Humidity Fluctuations Research Articles

The use of desiccants for proper moisture preservation in green coffee during storage and transportation

Prolonged storage and long-distance transportation of green coffee beans exposes them to undesirable fluctuations in temperature (T) and relative humidity (r.h.), which can change the physical (wet-basis moisture content (MCwb), water activity (Aw), and color) and sensory characteristics of the coffee. High humidity also supports mold growth, decay, and microbial activities. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of commercially available desiccants for preserving the moisture content of green coffee between 10-12% MCwb, when stored in either hermetic packages and/or jute sacks, and to assess the corresponding impact on sensory quality. A conventional coffee storage and transportation period from Brazil to Italy with a duration of 42 days was mimicked in environmental chambers. Treatments in a 3 × 3 factorial design consisting of three packaging materials (GrainPro SuperGrain bag, GrainPro TranSafeliner, and/or jute sacks) and desiccants (Drying Beads®, CaCl2, or no desiccants) were evaluated. Additionally, four different mass ratios of green coffee to desiccant ranging from 50 to 300 – g coffee per g desiccant were also evaluated. The MCwb, Aw, and color of all samples were measured approximately weekly over 42 days. In comparison to the control (no desiccant, and only jute sacks), we observed a statistically significant impact for all tested desiccants and hermetic packages for maintaining the proper MCwb, Aw, and color. No significant difference was observed for the different desiccant masses tested when they were placed inside the hermetic packaging, but the desiccants were ineffective without the hermetic packaging. Triangle test and descriptive sensory evaluation yielded no significant differences between the use of hermetic packages with or without desiccants.

A comparative study of bare and seawater sea sand concrete wrapped basalt fiber-reinforced polymer bars exposed to laboratory and real marine environments

The high alkalinity of concrete restricts the application of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars as reinforcement in seawater and sea sand concrete (SWSSC), but lowering the alkalinity enhances the durability of BFRP bars. This work focuses on the degradation of BFRP bars embedded in SWSSC in the laboratory and real marine environments. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and deterioration mechanisms of BFRP bars wrapped in ordinary and low-alkalinity SWSSCs were investigated using the ILSS test, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the BFRP bars in the natural marine environment suffer from less degradation than those in the accelerated laboratory environment due to the lower temperature. After 180 d of exposure to 55 °C seawater and the field environment, the ILSS retentions of BFRP bars in ordinary SWSSC are 54% and 85%, while those in low-alkalinity SWSSC remain 81% and 97%, respectively. The decreased alkalinity and porosity in low-alkalinity SWSSC also considerably minimize the hydrolysis of epoxy resin in BFRP bars caused by alkaline and moisture erosion. Furthermore, the Arrhenius theory-based model considering temperature and humidity fluctuations, predicts that lowering the alkalinity of SWSSC can greatly enhance the service life of BFRP bars, which can be applied in high-temperature and humidity environments. This study provides insights into using low-alkalinity SWSSC to improve the durability of FRP bars in marine concrete structures.

Penerapan Sistem Proposional-Integral-Derivatif Pada Hatchery untuk Meningkatkan Produktivitas Day Old Chick (DOC)

The Livestock Product Processing Technology Laboratory is one of the centers of practicum, research or community service activities at the Banyuwangi State Polytechnic where it has a hatchery machine with a capacity of 500 grains, the hatchery machine has been modified so that the temperature and humidity can be controlled properly, but the machine still has some disadvantages. In addition to frequent errors in the heater, The system used still uses an on/off control system as a temperature and humidity regulator, so it can cause over shoot or under shoot which can cause fluctuations in temperature and humidity, so it is necessary to apply Proposional-Integral-Derifativ (PID) control which is able to accelerate the response of a system, eliminate offsets and produce large initial changes The purpose of this study was to determine the performance of the tool by applying PID control to hatchery machines that were tested to hatchability and Knowing the temperature and humidity settings to get the best results from the application of PID control on the hatchery machine. This research began with the preparation of the PID control series, namely making hardware and software designs using Arduino, sterilizing hatchery machines and setting temperatures of 37ºC and temperatures of 38ºC and humidity of 65 and 67%, entering eggs for 21 days and collecting data, hatchability and hatching. The results showed that PID control provided constant temperature and humidity stability at 37ºC and 38ºC temperatures, the best temperature and humidity use treatment at 38ºC was able to hatchability of 78.26%.

