scholarly journals The Survey of Fungal Contamination in the Air Flowing Out of Air Conditioners (Coolers) in a Car

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 581-586
Author(s):  
Shima Parsay ◽  
Seyed J. Hashemi ◽  
Mahmood A. Mohammadi ◽  
Roshanak Daie-Ghazvini ◽  
Zahra Rafat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Diseases ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Summer Season ◽  
P Value ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Air Conditioner ◽  
Fungal Contamination ◽  
Air Conditioners ◽  
Foreign Companies ◽  
Penicillium Spp

Background: Fungi are among the most important microorganisms in the air. The air conditioner (cooler) in a car can be an important reservoir for infectious agents, especially fungal species. The present study aimed to measure the fungal contamination in the air flowing out of air conditioners. Objective: In this study 138 cars including 69 Iranian-made cars and 69 cars made by foreign companies were examined. Methods: The plating technique was used. In this study, in each car, 2 plates were placed for 5 minutes when the air conditioner was on and also 2 plates were placed for 5 minutes when the air conditioner was off. Results: A total of 2442 colonies were isolated. The most common isolated fungi were Cladosporium spp. (25.55%), Penicillium spp. (6.14%) and Aspergillus niger (3.03%). The highest number of isolated fungal elements was observed in the Iranian-made cars during summer season (P-value<0.05). Furthermore, the growth rate of colonies on the plates placed on the front and rear seats of cars did not vary considerably (P-value > 0.05). Conclusion: Air conditioners of Iranian-made cars can be an important source for fungal transmission to the human respiratory system that is important, especially in susceptible people to allergic diseases and patients with immunodeficiency.

scholarly journals Misconception of consumers and retailers regarding fungal spoilage of onion and prevalence of fungi in rotten onion

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1068-1076
Author(s):  
Md Rafiqul Islam ◽  
Masud Prince ◽  
Syed Mohammad Lokman ◽  
Lolo Wal Marzan ◽  
Shahidul Alam
Keyword(s):  
Food Habits ◽  
Extracellular Enzymes ◽  
Biochemical Characterization ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Food Spoilage ◽  
Fungal Contamination ◽  
Microscopic Features ◽  
Penicillium Spp

Onion is an inevitable part of our food habits. Fungal infection is one of the major reasons of onion spoilage which not only cause economic losses but also may cause public health threat through mycoses and mycotoxicoses. A total 15 onion samples from different places in Chattagram, Bangladesh were collected to assess the fungal contaminants.Onion consumers along with retailers were interviewed to evaluate their awareness about fungal food spoilage and associated health risk. Three different fungal species were identified and isolated by analysing their macroscopic and microscopic features. These isolates were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Penicillium spp. A. niger was the most prevalent and found in 14 samples out of 15. Biochemical characterization of the isolated fungi was also done to assess their ability to produce extracellular enzymes and amylase, protease, and cellulase activities were observed. Survey data showed that only around 20% of the interviewees had some idea about fungal contamination, while nearly about 80% of them believed that washing, sunburn and cooking can make the food safe. Bioresearch Commu. 8(1): 1068-1076, 2022 (January)

Incidence and molecular characterization of fungi and yeast isolated from cultured catfish and Nile tilapia

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 61-66
Author(s):  
Ola Hashem ◽  
Viola Zaki ◽  
Rawia Adawy
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Oreochromis Niloticus ◽  
Nile Tilapia ◽  
Clarias Gariepinus ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Fish Farms ◽  
Isolation And Identification ◽  
Penicillium Spp

Objective: To study the incidence and seasonal dynamics of different fungi affected freshwater fishes in Lake Manzala with molecular identification of the isolated fungi. Animals: 300 Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and 300 catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Design: Descriptive study. Procedures: Random samples of Oreochromis niloticus (O. niloticus) and Clarias gariepinus (C. gariepinus) were collected from Manzala fish farms. Clinical and postmortem examination of fish was applied. Isolation and identification of different fungi were performed by conventional methods. Furthermore, the molecular characterization of isolated fungi was carried out. Results: C. gariepinus had a higher rate of infection with different fungal species than O. niloticus. Aspergillus spp. (Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus) were the most fungal isolated from the examined fishes, followed by Penicillium spp. and Candida albicans. Aspergillus spp were detected in all seasons with a higher rate in summer and spring. A. flavus, A. niger, Penicillium spp. and C.albicans isolates were amplified from both C. gariepinus and O. niloticus at the specified molecular weight using PCR. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Fungal infection affected the fish showing different external and internal lesions, all species of Aspergillus were found in all seasons with a high rate in, hot seasons, summer and spring. The Prevalence of Penicillium and C. albicans were also reported. All fungal isolates were identified on the phenotypic and molecular bases.

