Investigation of Energy Efficient Retrofit HVAC Systems for a University: Case Study

We did energy efficient retrofits for the Indiana University Purdue University—Indianapolis Health Science Building using the eQuest energy software. The current dual-fan dual-duct (DFDD) system is 41 years old and has a higher energy utilization index (EUI) than the national average for similar building types. The baseline model with the DFDD system was compared with the actual electrical consumption. Then, two energy efficiency measures (EEMs) were applied to the model. The first EEM was ‘DFDD system with chilled water and steam heating,’ and the second EEM was ‘single-duct variable air volume (VAV) with chilled water and electric reheat.’ After comparative simulations and analyses, it was determined that the ‘single duct VAV with chilled water and electric reheat’ was the most energy efficient and saved 28% in utility costs. The recommendation given to the facility services was to change the current DFDD system to the single-duct VAV system. The single-duct VAV system will save energy and create additional space above the ceiling after the heating duct is removed

Exploring organisational right-sizing, whilst retaining critical skills at an engineering consultancy in South Africa.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Organisational right-sizing (upsizing or downsizing) has in recent years become a global phenomenon across all sectors of the economy. The unrelenting pursuit by shareholders for improved resource utilisation, higher revenue and profits supported by lower costs of production have presented the right-sizing model as a multi-purpose vehicle. Irrespective of the firm’s structure (size), this is deemed the solution for sustained competitive advantage. However, the literature confirms that less than seventy per cent achieve the desired results post right-sizing strategy implementation. This study aimed to explore the factors that surround right-sizing and the implementation process aligned to retaining critical skills within an engineering consultancy in South Africa. Organisations propound that talent management delivers a sustained competitive advantage. Communication on right-sizing creates a plethora of employment-related insecurities that result in special talent taking flight from the firm. The theoretical framework of the McKinsey 7-S model evaluated the strategy implementation by assessing the hard and soft elements of the firm’s design. The study engaged a qualitative research design, administering a semi-structured interview instrument to eight participants who hold management portfolios. Participants were selected by a purposive sampling method, which contributed rich insights towards the study. The interview transcripts were coded, followed by a thematic analysis that identified three main themes containing ten sub-themes. The findings identified that strategy implementation is a complicated exercise which requires a strategy consultant to implement. Another finding was related to management’s communication, as the implementation phase was challenged by resistance to change arising from ambiguity over the implementation vision. The results acknowledged that the retention strategy was limited to financial remuneration. The literature reviewed and the study results confirmed growth in the support for a non-financial retention strategy. Finally, contrary to the respondents’ view that resources are critical to the firm’s success, the firm lacked talent management and skills development policies. The recommendation was made that the talent retention strategy requires a guiding organisational policy offering transparency

A glimpse into the pathology of Parkinson’s Disease - An Ayurvedic Perspective

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neuro degenerative disease characterised by a large number of motor and non-motor features that can impact on function to a variable degree. Charaka mentioned Kampa as one among 80 types of Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi. Kampa may be a symptom of many diseases. Kampavata is first described as a disease in Basavarajeeyam with cardinal symptoms as Hastapadatala Kampa, Dehabharamana, Dukkha, Nidrabhanga, Matiksheena. Here an effort is made to understand the Nidana Panchakas of Kampavata under the light of Kaphaavarana to all five types of Vata, especially Prana, Udana and Vyana. There is Udanaavruta Vyana and Pranaavruta Samana type of Anyonyaavarana, Majjaavruta Vata, Snayuprapta Vata and Asthimajjagata Vata as pathological processes depending upon the clinical presentation of the patient. The differential diagnosis of PD is also considered here to differentiate it from group of disorders which falls under Parkinsonism

African Americans\u27 Views on Access to Healthy Foods: What a Farmers\u27 Market Provides

The study reported here assessed African Americans\u27 perceptions of a local farmers\u27 market and access to healthy produce in their community. The majority of respondents were satisfied with several dimensions of the farmers\u27 market, including location, cleanliness, variety, price, and quality of produce. Comparing the farmers\u27 market to the local stores in terms of access to fresh produce, about twice the number of residents was satisfied with the farmers\u27 market than with the local stores. This study has implications for Extension in terms of promoting farmers\u27 markets in low-income minority communities