Study on the Mechanical Properties and Durability of Hydraulic Lime Mortars Based on Limestone and Potassium Feldspar

Natural hydraulic lime (NHL) can be used as an inorganic cementitious material, as it exhibits low shrinkage, salt-alkali resistance, moderate strength, and good durability with cultural relics. There has been increasing interest in NHL, as it is considered an appropriate material for the restoration and reinforcement of architectural cultural relics. In this study, limestone and potassium feldspar were mixed and calcined at different ratios and high temperatures, and artificial hydraulic lime (HL) was produced. According to the X-ray diffraction (XRD) results, the resulting products after high-temperature calcination were mainly composed of calcium oxide, dicalcium silicate (C2S), and dicalcium aluminosilicate (C2AS). As a compromise, when potassium feldspar accounted for 30% of the total mass, HL contains a more suitable air-hardening component and hydraulic component. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) analyses show that the phases of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and hydrated calcium silicate (C-S-H) gradually increased with prolonged curing time for HL. To study the partial mechanical properties and durability of HL, a comparison was made with NHL. The mechanical properties were investigated with the flexural and compressive strengths and shrinkage. The results show that HL has higher strength than NHL, but NHL has smaller shrinkage. Accelerated aging tests indicated that HL and NHL5 led to higher resistance to water immersion, fluctuations in temperature and humidity, sulphate decay, an alkali environment, and frost–thaw action than NHL2. HL has excellent mechanical properties and durability and can be considered a conservation material for stone relics in the future.

Environmentally Conscious Technologies Using Fungi in a Climate-Changing World

Fungi are a diverse and fascinating group of organisms that play an important role in various ecosystems, e.g., in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling. However, climate change poses a significant threat to these ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause shifts in the distribution of fungi and negatively impact the ecosystems they inhabit. Yet fungi have the potential to play a role in mitigating the effects of climate change. With the use of biotechnology, fungi can help meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and their properties make them useful organisms in addressing the urgent challenges that humanity faces. For example, industrial biotechnology using fungi can lead to the production of goods that are more biodegradable, use less energy and produce less waste. Fungi have long been used in the production of enzymes, alkaloids, detergents, acids, and biosurfactants on an industrial scale. Recent research in the field of white biotechnology has made significant progress, and further advances are expected in the near future, especially in agricultural and environmental biotechnology. With this in mind, it is crucial to explore the use of fungi in novel and environmentally conscious technologies, as well as in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Initial Results of the Relative Humidity Observations by MEDA Instrument Onboard the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover

AbstractThe Mars 2020 mission rover “Perseverance”, launched on 30 July 2020 by NASA, landed successfully 18 February 2021 at Jezero Crater, Mars (Lon. E 77.4509° Lat. N 18.4446°). The landing took place at Mars solar longitude Ls = 5.2°, close to start of the northern spring. Perseverance's payload includes the relative humidity sensor MEDA HS (Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer Humidity Sensor), which operations, performance, and the first observations from sol 80 to sol 410 (Ls 44°–210°) of Perseverance's operations we describe. The relative humidity measured by MEDA‐HS is reliable from late night hours to few tens of minutes after sunrise when the measured humidity is greater than 2% (referenced to sensor temperature). Data delivered to the Planetary Data System include relative humidity, sensor temperature, uncertainty of relative humidity, and volume mixing ratio (VMR). VMR is calculated using the MEDA‐PS pressure sensor values. According to observations, nighttime absolute humidity follows a seasonal curve in which release of water vapor from the northern cap with advancing northern spring and summer is visible. At ground level, frost conditions may have been reached a few times during this season (Ls 44°–210°). Volume mixing ratio values show a declining diurnal trend from the midnight toward the morning suggesting adsorption of humidity into the ground. Observations are compared with an adsorptive single‐column model, which complies with observations and confirms adsorption. The model allows estimating daytime VMR levels. Short‐term subhour timescales show large temporal fluctuations in humidity, which suggest vertical and spatial advection.