scholarly journals Optimal Air Conditioner Placement Using a Simple Thermal Environment Analysis Method for Continuous Large Spaces with Predominant Advection

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4663
Author(s):  
Tatsuhiro Yamamoto ◽  
Akihito Ozaki ◽  
Myonghyang Lee
Keyword(s):  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Optimal Placement ◽  
Air Conditioner ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis ◽  
Environment Analysis ◽  
Air Conditioners ◽  
Energy Simulations

The number of houses with large, continuous spaces has increased recently. With improvements in insulation performance, it has become possible to efficiently air condition such spaces using a single air conditioner. However, the air conditioning efficiency depends on the placement of the air conditioner. The only way to determine the optimal placement of such air conditioners is to conduct an experiment or use computational fluid dynamic analysis. However, because the analysis is performed over a limited period, it is difficult to consider non-stationarity effects without using an energy simulation. Therefore, in this study, energy simulations and computational fluid dynamics analyses were coupled to develop a thermal environment analysis method that considers non-stationarity effects, and various air conditioner arrangements were investigated to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. The accuracy verification results generally followed the experimental results. A case study was conducted using the calculated boundary conditions, and the results showed that the placement of two air conditioners in the target experimental house could provide sufficient air conditioning during both winter and summer. Our results suggest that this method can be used to conduct preliminary studies if the necessary data are available during design or if an experimental house is used.

Solar Heat Underground Storage Based Air Conditioning Vis-à-Vis Conventional HVAC Experimental Validation

2017 ◽  
Vol 140 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos R. de Nardin ◽  
Felipe T. Fernandes ◽  
Adriano J. Longo ◽  
Luciano P. Lima ◽  
Felix A. Farret ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Heat Pumps ◽  
Conventional Heating ◽  
Management Technique ◽  
Air Conditioner ◽  
Heat Management ◽  
Air Conditioners ◽  
Solar Heat ◽  
Reduction Of Energy Consumption ◽  
The One

This paper presents a comparison of air conditioners using the conventional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning heat pumps and the one using solar heat stored underground, also known as shallow geothermal air conditioning. The proposed air conditioner with solar heat stored underground reunites practical data from an implementation of the heuristic perturb-and-observe (P&O) control and a heat management technique. The aim is to find out the best possible heat exchange between the room ambient and the underground soil heat to reduce its overall consumption without any heat pump. Comparative tests were conducted in two similar rooms, each one equipped with one of the two types of air conditioning. The room temperature with the conventional air conditioning was maintained as close as possible to the temperature of the test room with shallow geothermal conditioning to allow an acceptable data validation. The experiments made both in the winter of 2014 and in the summer of 2015 in Santa Maria, South Brazil, demonstrated that the conventional air conditioner consumed 19.08 kWh and the shallow geothermal conditioner (SGC) consumed only 4.65 kWh, therefore, representing a reduction of energy consumption of approximately 75%.

scholarly journals Fungi associated to bark lesions of Eucalyptus globulus stems in plantations from Uruguay

2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 591-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Alonso ◽  
Susana Tiscornia ◽  
Acelino Couto Alfenas ◽  
Lina Bettucci
Keyword(s):  
Eucalyptus Globulus ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Wood Decay ◽  
Stem Bark ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
West Region ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Experimental Inoculation ◽  
Penicillium Spp

Trees with stem bark lesions are frequently observed in Eucalyptus globulus Labill. plantations, particularly in the central west region of Uruguay. These lesions constitute a problem for trunk decortications at harvest and they also facilitate the access of fungi that could cause wood decay. Seven, three and oneyear-old plantations, located at three sites in close proximity were selected. Four types of trunk lesions were present in trees regardless the age of plantation and more than one type was found in each plantation. The aim of this study was to investigate the fungal composition associated with these lesions and compare them to healthy tissues and try to find out the origin of these symptoms. Another purpose was to elucidate the real role of the fungi considered pathogens by means of experimental inoculations. Segments from lesions and healthy tissues yielded 897 fungal isolates belonging to 32 taxa, 681 isolates from bark lesions and 216 from healthy tissues. Both healthy and symptomatic tissues showed similar fungal species composition, but with differences in frequencies of colonization. Cytospora eucalypticola Van der Westhuizen, Botryosphaeria spp., Pestalotiopsis guepinii (Desm.) Stey. and Penicillium spp. were the dominant species isolated. As symptoms were not reproduced after experimental inoculation with Botryosphaeria ribis Grossenb. & Duggar and B. eucalyptorum Crous, & M.J. Wingf, it could be suggested that these lesions were originated by unfavorable environmental conditions. The frost that occurred for several days out of season and flooding may have been involved in the development of bark lesion.

