Academic literature on the topic 'Field evaluation of spent mushroom'

Disposal of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) generated after mushroom cultivation is a subject of great concern. Unplanned disposal causes land, water, and air pollution together with the nuisance in the surroundings. During recent years, environmental legislation has forced mushroom growers to think about more amicable ways of SMS disposal. Hence, farmers in different corners of the country are using SMS as manure for various field crops and horticulture but without any support of the recommended rates from scientific data and therefore may not be getting the optimum benefits. This study sought to evaluate the effects of spent mushroom substrate on the yield and quality of baby spinach. The experiment was conducted in Mazowe, Zimbabwe, with 5 treatments (10 t ha−1, 20 t ha−1, 30 t ha−1 of SMS, and two controls) arranged in a CRBD and replicated 3 times. Biomass production (fresh mass, dry mass, root length, fresh root mass, and dry root mass) and sensory evaluation were determined 35 days after planting. Results showed that increasing rates of spent mushroom substrate significantly ( p < 0.05) increased the fresh yield and quality of baby spinach. Application of spent mushroom substrate beyond 30 t ha−1, however, increased the bitterness of baby spinach. The results of the study present the potential of the spent mushroom substrate as an organic fertilizer for the production of quality baby spinach.

AbstractAt the end of a mushroom cropping house trial designed to determine the infectivity, to phorid flies, of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema D1 (isolate IOW45), the spent, nematode-infested substrate was deposited as a stack on the edge of a field. The introduced population of Steinernema D1 (IOW45) was monitored by bi-monthly sampling for eight months. The infectivity, to Galleria mellonella larvae, of nematodes extracted from cores of substrate taken from the stack, was determined. There was a decline (P < 0.01) in the numbers of nematodes extracted on each of the sample dates. After the first sample was taken, fewer (P < 0.001) nematodes were recovered from the top layer of the stack than from the bottom or middle layers. Nematode infectivity declined (P < 0.001) over the first two months in the field and then remained at a constant low level until month 8, when no G. mellonella were parasitised. After removal of the stack, subsequent soil samples taken from plots that had been underlying, or adjacent to it, were baited with G. mellonella larvae. Samples of the haemolymph taken from larvae that died in the soil were tested with a monoclonal antibody specific to the bacterial symbiont (Xenorhabdus sp.) of Steinernema D1 (IOW45). Using this method, Steinernema D1 (IOW45) was detectable in soil that had been underlying the compost stack for as long as 12 months after compost deposition. Utilisation d'anticorps monoclonaux pour l'évaluation au champ de la persistanceet du pouvoir infestant de Steinernema n. sp. D1 (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) - A la fin d'un essai sur une culture de champignons sous abri, essai destiné à déterminer le pouvoir infestant du nématode entomopathogène Steinernema D1 (isolat IOW45) envers des Diptères Phoridae, le substrat utilisé, infesté de nématodes, a été rassemblé en une meule, au coin du champ. La population de Steinernema D1 (IOW45) a ensuite été évaluée par des prélèvements bimensuels pendant 8 mois. Le pouvoir infestant des nématodes envers des larves de Galleria mellonella a été déterminé en prélevant des carottes dans la meule de substrat. Il s'est révélé que le nombre de nématodes extraits diminue (P < 0,01) au cours des prélèvements successifs. Après le premier prélèvement, il est récupéré moins de nématodes (P < 0,001) au sommet de la meule qu'au milieu ou au bas de celle-ci. Au champ, le pouvoir infestant du nématode décroit (P < 0,001) pendant les 2 premiers mois et reste ensuite au même niveau jusqu'au huitième mois où aucun G. mellonella n'est plus parasité. Après enlèvement de la meule, des échantillons supplémentaires dans le sol situé sous la meule ou à proximité de celle-ci ont été pourvus d'appâts (larves de G. mellonella). Des échantillons d'hémolymphe provenant de larves mortes dans le sol ont été testés à l'aide d'un anticorps monoclonal spécifique de la bactérie symbiote (Xenorhabdus sp.) de Steinernema D1 (IOW45). En utilisant cette méthode, Steinernema D1 (IOW45) peut être détecté dans le sol situé sous la meule pendant une période d'au moins 2 mois après l'enlèvement du compost.

The present study aimed production and evaluation of ecological bricks composed of spent mushroom substrate, in order to propose an alternative material in the scope of civil construction, which would reduce environmental problems related to its production. For this reason, spent mushroom substrate, an agro-waste discarded in the environment after mushroom harvest was evaluated to produce ecological bricks. The brick with spent mushroom substrate has a compression capacity of 0.8 MPa, while the standard brick, without spent mushroom substrate, has a resistance of 2.6 MPa, due to its porosity. The most abundant chemical element found was calcium and toxic elements were not detected. The greatest water absorption occurred in bricks made with spent mushroom substrate. Although water resistance and absorption are below the recommendations of building construction standards, the spent mushroom substrate bricks could be applied as sealing material and its production process reduced the consumption of raw materials, energy, water and the emission of pollutants.