Investigation into the Gaseous SO2 Attack on Sandstone in the Yungang Grottoes

The Yungang Grottoes, with over 1500 years of history, have been subjected to air pollution since the last century. Field investigations have indicated that acid gases, particularly sulfur dioxide (SO2), have accumulated on the surface of the sculptures and caused various types of decay that reduce their artistic value. To shed new light on the gas–stone interaction process, artificially accelerated weathering was performed on local sandstone in the laboratory. In a specially developed test device, fresh specimens were exposed to gaseous SO2 under different relative humidity and temperature conditions. The physical, mineralogical, and chemical changes of Yungang sandstone were evaluated conjointly using destructive and non-destructive methods. The results show that after weathering, the luminosity of all specimens changed, with a slight alteration in hue toward yellow. The weight increased to various degrees during the aging cycles, which depended on both the accumulation of matter and the detachment of particles. Higher relative humidity and cyclic temperature fluctuations favored the dissolution of carbonates and the hydrolysis of feldspar in sandstone. The concentration of ions, especially dissolved Ca2+ and SO42−, increased considerably over time in the near-surface region of the specimens. A trace of newly formed gypsum was detected in some specimens at the end of the test. Knowing the synergistic impact of different climatic variables will make it possible to identify the mechanisms of the deterioration of sandstone in complex environments.

Lime Hemp Concrete with Unfired Binders vs. Conventional Building Materials: A Comparative Assessment of Energy Requirements and CO2 Emissions

This work assesses the energy requirements and CO2 emissions of a building made of Lime Hemp Concrete (LHC) with alternative unfired binders as lime replacement, compared to buildings made of standard LHC, and several conventional building materials. The assessment is based on ISO 14040, which deals with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and examines two aspects: energy, including pre-use phase Embodied Energy (EE), and use phase Operational Energy (OE); and CO2 emissions, including pre-use phase Embodied Carbon (EC), and use phase Operational Carbon (OC). The EE and EC calculations are based on published databases, while OE and OC were obtained with EnergyPlus simulations. The assessment refers to a specific case study in an arid region, with extreme diurnal and seasonal fluctuations of temperature and relative humidity. Using LHC with 100% unfired binder as lime replacement was shown to save up to 90% of the total energy consumption and CO2 emissions, as compared to conventional building materials. The findings of this research clearly demonstrate the high potential of LHC with unfired binders as lime replacement, which possesses the lowest energy requirements and CO2 emissions, illustrating the potential for a building with significantly low environmental impact over its life cycle, i.e., when calculating both EE and EC, and OE and OC.

Giant dielectric response, nonlinear characteristics, and humidity sensing properties of a novel perovskite: Na1/3Sr1/3Tb1/3Cu3Ti4O12.

In this study, we unveil a novel perovskite compound, Na1/3Sr1/3Tb1/3Cu3Ti4O12, synthesized through a solid-state reaction method, exhibiting remarkable giant dielectric response, nonlinear characteristics, and humidity sensing capabilities. This research highlights the emergence of a Cu-rich phase, the properties of which undergo significant alterations depending on the sintering conditions. The optimization of sintering parameters, encompassing a temperature range of 1040-1450 °C for 1-8 h, resulted in substantial dielectric permittivity (ε') values (∼2800-6000). The temperature dependence of ε' demonstrated relationship to the particular sintering conditions utilized. The acquired loss tangent values were situated within encouraging values, ranging from 0.06 to 0.16 at 1 kHz. Furthermore, the material revealed distinct nonlinear electrical characteristics at 25 °C, with the nonlinear coefficient values of 5-127, depending on ceramic microstructures. Additionally, we delved deeply into the humidity-sensing properties of the Na1/3Sr1/3Tb1/3Cu3Ti4O12 material, showing a considerable variation in ε' in response to fluctuations in relative humidity, thereby indicating its prospective application in humidity sensing technologies. The hysteresis error and response/recovery times were calculated, highlighting the versatility of this compound and its promising potential across multiple applications. The Na1/3Sr1/3Tb1/3Cu3Ti4O12 not only shows remarkable giant dielectric responses but also portrays significant promise for nonlinear and humidity sensing applications, marking it as a significant participant in the advancement of perovskite-based functional materials.

