Enhancement Of Gas-liquid And Particle-liquid Mass Transfer In Bubble Columns And Three-phase Fluidized Beds

Mass transfer is an important consideration in the design of multiphase contactors. While gas-liquid mass transfer is important for two-phase contactors, both gas-liquid and liquid-solid mass transfer need to be considered for the design three-phase contactors. Many industrial processes such as coal liquefaction, petrochemical, waste water treatment or fermentation processes involve gas absorption in a liquid with or without the presence of inert or catalyst solid particles. When mass transfer is the rate limiting step, the overall rate can be improved by enhancing the rate of mass transfer. This study investigated gas-liquid and liquid-solid mass transfer in bubble columns and three-phase fluidized beds using different types of distributors and coalescence inhibitors. A systematic study was conducted to investigate the effects of molecular structure of various types of coalescence inhibitors. Hydrodynamic parameters such as phase holdups, liquid mixing and flow regimes were also determined. Available literature correlations were tested and their limitations were pointed out. Suitable new correlations were developed based on the data of this study

A prospective randomized comparative study of laparoscopic appendicectomy versus open appendicestomy in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Background: Since the demonstration of laparoscopic appendicectomy by K. Semm in 1983, it is performed worldwide though criticized by many. Open appendicectomy is a brief procedure but is definitely associated with morbidity and can cause difficulty in uncertain diagnosis. Laparoscopic appendicectomy has been a standard surgical procedure performed in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, but a prospective randomized study comparing various parameters in between LA and OA has not been done before. Objectives: To compare various surgical times, complications and outcomes in between LA and OA in HUSM. Design: Prospective randomized comparative study. Results: This study was conducted in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from February 2006 till November 2006. Total of 97 patients were randomized in the study. Amongst them, 53 patients underwent open appendicectomy (OA) and 44 patients underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA). In the study, 54.6% patients were males and 45.4% were females (P = 0.2). The median age in LA and OA groups was 18 and 20 years respectively. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) in both groups was same. (22kglm2) Patients in LA group had to wait longer for appendicectomy compared with OA groupand it was 22.2 hours versus 15.8 hours (P = 0.04). The operating time for laparoscopic appendicectomy group as well as for open appendicectomy group was similar (70.2 minutes). Patients in LA group tolerated normal diet significantly earlier (36.6 hours versus 55.4 hours, P = 0.05) and were discharged earlier compared to OA group (2.4 days versus 3.6 days, P=0.2). Eight patients in the laparoscopic group were converted to OA, intra-operatively (18.1 %). Acute appendicitis was the commonest intra-operative finding (72.2%) followed by perforated appendicitis (20.6%). Wound infection rate in OA group was 7.5% compared to 2.8% in LA group. The overall negative appendicectomy rate was 3.1% in the study. Conclusion: The results of this prospective randomized comparative study disapproves the concept that laparoscopic appendicectomy is a prolonged procedure, when compared to open appendicectomy. So the perception that laparoscopic appendicectomy is a prolonged procedure should be avoided. There is early return of bowel function, shorter post operative hospital stay, less pain and lower wound infection rate after laparoscopic appendicectomy when compared to open appendicectomy. Perforated and gangrenous appendicitis can also be handled by laparoscopic appendicectomy safely and are not the contraindications for laparoscopic appendicectomy. Diagnostic laparoscopy should be considered among females in reproductive age group with uncertain diagnosis

Role of Empowering Leadership in Absorptive Capacity through Outcome Interdependence: A Cultural Perspective

This study explores the influence process involved in the relationship between empowering leadership and absorptive capacity. On 217 samples from manufacturing and service organizations, the study has found that outcome interdependence mediated the relationship between empowering leadership and knowledge identification, knowledge assimilation, knowledge dissemination, and knowledge application. The findings show that members’ empowerment is essential for inducing them to engage in knowledge processes

Intergenerational Transmission of Inequality in Psychological Health

Intergenerational transmission explains the continuity in behavior and personality of individuals across generations due to genetic as well as non-genetic causes. Both determinants affect individuals and increase their susceptibility to develop psychological health problems similar to the ones experienced by their parents. Psychological health of offsprings is impacted by their parents’ mental illness which causing children to be unable to adequately and positively contribute to their children’s healthy development. Extensive literature review depicts intergenerational transmission of various psychological conditions ranging from PTSD, depression, anxiety, conduct issues or even schizophrenia, among many others. Proposed models offering explanation of Intergenerational Transmission point towards social learning theories, attachment theories, psychodynamic theories and Integrative theories which mentions an overlap between genetic and environmental factors to explain the transmission. Intervention strategies of early detection and intervention, working with the affected parents and including family in therapy have been discussed. Working on the parent-child relationship, building resilience, promoting building up of protective factors is also mentioned as intervention techniques. Finally, some limitations and directions of future researches have been proposed

Flow of a Second Order Fluid Between Two Infinite Porous Rotating Disks

The flow of an incompressible second-order fluid between two infinite porous rotating disks has been studied with the assumption that the rate of injuction of the fluid at one disc is equal to the rate of suction at the other. The velocity components have been expressed in terms of three dimensionless functions, which in turn are obtained in ascending powers of the Reynold number (taken to be small), defined in terms of the angular velocities of the disks

Ayurveda considerations on Infectious diseases and their preventive measures w.s.r. to current pandemic situation

Ayurveda described term “Sankramaka Roga” for communicable diseases which mainly occurs due to the microbial transmissions. These diseases can transmit from one to anther through physical, chemical and biological means. The pathogenesis of such diseases arises due to the effect of microbial toxins inside the body. Antibiotics, lifestyle modification, immune-therapy, natural drugs, ayurveda formulations and purification measures, etc. are some approaches of various medical field which utilizes to prevent and treat Sankramaka Roga. The mass destruction of population by Sankramaka Roga termed as Janapadodhwamsa which resembles pandemic of modern science. Good immune system play vital role towards the prevention of Sankramaka Roga. Ayurveda concept of Ahara-Vihara helps greatly to boost immunity thus maintains good health status and enhances resistance against infectious diseases. This article explores Ayurveda view on Sankramaka Roga and their management through natural ways of healing