In India, pigeonpea [Cajanus Cajan (L.) Millsp.] wilt caused by Fusarium udum is prevalent in all areas it cultivated. Among the major soil borne diseases pigeonpea, the Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium udum is one of the most important diseases and can cause 30-100% loss in grain yield. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, farm yard manure, spent mushroom substrate of oyster mushroom and the fungicide Carbendazim 50% WP against Fusarium wilt of pigeonpea in terms ofseed germination and disease incidence under artificial inoculation conditions during Kharif 2021. Among the treatments assessed, maximum seed germination (95.83%) was recorded in treatments in which seed were treated with Carbendazim 50% WP or soil amended with the combination of spent mushroom substrate+Trichoderma harzianum or spent mushroom substrate+(Trichoderma harzianum+ Pseudomonas fluorescens) prior to sowing. Maximum reduction in disease incidence (73.81%) of Fusarium wilt over the control was recorded in treatment in which soil was amended with combination of spent mushroom substrate+(Trichoderma harzianum+ Pseudomonas fluorescens). The results revealed that all the treatments applied as prophylactic measure, reduced the Fusarium wilt and increased the seed germination significantly over the unprotected crop.

Bacterial wilt, caused by the soil-borne pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum, poses a significant threat to tomato crops worldwide. This study aims to assess the microbial potential of rhizobacterial isolates obtained from spent mushroom compost in suppressing bacterial wilt of tomatoes. Spent mushroom compost is a byproduct of mushroom cultivation and is known to harbor diverse microbial communities with potential plant-beneficial properties. Tomato leaves that were contaminated were collected from a number of places in the Rawalpindi Area, Punjab, Pakistan. Rhizobacterial isolates were collected from the rhizosphere of tomato plants grown in the presence of spent mushroom compost. These isolates were then subjected to laboratory evaluations for their antagonistic activity against R. solanacearum. Selected rhizobacterial isolates were further characterized for their plant growth-promoting traits. The potential of these isolates to enhance tomato plant growth and confer resistance against bacterial wilt was evaluated through greenhouse experiments. Results indicated that certain rhizobacterial isolates exhibited substantial antagonistic activity against R. solanacearum. Additionally, these isolates demonstrated multiple plant growth-promoting traits, suggesting a potential dual role in both pathogen suppression and plant enhancement. Greenhouse experiments revealed a significant reduction in the incidence of bacterial wilt in tomato plants and increase in the growth promotion traits were observed while treated with the selected rhizobacterial isolates alone and in combination compared to control groups. The findings from this study highlight the promising role of rhizobacterial isolates associated with spent mushroom compost in managing bacterial wilt in tomatoes.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the suitability of different spent mushroom sawdust wastes (SMSWs) and different proportions of SMSWs as potential substrates for the cultivation of Auricularia polytricha by evaluating yield and biological efficiency of the fruiting body. Nine SMSWs were respectively utilized as the main ingredient in the cultivation of A. polytricha. Then, spent Pleurotus eryngii, Pleurotus cystidiosus, and Pleurotus ostreatus sawdust wastes were screened among these nine SMSWs to be utilized as substrate and to determine the suitable proportion of SMSW in the cultivation of A. polytricha based on their yields and biological efficiencies. The highest yield and biological efficiency (total of two flushes) of A. polytricha cultivation on a single SMSW substrate was obtained with spent P. eryngii sawdust waste, followed by spent P. cystidiosus and P. ostreatus sawdust wastes. These three SMSWs were then applied in nine combination substrates, which were screened based on yield and biological efficiency for cultivation of A. polytricha. The combination substrate with the highest yield and biological efficiency of A. polytricha cultivation was P. eryngii (PES) + P. cystidiosus spent sawdust (PCYS) (235.4 g/bag yield and 58.85% biological efficiency); its yield was 1.62 folds higher than that of the control. From the results, we found that it was feasible to use spent sawdust wastes of P. eryngii and P. cystidiosus to replace sawdust for cultivation of A. polytricha.

In this research spent mushroom compost ash (SMCA), the incinerated product of spent mushroom compost (SMC), was investigated for use in Portland cement (PC) based materials. Characterisation studies found that SMCA contained, among other things, calcium and alkali sulphates. The sulphate content within SMCA was utilised in this investigation as: (A) a set retarder, replacing calcium sulphate in PC and (B) a sulphate activator of pulverised fuel ash (PF A) in PF AlPC blends. Results demonstrated that SMCA was effective at both retarding set in PC and chemically activating PF A in PF AlPC blends. Moreover, in both applications, mineralogical changes and compressive strength results during the fIrst 24 hours of hydration indicated that the presence of SMCA in PC accelerated the early hydration and strength development (lday) compared to PC without SMCA. However, the long-term strength (at 90 days) was detrimentally affected when SMCA was present within either PC or PCfPF A blends. Although the usefulness of SMCA in cement based materials has been demonstrated other factors, such as the presence of alkalis and chlorides in the pore solution, may limit its use and as a result further investigation is required.