Thermal conductivity of compacted Opalinus Clay at different degrees of saturation

Tunnelling in bedded shale rocks induces damage around the excavation. Consequently, the rock mass in the excavation damaged zone (EDZ) shows different thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) properties from the intact rock. In turn, the damaged material close to the tunnel wall is affected by seasonal fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity (RH) variations associated with tunnel ventilation, impacting the total suction and the saturation state of the EDZ. The monitoring data at the new Swiss BelchenA2 highway tunnel excavated in Opalinus Clay (OPA) captured these seasonal variations in the total stressacting on the lining associated with this temperature and RH fluctuation. Within this context, assessing the temperature field in the EDZ requires determining the thermal conductivity of the damaged rock at different degrees of saturation. However, obtaining good-quality cores of OPA from the EDZ is not straightforward, and partially desaturating them using controlled RH techniques is time-consuming. Consequently, instead of testing damaged OPA, statically compacted samples of OPA powder at different degrees of saturation have been considered to study the thermal conductivity. In addition, two natural OPA samples (with different bedding orientations) retrieved from the Belchen tunnel have been tested to cross-check the experimental procedure and results, which indicated a consistent increase in thermal conductivity with the degree of saturation.

Optimization of minor-LiCl-modified gypsum as an effective indoor moisture buffering material for sensitive and long-term humidity control

Porous gypsum materials buffer indoor humidity autonomously by adsorbing/desorbing moisture but are limited by poor adsorption capacity. Adding hydrophilic salt, such as lithium chloride (LiCl), is known to improve the capacity; however, the hydrophilic salt may block moisture desorption when overused, which is detrimental to moisture buffering and materials durability, particularly on humid days. This paper investigates the effects of minor LiCl addition on the fundamental (thermal conductivity, etc.), hygroscopic (adsorption/desorption), and moisture buffering performance of gypsum in daily and weekly humidity fluctuations. Results showed that minor addition of LiCl (1%–8%) substantially improves the gypsum board's fundamental properties and hygroscopic performance but avoids significant microstructure alteration. The improvement is reinforced with increasing LiCl ratio but then leveled off. The minor-LiCl-modified composites absorbed and desorbed moisture repeatedly without hysteresis for daily and weekly humidity fluctuations. The composite's moisture buffering effects on indoor air and the resulting energy-saving potentials were then modeled with study cases set in Shanghai and Paris; the composites effectively controlled indoor humidity, yielding a good energy-saving on dehumidification. Based on the results, a LiCl-mixing-ratio of ∼4% was proposed to serve as the optimum, under which the composited gypsum presented a remarkable capacity of 0.16 kg/kg and marked energy-saving by lowering indoor latent load from 7.8 W/m2 to 3.4 W/m2 and compensating for the investment increase in 1–2 years. These findings emphasize that implementing minor LiCl to porous gypsum materials enables distinct moisture buffering ability for sensitive and long-term humidity control on indoor air.

