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Influenza is a costly disease for pig producers and understanding its epidemiology is critical to control it. In this study, we aimed to estimate the herd-level prevalence and seasonality of influenza in breed-to-wean pig farms, evaluate the correlation between influenza herd-level prevalence and meteorological conditions, and characterize influenza genetic diversity over time. A cohort of 34 breed-to-wean farms with monthly influenza status obtained over a 5-year period in piglets prior to wean was selected. A farm was considered positive in a given month if at least one oral fluid tested influenza positive by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Influenza seasonality was assessed combining autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models with trigonometric functions as covariates. Meteorological conditions were gathered from local land-based weather stations, monthly aggregated and correlated with influenza herd-level prevalence. Influenza herd-level prevalence had a median of 28% with a range from 7 to 57% and followed a cyclical pattern with levels increasing during fall, peaking in both early winter (December) and late spring (May), and decreasing in summer. Influenza herd-level prevalence was correlated with mean outdoor air absolute humidity (AH) and temperature. Influenza genetic diversity was substantial over time with influenza isolates belonging to 10 distinct clades from which H1 delta 1 and H1 gamma 1 were the most common. Twenty-one percent of farms had three different clades co-circulating over time, 18% of farms had two clades, and 41% of farms had one clade. In summary, our study showed that influenza had a cyclical pattern explained in part by air AH and temperature changes over time, and highlighted the importance of active surveillance to identify high-risk periods when strategic control measures for influenza could be implemented.

Background: For patients undergoing general anesthesia, adequate warming and humidification of the inspired gases is very important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in the heat and moisture content of the inspired gases with low-flow anesthesia using 4 different anesthesia machines. Methods: The patients were divided into 11 groups according to the anesthesia machine used (Ohmeda, Excel; Avance; Dräger, Cato; and Primus) and the fresh gas flow (FGF) rate (0.5, 1, and 4 L/min). The temperature and absolute humidity of the inspired gas in the inspiratory limbs were measured at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 minutes in 9 patients scheduled for total thyroidectomy or cervical spine operation in each group. Results: The anesthesia machines of Excel, Avance, Cato, and Primus did not show statistically significant changes in the inspired gas temperatures over time within each group with various FGFs. They, however, showed statistically significant changes in the absolute humidity of the inspired gas over time within each group with low FGF anesthesia (P

Vsebnost vodne pare v ozračju je ena pomembnejših meteoroloških spremenljivk pri numeričnem napovedovanju vremena kot tudi dolgoročnem preučevanju podnebja. Tradicionalni načini merjenja zaradi svojih pomanjkljivosti in stroškov obratovanja ne uspejo pokriti izredno heterogene prostorske in časovne porazdelitve vodne pare v ozračju. Z vse hitrejšim razvojem Globalnih navigacijskih satelitskih sistemov (GNSS), med katere sodi tudi Globalni sistem pozicioniranja (GPS), se vedno bolj uveljavlja daljinsko zaznavanje vsebnosti vodne pare v ozračju na podlagi zakasnitev satelitskih signalov GNSS. V ta namen smo v diplomski nalogi na podlagi skoraj dvoletnih meritev GPS z dvema načrtno postavljenima stacionarnima sprejemnikoma na območju Vipavske doline po uveljavljeni metodologiji, računali skupno vsebnost vodne pare v stolpcu ozračja nad postajo GPS in v sloju ozračja znotraj Vipavske doline – od dna do roba Trnovske planote. Rezultate vsebnosti vodne pare v ozračju smo nato analizirali, primerjali in ovrednotili na podlagi izračunane absolutne vlage in drugih meteoroloških podatkov iz bližnjih merilnih postaj, opisov razvoja vremena in fotografij vremenskih razmer na območju Vipavske doline. Ugotovili smo, da lahko prisotnost padavin ter specifične nehomogene porazdelitve vlažnih zračnih mas vplivajo na razlike v absolutni vlagi, določeni na merilnih postajah in povprečni absolutni vlagi v ozračju Vipavske doline, ocenjeni s pomočjo zakasnitve signalov GNSS. Water vapor plays a crucial role in numerical weather prediction and long term climate research. However, due to the limitations and costs associated with contemporary instruments of water vapor estimation, the complex temporal and spatial distribution of water vapor in the atmosphere remains insufficiently covered. With the rapid development of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), which include the Global Positioning System (GPS), there is rising interest in the potential of remote sensing of water vapor in the atmosphere based on GNSS signals delays. Therefore, in this bachelor thesis, using a proven methodology, almost two years of continuous GPS data, obtained from two specifically located stationary GPS receivers in the Vipava Valley region were used to calculate water vapor in the atmospheric layer within the Vipava Valley – from the base of the valley to the edge of Trnovski gozd ridge. The results were analysed, compared and evaluated based on water vapor calculated using data from nearby meteorological stations, other meteorological data, descriptions of weather development and photographs of weather conditions in the Vipava Valley region. It was concluded, that the presence of percipitation and conditions with specific nonhomogeneous distrubutions of humid air in the Vipava valley cause differences between absolute humudity obtained from measuring stations and the average absolute humidity within Vipava valley, estimated from GNSS signal delays.

