Air and Steam Gasification of Almond Biomass

Experiments were performed on a laboratory scale fluidized bed gasifier to characterize the gasification products of almond shell and hull removed in nut processing operations and to determine the effect of gasifying media on bed agglomeration. The higher heating value of syngas during air gasification of almond biomass ranged from 4 to 6 MJ m(-3) while gas concentrations ranged from 14 to 18% H-2, 3-4% CH4, 43-50% N-2, 16-19% CO, and 16-17% CO2. For steam gasification, higher heating value was 10-12 MJ m(-3) and gas concentrations were 35-40% H-2, 5-7% CH4, 17-21% N-2, 18-21% CO, and 16-18% CO2. The high level of potassium in the almond shells led to strong corrosion and bed agglomeration due to flue gas transport of potassium compounds. These resulting pervasive kalsilite reactions were significantly worse under air gasification than under steam gasification. As a result of prolonged duration and elevated temperature approaching 1,000 degrees C, the corrosinal reaction changes to formation of an adhesive potassium distillate melt locally forming strong bonds. This latter is interpreted as a result of aerosol transported of melt particles.California Energy Commission [PIR-07-002, PIR-11-008]; Almond Board of California; USDA-NIFA/UC Agricultural Experiment Station; California Almond Hullers and Processors AssociationThis work was supported by the California Energy Commission [PIR-07-002 and PIR-11-008]. We also acknowledge the generous support of the Almond Board of California, the California Almond Hullers and Processors Association, and USDA-NIFA/UC Agricultural Experiment Station

Predictive role of transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of cervical length at 22-26 weeks of gestation for preterm deliveries in twin pregnancies

Previous studies in overweight men have shown an increased likelihood of abnormal semen parameters. Obesity has been found to be associated with male subfertility. In this study we aimed to investigate the effect of obesity on semen parameters and hormone levels in infertile males.This was a prospective cross-sectional study designed to assess the influence of obesity on semen parameters and hormone levels in infertile men. 88 obese [Body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2] men and 169 non-obese (BMI [Med-Science 2016; 5(3.000): 776-9

Community-acquired pneumonia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring admission to the intensive care unit: Risk factors for mortality

Conclusion: Noninvasive ventilation, hypertension, systemic corticosteroid treatment, and shorter ICU stay are associated with reduced mortality, whereas bilateral infiltration and longer duration of invasive mechanical ventilation are associated with increased risk of mortality in patients with COPD and CAP requiring ICU admission. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Mortality indicators in community-acquired pneumonia requiring intensive care in Turkey

Background: Severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) is a fatal disease. This study was conducted to describe an outcome analysis of the intensive care units (ICUs) of Turkey