Air Levels Research Articles

Organically Bound Tritium Activity Level in Plants During Growing Season and Environmental Factor Influences

This paper presents the activity level of total organically bound tritium (OBT) in different plant species, e.g., grains (wheat, corn), trees (apple, fir), and vines, and different organs of the plants (buds, leaves, fruits, straw, and branches) surrounding the Experimental Pilot Plant for Tritium and Deuterium Separation during the growing seasons of 2020 and 2021, The influence of environmental factors over OBT in the studied plant species is established by measurements of the tritium activity level in air and precipitations and their influence over tissue-free water tritium activity.

A flood detection system and flood door control based on Arduino

Flooding has become one of the most serious problems for Indonesians, particularly in flood-prone areas. Floods can be hazardous to the community, particularly if they occur suddenly, at night, or at unpredictable times. The answer to these problems is the installation of a flood detection system and a flood barrier door control system. In this paper, a flood detection system and flood door control based on will be presented. Ultrasonic sensors monitor the air level, a SIM800L module delivers signals, a stepper motor operates the door, an LCD shows the air level, and a buzzer offers an immediate warning. The accuracy and precision of the ultrasonic sensor are 98.83% and 99.40%, respectively. Based on the accuracy and precision of the system, it can be concluded that the system can be used for flood control systems.

Effect of periodic exposure to formaldehyde in the anatomy laboratory on some haematological indices in male Wistar rats

Background: The effect of periodic exposure to formaldehyde on some haematological indices in male Wistar rat was studied.
 Materials and Methods: The Wistar rats were divided into three groups A,B and C with 5 animals in each group. Group A served as control with nil exposure while groups B and C were the test groups with 5 months exposure on non-dissection days and dissection days respectively. Formaldehyde air level was measured both at experimental and control sites. Some haematological parameters measured include Red blood cell count, Haemoglobin concentration, White blood cell count: total and differential, and platelet count. Statistical analysis was done using Graph Pad Prism version 5.0. Results were presented as Mean ± SEM. Analysis of Variance was used to compare the means of test and control values while post hoc test was done using Student Newman Keul’s test and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
 Results: Results revealed significant increase in formaldehyde air level in the dissection hall. There was significant increase in total white blood cell count when compared with control while red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration and platelet count were not significant.
 Conclusion: It was therefore concluded that periodic exposure to formaldehyde in the Anatomy laboratory may have no effect on most haematological indices in Wistar rats although the white blood cells may be affected.

Unravelling the transport of moisture into the Saharan Air Layer using passive tracers and isotopes

AbstractThe subtropical free troposphere plays a critical role in the radiative balance of the Earth. However, the complex interactions controlling moisture in this sensitive region and, in particular, the relative importance of long‐range transport compared to lower‐tropospheric mixing, remain unclear. This study uses the regional COSMO model equipped with stable water isotopes and passive water tracers to quantify the contributions of different evaporative sources to the moisture and its stable isotope signals in the eastern subtropical North Atlantic free troposphere. In summer, this region is characterized by two alternating large‐scale circulation regimes: (i) dry, isotopically depleted air from the upper‐level extratropics, and (ii) humid, enriched air advected from Northern Africa within the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) consisting of a mixture of moisture of diverse origin (tropical and extratropical North Atlantic, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean). This diversity of moisture sources in regime (ii) arises from the convergent inflow at low levels of air from different neighbouring regions into the Saharan heat low (SHL), where it is mixed and injected by convective plumes into the large‐scale flow aloft, and thereafter expelled to the North Atlantic within the SAL. Remarkably, this regime is associated with a large contribution of moisture that evaporated from the North Atlantic, which makes a detour through the SHL and eventually reaches the 850–550 hPa layer above the Canaries. Moisture transport from Europe via the SHL to the same layer leads to the strongest enrichment in heavy isotopes (δ2H correlates most strongly with this tracer). The vertical profiles over the North Atlantic show increased humidity and δ2H and reduced static stability in the 850–550 hPa layer, and smaller cloud fraction in the boundary layer in regime (ii) compared to regime (i), highlighting the key role of moisture transport through the SHL in modulating the radiative balance in this region.

Development and demonstration of a data visualization platform of short-term guidelines for ambient air levels of benzene during disaster response in Houston, Texas.

