Microwave pyrolysis of oil palm fibres

Malaysia and Indonesia are generating millions of ton of oil palm fibres (OPF) from their oil palm mills as biomass solid wastes which needs proper waste utilization application. The main purpose of the present research was to pyrolyse the OPF biomass into bio-oil using microwave irradiation technique. A domestic microwave of 1000 W and 2.45 GHz frequency was modified to accommodate fluidized bed system. It was found that OPF showed poor microwave absorbing characteristics. Therefore, an appropriate microwave-absorbing material such as biomass char was added to initiate the pyrolysis process. Temperature profiles and bio-oil yield was investigated by varying the ratio of OPF to microwave absorber. It was found that the yield of bio-oil depended on the ratio of OPF to microwave absorber. Particular attention on the temperature profiles was also taken into account during microwave heating of OPF. It can be concluded that microwave technique can save significant time and energy through its rapid and volumetric heating characteristic

Simulation Studies of Gas-Solid in the Riser of a Circulating Fluidized Bed

A numerical parametric study was performed on the influence of various riser exit geometries on the hydrodynamics of gas-solid two-phase flow in the riser of a Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB). A Eulerian continuum formulation was applied to both phases. A two fluid framework has been used to simulate fully developed gas-solid flows in vertical riser. A two dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of gas-particle flow in the CFB has been investigated using the code FLUENT. The turbulence was modeled by a k-e turbulence model in the gas phase. The simulations were done using the geometrical configuration of a CFB test rig at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The CFB riser column has 265 mm (width), 72 mm (depth) and 2.7 m height. The riser is made up of interchangeable Plexiglas columns. The computational model was used to simulate the riser over a wide range of operating and design parameters. In addition, several numerical experiments were carried out to understand the influence of riser end effects, particle size, gas solid velocity and solid volume fraction on the simulated flow characteristics. The CFD model with a k-e turbulence model for the gas phase and a fixed particle viscosity in the solids phase showed good mixing behaviour. These results were found to be useful in further development of modeling of gas solid flow in the riser

Impact of Work-Life Conflict on Employee Performance: A Study of Kabul Afghanistan

In today\u27s developing world, the matter of work-life conflict and its impact on employee performance was the focal point of organizational behavioral researchers for decades. Each individual engaged in a struggle to uphold their rights and aimed to attain a reputable position to enhance their living standards for a more comfortable life. The efforts exerted by employees to earn a livelihood were not solely for personal success but also for the betterment of their family life and safety. This study investigated the work-life conflict and its impact on employee performance in the cultural context of Afghanistan. Open-ended questionnaires were used as a technique for data collection from survey respondents who lived and worked in non-government organizations in Kabul, Afghanistan. Kabul was chosen as the survey location due to its status as the capital and largest population city in Afghanistan. The aim was to explore the work-life matters of Kabul\u27s inhabitants and understand their impact on the workforce in various non-government organizations in the city. A qualitative research method was employed, utilizing both primary and secondary approaches for data and information collection. Primary data was collected through the use of questionnaires. The research provided sufficient information about work-life conflicts and their impact on employee performance, contributing to changes in skills and attitudes. Non-government organizations in Afghanistan actively sought to enhance flexibility and openness for all individuals, including stakeholders, managers, subordinates, and clients. Both non-government and private organizations in Afghanistan focused on furthering improvements and progress for their employees

Comparative study of biological activity of glutathione, sodium tungstate and glutathione-tungstate mixture

Glutathione (GSH) and sodium tungstate (Na2WO4) are important pharmacological agents. They provide protection to cells against cytotoxic agents and thus reduce their cytotoxicity. It was of interest to study the biological activity of these two pharmacological active agents. Different strains of bacteria were used and the zone of inhibition was determined for GSH, Na2WO4 and GSH+ Na2WO4 mixture. The results show high antibacterial activity of GSH as compared to Na2WO4 and Na2WO4+GSH mixture. It was observed that GSH antibacterial activity was significantly lowered upon addition of Na2WO4 to GSH aqueous solution. The results conclude with the proposed formation of W-SG complex in aqueous solution.Key words: Glutathione, sodium tungstate, antibacterial activity, strains of bacteria