博士
國立中興大學
動物科學系所
105
Direct modification of rumen microbial fermentation could provide universal and cost-effective solutions to reduce methane emissions from ruminant livestock. In this study, nutritive and bioactive values of sawdust-based spent mushroom (golden needle mushroom, Flammulina velutipes) substrate (SMS)-based silage were evaluated and effects of SMS silage-based diet on the growth performance, rumen fermentation and enteric methane emission in Holstein steers were investigated. Spent mushroom substrate and whole crop corn were ensiled for 60 days with or without urea in four recipes as follows: High SMS content without urea (90% SMS and 10% whole crop corn); High SMS content with urea (90% SMS, 1% urea and 9% whole crop corn); Low SMS content without urea (80% SMS and 20% whole crop corn); Low SMS content with urea (80% SMS, 1% urea and 19% whole crop corn) on dry matter (DM) basis. There was improvement on nutritive values in SMS-silage supplemented with urea. Low SMS content with 20% whole crop corn could favor the fermentation of silage. The maximum activity of laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase was found in High-SMS with 1% urea (20.8, 2545, 182 U/L, respectively) throughout the 60 days of fermentation period. Treatment diets that contained high SMS-based silage had higher range of total phenol and tannin (9.63-9.89, 1.96-2.03 mg of GAE/g, respectively) than the low SMS-based silage (9.02-9.22, 1.81-1.89 mg of GAE/g, respectively). SMS level and urea supplementation affected (P < 0.05) the cumulative gas production. High SMS contained in silage without urea could reduce (P < 0.05) gas production. Five dietary treatments were prepared as follows: 1) a control diet made-up of 50% concentrate and 50% bermuda hay (Cynodon dectylon), and 2) four diets formulated by replacing 40% of the bermuda hay in the control diet with the four SMS-based silages described above. Five Holstein steers (mean BW 542 ± 72 kg) were assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square design and offered the five dietary treatments. The results demonstrated that the digestibility of all nutrients in SMS silage-based diets did not differ from the control diet but there were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) on feed conversion ratio in Holstein steers fed SMS-silage based diets. Nitrogen balance tended to be increased (P = 0.06) in animals fed SMS silage which contained 1% urea. Energy loss as methane energy was reduced (P < 0.05) in animal fed SMS silage-based diet. Holstein steers fed with SMS silage-based diets showed blood characteristics within the normal range as the steers fed control diet. Moreover, results of the rumen fermentation revealed that Holstein steers fed diets containing SMS-based silages had lower total protozoa population (3.75 × 105/mL vs. 6.09 × 105/mL), rumen acetate (55.43 mM/L vs. 57.61 mM/L) and methane emission (211 g/day vs. 252 g/day) (P < 0.05) than Holstein steers fed control diet. When comparing the inclusion levels of SMS-based silages in the diets, cattle fed diets with lower levels of SMS-based silages (80% SMS) had higher acetate contents (56.61 mM/L vs. 54.25), protozoa population (3.92 × 105/mL vs. 2.84 × 105/mL) and methane emission (226 g/day vs. 196 g/day) than animal fed diets with higher levels of SMS-based silage (90% SMS). The study revealed that spent Flamulina velutipes substrate silage can be used as forage source in Holstein steers which shows no significant effect on animal health. Feeding steers SMS-based silage can significantly elevate the balance of energy, hence increase body weight gain as well. This work also supports methane mitigating strategies based on reduction of rumen protozoa populations, and the inhibition of methanogenesis in the rumen probably through the presence of phenolic compounds. The study thus unveiled a novel migration strategy for reducing greenhouse gas production in ruminants using agro-industrial by-products. It is also a possible strategy to replace 20% bermuda hay (DM basis) in rations of Holstein steers to reduce feed cost up to 40 NTD/kg ADG.