The importance of water management in proton exchange membrane fuel cells is discussed in this paper. First part of research is dedicated to the characterization of a water-cooled 1kW PEMFC fuel cell stack at different operating conditions with calculation of net electric and thermal efficiencies. In the second part, the influence of inlet air humidification temperature at various loads and operational conditions was experimentally found. It was observed that humidification temperature in the air saturator has a strong impact on cell performance and this impact is growing with current density. Increase in humidification temperature by 8°C at 200mA/cm 2 raised cell voltage only by 0.01V, while at 500mA/cm 2 the same change led to 0.04V growth. Additionally, the effect of change of air stoichiometry on this relationship is studied. Increased air stoichiometry led to a maximum growth of the slope angle by 68% at 500mA/cm 2 .

The spatio-temporal distribution of influenza is linked to variations in meteorological factors, like temperature, absolute humidity, or the amount of rainfall. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between influenza activity, and meteorological variables in Spain, across five influenza seasons: 2010-2011 through to 2014-2015 using generalized linear negative binomial mixed models that we calculated the weekly influenza proxies, defined as the weekly influenza-like illness rates, multiplied by the weekly proportion of respiratory specimens that tested positive for influenza. The results showed an association between influenza transmission and dew point and cumulative precipitation. In increase in the dew point temperature of 5 degrees produces a 7% decrease in the Weekly Influenza Proxy (RR 0.928, IC: 0.891-0.966), and while an increase of 10 mm in weekly rainfall equates to a 17% increase in the Weekly Influenza Proxy (RR 1.172, IC: 1.097-1.251). Influenza transmission in Spain is influenced by variations in meteorological variables as temperature, absolute humidity, or the amount of rainfall. This study has been funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the project “PI15/01398” (Co-funded by European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund “Investing in your future”). Sí

It is important to understand the water content and evaporation on the surface of mural paintings in order to prevent exfoliation of pigments, deposition of salts, fungi growth and so forth. However, there have not been many researches on such measurementsbecause non-invasive measurements in high-humidity environment are difficult. In this study, a measurement system was first constructed using two small dataloggers. Measurements were conducted on the surface of the stone at Kumamoto Prefectural Ancient Buried Mound Museum. Evaporation on the surface of the stone wasidentified from the gradient of absolute humidity calculated from measured values of temperature and relative humidity. One of the drawbacks of this method is that the data-logger is poor in humidity resistance and inaccurate in a high-humidity environment. Temperature and humidity sensors which have better humidity resistance were selected to develop a new measurement system for application at humid sites. The new measurement system is composed of a control board Arduino Mega 2560, which controlsthe digital signals from sensors and records the data on a micro SD card. A prototype system was constructed and evaluated in this study.

Atmospheric dust is the direct treatment object in air purification system. We should understand not only the concept of atmospheric dust in air clean technologies but also its origin, component, concentration, and distribution.

Both temperature and humidity may independently or jointly contribute to the risk of human rhinovirus (HRV) infections, either through altered survival and spread of viruses in the environment or due to changes in host susceptibility. This study examined the relationship between short-term variations in temperature and humidity and the risk of HRV infections in a subarctic climate. We conducted a case-crossover study among conscripts (n = 892) seeking medical attention due to respiratory symptoms during their military training and identified 147 HRV cases by real-time PCR. An average temperature, a decline in daily ambient temperature and absolute humidity (AH) during the three preceding days of the onset (hazard period) and two reference periods (a week prior and after the onset) were obtained. The average daily temperature preceding HRV infections was −9.9 ± 4.9 °C and the average AH was 2.2 ± 0.9 g/m3. An average (odds ratios (OR) 1.07 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.15)) and maximal (OR 1.08 (1.01–1.17)) change in temperature increased the risk of HRV infections by 8% per 1 °C decrease. An average (OR 1.20 (CI 1.03–1.40)) and maximal decrease (OR 1.13 (CI 0.96–1.34)) in AH increased the risk of HRV infection by 13% and 20% per 0.5 g/m3 decrease. A higher average temperature during the three preceding days was positively associated with HRV infections (OR 1.07 (CI 1.00–1.15)). A decrease rather than low temperature and humidity per se during the preceding few days increases the risk of HRV infections in a cold climate. The information is applicable to populations residing in cold climates for appropriate personal protection and prevention of adverse health effects.