Industrial disasters have caused hazardous air pollution and public health impacts. Response officials have developed limited exposure guidelines to direct them during the event; often, guidelines are outdated and may not represent relevant elevated-exposure periods. The 2019 Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) fire in Houston, Texas led to large-scale releases of benzene and presented a public health threat. This incident highlights the need for effective response and nimble, rapid public health communication. We developed a data-driven visualization tool to store, display, and interpret ambient benzene concentrations to assist health officials during environmental emergencies. Guidance values to interpret risk from acute exposure to benzene were updated using recent literature that also considers exposure periodicity. The visualization platform can process data from different sampling instruments and air monitors automatically, and displays information publicly in real time, along with the associated risk information and action recommendations. The protocol was validated by applying it retrospectively to the ITC event. The new guidance values are 6-30 times lower than those derived by the Texas regulatory agency. Fixed-site monitoring data, assessed using the protocol and revised thresholds, indicated that eight shelter-in-place and 17 air-quality alerts may have been considered. At least one of these shelter-in-place alerts corresponded to prolonged, elevated benzene concentrations (~1000 ppb). This new tool addresses essential gaps in the timely communication of air pollution measurements, provides context to understand potential health risks from exposure to benzene, and provides a clear protocol for local officials in responding to industrial air releases of benzene. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:533-546. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Developing a data-driven soft sensor to predict silicate impurity in iron ore flotation concentrate

Soft sensors are mathematical models that estimate the value of a process variable that is difficult or expensive to measure directly. They can be based on first principle models, data-based models, or a combination of both. These models are increasingly used in mineral processing to estimate and optimize important performance parameters such as mill load, mineral grades, and particle size. This study investigates the development of a data-driven soft sensor to predict the silicate content in iron ore reverse flotation concentrate, a crucial indicator of plant performance. The proposed soft sensor model employs a dataset obtained from Kaggle, which includes measurements of iron and silicate content in the feed to the plant, reagent dosages, weight and pH of pulp, as well as the amount of air and froth levels in the flotation units. To reduce the dimensionality of the dataset, Principal Component Analysis, an unsupervised machine learning method, was applied. The soft sensor model was developed using three machine learning algorithms, namely, Ridge Regression, Multi-Layer Perceptron, and Random Forest. The Random Forest model, created with non-reduced data, demonstrated superior performance, with an R-squared value of 96.5% and a mean absolute error of 0.089. The results suggest that the proposed soft sensor model can accurately predict the silicate content in the iron ore flotation concentrate using machine learning algorithms. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate algorithms for soft sensor developments in mineral processing plants.

Air, Dermal, and Urinary Metabolite Levels of Backpack and Tractor Sprayers Using the Herbicide Acetochlor in Thailand.

Acetochlor is a chloroacetanilide selective pre-emergent herbicide used for controlling grass and broadleaf weeds in crops. This study compared the acetochlor exposures of backpack and tractor sprayers and assessed whether dermal or air exposures were more important contributors to the overall body burden as measured by urinary metabolites. Sixty sugarcane farmers in Nakhonsawan province, Thailand participated in the study, and breathing zone air and dermal patch samples were collected during spraying. Urine samples were collected before spraying, at the end of the spraying task, and on the day after spraying. For backpack and tractor sprayers, there was no significant difference in their breathing zone air concentrations, total body dermal samples, or urinary 2-methy-6-methyaniline (EMA) concentrations on the day after spraying. In addition, although most backpack and tractor sprayers wore long pants and long sleeve shirts, they were still exposed to acetochlor, as evidenced by a significant increase in the urinary EMA from before spraying (GM = 11.5 µg/g creatinine) to after spraying (GM = 88.5 µg/g creatinine) to the next day (GM = 111.0 µg/g creatinine). Breathing zone air samples were significantly correlated with those of total body dermal patch samples and with urinary EMA concentrations after spraying. This suggests that both air and dermal exposure contribute to urinary EMA levels.