An analysis of the existing literature on the issue of damage to regeneration caused by timber harvesting, revealed that a great majority of results reported in those publications was obtained through laborious and time-consuming field research conducted in two stages. Field research methods for gathering data, employed by various authors, differed in terms of the manner of establishing trial plots, the accuracy of counting and evaluating the number of saplings growing on the investigated sites, classification systems used for distinguishing particular groups of regeneration based on quantitative (diameter at breast height, tree height) and qualitative features (biosocial position within the certain layer and the entire stand), classification systems used for identifying types of damage caused by cutting and felling, as well as transporting operations, and finally the duration of observation intervals and time spent on gathering data on the response of damaged saplings from both, the individual and collective perspectives. Obviously, the most reliable manner of gathering such data would be to count all damaged elements of the environment being a subject of interest of particular investigators at the certain point of time. However, due to time and work consumption of this approach, which is besides very costly, any research should be designed in such a manner as to reduce the above-mentioned factors. This paper aimed to (1) analyse the probability of occurrence of damage to regeneration depending on the form of timber assortments dragged from the felling site to the skidding routes, and timber harvesting technology employed in logging works, and (2) identify a method ensuring that gathered data is sufficient for performing reliable evaluation of share of damage to regeneration at acceptable accuracy level, without necessity to establish trial plots before commencing harvesting works. The scope of these studies enclosed a comparison between two motor-manual methods of timber harvesting in thinned stands, with dragging of timber in the first stage of skidding from the stand to landings. According to one of these methods, a classical one, operations of felling and delimbing of trees were carried out by sawmen at the felling site. Timber obtained using different methods was skidded by carters and horses, and operators of a light-duty cable winch, driven by the chainsaw’s engine, as well as operators of cable winches combined with farm tractors. In the latter, alternative method, sawmen performed only cutting and felling of trees. Delimbing and cross-cutting of trunks, dragged from the felling sites, was carried out by operators of processors combined with farm tractors, worked on skidding routes. The research was conducted in the years 2002–2010 in stands within the age classes II–IV mostly, located in the territories of Regional Directorates of State Forests in Krakow and Katowice, and in the Forest Experimental Unit in Krynica-Zdrój. In the course of a preliminary stage of investigations 102 trial plots were established in stands within early and late tinning treatments. As a result of the field research carried out in two stages, more than 3.25 thsd. circular sites were established and marked, on the surface of which over 25 thsd. saplings constituting the regeneration layer were inventoried. Based on the results of investigations and analyses it was revealed that regardless of the category of thinning treatment, the highest probability of occurrence of destroying P(ZN) to regeneration (0.24–0.44) should be expected when the first stage of timber skidding is performed using cable winches. Slightly lower values of probability (0.17–0.33) should be expected in stands where timber is skidded by horses, while in respect to processor-based skidding technology the probability of destroying occurrence oscillates between 0.12 and 0.27, depending on the particular layer of regeneration. P(ZN) values, very close to those of skidding technology engaging processors, were recorded for skidding performed using the light-duty cable winch driven by the chainsaw’s engine (0.16–0.27). The highest probability of damage P(USZK) to regeneration (0.16–0.31) can be expected when processors are used in the first stage of timber skidding. Slightly lower values of probability (0.14–0.23) were obtained when skidding was performed with the use of cable winches, whereas engaging horses for hauling of trunks results in probability of damage occnrrence oscillating between 0.05–0.20, depending on the particular layer of regeneration. With regard to the probability of occurrence of both, destroying and damage P(ZNUSZK) to regeneration (0.33–0.54), the highest values can be expected when cable winches are engaged in the first stage of skidding. Little lower (0.30–0.43) was the probability of their occurrence if processor-based technology of skidding was employed, while in respect to horse skidding these values oscillated between 0.27–0.41, depending on the layer of regeneration. The lowest values of probability of occurrence of damage P(USZK), and destroying and damage treated collectively P(ZNUSZK), within all layers of regeneration, were recorded in stands where thinning treatments were performed using the light-duty cable winch driven by the chainsaw’s engine. The models evaluated and respective equations, developed based on those models, for evaluating the number of destroyed saplings ZNha (tab. 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) could be used for determining the share of damage expressed as a percentage, upon conducting only one field research at the investigated felling sites, once the timber harvesting and skidding would have been completed. As revealed by the results of analyses, evaluation of statistically significant regression models was possible for all layers of regeneration (tab. 39, 41, 43, 45, 47). Nevertheless, the smallest part of these models that could be considered positively verified, were those for the natural young regeneration, although almost a half of them revealed to be significant. Within the medium-sized regeneration over three-fourths of all models could be considered positively verified, four of which explained more than 50% of variability. Within the high-sized regeneration almost two-thirds of evaluated regression models were statistically significant, five of which were verified positively, moreover, one of them explained more than 50% of variability. The most promising results were those obtained for the advance growth. Nearly 90% of the evaluated models revealed to be statistically significant, ten of which could be considered positively verified. Furthermore, four statistically significant models explained over 50% of general variability. With regard to the entire regeneration more than 80% of evaluated models were statistically significant. However, due to insignificant coefficients of regression, eight of them could be considered positively verified. At this point it should be stressed that in respect to logging technology employing the light-duty cable winch FKS it was impossible to evaluate statistically significant models of regression. Whereas, in the case of processor-based logging technology, firstly regarding the advance growth, and then the entire regeneration, all of the evaluated statistically significant models could be considered positively verified, in terms of both, all of the stands, and particular categories of thinning treatments individually. This latter case also revealed the highest degree of matching of evaluated models (R2 popr 0.73–0.76 for advance growth and 0.78–0.94 for the entire regeneration). A significant impact of the kind of form of hauled timber on the probability of damage occurrence P(USZK), mainly in early thinning treatments, could have been reflected in the results obtained for all stands (early and late thinning treated collectively). Moreover, due to an insignificant impact of the form of hauled timber and logging technology employed, on the probability of occurrence of damage in late thinned stands, and a significant impact of the above-mentioned variables on early thinned stands, it should be assumed that for performing an evaluation of destroying and damage caused by timber harvesting the both thinning treatment categories should be analysed separately. Furthermore, when evaluating the probability of occurrence of destroying and damage caused by timber harvesting, the layers of natural young regeneration and advance growth should be analysed separately. As proved by the results presented in this paper, varying values of probability computed for each of the layers of regeneration seem to indicate that when investigating damage to regeneration caused by timber harvesting, it would be reasonable and recommended to perform a separate analysis of damage to the highest saplings as well, namely individuals with diameter at breast height close to 7 cm. In respect to studies on damage to regeneration caused by logging technologies mentioned above, the evaluation of number of destroyed saplings within the advance growth can be carried out using the proportions of damaged and undamaged saplings per 1 ha of the stand. The numbers evaluated in this manner can be used to calculate the damage share expressed in relative values (percentage of damaged saplings compared with the entire number of saplings before commencing the logging works). However, one should keep in mind that this is true only if the field research have been carried out based on the methodology described in this paper.

This chapter reviews the history of nuclear fuel reprocessing. The implementation of President Carter’s International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation (INFCE) Program hinders the sound fostering of nuclear fuel cycle technologies in the USA and scattered their nuclear engineers to other fields of industries. They once wanted to contribute to developing the “Atoms for Peace Policy.” The statement by President Carter changed the nuclear fuel policy as if direct disposal of spent nuclear fuels was quite normal and nuclear fuel reprocessing exceptional. Although the purpose of INFCE is to stop the proliferation of atomic bombs, we experienced and witnessed the proliferation of atomic bombs, despite the banning of nuclear fuel recycling policy for civil purposes. This chapter focuses on “Atoms for Peace” and gives the future perspectives of the nuclear power system at a glance at global ecology. The unnecessary fear of radiation and radioactive substances through the mushroom cloud over Nagasaki and Hiroshima will be discussed as societally important aspects for our future.

