Tick Engorgement Multiplier
Compare fed and unfed tick mass as an engorgement ratio and mass gain.
Description
Engorgement comparisons relate a fed tick’s mass to its unfed mass.
Engorgement comparisons relate a fed tick’s mass to its unfed mass. A multiplier describes proportional change, while a difference preserves the original mass unit.
The tool returns engorgementMultiplier (engorgement multiplier); massGainMg (mass gain mg). Input measurements and model parameters are supplied by the caller; the tool computes the stated summary rather than acquiring those measurements.
When to use Tick Engorgement Multiplier
Use Tick Engorgement Multiplier when you already have fedTickMassMg, unfedTickMassMg and want engorgementMultiplier, massGainMg. This is useful for checking a supplied calculation, documenting a measurement convention, or comparing observations prepared on the same basis.
How to use Tick Engorgement Multiplier and understand its results
- Enter fedTickMassMg, unfedTickMassMg using the field table below. Match the units, ordering and data boundaries described in the calculation.
- Run the tool after checking the stated bounds and matching paired observations or categories. A malformed request gives a tool error rather than a usable measurement.
- Read engorgementMultiplier, massGainMg. Use the calculation and interpretation below to distinguish amounts, ratios, signs and decision flags where applicable.
- Review the supplied parameters and assumptions before using the result in a report or comparing it with another observation.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type and bounds | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| fedTickMassMg | Fed tick mass mg | number | Required |
| unfedTickMassMg | Unfed tick mass mg | number | Required |
The unfed mass must be positive; fed mass may be zero. Both supplied masses must use the same unit.
multiplier = fedMass / unfedMass; gain = fedMass − unfedMass The symbols refer to the supplied quantities or generated values described above; unit conversions and comparison boundaries follow the stated implementation.
{
"input": {
"fedTickMassMg": 10,
"unfedTickMassMg": 2
},
"output": {
"engorgementMultiplier": 5,
"massGainMg": 8
}
}Limitations and assumptions
A fed mass smaller than the unfed mass is accepted and gives a negative gain. The tool does not infer feeding duration, species or pathogen exposure.
Numerical inputs must be finite. The tool checks its declared input shape and calculation constraints; those checks do not verify the quality, calibration or representativeness of the supplied observations.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Skin Scraping Mite Density: Normalize observed mites by measured skin-scraping area. Flea Comb Capture Yield: Summarize adult flea captures per comb pass and per examined animal.
Methodological background: Deforestation and Vectorial Capacity of Anopheles gambiae Mosquitoes in Malaria Transmission, Kenya.1
References
-
Deforestation and Vectorial Capacity of Anopheles gambiae Mosquitoes in Malaria Transmission, Kenya — Afrane et al.; Emerging Infectious Diseases
Similar or alternative tools
- Skin Scraping Mite Density
Normalize observed mites by measured skin-scraping area.
- Flea Comb Capture Yield
Summarize adult flea captures per comb pass and per examined animal.