Efficacy and safety of dotinurad in hyperuricemic patients with or without gout: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of dotinurad in hyperuricemic patients with or without gout. Dotinurad is a novel selective urate reabsorption inhibitor (SURI) that increases uric acid excretion by selectively inhibiting urate transporter 1 (URAT1). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis conducted to gauge the efficacy and safety of dotinurad. Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched from inception till March 2, 2021, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis statement. Randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy and safety of dotinurad with placebo- or active (febuxostat or benzbromarone) control were included. The eligible studies were analyzed with RevMan 5.3 Software (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen).Results: Four eligible studies, consisting of 684 hyperuricemic patients were included. The number of patients who achieved serum uric acid (sUA) levels ≤ 6.0 mg/dl favoured dotinurad 1 mg group as compared to placebo group (risk ratio {RR} = 39.27, 95% onfidence interval {CI}, 5.59 to 275.65; p = 0.0002), dotinurad 2 mg group compared with placebo group (RR = 45.36, 95% CI, 6.48 to 317.38; p= 0.0001), and dotinurad 4 mg group compared with placebo group (RR = 54.16, 95% CI, 7.76 to 377.77; p \u3c 0.0001). Conversely, there was no significant difference in the number of patients who achieved the target sUA levels between dotinurad 2 mg and active control (RR = 1.00, 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.08; p = 0.91). Moreover, the percentage change in sUA levels from baseline to final visit favoured dotinurad 1 mg vs. placebo ((RR = 36.51, 95% CI, 33.00 to 40.02; p \u3c 0.00001), dotinurad 2 mg vs. placebo (RR = 46.70, 95% CI, 42.53 to 50.87; p \u3c 0.00001), and dotinurad 4 mg vs. placebo (RR = 63.84, 95% CI, 60.51 to 67.16; p \u3c 0.00001), while no significant difference was seen in dotinurad 2 mg vs. active control (RR = -0.08, 95% CI, -4.27 to 4.11; p= 0.97). Compared with active or placebo control, dotinurad 2 mg showed no significant difference in the number of events of gouty arthritis (RR= 1.31, 95% CI, 0.47 to 3.71; p = 0.60), the number patients with adverse events (RR = 1.09, 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.30; p = 0.36), and the number of patients who experienced adverse drug reactions (RR = 1.00, 95% CI, 0.68 to 1.47; p = 0.99).Conclusion: Dotinurad shows significant improvement in serum uric acid levels in hyperuricemic individuals with or without gout. Its urate-lowering effect is comparable to the commonly available anti-hyperuricemic agents. Moreover, it is effective at doses 1 mg, 2 mg, and 4 mg and well-tolerated at a dose of 2 mg

Functional, cognitive and psychological outcomes, and recurrent vascular events in Pakistani stroke survivors: a cross sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is little direct data describing the outcomes and recurrent vascular morbidity and mortality of stroke survivors from low and middle income countries like Pakistan. This study describes functional, cognitive and vascular morbidity and mortality of Pakistani stroke survivors discharged from a dedicated stroke center within a nonprofit tertiary care hospital based in a multiethnic city with a population of more than 20 million.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Patients with stroke, aged > 18 years, discharged alive from a tertiary care centre were contacted via telephone and a cross sectional study was conducted. All the discharges were contacted. Patients or their legal surrogate were interviewed regarding functional, cognitive and psychological outcomes and recurrent vascular events using standardized, pretested and translated scales. A verbal autopsy was carried out for patients who had died after discharge. Stroke subtype and risk factors data was collected from the medical records. Subdural hemorrhages, traumatic ICH, subarachnoid hemorrhage, iatrogenic stroke within hospital and all other diagnoses that presented like stroke but were subsequently found not to have stroke were also excluded. Composites were created for functional outcome variable and depression. Data were analyzed using logistic regression.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>309 subjects were interviewed at a median of 5.5 months post discharge. 12.3% of the patients had died, mostly from recurrent vascular events or stroke complications. Poor functional outcome defined as Modified Rankin Score (mRS) of > 2 and a Barthel Index (BI) score of < 90 was seen in 51%. Older age (Adj-OR-2.1, <it>p </it>= 0.01), moderate to severe dementia (Adj-OR-19.1, <it>p </it>< 0.001), Diabetes (Adj-OR-2.1, <it>p </it>= 0.02) and multiple post stroke complications (Adj-OR-3.6, <it>p </it>= 0.02) were independent predictors of poor functional outcome. Cognitive outcomes were poor in 42% and predictors of moderate to severe dementia were depression (Adj-OR-6.86, <it>p </it>< 0.001), multiple post stroke complications (Adj-OR-4.58, <it>p </it>= 0.01), presence of bed sores (Adj-OR-17.13, <it>p </it>= 0.01) and history of atrial fibrillation (Adj-OR-5.12, <it>p </it>< 0.001).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Pakistani stroke survivors have poor outcomes in the community, mostly from preventable complications. Despite advanced disability, the principal caretakers were family rarely supported by health care personnel, highlighting the need to develop robust home care support for caregivers in these challenging resource poor settings.</p