Performance evaluation and design considerations for a split air-conditioner with built-in thermal energy storage

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 560-575
Author(s):  
Jehanzeb Ahmad ◽  
M Najam Ul Islam ◽  
Jawwad Sabir
Keyword(s):  
Energy Storage ◽  
Phase Change ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Thermal Energy Storage ◽  
Phase Change Materials ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Hvac Systems ◽  
Air Conditioner ◽  
Widespread Application ◽  
Air Conditioners

The benefits of thermal energy storage using phase change materials are well documented in the literature. Despite all the potential benefits of thermal energy storage, its commercial and widespread application remains limited. This is due to the high initial cost of phase change materials, extensive rework required in buildings, major modifications in HVAC systems, and the potential for leakage, fire and toxicity hazards. There is a strong need for a simple thermal energy storage solution which can be adopted by large number of consumers. Ductless split air-conditioners are portable, low cost, efficient and account for 70% of all air-conditioning systems sold worldwide each year. The present research provides a novel and low cost solution that incorporates thermal energy storage in these air conditioners, allowing them to run without electricity for 3 h. The paper deals with the detailed design aspects and engineering challenges that arise when incorporating thermal energy storage in these small units. A prototype air-conditioner with in-built thermal energy storage was developed, and all performance parameters presented have been validated through data obtained from the prototype. Our results indicate that thermal energy storage can be incorporated in split units in low cost and with minimal drop in overall energy efficiency of the system. Practical application: Incorporating thermal energy storage in split air-conditioners which enables them to run without grid for many hours has immense practical applications. Since around 50% power in any building is consumed by HVAC systems, being able to provide cooling during peak hours without using grid can significantly reduce load on the grid without compromising user comfort. For developing countries where load shedding is frequent, the users can run these air-conditioners without the use of generators or batteries thus saving costs and the environment.

The Mycobiota of Speck, a Traditional Tyrolean Smoked and Cured Ham

2000 ◽  
Vol 63 (10) ◽  
pp. 1399-1403 ◽  
Author(s):  
URSULA PEINTNER ◽  
JOHANNES GEIGER ◽  
REINHOLD PÖDER
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Penicillium Canescens ◽  
Penicillium Verrucosum ◽  
South Tyrol ◽  
Cured Meat ◽  
Penicillium Commune ◽  
Penicillium Solitum ◽  
Penicillium Spp

Speck is a ham specialty product traditionally produced in South Tyrol (Italy) and North Tyrol (Austria) by farmers, butcheries, and meat industries. To date, nothing has been learned about fungi associated with this smoked and cured meat. Therefore, it was the main objective of this study to assess the typical mycobiota of Speck in relation to the different production types and the geographic provenance. A total of 121 Speck samples from North Tyrol and South Tyrol was analyzed. From 63 isolated fungal species, only a few can be regarded as typical colonizers: Eurotium rubrum and Penicillium solitum were the dominating species in all types and parts of Speck (crust, meat, and fat). Eight other Penicillium spp. were relatively frequent. The species diversity increased from industrially produced Speck to products from butcheries and farmers, and it was higher in all types of South Tyrolean products. Among the typical mycobiota, Penicillium verrucosum, Penicillium canescens, and Penicillium commune are known as potentially mycotoxigenic.

scholarly journals KINERJA TERMAL SELUBUNG GEDUNG KULIAH KOTA BANDAR LAMPUNG ITERA

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 267
Author(s):  
Andi Asrul Sani ◽  
Adelia Enjelina Matondang ◽  
Guruh Kristiadi Kurniawan ◽  
Anggi Mardiyanto
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Air Conditioner ◽  
Tropical Country ◽  
Air Conditioners ◽  
Natural Lighting ◽  
Thermal Transfer ◽  
Institute Of Technology ◽  
Window Area