Alzheimer`s disease mortality in the United States: Cross-sectional analysis of county-level socio-environmental factors

BackgroundGeographical disparities in mortality among Alzheimer`s disease (AD) patients have been reported and complex sociodemographic and environmental determinants of health (SEDH) may be contributing to this variation. Therefore, we aimed to explore high-risk SEDH factors possibly associated with all-cause mortality in AD across US counties using machine learning (ML) methods. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional analysis of individuals ≥65 years with any underlying cause of death but with AD in the multiple causes of death certificate (ICD-10,G30) between 2016 and 2020. Outcomes were defined as age-adjusted all-cause mortality rates (per 100,000 people). We analyzed 50 county-level SEDH and Classification and Regression Trees (CART) was used to identify specific county-level clusters. Random Forest, another ML technique, evaluated variable importance. CART`s performance was validated using a “hold-out” set of counties. ResultsOverall, 714,568 individuals with AD died due to any cause across 2,409 counties during 2016–2020. CART identified 9 county clusters associated with an 80.1% relative increase of mortality across the spectrum. Furthermore, 7 SEDH variables were identified by CART to drive the categorization of clusters, including High School Completion (%), annual Particulate Matter 2.5 Level in Air, live births with Low Birthweight (%), Population under 18 years (%), annual Median Household Income in US dollars ($), population with Food Insecurity (%), and houses with Severe Housing Cost Burden (%). ConclusionML can aid in the assimilation of intricate SEDH exposures associated with mortality among older population with AD, providing opportunities for optimized interventions and resource allocation to reduce mortality among this population.

Accelerated examination of patent applications for «green» technologies: foreign experience for Ukraine

The article is devoted to the study of international experience in implementing programs of accelerated examination of patent applications in the field of «green» technologies, as well as the impact of the approaches taken by the National Intellectual Property Offices of foreign countries on the implementation of this program in Ukraine. The author provides a thoroughanalysis of the peculiarities of obtaining legal protection for «green» technologies when filing patent applications for accelerated examination. The qualification requirements and process requirements for participation in the program are considered. The impact of the programs on the dissemination of «green» technologies and knowledge about them is also investigated. The objectives of the study are to determine the basic requirements for participation and processparameters in the programs of accelerated examination of patent applications in the field of «green» technologies, and the feasibility of introducing this program in Ukraine. In turn, accelerated examination programs have accelerated the dissemination of technological knowledge in the field of «green» technologies in the first years after the publication of patents. It seems relevant to introduce a program of accelerated expertise in the field of «green» technologies in Ukraine. Since the creation of such a mechanism will allow for a quick search for technical solutions to reduce the impacts and consequences of climate change in Ukraine; to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the effects of global climate change; to environmental threats associated with the war in Ukraine, where there is already a significant level of air, water and land pollution, problems with the generation, accumulation, storage, processing, recycling and disposal of waste; to energy saving technologies and alternative energy sources. A balanced program system would include broad subject matter qualifications (to include as many useful «green» technologies as possible) with reasonable process restrictions (to keep the workload of the examiners at a manageable level) and thus ensure a sufficiently high speed of examination.

Air Watch: An Ample Design of Indoor Air Quality Monitoring System

The environment is getting contaminated drastically by introducing harmful materials into the atmosphere through the excessive activities of human in adding comfort and luxurious style in their living. The pollutant level in air has high impact of healthiness of the person inhaling it. Air not outside as well indoor is infected by various hazardous particles and gases. To assess the air quality in the particular environment, it stimulates the need to monitor the hazardous elements listed. The internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) became the part of human life by adding smartness in their daily routines from facilitating control over appliances to own health factor as well automate operations. The primary objective of the effort is to identify the gases that cause air pollution, measure the air quality, and assess the level of pollution so that we can determine which gases cause pollution and at what place is the air being impacted. An IoT based indoor air quality monitoring system is built through incorporating carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), Ozone (O3), particulate matters (PM) and volatile organic components (VOC) sensors into Arduino board. The design ensures a complete air monitor, extends reliable service at low cost. A rule based system is developed to automate events upon the estimated air quality index (AQI) out of the sensory circuit.

Skin microbiome differentiates into distinct cutotypes with unique metabolic functions upon exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