Before beginning data collection in disaster areas, extensive preparations must be made; economical use of time and resources are prime considerations. These may be based on the scout team’s report described in Chapter 10. One member of the evaluation team assumes major responsibility for those preparations and is designated team leader or field research coordinator. The team leader insures optimal use of time spent in the field and adequate preparation of the research team and the community for the research visit. Training all members of the data collection team in the use of all data collection instruments, and in the field protocol, is an essential step in the process. The reliability and validity of the data collected are a function of the ability of the data collectors to properly use the instruments. Often the data required are culturally sensitive. Cultural factors are important confounders in data collection. All data collectors must be familiarized with key aspects of the culture of the area in which they will work; persons from within the disaster region must be incorporated into the research design process, the preparation of the data collection instruments, and in the data collection process itself, as these individuals can assist the ‘out of country’ team members identify and negotiate cultural barriers and sensitivities that could impede the research. This is facilitated by conducting an initial scout survey of the disaster zone and by using a multinational team in the design of research instruments and in the implementation of the evaluation study.

In recent years, a huge amount of research effort and funding has been devoted to the area of semantic web services (SWS). This has resulted in the proposal of numerous competing approaches to facilitate the automation of discovery, composition and mediation for web services using semantic annotations. However, despite of a wealth of theoretical work, too little effort has been spent towards the comparative experimental evaluation of the competing approaches so far. Progress in scientific development and industrial adoption is thereby hindered. An established evaluation methodology and standard benchmarks that allow the comparative evaluation of different frameworks are thus needed for the further advancement of the field. To this end, a criteria model for SWS evaluation is presented and the existing approaches towards SWS evaluation are comprehensively analyzed. Their shortcomings are discussed in order to identify the fundamental issues of SWS evaluation. Based on this discussion, a research agenda towards agreed upon evaluation methodologies is proposed.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is among the topmost environmental hazards associated with the health of human beings. The concentrations of indoor pollutants could be several times more than outdoors. Increasing environmental pollution and global warming are also responsible for climate change. Variations in climatic conditions also add to the worsening of IAQ. The majority of time is spent indoors and adequate ventilation, thermal performance and desirable IAQ are important parameters of concern in indoor settings. Usage of HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) equipment accounts for the huge consumption of energy and reduced energy consumption can be met by reduced air circulation leading to more airtight buildings which compromise the air quality and health of inhabitants. Several strategies have been devised and being implemented to monitor indoor air quality. Smart environments are insidious systems consisting of integrable net-aware devices. Smart environments are augmented with computational resources providing information and services when and where needed. Over the last few years, IAQ monitoring has developed into smart environment monitoring (SEM) which is based on the internet of things (IoT) and the development of sensor technology. This chapter is an attempt to summarize the automated, computational aids and machine learning techniques that can predict the IAQ in smart environment. It is imperative to know the pollutants and factors governing the IAQ and the chapter has critically analyzed the available technological interventions based on IoT like sensors, Fuzzy logic controller and cloud computing technology which aid in the prediction of air quality in smart environment. Different types of sensors including infrared and electrochemical cells, Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) gas sensor along with their principle has been discussed in context to IAQ. Recent developments in the field like the usage of the fuzzy logic controller for the calculation of air quality index by combining PM10, PM2.5, CO, and NO2 etc. has also been explored. The information can be utilized in dynamic situations to suggest alternative methods https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/lucknow-population for the improvement of air quality which can be influenced by artificial intelligence and machine learning for futuristic predictions. However, there are some challenges as well including the development of systems working on a real-time basis and evaluation of the impact of different pollutants in diverse geographic conditions and variable living set-ups by highly accurate and calibrated systems. Nevertheless, as compared to the conventional solutions which predict IAQ instantly, the computational predictions furnish futuristic data and imminent crucial changes in the indoor air quality to implement anticipatory measures to prevent hazardous health impacts. Nevertheless there are several challenges like data security, data conversion, and connectivity issues etc. which have been discussed in the chapter.

Combustion of biomass in open fires and ad hoc unventilated stoves is the primary form of household energy for two to three billion people worldwide. These cookstoves have significant health, social, and economic impacts on poor families in developing countries. These impacts include disease, injury, excess time spent gathering fuel, deforestation, and high fuel costs relative to income. In an attempt to address many of these problems numerous non-governmental organizations have developed several biomass cookstove designs in the past five to ten years. These designs have generally focused on increasing fuel efficiency, and to a lesser degree, reducing particulate emissions. This emphasis has been driven largely by the availability of relatively straight forward fuel efficiency tests for biomass cookstoves developed 10–20 years ago and the ability of researchers to adapt current air pollution testing methods for stoves. In contrast there are no safety standards or hazard evaluations available for biomass cookstoves. Because of this the safety of the cookstove is seldom explicitly considered as a part of the design process. This paper addresses the basic safety issues that should be considered in the design of biomass stoves used in developing countries, describes the reasoning behind these safety issues, and proposes a set of safety guidelines for testing and evaluating stove safety. These guidelines are intended for testing and evaluating in the field as well as in the design lab.