Abstract: The use of glass material should consider the comfort of space in the building. Field of glass is needed as natural lighting and visual facilities between the occupants and the surrounding environment. Its function as natural lighting is often accompanied by an increase in temperature in buildings, considering that Indonesia is a tropical country. Building temperatures that increase due to incoming sunlight can cause discomfort to building occupants. Such conditions make building occupants use air conditioner (AC). The use of air conditioners can increase the value of building energy consumption. For this reason, research on the value of heat transfer in buildings or the value of OTTV (Overall Thermal Transfer Value). OTTV value calculation is done by manual calculation. Bandar Lampung City lecture building at the Sumatra Institute of Technology was chosen as the object of this study. From the results of the study found that the value of heat transfer of a building or OTTV (Overall Thermal Transfer Value) is influenced by the factor of the ratio of the window area to the facade or WWR (Window Wall Ratio) and the shading factor (Shading Coefficient).(Keywords: Keyword: energy consumption, building energy, glass. Abstract: Penggunaan material kaca semestinya mempertimbangkan kenyamanan ruang dalam bangunan. Bidang kaca diperlukan sebagai pencahayaan alami dan sarana visual antara penghuni dan lingkungan sekitar. Fungsinya sebagai pencahayaan alami seringkali disertai dengan peningkatan temperatur pada bangunan, mengingat Indonesia merupakan negara yang beriklim tropis. Temperatur bangunan yang meningkat akibat dari radiasi sinar matahari yang masuk dapat menyebabkan ketidaknyamanan bagi penghuni bangunan. Kondisi seperti itu membuat penghuni bangunan menggunakan air conditioner (AC). Penggunaan air conditioner tersebut dapat meningkatkan nilai konsumsi energi bangunan. Untuk  itu dilakukan penelitian mengenai nilai perpindahan panas dalam bangunan atau nilai OTTV (Overall Thermal Transfer Value). Penghitungan nilai OTTV dilakukan dengan penghitungan manual. Gedung kuliah Kota Bandar Lampung di Institut Teknologi Sumatera di pilih sebagai objek dalam penelitian ini. Dari hasil penelitian ditemukan bahwa nilai perpindahan panas suatu bangunan atau OTTV (Overall Thermal Transfer Value) dipengaruhi oleh faktor nilai perbandingan luas jendela terhadap bidang fasad atau WWR (Window Wall Ratio) dan faktor pembayangan (Shading Coefficient).Kata kunci : konsumsi energi, energi bangunan, kaca.

scholarly journals Analysis of Airborne Microorganisms to Health Disorders in Building Administration Building UMI Tower

2018 ◽  
pp. 68-75
Author(s):  
Isharyadi Putra ◽  
Muhammad Ikhtiar ◽  
Andi Emelda
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Regulation System ◽  
P Value ◽  
Air Conditioner ◽  
Airborne Microorganisms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Space ◽  
Health Disorders

Administration Room of Menara Universitas Muslim Indonesia Building is a closed room and uses air regulation system with Air Conditioner (AC) to reduce the heat of air inside the work space. The condition of the building and work space with closed ventilation, furniture and various building materials, as well as office activity in the room is quite dense and the presence of indoor office equipment can lead to microbiological contaminants in the air in space. The purpose of this study was to analyze the quality of airborne microorganisms in the advertising space of Menara University Muslim Indonesia Building. In this case the number of bacteria and fungi in the air against health problems in the administrative space of Menara University Muslim Indonesia Building. The design of this study was cross-sectional with sample determination using total sampling technique. The sample of objects in this study amounted to six rooms, while the subject sample in this study were as many as 37 respondents. Data analysis in this study using chi square statistical test. The results of this study indicate that there is a relationship between room temperature with total number of airborne microorganisms to health problems, with p-value 0.001 (0.001 <0.05). There is relationship between room humidity with the total number of airborne microorganisms to health disorder with p-value value 0.001 (0.001 <0.05), there is no correlation between room lighting with total number of air microorganisms to health disorder with p-value 0.156 (0.156> 0.05) , there is relation between total number of air microorganism to health disorder with p-value value 0.001 (0.001 <0.05). This study suggests the need for increased understanding of health disorders caused by microorganisms in the air on the management and employees.

scholarly journals Epidemiological Study of Keratinophilic Fungi in Baghdad Swimming Pools

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1122-1129
Author(s):  
Baghdad Science Journal
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Epidemiological Study ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Summer Season ◽  
Keratinophilic Fungi ◽  
Swimming Pool ◽  
Swimming Pools ◽  
Isolation Period

The present study was included the isolation of Keratinophilic fungi from water samples taken from 19 indoor public swimming pools in Baghdad during four season (summer ,fall ,spring ,and winter). Isolation period was September 2011and September 2012 . Samples were collected from different places in swimming pool . Sixteen keratinophilic fungal species, belonging to twenty –one genera were isolated using Surface Dilution Plating (SDP) and Hair Bait Technique (HBT) . Aspergillus genus was the most frequent and occurrence (19.84%), followed by Trichophyton (11.60%) and Fusarium (7.59% ) . The most common fungal infection occurred in summer season (42.16%) , and the most frequent month manifestation of species occurred in August (17%) .

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