Biodegradable Protein-Based Photoelectrochemical Cells with Biopolymer Composite Electrodes That Enable Recovery of Valuable Metals

The development of new technologies that use sunlight as an energy source is adding to pressure on finite natural resources and the challenges of recycling and disposal. Looking to nature for material assistance, we describe a proof-of-concept flexible and biodegradable photoelectrochemical cell based almost entirely on pigments, proteins, polysaccharides, and graphene platelets. In addition to being largely environmentally benign, such devices present opportunities for the recovery of valuable components such as, in the present case, the geologically scarce metal indium and the precious metal gold. Recovery is achieved through dissolution in ethanol followed by physical separation of the heavy element, leaving a residue made up from common elements that can be recycled through natural biodegradation. Potential applications for flexible, biomolecule-based photoelectrochemical cells are considered

Extensive humeral hydatid cyst with extraosseous involvement: a case report

Hydatid cysts caused by Echinococcus species mainly involve visceral organs. Rarely skeletal involvement occurs. The spine and pelvis account for half of the cases of osseous hydatidosis, making humeral hydatid cysts one of the rarest conditions. We report a case of humeral hydatidosis in a 42-year male who presented to us with pain and swelling over the left upper arm, radiological investigations suggestive of osseous cystic lesions were inconclusive and diagnosis of hydatidosis was confirmed with a biopsy subsequently. Surgical excision and curettage of bone and surrounding soft tissue were done, and the void was filled using PMMA cement followed by antihelminthic chemotherapy. No complication or recurrence has been found postoperatively at the end of 6 months of follow-up, with preservation of limb function. To keep orthopedic surgeons aware of this morbid condition, due to its low prevalence, and advanced presentation which is likely misdiagnosed, and even after the early intervention, there is a high recurrence rate which makes this one of the rare cases of humeral hydatidosis notifiable

Reaching the one billion mark: accomplishing the success story of COVID vaccination through public interrogation

Background: The COVID vaccination drive in India has recently crossed the one billion mark which is certainly a tremendous feat. Although women were initially hesitant, public propaganda and behaviour change communications encouraged them to come forward. The aim of the study was to assess the vaccination status of female population of the country through interrogation in obstetrics and gynaecology out patient departments (OBG OPD).Methods: Through this cross-sectional study, all women visiting OBG OPD were asked about type and number of vaccine doses received, dates of administration of first and second doses and whether they had any significant side effects following immunization.Results: A total of 1456 women were recruited in the study. Mean age of participants was 33.24±4.65 years. 36.26% participants were pregnant. 89.97% women had received at least one dose of vaccine and 48.76% participants were fully vaccinated. Majority received Covishield vaccine. Majority of the participants received first shot during the months of July, August and September. No women suffered from any adverse effect following immunization. Most women got motivated for vaccination from television (76.91%) and alert messages in mobile phones (61.59%). The results of our study reflects the success story of vaccination campaign as almost 90% of the participants had received at least one dose of vaccine.Conclusions: The proactive participation and untiring efforts of the frontline workers has been instrumental in achieving this remarkable landmark. India's successful vaccination campaign is a lesson to the world at large

A review on galvanizing coating defects: causes and remedies

Hot-dip galvanizing is an efficient technique to control the corrosion of substrates. Producing blemish-free coatings is a challenging task. Continuous work is done on galvanizing technology to achieve excellent surfaces; thus, flaws are encountered at intervals in all continuous galvanizing and galvannealed process. Most of each very small galvanized defect can appear like a draff particle, draff trapped actually a tiny lot of the blemishes found in hot-dipped galvanizing coatings. Also, almost all defects take place due to a roughed or mechanically dented surface, poor bath chemistry management, inadequate washing of the parts, and less maintained apparatus. Thus, the coated products, which are manufactured by galvanizers, have to develop the excellence of the line instrument, the heat treatment management, and the Zn bath in sequence to touching the hard and tough quality essential for automotive uses and applications. This review paper first discusses different types of galvanized coating defects, and then discusses different coating defects like Bare spot, Distortion, Dross, Touch marks, Dents, Rough Coating, Ash Deposit, Mechanical Damage, Blow out, Runs, Uncoated or Ungalvanized Surface, Reactive and Non-reactive steels welded together, Puddling and suggests possible remedial measures to be taken care; at the end, it summarize and concluded