Abstract Asset engineers spend significant time in data validation on a daily basis by gathering data from multiple sources, manually collecting and analyzing these data points to deduce well behavior, and finally implementing the changes on the field. This paper proposes a closed-loop methodology that drastically reduces the time lost in low-efficiency activities, helps engineers to make faster decisions, and assists in efficiently implementing the changes in the field. This well performance evaluation starts with direct integration with the corporate database to feed the field data into a hydraulic model. Next, Pre-configured well performance limits such as reservoir parameters, well calibration parameters, and surface parameters are used to validate the input data and alert the end-user to trigger a well performance evaluation workflow. This workflow is based on a business intelligence tool that integrates statistical information with physics-based model information. Finally, after the engineer makes a holistic decision, an integrated action tracking mechanism assigns an actionable item to the field operator to close the workflow. This approach significantly reduces the time spent on data consolidation and analysis. Essentially this means more time for the engineers to focus on well behavior improvement strategies such as stimulation or re-perforation from more than three hundred strings with more than a thousand well data captured over a month. This approach is not entirely dependent on either static physics-based or statistical models; instead, this approach integrates both methods to enhance decision-making. Moreover, the dynamic behavior of the well is captured in the statistical model and validated against the estimated well behavior derived from the hydraulic model. Furthermore, the streamlined visualization tool helps engineers quickly identify well problems, such as lower productivity, reduced reservoir pressure, increased well scale, increased restrictions in the wellbore, etc. Another critical value addition of this closed-loop workflow is the actionable feedback that is well defined and stored within the system for common reference. For example, the asset engineers provide actionable feedback such as retesting requirement, well stimulation, artificial lift candidate, tubing clearance. Within the action tracking framework, field engineers can quickly filter the assigned action items to him or her for the day and take appropriate actions. This new integrated action-based closed-loop workflow significantly reduces the time spent on daily validation tasks and well performance evaluation tasks by combining the statistical and hydraulic models supported with visualization and action tracking capabilities.

Abstract Monetization of high Carbon dioxide (CO2) field poses a major challenge for optimization either in terms of evacuation (long dedicated pipelines/system) or exotic offshore treatment for CO2 management in terms of CAPEX/OPEX. As the resilient field developer, it is significant to realize economic development of project feasibility is in the harmony with planned supply/demand balance, infrastructure requirement and value generation to the project. It is also noteworthy to comprehend that alignment is in place from appropriate field to intended customer. It's therefore imperious to the prudent operator to be further resilient, more agile, technologically stronger, and financially more robust dealing with the development options for upcoming sour fields. This paper deals with comprehensive analysis of two options for high CO2 field development to arrive at optimized way forward with technical evaluation and finest project economics. What if scenarios were appraised along with project economics to Profit to Investment Ratio (PIR), Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) to determine the best option for the project monetization. Among criteria considered were the cost phasing involved (CAPEX/OPEX), the potential first hydrocarbon date and related field sequence to overall gas distribution network infrastructure. Numerous assessments for strategic alignment were accomplished by leveraging on design, development and implementation of integrated network modeling that was commenced in syndication with appropriate stakeholders such as strategic, operational, projects and commercial. The developed hydraulic model based on first principle was intended that could perform the what-if scenarios in terms of technical aspect by identifying the system ullages, contaminant mapping provision, and pain points identification. Appropriate thermodynamic environment along with flow correlations & engineering details were assembled to represent situ conditions for infrastructure containing around 100+ feeders, ~4000 kms of pipeline with multiple demand centers in place. The model was validated with plant information (data) as part of history matching and validated model was deployed for robust prediction. Detailed diagnostic was performed to recognize the implications on the network for option of long pipeline selection against exotic treatment for contaminants. Project economics were more representative as model could increase the accuracy level by appending the exact sizing of facilities considering holistic view. Multiple tie-in opportunity was explored as best fit considering the optimization in CAPEX/OPEX based on system requirement. Amendment in the control philosophies, clustering of high contaminant feeders was also proposed in benefit of new field viability unlike current practice for going end to end new facility with high capex. The technical simulation is supported by the project's economics of the scenarios. The CAPEX phasing of the best fit option yields a higher Profit to Investment Ratio (PIR) compared to once off spent. Impact of each criterion to the chosen profitability indicators was analyzed and compared to business aspiration to ensure the recommendation corresponds with inclusive overview. With this approach the visibility was extended to overall network level to frame the big picture to the project advantage and the organization. Comprehensive technical and commercial analysis in wide spectrum of end-to-end gas business was the game changer in optimizing the project economics for field development. The Final Investment Decision (FID) could be achieved with lower levels of risk and uncertainty by leveraging on the data based on technical deliberation via network modelling and its impact on overall project economics.

Thermal Barrier Coatings or TBCs for short, are an imperative part of the thermal protection system of expensive equipment and machinery in the automobile and aeronautics industries. However, the problem of adhesion has plagued the TBC field for years, leading to catastrophic failures in critical TBC systems. Efforts to chemically improve bond strength have not been entirely successful, so the other efficient way to do this would be some kind of mechanical interlocking that occurs at micro/nano scales. This work deals with the improvement of adhesion in TBC systems by numerical simulation and bench-marking of micro-geometric surface features that has been synthesized or reproduced in a laboratory environment through mechanical or electrochemical operations. For this, several geometries that benefit mechanical interlocking, and consequently improvements in mechanical ‘adhesion’ in TBCs have been compared. To simulate the mechanical and thermal loading on the micro geometries and to observe their effect, the commercial finite element software COMSOL was used. An analogy was drawn between the biological, Van der Waals dry adhesion mechanism in Gecko feet and that in the top surface of the thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer in TBC since the ‘mushroom head geometry’ in the Gecko feet provides improved adhesion (as much as 10 folds) compared to other geometries (spatular head, spherical head, or plain triangular crevices). An affordable synthesis process, termed “Electrolytic Plasma Processing (EPP)” for recreating this specific geometry, is also proposed and its utility briefly discussed.