BackgroundThe effects of air pollutants, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), on the skin microbiome remain poorly understood. Thus, to better understand the interplay between air pollutants, microbiomes, and skin conditions, we applied metagenomics and metabolomics to analyze the effects of PAHs in air pollution on the skin microbiomes of over 120 subjects residing in two cities in China with different levels of air pollution.ResultsThe skin microbiomes differentiated into two cutotypes (termed 1 and 2) with distinct taxonomic, functional, resistome, and metabolite compositions as well as skin phenotypes that transcended geography and host factors. High PAH exposure was linked to dry skin and cutotype 2, which was enriched with species with potential biodegradation functions and had reduced correlation network structure integrity. The positive correlations identified between dominant taxa, key functional genes, and metabolites in the arginine biosynthesis pathway in cutotype 1 suggest that arginine from bacteria contributes to the synthesis of filaggrin-derived natural moisturizing factors (NMFs), which provide hydration for the skin, and could explain the normal skin phenotype observed. In contrast, no correlation with the arginine biosynthesis pathway was observed in cutotype 2, which indicates the limited hydration functions of NMFs and explains the observed dry skin phenotype. In addition to dryness, skin associated with cutotype 2 appeared prone to other adverse conditions such as inflammation.ConclusionsThis study revealed the roles of PAHs in driving skin microbiome differentiation into cutotypes that vary extensively in taxonomy and metabolic functions and may subsequently lead to variations in skin–microbe interactions that affect host skin health. An improved understanding of the roles of microbiomes on skin exposed to air pollutants can aid the development of strategies that harness microbes to prevent undesirable skin conditions.BrPedpW9L_z6DnVXNf3dTwVideo

Methodical approaches to assessing public health risks under combined exposure to climatic factors and chemical air pollution caused by them

The ongoing climate change makes its contribution to public health risks. These risks can be caused both due to direct impacts of the process and modifying influence exerted by climatic factors on chemical levels in ambient air. Given that, it is advisable to develop methodical approaches that give an opportunity to quantify public health risks under combined influence of climatic factors and chemical air pollution caused by them. In this study, we suggest methodical approaches eligible for calculating, assigning a category and assessing acceptability of public health risks under climatic exposures considering their influence on chemical air pollution. We outline approaches to establishing priority climatic factors, calculating exposure levels and associated responses; making up a list of chemicals levels of which are influenced by climatic factors and probable health outcomes caused by exposure to them; identifying levels of chemicals associated with climatic influence; calculating and assigning a category for public health risks associated with combined exposure to climatic and chemical factors using a multiple logistic regression model. We tested the approaches using data collected in Perm in 2020. As a result, we established an unacceptable health risk for working age population (1.11•10-4) due to cerebrovascular diseases (I60–I69). This risk was associated with combined exposure to climatic factors (heat waves) and associated chemical air pollution (high levels of carbon oxide). Risk levels for working age population and older age groups due to diseases of the circulatory system (ischaemic heart diseases (I20–I25) and other cardiac arrhythmias (I49)) were rated as permissible (acceptable), 7.68•10-5 and 4.07•10-5 accordingly. The contribution made by the analyzed climatic factor (heat waves) varied between 76.24 and 92.44 %; the analyzed chemical factor (carbon oxide), between 7.56 and 23.76 %.

Analysis of Ambient Air Mercury Levels in The Mercury Laboratory and Metrology Centre for Environmental Quality Instrumentation Standardization

Today the use of heavy metals can be found in almost all aspects of life. However, the use of heavy metals causes a process of bioaccumulation of toxins from heavy metals into the body. One type of heavy metal that is very toxic is Mercury (Hg). According to the list of hazardous substances published by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), mercury occupies the third position among 275 substances harmful to human health. The mercury and metrology laboratory is a laboratory that functions to test mercury levels in both water, soil and air matrix samples. In carrying out a test or measurement of Mercury levels, employees at the Mercury and Metrology Laboratory of Centre for Environmental Quality Instrumentation Standardization (PSIKLH) always use Mercury in the process, so there is a possibility that the air in the Mercury and Metrology laboratory of PSIKLH is contaminated with Mercury because of the activities in it. That is the reason of researchers to test mercury levels in the ambient air around the Mercury laboratory and Metrology PSIKLH. This study aims to determine the level of mercury in the ambient air around the mercury and metrology laboratory of PSIKLH. The method used in this study is a quantitative analysis method using the Mercury Analyzer WA-5F from Nippon Instruments Corporation (NIC) which includes curve making, sampling, and measuring mercury levels in the sample. This research was conducted at the Mercury and Metrology Laboratory of PSIKLH. Based on research that was conduct, it shows that the highest concentration of mercury in the ambient air around the PSIKLH Mercury and Metrology Laboratory is found in the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) room, the sampling equipment room, and the Hg tool room. Mercury levels contained in the three rooms were more than 0.01 mg/m3. However, mercury levels in the Mercury and Metrology Laboratory are still classified as normal because they have not passed the threshold of 0.05 mg/m3.