Adoption of Post-Harvest Strategies to Minimize Aflatoxin Contamination in Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea) in Ghana

Aflatoxin, a mycotoxin caused by the mold Aspergillus flavus or parasiticus, can have negative impacts on human health, especially vulnerable populations. Several management practices can minimize risk of contamination of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). A survey was conducted with thirty-six farmers who were involved in research designed to develop strategies to minimize aflatoxin contamination in groundnut in northern Ghana in 2017 and again in 2020. Fewer farmers in 2020 were consuming groundnuts with mold that produces aflatoxin or selling grain suspected of containing aflatoxin in local markets. Farmers increased use of tarpaulins as a drying surface in 2020 compared with 2017. Drying on tarpaulin has been shown to reduce aflatoxin contamination going into storage by minimizing spores on groundnut and enabling farmers to cover their crop when rain occurs after harvest and initial drying of pods. Hermetically-sealed bags limit fluctuations in humidity and can maintain groundnut moisture at optimum levels during storage. Farmers did not adopt hermetically-sealed bags to minimize aflatoxin, most likely because of availability and cost. Results from this longitudinal study provide knowledge on what aspects of aflatoxin mitigation after harvest need to be addressed in future research.

Periodic paleo-environment oscillation on multi-timescales in the Triassic and their significant implications for algal blooms: A case study on the lacustrine shales in Ordos Basin

The Triassic climate has been a relatively neglected topic and conventionally considered a “hot-house” world. Using detailed petrographic characterization, in situ geochemical testing, and high-resolution cycle analysis, the Triassic lacustrine shale in the Ordos Basin was studied to confirm that periodic oscillations of the paleo-environment occurred at different timescales during the Triassic. On the millennial scale, increased obliquity induced enhanced transfer of heat and moisture to high latitudes, which then recharged continental aquifers, resulting in an increase in temperature, humidity, and levels of lakes in the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, decreased obliquity induced temperature and humidity reduction, followed by lake-level decline. Variations in eccentricity further regulated the magnitude of obliquity-forced paleo-environmental evolution. On the decadal–centennial scale, solar activity, including the 360–500 yr cycle I, 81–110 yr cycle II, and 30–57 yr cycle III, caused high-frequency oscillations of humidity and lake level. In the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, intense (weak) solar activity promoted the decline (rise) in humidity and lake level. On the interannual scale, in the coastal area of western Panthalassa, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-like cycles also induced significant fluctuations in humidity and reducibility on a 2–8 yr scale. Whether complex paleo-environmental oscillations at different timescales occurred worldwide during the Triassic remains to be verified at other places. It is also noteworthy that high-frequency paleo-environmental oscillations in the Triassic stimulated algal blooms over a short period. The increase in rainfall caused by solar activity and ENSO-like cycles led to a frequent influx of nutrients into the Ordos Basin. The 30–57 yr cycle III induced red algae enrichment at intervals of decades. ENSO-like cycles also promoted algal bloom on 2–8 yr scale to form organic layers in lacustrine shale.

Seasonal Rearing Performance of Multivoltine Pure Mysore Silkworm in Southern dry Zone of Karnataka, India

The differences in the seasons and environmental components considerably affect the quality of the multivoltine silk worm seed crop such as cocoon weight, shell weight, and cocoon shell ratio. Frequent fluctuations in the environmental conditions day to day and season to season point up the importance of management of temperature and relative humidity for sustainable seed cocoon production in the basic seed farms. Hence to know the role of seasonal temperature and humidity on growth and development of Multivoltine silkworm, present study conducted at P2 Basic Seed Farm Nagenahalli, Central Silk Board, Karnataka to assess the seasonal performance of the multivoltine silkworm using various parameters. In the study all the data were recoreded were subjected to the correlation and the correlation results revealed significantly higher hatching per cent yield (number and weight)/ 100 dfls (Kg),single cocoon weight(gm) and single cell weight (gm) were 95.67, 43414.45 ( by number) and 57.70 kg (by weight), 1.233 and 0.180, respectively) during the winter season, whereas significantly higher weight of 10 matured larvae (28.01g) and shell weight (0.180) were recorded during rainy season. Further, significantly lower fecundity (480), hatching% (94.98), larval duration (28 days), weight of 10 matured larvae (25.80g), cocoon yield/100dfl (43.29 kg), single cocoon weight (1.146g), single cell weight (0.169g), pupation (95.22%) and cocoon leaf ratio (21.95) were recorded during summer.among the seasons. In all, winter season was more ideal for the rearing of multivoltine silkworm in the southern dry zone seed area of Karnataka with superior cocoon and egg characters due to lower temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Paleophytogeography of the Siberian Paleofloristic Region in the Early Jurassic and First Half of the Middle Jurassic

