pathological changes that take place after the injury.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1987

Effect of relative humidity on the movement of rat vibrissae in a 60-Hz electric field.

The snouts of rats were placed in a 60-Hz electric field at an unperturbed field strength of 50 kV/m. A count of the number of vibrissae that moved in the field was made on a series of rats over a number of days where the laboratory humidity varied from 25% to 48%. The number observed to vibrate fell from nine to zero or one at relative humidities between 25% and 39%, respectively.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

High-humidity performance of paperboard after treatment with xylanase, endoglucanse, and their combination.

For paperboard used to produce packaging, treatment of its fiber constituents with commercial enzymes can improve its compressive strength under cycling and high-humidity conditions. Xylanase that selectively removes pulp xylan (ca. 2% of the pulp by mass) yielded most of the observed beneficial effects, which did not appear related to the packing of the fiber network in the sheet or to the uptake of moisture at high humidity. There was also a marginal increase in the drainability of the pulp slurry, which may increase the rate of papermaking. Although endoglucanase activity also enhances certain pulp properties, there was little benefit in adding it to the xylanase treatment.

Cellulase↗