The feasibility of high-rate composting of barley dregs and sewage sludge was examined using a pilot scale bioreactor. A central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize the mix ratio of barley dregs/sewage sludge and moisture content. The performance of the bioreactor was monitored as a function of carbon decomposition rate (CDR) and total volatile solids (TVS) loss rate. The optimum range ...

The present study involves production of cellulolytic enzymes by a newly isolated strain of Aspergillus niger isolated from decaying sugarcane bagasse. Solid-state-fermentation was employed using sweet sorghum bagasse as the substrate for the production of enzyme. One factor at a time approach was used to optimize the process variables like moisture content, pH, temperature, and incubation peri...

Wearable sensor systems have become promising tools in modern health care. Vital signs are recored to monitor the condition of a subject in a continuous manner. In order to assess sports performance and optimize training, as much as possible information on the athlethes condition is helpful. We present a wearable and disposable sensor that measures heart rate, oxygen saturation, pH value, skin ...

Some Enterobacteriaceae possess the ability to survive in low-moisture environments for extended periods of time. Many of the reported food-borne outbreaks associated with low-moisture foods involve Salmonella contamination. The control of Salmonella in low-moisture foods and their production environments represents a significant challenge for all food manufacturers. This review summarizes the ...

Malling-Merton 106 apple rootstocks inoculated with Pratylenchus penetrans, or uninoculated, were grown in a growth chamber in pots of loamy sand maintained at two moisture levels, 0 to -0.4 bar or 0 to -10 bars. Either inoculation or low soil moisture suppressed shoot growth and increased root necrosis. However, the nematode-soil moisture interaction was not significant.

While it is well known that soil moisture directly affects microbial activity and soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition, it is unclear if the presence of plants alters these effects through rhizosphere processes. We studied soil moisture effects on SOM decomposition with and without sunflower and soybean. Plants were grown in two different soil types with soil moisture contents of 45% and 85%...

The effect of moisture content and temperature on the melt ̄ow behavior and the resulting morphology of thermoplastic starch (TPS)/ poly(hydroxy ester ether) blends is studied. The viscosity ratio (l) was found to vary over two orders of magnitude (0.1±10) with changes in the TPS moisture content (15±30%) and temperature (120±1608C). This had a substantial effect on the level of mixing, nature ...

Contemporary engineering design practices in the United States require information on the strength of lumber for moisture contents as low as 4 percent. Efficient design of experimental studies on lumber properties at low moisture contents requires a better understanding of the basic mechanisms controlling moisture-property relationships. Studies were conducted on the effect of moisture content ...