The results of a comparative analysis of taphofloras of the Early Jurassic and first half of the Middle Jurassic of the Siberian paleofloristic region are considered. For this time interval, a significant similarity in the systematic composition of the taphofloras of Western Siberia and Northern China is revealed. Based on the author's data and the published data, the position of the boundary in the south and southwest of the Siberian paleofloristic region and the boundary between its West Siberian and North China provinces are corrected. The refined systematic composition of paleofloras, the constant presence of numerous remains of leaves of deciduous gymnosperms in the sediments, and the sedimentological features of flora-bearing strata taken together convincingly confirm the fact that the climate throughout the entire Siberian region in the Early Jurassic and first half of the Middle Jurassic was humid with seasonal fluctuations in temperature and humidity. The paleogeographic features of the northeast of the Siberian paleofloristic region are briefly considered.

Binder-free CeO2 coated/Pd-decorated CuxO nanowires based on Cu foam for humidity-independent enhanced H2S gas sensing

Binder-free CeO2 coated/Pd-decorated CuxO nanowires (CuxO/Pd/CeO2_NWs) based on Cu foam were synthesized using a four-step process: electrochemical nanoengineering for preparing Cu nanowires, galvanic replacement between Cu nanowires and H2PdCl4, soaking in cerous nitrate solution and followed thermal annealing. Due to the optimized Pd thin layer, followed coating of the moisture-blocking CeO2 overlayer, the binder-free Pd-decorated CuxO nanowires exhibit a prominently enhanced sensing properties to H2S. The CuxO/Pd/CeO2_NWs sensor exhibits a high response of 36.69 to 50 ppm H2S with rapid response/recovery speed (48.9 s/59.1 s), good selectivity and humidity-independent sensing properties at room temperature. Therefore, this work shows promising potential in detecting H2S and a new insight is opened up in designing binder-free devices based on metal substrate for indoor/outdoor environmental monitoring regardless of humidity fluctuations.

Real-Time Temperature and Humidity Measurements during the Short-Range Distribution of Perishable Food Products as a Tool for Supply-Chain Energy Improvements

Food waste results in an increased need for production to compensate for losses. Increased production is directly related to an increase in the environmental impact of agriculture and in the energy needs associated with it. To reduce food waste, the supply chain should maintain ideal preservation conditions. In horticultural products, temperature, and relative humidity are two of the main parameters to be controlled. Monitoring these parameters can help decision-making in logistics and routes management, as well as to diagnose and timely prevent food losses. In the present work, eighteen wireless traceability devices with temperature and relative humidity sensors monitored crates with horticultural products along a short-range distribution route with five stops (4 h 30 m). Sensor data and a location tag were sent via GSM for real-time monitoring. The results showed fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity that reached up to 7.4 °C and 35.3%, respectively. These fluctuations happened mostly due to frequent door opening, operational procedures, and irregular refrigeration conditions. Furthermore, the results brought attention to a procedure that creates unnecessary temperature fluctuations and energy losses. This study highlights the importance of individual monitorization of goods, for quality control and optimization of energy efficiency along the supply chain.

Performance of Bombyx mori and Samia cynthia ricini silkworms under controlled environmental conditions in Uasin Gishu County