Povzetek Nabavna funkcija v podjetju je eden najpomembnejših segmentov delovanja podjetja. Uspešnost nabavne službe je pogojena s pravilno in z dobro presojo pri izbiri dobavitelja in njegovo končno vlog (vključno pri spremljanju reklamacij). Proces izbire pravega dobavitelja je ena izmed najpomembnejših strateških odločitev vsakega podjetja, saj vpliva na njegovo delovanje, uspešnost in s tem tudi na njegov obstoj. Dobavitelj mora izpolniti pričakovanja kupcev, sicer ne more pričakovati uspeha na trgu. Diplomska naloga se bo osredotočila na težavo rosenja vitrin, ki se je pojavila v eni od trgovin. Po prenovi objekta in zagonu le-tega sta se pojavila na njih led in rosa. S to težavo in tako obsežno smo se srečali prvič. Odprava navedene reklamacije je terjala hitro izvedbo v naj krajšem možnem času s pomočjo predvidevanj in meritev. Dobavitelje se izbira na osnovi več parametrov, kot so kakovost, cena, hitrost dobave in poznavanje kupčevih potreb in želja. Raznolikost kupcev terja večjo prilagodljivost, kar lahko predstavlja večje tveganje pri vpeljavah nestandardnih oziroma ne testiranih rešitev na kupčevo željo. Komunikacija med kupcem in dobaviteljem mora biti usklajena, da se zagotovita najboljša rešitev in izbira produktov. V diplomski nalogi se osredotočam, kako rešiti probleme s pomočjo tehničnih rešitev in kako zadovoljiti kupce s predajo produkta, ki deluje brez napak. Problem smo rešili s pomočjo monitoringa in tudi s predvidevanji, katere ukrepe je potrebno izvesti. Opravili smo več testnih meritev. Rešitev reklamacije je potekala v šestih fazah: • V prvi fazi smo pregledali reklamacijo in jo opisali. V tej fazi smo pregledali vse nastavitve in detajle, kjer bi lahko prišlo do odstopanj. Pregledali smo tesnjenje vitrin na spojih, kako so sestavljene, ali so drsna in ostala vrata pravilno nameščena, ali je zatesnjen dovod pri električnih kablih. • V fazi 2 smo izvedli meritve z naše strani, opredelili težave, jih opisali in poslali poročilo – reklamacijo našemu dobavitelju. • V fazi 3 smo skupaj z dobaviteljem naredili in pripravili načrt kaj je potrebno na objektu preveriti in izmeriti da se reklamacija reši. • V fazi 4 smo opravili skupen prihod na objekt, kjer smo pregledali stanje in opravili prve skupne meritve. določili smo ukrepe za naslednji pregled in meritev. • Faza 5 druga skupna meritev. Pregledali smo stanje, če se je kaj izboljšalo glede na prejšnji obisk in zapisali ugotovitve. • Zadnja faza 6 je bila izvedena s strani zunanjega laboratorija, ki je podal svoje ugotovitve. S pomočjo meritev in testiranj smo prišli do končne ugotovitve, da je največja težava vdor svežega zraka, zaradi katerega se tvori kondenz. V naši reklamaciji si bomo ogledali težavo rosenja vitrin, kjer je sprva kazalo, da je težava na samem izdelku – vitrinah, v končni fazi pa se je na osnovi meritev pokazalo, da je povzročitelj težave neustrezna klimatizacija celotnega objekta in neprimerno prezračevanje. Ključne besede: rosenje, točka rosišča, absolutna vlaga, relativna vlaga Abstract Purchasing function is one of the most important segments in the functioning of company. The success of purchasing department is determined by correct and good judgement when selecting a supplier, and also his final role (including the monitoring of complaints or refunds). The process of selecting the right supplier is one of the most important strategic decisions of every company, since it influences its functioning, success and, consequently, its existence. The supplier has to meet buyers' expectations or else he cannot expect to succeed in the market. This diploma thesis is focused on the problem of steamy display cases, which occurred in one of the shops. After the shop had been renovated and reopened, the steam and ice appeared on display cases. We faced such an extensive problem for the first time. The complaint was dealt with in the shortest time possible, using the predictions and measurements. The suppliers are selected on the basis of several parameters, such as quality, price, speed of supply and understanding costumer's wishes and needs. The variety of different buyers demands more adjustability, which can present a higher risk when introducing nonstandard or untested solutions, which were made on buyer's demand. To ensure the best solution and choice of products, the buyer – supplier communication has to be consistent. This diploma thesis focuses on how to solve the problems using technical solutions and how to satisfy the buyers by delivering flawless products. The problem was solved by monitoring and by predicting which measures should be taken. We performed several test measurements and we also included the external measurement source to achieve more credibility. The complaint was resolved in six phases: • In the first phase, the complaint was examined and described. All settings and details were checked to avoid possible deviations. We checked the sealing of display cases at their joints. We then checked display cases’ construction and whether the slide doors are set properly. We also checked whether the electrical conduit is sealed properly. • In the second phase, we made some measurements and defined the problems. We also described them and sent a report about the complaint to our supplier. • In the third phase, we made a plan with our supplier of what needs to be checked in the building in order to resolve the complaint. • In the fourth phase we examined the building together. We checked the conditions and performed some measurements together. Then we determined the measures that have to be taken for next examination and measurements. • In the fifth phase, we performed another shared measurement. We checked whether the condition had improved since our first visit and we took notes of our findings. • The sixth phase was performed by an outside laboratory, which also presented its findings later With the help of measurements and testing, we concluded that the greatest problem is the invasion of fresh air, which then causes condensation. In our complaint, we will look into the issue of steamy display cases. We first assumed the problem was in the product itself – the display cases. In the final phase and based on the measurements, we ascertained that the problem appeared because of the inappropriate air-conditioning and ventilation of the whole building Keywords: dewpoint, dew point, absolute humidity, relative humidity