Abstract Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) continues to play a critical role in the solution of complex fluid dynamics flows. This computational tool allows us to investigate complex flow patterns that would otherwise be impossible to investigate and has greatly aided in the development of our knowledgebase. At the Heart of successful CFD tools are creative numerical schemes that are developed and used in an attempt to capture ‘real world’ flow physics. One such creative numerical scheme in the Integro-Differential Scheme (IDS) has be created. In previous studies, the IDS Scheme has demonstrated that it has achieved adequate dispersion and dissipation capabilities in the smooth flow field regions along with very robust shock-capturing capabilities in the vicinity of discontinuities. In this proposed paper, the IDS Scheme will focus on unsteady fluid motion like Rayleigh-Taylor Instability problem as an example with 2nd order accuracy in space and 3rd order of accuracy in time. Initial perturbations will lead to bubbles and mushroom-shaped spikes due to the release of potential energy, which is from a linear growth phase into a non-linear growth phase. The Total Variation Diminishing Runge-Kutta (TVD-RK3) Scheme will be applied in IDS Scheme and shows incredible results. The detail of how eddies are formatting and interact will be proposed in this paper. Also, IDS Scheme shows its capability to capture more eddies which WENO 5th order is not shown with same computational grids. The IDS simulations are governed by the full set of Navier-Stokes Equations (NES) and focus on the basic flow structure and their interaction which lead to complex flow phenomena. The numerical form of the IDS to be used for solving these compressible flow field problems will consist of the coupled 3rd order Runge-Kutta explicit time marching method and an explicit spatial integral method for the control volume convective flux evaluation. The accuracy and resolution of the unsteady IDS scheme will be tested by its simulations of several benchmark unsteady compressible test cases. Already, evidence of the IDS capability is demonstrated in its simulating solution of the unsteady Rayleigh-Taylor problem.

Monitoring the interior of a welded canister containing spent (or used) nuclear fuel for its functional and structural integrity is exceptionally challenging because of the intense levels of heat and radiation and the difficulties of transmitting the sensor signals out through the sealed stainless-steel canister wall. Yet, confirmation of canister integrity is crucial for the aging management of the dry cask storage systems (DCSSs) for extended long-term storage and subsequent transportation of used fuel. A canister breach can lead to serious consequences — release of radioactive contaminants; oxidation of fuel cladding, which could compromise fuel rod integrity and criticality safety; and generation of potentially explosive hydrogen gas. The development of the Remote Area Modular Monitoring (RAMM) technology and 3D simulation of thermal performance of a vertical dry storage cask are reported in this paper, as is a preliminary plan for field-testing and evaluation of multiple prototype RAMM units on selected dry storage casks at an Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) site.

Significant effort has been spent over the years to improve the accuracy and reduce the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation time required to predict performance for centrifugal compressors. Most of the emphasis has been on modeling the impeller and diffuser components. This paper presents an evaluation of volute modeling targeted at reducing simulation time while increasing the accuracy of the results. Providing accurate predictions of performance and operating range is critical to the equipment users as it allows reduction in design margins for plant equipment dependent on compressor performance (i.e. drivers, intercoolers and other auxiliary equipment). The volute is the component that collects the flow from the diffuser and guides it into the discharge nozzle. Due to the circumferential variation (tongue) in the geometry, this component has to be modeled in its entirety (360 degrees); which results in very large grid sizes. The impeller and diffuser, normally modeled as a sector or pie slice, result in significantly smaller meshes. The volute models require large numbers of computing nodes to be solved and tend to have convergence issues. The investigation, with the objective of reducing the amount of time required to run these simulations and improve the convergence of the runs, evaluated several mesh configurations that focused on grid density (element count), element aspect ratio and use of inflation layers. The domain evaluated consisted of several stationary components and one rotating component. The model started at the inlet guide vane section followed by the impeller, vanned diffuser, volute, and discharge nozzle. Commercial software ANSYS CFX was used to develop the meshes using tetrahedral/prism elements and complete steady-state CFD analyses. Detailed flow field characteristics (total and static pressure, velocity streamlines, etc.) and key performance parameters (loss coefficient, pressure ratio, etc.) were compared for the various configurations evaluated. In addition, experimental measurements were used to validate the CFD results. The configuration that resulted in the shortest cycle time with the best performance accuracy was selected as optimum. Accuracy is paramount for performance prediction and reduction in simulation time will allow more volute iterations to be investigated, which would help improve volute performance in centrifugal compressors.