Calculating the number of disease cases associated with acute short-term exposure to harmful chemicals in ambient air

The article addresses development of methodical approaches to calculating levels of health disorders caused by short-term exposure to ambient air pollution. We have established and parameterized relationships relevant for quantification of probable health outcomes as responses to elevated levels of chemicals in ambient air higher than their reference ones. These relationships were modeled using system analysis techniques and were based on dynamic data series on ambient air quality at the control points and the number of applications for medical aid in settlements with their overall population being more than 5 million people. We have formalized relationships that describe how intensively acute health disorders develop under short-term exposure to chemical levels in ambient air being higher than the reference ones that are identified at the control points. The resulting models rely on official data and can be used to predict and assess public health risks in any area where ambient air quality is monitored. The formalized relationships were tested within identifying levels of incidence associated with acute short-term exposure to ambient air pollution in a large industrial center. It was established that, according to data collected in 2020, the highest associated incidence was caused by exposure to benzene (on average 0.364 mg/m3 higher than the reference level) in ambient air and was detected as per such nosologies as ‘Allergic rhinitis unspecified’ and ‘Predominantly allergic asthma’. We are planning to use the results obtained at this stage in the research in further development of methodical approaches to assessing and predicting chemical health risks in areas influenced by hazardous chemical objects under short-term exposure to high levels of pollutants.

Методические подходы к оценке риска здоровью населения в условиях сочетанного воздействия климатических факторов и обусловленного ими химического загрязнения атмосферы

The ongoing climate change makes its contribution to public health risks. These risks can be caused both due to direct impacts of the process and modifying influence exerted by climatic factors on chemical levels in ambient air. Given that, it is advisable to develop methodical approaches that give an opportunity to quantify public health risks under combined influence of climatic factors and chemical air pollution caused by them. In this study, we suggest methodical approaches eligible for calculating, assigning a category and assessing acceptability of public health risks under climatic exposures considering their influence on chemical air pollution. We outline approaches to establishing priority climatic factors, calculating exposure levels and associated responses; making up a list of chemicals levels of which are influenced by climatic factors and probable health outcomes caused by exposure to them; identifying levels of chemicals associated with climatic influence; calculating and assigning a category for public health risks associated with combined exposure to climatic and chemical factors using a multiple logistic regression model. We tested the approaches using data collected in Perm in 2020. As a result, we established an unacceptable health risk for working age population (1.11•10-4) due to cerebrovascular diseases (I60–I69). This risk was associated with combined exposure to climatic factors (heat waves) and associated chemical air pollution (high levels of carbon oxide). Risk levels for working age population and older age groups due to diseases of the circulatory system (ischaemic heart diseases (I20–I25) and other cardiac arrhythmias (I49)) were rated as permissible (acceptable), 7.68•10-5 and 4.07•10-5 accordingly. The contribution made by the analyzed climatic factor (heat waves) varied between 76.24 and 92.44 %; the analyzed chemical factor (carbon oxide), between 7.56 and 23.76 %.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Air and Dust Samples from Vietnamese End-of-life Vehicle Processing Workshops: Contamination Status, Sources, and Exposure Risks.

Concentrations of 18 unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 11 methylated derivatives (Me-PAHs) were measured in polyurethane foam-based passive air (PUF-PAS) and settled dust samples collected from end-of-life vehicle (ELV) processing workshops in northern Vietnam. Concentrations of total 29 PAHs ranged from 42 to 95 (median 57) ng/m3 and from 860 to 18,000 (median 5700) ng/g in air and dust samples, respectively. PAH levels in ELV air and dust samples were 1.5 ± 0.4 and 9.4 ± 7.9 times higher than levels found in a control house, suggesting ELV processing as potential PAH emission sources. Concentrations and proportions of Me-PAHs in total PAHs of the ELV air (26% ± 7%) and dust (41% ± 14%) were higher than those found in control house (18% in both air and dust). The occurrence of PAHs and Me-PAHs in the ELV workshops are attributed to not only pyrogenic but also petrogenic sources (i.e., improper treatment and management of fuels, lubricants, and vehicle oils).