The domesticated silkworm Bombyx mori and Eri worm (Samia cynthia ricini) are bivoltine and multivoltine, feeding exclusively on mulberry and castor leaves, respectively. The domestication of silkworms has made them highly sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity. The research determined the performance of silkworm reared inside pre-constructed structures with equal dimensions (4 m x 4 m x 3 m height), with iron roof; timber walled (L1) and mud walled (L2). Greenhouses with four flaps open (L3), three sides open (L4), two sides open (L5), one side open (L6) and completely enclosed (L7), and concrete walled (L0) were used. The survival percentage, larval duration and cocoon quality and quantity were tested and compared. The temperature and relative humidity were recorded. The mean temperature of structures during rearing ranged between 22.73 °C±1.86 (L0) and 31.63 °C±0.81 (L7) during the wet season with a similar trend in the dry season, the mean relative humidity of 33.26%±7.29 (L1) and 43.18%±9.53 (L0) during the wet season and 33.11%±7.27 (L1) and 42.16%±7.38 (L7). Larval duration was longest in L2 for both B. mori and Eri during the wet season. Larval survival was highest in L2 (76.73±4.20%) and L0 (78.70%) during the wet and dry season respectively. A similar trend obtained in L2 (77.00%) and L0 (80.10%) for Eri in wet and dry season respectively. The cocoon weight was highest in structure L2 (0.86±0.03) during the dry season, L5 (2.78±4.30) during the wet season. Eri cocoon weight was highest in L0 (2.35±0.49) during the wet season and highest in L3 (2.44±0.34) in the dry season. The longest significantly different Filament length for B. mori was in L2 (1377.80±150.17 m). During the dry season L3 (1382.80±117.23m) was the longest. For the Eri the longest filament length was from L2 (437.6±32.26). The seasons did not influence average survival, filament length and weights from the tested structures.

Anion-cation heterostructured hydrogels for all-weather responsive electricity and water harvesting from atmospheric air

Despite the recent boom in moisture-enabled electricity generation (MEG), it suffers from fabrication intricacy and materials inadequacy for water and energy harvesting purposes. Moreover, conventional MEGs face challenges in restricted operating humidity, inertness to subtle humidity fluctuations and inability to sustain long-lasting power output under high humidity due to limitations in hydrophilicity and hydration. Here, we exploit a unique oppositely-charged hydrogel heterojunction for electricity and fresh water harvesting from atmospheric air without trade-offs in process simplicity and humidity limits. This anion-cation heterostructure engages two oppositely polarized ions and features a self-regulating ionic gradient for MEG in a dynamically fluctuating ambient, making it not only capable of responding to sluggish and subtle humidity fluctuations but delivering undisrupted power even under extremely wet conditions. Different from other MEGs, moisture can be captured and largely stored in the hydrogel and then released as fresh water. This moisture absorption/desorption, interestingly, is accompanied by electricity generation, indicating a two-in-one strategy to address the water-energy nexus. In such a hydrogel heterojunction, multiple environmental elements like moisture, light, temperature, wind, etc., are feasibly mobilized for energy harvesting. This work provides a promising autonomous and continuous operation of an energy-water system for sustainable and decentralized purposes.

Evaluating Localized Corrosion Susceptibility of Austenitic Stainless Steels Exposed to Varying Nitrate to Chloride Ratio Droplets

Austenitic stainless steels (SS), utilized extensively in coastal environments due to their enhanced corrosion resistance, are susceptible to localized corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) when exposed to chloride environments. One potential scenario under which SCC may pose a concern is the interim storage and the eventual transport of spent nuclear fuels (SNF) in SS canisters. The SS canisters may be subjected to marine sea-salts and elevated temperatures; however, assessing the current damage state on the surface of these canisters is difficult due to high radiation levels dictating confinement within a limited-access overpack. Hence, accelerated tests are needed in order to help predict potential materials degradation on the surface of these canisters. Another important factor related to SNF storage is the fact that the canisters are located in a variety of climates across the United States. Salt compositions and daily fluctuations of relative humidity (RH) and temperature differ widely by location. Of particular interest, inland sites have a higher nitrate concentration in comparison to coastal locations. One governing brine property for corrosion is the amount of nitrate present in the brine as this can serve to passivate a corroding alloy. Herein, we evaluate the influence of nitrate to chloride ratios on the pitting susceptibility of SS304L under full immersion and cyclic RH conditions. The results of this study are discussed in terms of potential canister degradation. Acknowledgements SNL is managed and operated by NTESS under DOE NNSA contract DE-NA0003525. This document is SAND2022-3796 C.