Experimental and theoretical studies of nanofluid thermal conductivity enhancement: a review

Nanofluids, i.e., well-dispersed (metallic) nanoparticles at low- volume fractions in liquids, may enhance the mixture's thermal conductivity, knf, over the base-fluid values. Thus, they are potentially useful for advanced cooling of micro-systems. Focusing mainly on dilute suspensions of well-dispersed spherical nanoparticles in water or ethylene glycol, recent experimental observations, associated measurement techniques, and new theories as well as useful correlations have been reviewed

Review of thermo-physical properties, wetting and heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids and their applicability in industrial quench heat treatment

The success of quenching process during industrial heat treatment mainly depends on the heat transfer characteristics of the quenching medium. In the case of quenching, the scope for redesigning the system or operational parameters for enhancing the heat transfer is very much limited and the emphasis should be on designing quench media with enhanced heat transfer characteristics. Recent studies on nanofluids have shown that these fluids offer improved wetting and heat transfer characteristics. Further water-based nanofluids are environment friendly as compared to mineral oil quench media. These potential advantages have led to the development of nanofluid-based quench media for heat treatment practices. In this article, thermo-physical properties, wetting and boiling heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids are reviewed and discussed. The unique thermal and heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids would be extremely useful for exploiting them as quench media for industrial heat treatment

Disorders of Consciousness

Disorders of Consciousness are a big challenge for the entire process of rehabilitation: assessment, diagnosis, pharmacological, and rehabilitation programs, including conventional treatments and the use of new technologies

Defining a ‘golden window' period and relevance of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) a tool for intervention and improved survival

Conference Theme: New Horizons from East to west in HepatologyTopic 1 - Acute on Chronic Liver Failure: no. 1948This journal suppl. entitled: Conference Abstracts: 24th Annual Conference of APASL, March 12-15, 2015, Istanbul, TurkeyBACKGROUND AND AIMS: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is an early marker of sepsis and ongoing inflammation. Sepsis is the most common cause of mortality. The aim is to study the natural course of SIRS and sepsis in a hospitalized ACLF cohort without SIRS, sepsis at baseline and to define a window period for possible intervention. METHODS: Consecutive hospitalized patient of ACLF were prospectively evaluated for the development of SIRS/sepsis and associated complications till 90 days follow up, liver transplant or death. All patients received standard medical care, sepsis screening was done for initial 15 days, followed by ‘on suspicion’ screening. RESULTS: 201 patients with median age 46 yr (IQR = 38–45), male (91 %) and majority of ethanol (47 %) etiology. New onset SIRS, sepsis and septic shock at the end of first week were (77.6, 10 and 1 %) respectively. The time to development of SIRS, sepsis were 6.18 ± 1.7 and 7 days (IQR 4–7) respectively. Rate of development or resolution of SIRS 11–12 % per day. Development of SIRS associated with procalcitonin positivity (P = 0.05). Increasing no of organ failure (0, 3, 4) associated with higher incidence of SIRS (24, 87.5 and 100 % respectively, P\0.05). SIRS at D7 leads to a median survival (12 vs. 29 weeks), first week mortality (23 % vs. none, P\0.005) and 90 days mortality of (51.9 % vs. 37.8 %, P = 0.12). CONCLUSION: SIRS and its dynamicity is an important predictor of early sepsis, organ failure and survival in ACLF. Prompt use of prophylactic antibiotics with onset SIRS and rigorous septic screen during in the Golden window could improve outcome