Preparation and In-Vitro Evaluation of Controlled-Release Matrices of Losartan Potassium Using Ethocel Grade 10 and Carbopol 934P NF as Rate-Controlling Polymers

Controlled-release formulations are essential for those drugs that require fine tuning of their activity to increase the ratio between therapeutic vs. adverse effects. Losartan potassium is among those drugs whose adverse effects may somehow impair its purported benefits. Previous investigations have been carried out to ascertain the suitability of several polymers for being associated with losartan. This study is focused on the effects of Ethocel grade 10 and Carbopol 934P NF on losartan release. Flow and physical properties were assessed according to the protocols standardized by the pharmacopeia (USP-NF 29), and the drug release in phosphate buffer (pH = 6.8) was measured for 24 h. Data evidenced good to excellent flow and physical properties according to the drug/polymer ratio and the addition of co-excipients. The release rate in 24 h was found to be 63–69% to 79–82% without or with the addition of co-excipients, respectively, following zero-order kinetics. The results also suggest a significant difference with the release profile of a traditional release losartan formulation. The results suggest the suitability of Ethocel grade 10 and Carbopol 934P NF as components of a controlled-release losartan formulation

Morphology of lightweight metakaolin-based geopolymer polystyrene composite paste at early ages

The integration of polystyrene foams as the lightweight agent in geopolymer is an alternative to produce a lightweight metakaolin-based geopolymer. Meanwhile, the microstructure studies assist to provide better understanding towards the formation of lightweight geopolymer. Hence, the present study examined the morphological characteristics of lightweight metakaolin-based geopolymer polystyrene composite at an early age. The lightweight metakaolin-based geopolymer paste is prepared at ratio 0.7 by using sodium hydroxide as an alkaline activator and the addition of polystyrene foams at ratio of 0.3. The morphology of the lightweight metakaolin-based geopolymer polystyrene paste was analyzed through SEM analysis at 14 days curing ages. The lightweight geopolymer at early ages consisted of the unresponsive metakaolin and porous gel as it gave less dense and compact microstructure. Meanwhile, the analysis showed that the polystyrene foams blended-well in the geopolymer matrix. However, the high temperature during the curing process damages the texture of some of the polystyrene foams. Yet, the utilization of the polystyrene foams as lightweight agents is believed to produce a lightweight metakaolin-based geopolymer

Synthesis of Tapioca Cellulose-based Poly(amidoxime) Ligand for Removal of Heavy Metal Ions

Poly(acrylonitrile)/cellulose block copolymer (PAN-b-cell) was prepared by using a free radical initiating process and then the nitrile functional groups of the PAN blocks of the copolymers were transformed into amidoxime ligands. The resulting poly(amidoxime) ligands could complex with heavy metal ions; for example, the reflectance spectra of the [Cu -ligand]n+ was found to be at the highest absorbance, about 94%, at pH 6. The pH was the key parameter for metal ions sensing by the ligand. The adsorption capacity for copper was very good, 272 mg g−1, with a fast adsorption rate (t1/2 = 10 min). The adsorption capacities for other heavy metal ions such as Fe3+, Cr3+, Co3+ and Ni2+ were also good, being 242, 219, 201 and 195 mg g−1, respectively, at pH 6. The heavy metal ions removal efficiency from water was 98% at low concentration. The data proved that the heavy metal ions adsorption onto the polymer ligands were well fitted with the Langmuir isotherm model (R2>0.99), which suggests that the cellulose-based adsorbent surface namely the poly(amidoxime) ligand, was homogenous and a monolayer. The reusability was examined by a sorption/desorption process for six cycles and the extraction efficiency was determined. This new adsorbent could be reused for 6 cycles without any significant loss in its original removal function