This paper provides a synthesis of current knowledge about the associations of ventilation system types in office buildings with sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms and discusses potential explanations for the associations. Most studies completed to date indicate that relative to natural ventilation, air conditioning, with or without humidification, was consistently associated with a statisti...

A well practised technique is important in achieving quiet induction of anaesthesia in children, but the volatile agent used also influences the process. Isoflurane results in more airway problems than halothane but recent studies have described several ways of improving the acceptability of isoflurane for inhalation induction of anaesthesia. We have studied the effect of humidification of insp...

Background. While heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) have been increasingly used for humidification during mechanical ventilation, the efficacy of pediatric HMEs has not yet been fully evaluated. Methods. We tested ten pediatric HMEs when mechanically ventilating a model lung at respiratory rates of 20 and 30 breaths/min and pressure control of 10, 15, and 20 cmH(2)O. The expiratory gas passed...

A reaction kinetic model of the bipolar membrane interface in the bipolar membrane fuel cell (BPMFC) was proposed based on the p-n junction theory and chemical reaction kinetics. It verified the self-humidification feasibility of the BPMFC successfully.

Humidification dehumidification desalination (HDH) is a promising technology for small-scale water production applications. There are several embodiments of this technology which have been investigated by researchers around the world. However, from a previous literature review [1], we have found no study which carried out a detailed thermodynamic analysis in order to improve and/or optimize the...

The reasons for moistening of the mucous membranes are several. Ciliary action is dependent on a supply ofmucus, of the right viscosity and in correct amount; in this blanket of mucus are carried lysozymes, described by Fleming (1928), of considerable bacteriostatic and bactericidal importance. The alveoli of the lung must be kept moist, for otherwise respiratory exchanges cannot be carried on;...