К расчету количества случаев заболеваний населения, ассоциированных с острым кратковременным воздействием вредных химических веществ в атмосферном воздухе

The article addresses development of methodical approaches to calculating levels of health disorders caused by short-term exposure to ambient air pollution. We have established and parameterized relationships relevant for quantification of probable health outcomes as responses to elevated levels of chemicals in ambient air higher than their reference ones. These relationships were modeled using system analysis techniques and were based on dynamic data series on ambient air quality at the control points and the number of applications for medical aid in settlements with their overall population being more than 5 million people. We have formalized relationships that describe how intensively acute health disorders develop under short-term exposure to chemical levels in ambient air being higher than the reference ones that are identified at the control points. The resulting models rely on official data and can be used to predict and assess public health risks in any area where ambient air quality is monitored. The formalized relationships were tested within identifying levels of incidence associated with acute short-term exposure to ambient air pollution in a large industrial center. It was established that, according to data collected in 2020, the highest associated incidence was caused by exposure to benzene (on average 0.364 mg/m3 higher than the reference level) in ambient air and was detected as per such nosologies as ‘Allergic rhinitis unspecified’ and ‘Predominantly allergic asthma’. We are planning to use the results obtained at this stage in the research in further development of methodical approaches to assessing and predicting chemical health risks in areas influenced by hazardous chemical objects under short-term exposure to high levels of pollutants.

IoT based real time air and noise pollution monitoring and controlling

Air and sound pollution is the biggest problem nowadays. So It is required to monitor air quality and noise levels to keep it control for a better future and happy living for all. In order to monitor the pollution, we propose an air pollution as well as sound pollution monitoring system that allows us to monitor and automatically control the air quality and sound pollution in particular areas through IoT. Our proposed system used air sensors to sense presence of harmful pollutants in the fresh air and simultaneously transmits this data to the microcontroller and also device keeps measuring the sound level and reports it to the cloud storage through Internet. These sensors interfaced with microcontroller which senses this data and transmits it to the internet. Our system also interfaced with GPS module to find the latitude and longitude of different places. This methodology allows authorities and people to monitor the air pollution and noise pollution in different areas and take action against it. If system detects the air quality and noise issues, it alerts authorities and also living people. Once the system exceeds the threshold levels of air and noise pollution, controlling action will automatically take by its own. People are dont need to worry about this. Pollution automatically monitored and controlled by our system.

Vertical spread of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus propagules

Currently, the ash dieback causal agent Hymenoscyphus fraxineus is an established invasive pathogen in most European countries. Its potential to spread quickly among invaded forests is based on its propagules: airborne inoculum composed mainly of ascospores originated in apothecia growing on leaf litter infected during the previous vegetation season. The spread of the inoculum by air masses to distant areas is probable and depends on the availability of the ascospores in higher levels of air. Our study aimed to detect the inoculum in an infected area at heights of more than 20 meters. Our study was conducted in a municipal locality (Boršov nad Vltavou) with tens of infected ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior) in South Bohemia (SW Czechia). The infected trees surround an agricultural silo where five rotating arm spore traps (rotorods) were mounted for ten consequent 48h samplings during the peak of the sporulating season (17th July to 6th August 2020). The spore traps were mounted 48, 37, 25, 14 and 0,3 meters above ground. Samples were quantified by qPCR. Results clearly proved the ability of the spores to reach a height of 48 meters. Furthermore, H. fraxineus DNA was detected from all five spore traps during all ten samplings. Mostly, the amount of detected spores showed a decreasing trend with height, and varied a lot. During some of the samplings, higher spore concetrations were achieved at the top than at the lower traps, which can be explained by horizontal air transfer of the inoculum from other infected areas. Based on GLM analyses, higher spore concentrations were achieved during days without rain, lower air temperatures, after cloudy, humid and rainy weather without strong winds. A combination of rotorod ROTTRAP 52 with qPCR quantification proved to be an efficient technology for a study focused on the vertical spread of H. fraxineus propagules.

Experimental Analysis of the Long-Term Stability of Thermoelectric Generators under Thermal Cycling in Air and Argon Atmosphere

It is estimated that 72% of the worldwide primary energy consumption is lost as waste heat. Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) are a possible solution to convert a part of this energy into electricity and heat for space heating. However, for their deployment a proven long-term operation is required. Therefore, this research investigates the long-term stability of TEGs on system level in air and argon atmosphere under thermal cycling up to 543 K. The layout of the examined test objects resembles a TEG in stack design. The results show that the maximal output power of the test object in air reaches a plateau at 57% of the initial power after 50 cycles caused by an increased electrical resistance of the system. Whereas the test object in argon atmosphere shows no significant degradation of electrical power or resistance. The findings represent a step towards the understanding of the long-term stability of TEGs and can be used as a guideline for design decisions.