The most suitable temperature and relative humidity for the conservation of cultural properties are said to be about 20℃ and 60%RH, respectively, by ICCROM. In addition, care has to be taken so that cultural properties would not suffer from rapid changes in temperature and relative humidity. However, it is not easy to maintain these conditions because of aging facilities, equipments and other factors. Nevertheless, it is almost impossible to conduct experiments on site or renovations only for investigations to study environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. In such cases, the analysis technique using computer simulation can be a useful tool because it can be utilized without causing any damage on cultural properties and it does not cost much. Analysis of temperature and humidity in Chitose-Bunko, which is a storage of Sekisui Museum in Mie prefecture, was conducted by using a simulation software, NETS. In this paper, the current situation of this study and the results of comparison with measured data are reported.

Glavna namjera istraživanja je realizacija ljestvice temperatura injišta/rosišta zraka u rasponu od -70 °C do 5 °C. Realizacija ljestvice uključuje projektiranje i sastavljanje mjerne linije za ispitivanje etalonskih higrometara točke rose, definiranje eksperimentalne metode i pripadajućeg matematičkog modela umjeravanja te određivanje mjerne nesigurnosti realizacije. U okviru istraživanja izrađeni su računalni programi za upravljanje realizacijom i prikupljanje relevantnih mjerenih veličina. Predloženo istraživanje unaprijedilo je umjerne mogućnosti Laboratorija za procesna mjerenja (LPM) kao nacionalnog etalona vlažnosti Republike Hrvatske te je osiguralo sljedivost na području mjerenja vlažnosti zraka. Ovime je omogućeno ravnopravno sudjelovanje Republike Hrvatske u europskim i svjetskim mjeriteljskim usporedbama na predmetnom području. Umjerne mogućnosti nove linije eksperimentalno su potvrđene međulaboratorijskom usporedbom s nacionalnim etalonom Finske. Na temelju provedene usporedbe, sposobnosti umjeravanja i mjerenja Laboratorija (eng. Calibration and Measurement Capability, CMC) međunarodno su priznate i registrirane u bazi usporedbi (eng. key comparison database, KCDB) Međunarodnog ureda za utege i mjere (fra. Bureau International des Poids et Mesures, BIPM). The main goal of the research is the realization of the dew/frost point temperature scale in the range between -70 °C and 5 °C. The realization of the dew/frost point scale includes design and construction of the measurement facility for calibration of standard dew-point hygrometers, definition of experimental calibration method together with the mathematical model of calibration and determination of the calibration uncertainty. As part of the research, PC software was developed for control of the realization process and relevant data acquisition. Proposed research has improved calibration capabilities of Laboratory for Process Measurement as Croatian National Humidity Standard and assured the traceability in the field of air humidity measurements. It enabled the Republic of Croatia to participate in the interlaboratory comparisons at the European and global level. Measurement capabilities of the new facility are confirmed through the interlaboratory comparison with national metrology institute of Finland. Based on the comparison results, Calibration and measurement capabilities (CMC) of the Laboratory are acknowledged internationally and available in the key comparison database of the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM).