The Final Treatment Centre (FTC) for Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) have been designed for treatment and final conditioning of radioactive liquid and wet waste produced by named NPP equipped with Russian VVER-440 type of reactors. Treated wastes comprise radioactive concentrates, spent resin and sludge. VUJE Inc. as an experienced company in field of treatment of radioactive waste in Slovakia has been chosen as main contractor for technological part of FTC. During the realisation of project the future operator of Centre required the contractor to solve the treatment of wastes produced in the process of NPP A-1 decommissioning. On the basis of this requirement the project was modified in order to enable manipulations with waste products from A-1 NPP transported to Centre in steel drums. The initial project was prepared in 2003. The design and manufacture of main components were performed in 2004 and 2005. FTC civil works started in August 2004. Initial non-radioactive testing of the system parts were carried out from April to September 2006, then the tests of systems started with model concentrates and non-radioactive resins. After the processes evaluation the radioactive test performed from February 2007. A one-year trial operation of facility is planned for completion during 2007 and 2008. The company JAVYS, Inc. is responsible for radioactive waste and spent fuel treatment in the Slovak republic and will operate the FTC during trial operation and after its completion. This Company has also significant experience with operation of Jaslovske Bohunice Treatment Centre. The overall capacity of the FTC is 820 m3/year of concentrates and 40 m3/year of spent resin and sludge. Bituminization and cementation were provided as main technologies for treatment of these wastes. Treatment of concentrate is performed by bituminization on Thin Film Evaporator with rotating wiping blades. Spent resin and sludge are decanted, dried and mixed with bitumen in blade homogeniser. The bitumen product is discharged into 200dm3 steel drums. Drums with bitumen product or drums originated from A-1 NPP are loaded into Fibre Reinforced Concrete containers (FRC) and grouted with cement. Cement grout is prepared from the mixture of cement, additive and radioactive over-concentrate. By formulating the cement grout with evaporator concentrates the maximum radioactivity is fixed in cement matrix and volume of final waste product is minimized. A batch mixer with rotating blades is used to produce the cement grout. The grouted FRC containers are stored in the expedition hall and after 28 days of curing are transported to final disposal. After the start of routine operation, the FTC provides treatment for all liquid and wet LLW produced from the operation of the Mochovce NPP. The final product of the FTC is a FRC loaded with bitumen product in drums and filled with radioactive cement product. This container meets all limits for final disposal in the National Radioactive Waste Repository at Mochovce. This paper introducing the main parts of FTC and describes the technological procedures including the basic technological parameters for both used technologies, their working capacity and the overall waste flow. The evaluation of experience gained in the phases of Centre construction and commissioning and partially trial operation as well is a part of this paper (Evaluation of completion works process and time schedule, testing of systems using model media, radioactive testing and trial operation).

Abstract An operator on the Norwegian Continental Shelf oversaw the execution of a plug and abandonment (P&A) campaign comprising 32 wells in a mature field. The barrier evaluation plan was developed based on previous experiences in a field with similar properties and conducted by another operator that included the cement and solids evaluation using conventional ultrasonic technology. This paper describes how the introduction of the latest generation transducers aided in shortening the P&A campaign duration, saving days of rig time. The entire logging plan for barrier evaluation within the32 well P&A campaign was custom developed, executed, and jointly analyzed by the operator and the service company. The logging intervals, well fluid and multiple casing size targets were considered during the strategic selection process. This enabled convergence to a solution that provided a comprehensive evaluation while avoiding multiple logging descents and achieving a faster acquisition speed without degradation of the results. Acquisition capabilities have been constantly evolving over the past decades. The full data acquisition campaign described in this paper was improved from the original plan and adjusted to include a combination of ultrasonic pulse-echo and pitch-catch imaging measurements, third interface echo (TIE), an output of the pitch-catch method supported by and the traditional sonic technology response, enabling quick annular material identification as well as casing cut-and-pull decision making. The combination of all measurements allowed a robust solution that is independent from wellbore logging fluid and potentially unknown annular materials that segregates or changes through the life of these wells. The technology blend adopted in this field enabled a direct logging time reduction of 50% and allowed the acquisition of multiple nonconcentric casing sizes in a single descent, which is not possible with previous generation technologies. The overall result helped the operator to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during those operations by shortening the barrier evaluation campaign length by 10 rig days. The operator was able to significantly reduce the rig time spent in the campaign the implementation of the latest ultrasonic barrier evaluation logging technology, thus reducing their overall GHG emissions without compromising the results of the original objectives.

medicine, industry, and biotechnology. Fungi produce a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, antibiotics, antifungals, immunomodulators, anticancer agents, enzymes, and vitamins. However, these compounds are often locked inside the fungal cell wall, which is composed of chitin, a tough substance that is dif�icult to digest by humans1. Therefore, it is essential to have a good extraction technique that can break down the chitin and release the valuable compounds from the fungi, this is especially essential in the laboratory for accurate lab assays and potency determination during routine HPLC chromatography analysis. During licensure and/ or certi�ication any given lab will be required to take a pro�iciency test which gauges the lab’s pro�iciency at measuring a given matrices for accurate evaluation. They evaluate our abilities to run the gear and accurately measure the potency of what was extracted; however, at the time of this writing none existed for extraction of the fungal material itself, so this remains a variable between testing labs. It is important that we openly share our extraction techniques for evaluating fungi materials speci�ically for the clean extraction of active alkaloids for which potency can be measure via chromatography and/or spectrometry devices. In this way hopefully creating less variables between testing lab and more concise results. In this paper, we present a novel sample prep and extraction technique for fungi that uses speci�ic solvent composition in conjunction with M.A.E (microwave assisted extraction) in 75% methanol , 25% water which helps break the cell wall to release the compounds. Also used is an ultrasonication unit and vortex mixer. Our technique quickly releases all the available alkaloids for accurate chromatography measurements in just two hours, forty-�ive minutes with minimal handling. We demonstrate the effectiveness and ef�iciency of our technique by applying it to magic mushroom fruit bodies for the extraction of tryptamines namely psilocybin and its active derivative psilocin; however, this technique can be used for other species of fungi and compounds like Cordyceps/ cordycepin or Lions’ mane/ erinacines, etc.. We also compare our technique with other popular methods in terms of extraction techniques, digestion times and solvent compositions. Our results show that our technique is superior to the others in terms of time and effectiveness while pulling all the active compounds and not degrading them. Our extraction technique for fungi chromatography analysis offers a new and improved way to access the natural products of fungi and explore their potential for various biotechnological applications. We hope that our technique will inspire further research and innovation in the field of fungal extraction and natural product.