Background: Experimental and ecological studies have shown the role of climatic factors in driving the epidemiology of influenza. In particular, low absolute humidity (AH) has been shown to increase influenza virus transmissibility and has been identified to explain the onset of epidemics in temperate regions. Here, we aim to study the potential climatic drivers of influenza-like illness (ILI) epidemiology in Vietnam, a tropical country characterized by a high diversity of climates. We specifically focus on quantifying and explaining the seasonality of ILI. Methods: We used 18 years (1993-2010) of monthly ILI notifications aggregated by province (52) and monthly climatic variables (minimum, mean, maximum temperatures, absolute and relative humidities, rainfall and hours of sunshine) from 67 weather stations across Vietnam. Seasonalities were quantified from global wavelet spectra, using the value of the power at the period of 1 year as a measure of the intensity of seasonality. The 7 climatic time series were characterized by 534 summary statistics which were entered into a regression tree to identify factors associated with the seasonality of AH. Results were extrapolated to the global scale using simulated climatic times series from the NCEP/NCAR project. Results: The intensity of ILI seasonality in Vietnam is best explained by the intensity of AH seasonality. We find that ILI seasonality is weak in provinces experiencing weak seasonal fluctuations in AH (annual power 17.6). In Vietnam, AH and ILI are positively correlated. Conclusions: Our results identify a role for AH in driving the epidemiology of ILI in a tropical setting. However, in contrast to temperate regions, high rather than low AH is associated with increased ILI activity. Fluctuation in AH may be the climate factor that underlies and unifies the seasonality of ILI in both temperate and tropical regions. Alternatively, the mechanism of action of AH on disease transmission may be different in cold-dry versus hot-humid settings.

Background Both temperature and humidity may independently or jointly contribute to the risk of influenza infections. We examined the relations between the level and decrease of temperature, humidity and the risk of influenza A and B virus infections in a subarctic climate. Methods We conducted a case-crossover study among military conscripts (n = 892) seeking medical attention due to respiratory symptoms during their military training period and identified 66 influenza A and B cases by PCR or serology. Meteorological data such as measures of average and decline in ambient temperature and absolute humidity (AH) during the three preceding days of the onset (hazard period) and two reference periods, prior and after the onset were obtained. Results The average temperature preceding the influenza onset was −6.8 ± 5.6°C and AH 3.1 ± 1.3 g/m3. A decrease in both temperature and AH during the hazard period increased the occurrence of influenza so that a 1°C decrease in temperature and 0.5 g decrease per m3 in AH increased the estimated risk by 11% [OR 1.11 (1.03 to 1.20)] and 58% [OR 1.58 (1.28 to 1.96)], respectively. The occurrence of influenza infections was positively associated with both the average temperature [OR 1.10 per 1°C (95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.19)] and AH [OR 1.25 per g/m3 (1.05 to 1.49)] during the hazard period prior to onset. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that a decrease rather than low temperature and humidity per se during the preceding three days increase the risk of influenza episodes in a cold climate.

В статті обґрунтовано доцільність та наведено методику експериментальних досліджень з визначення міцнісних властивостей компонентів для дражирування насіння, встановлено залежності модуля Юнга та максимальної відносної деформації зразків з суміші бентоніту та гумату від її кількісного складу та абсолютної вологості, перевірено їх адекватність. The expediency and the experimental research methodology for strength properties determination of components for seeds pelleting, the dependences of the Young modulus and the maximum relative deformation of samples from a mixture of bentonite and humate on its composition and absolute humidity, checked their adequacy are informed in the article. It is established that pelleted seeds rationally be made from several layers: the outer, it is advisable to form out of 100% bentonite, because it has the maximum strength of 6.0•108 ... of 6.5•108 Pa at a moisture content close to your natural and significantly reduces the strength of 2.5•108 ... of 3.0•108 Pa at the increase of soil moisture. The dependences of the elastic modulus and the maximum relative elastic deformation of the mixture of bentonite and humate from humidity and quantitative composition is useful for discrete dynamic modeling pelleted seed.