Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to valuable fuels by novel nanostructured titania materials

In this study, an attempt has been made to synthesize the novel mesoporous Santa-Barbra-Amorphous-spherical shaped (SBA-15-S) and Korean Advance Institute of Science and Technology (KIT-6) mesoporous silica materials by hydrothermal treatment method. Afterward, these samples were used as support materials for synthesis of novel isolated Ti-SBA-15-S as well as Ti-KIT-6 with different Si/Ti (200, 100, 50 ratios) both in dried and calcined forms. Thereafter, the properties of the materials have been characterized through Brunner-Emmet-Teller (BET) to see the specific surface area, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to observe the surface morphology and microstructures, Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) to see the band gap energies and their corresponding wave lengths, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to investigate the behavior of Ti interaction with mesoporous materials, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was done to observe the elemental composition, empirical formula as well as chemical and electronic states of the elements and Fourier-Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectra to observe the Ti interaction to silica and presence of OH groups which play a significant role in photocatalytic activity. Photocatalytic activity of CO2 reduction in Ti-KIT-6 (Si/Ti=100) showed better CH4 production rate (4.15 μmol•gcat.-1•h-1) than the corresponding Ti-KIT-6-dried (2.63 μmol•gcat.-1•h-1) and the Ti-SBA-15-calcined/dried (1.85, 3.45 μmol•gcat.-1•h-1, respectively) in the initial photocatalytic reaction of CO2 to methane. The Ti-KIT-6 (Si/Ti = 100) material also showed more OH groups, which are useful to obtain a higher production rate of the products, particularly methane, which was even higher than the best commercial TiO2 (Aeroxide P25, Evonik Industries AG, Essen, Germany) photocatalyst. In addition, CH3OH, H2 and CO, are the other main fuel products produced by the Ti-KIT-6-calcined (Si/Ti=100) after optimization. The increased surface concentration of OH groups found in the Ti-KIT-6-calcined (Si/Ti=100) than the other two ratios (Si/Ti=200, 50), the presence of more accessible surface reaction active sites due to the lower numbers of Ti-O-Ti or TiO2 agglomerates, and the more isolated Ti species which are uniformly dispersed on the 3-D KIT-6 mesoporous silica support without collapsing the mesoporous structure, have boosted the higher activity. The photocatalytic activity results of optimized Ti-KIT-6 calcined Si/Ti = 100 ratio preceded by the competitive adsorption of CO2 and H2O vapors towards other fuel products with 4.14, 0.029, 2.55, 1.45µmol g-cat-1 h-1 for CH4, CH3OH, H2, CO, respectively. Similarly, various key parameters including, UV light source (300, 200W), UV light intensity, H2O/CO2 ratios and catalyst shapes, as well as water vapor effect, and long-term stability have been explored for optimized photocatalyst, which strongly influences the performance of the catalyst towards fuels production. Moreover, another effort was made to synthesize the TiO2 nanoparticles (TNPs) prepared by sol-gel method and new nanostructured Mesoporous TiO2 by nanocasting technique or template method using KIT-6 as a template in order to establish the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 with water vapor. In addition, commercial TiO2 (Aeroxide P25) was used for comparison of photoactivity. Thus, the synthesized materials have been characterized by using BET, FE-SEM, XRD, SAXS, and UV-Vis, analyses techniques. TNPs have of an average 11nm TiO2 particle size, higher surface area of (151m2/g) as compared to commercial TiO2 Aeroxide P25 i.e. (53m2/g) which also demonstrate an enhance adsorption capacity. Furthermore, Meso.TiO2 has shown a greater surface area (190m2/g) along with mesoporosity with (4nm) which is much more higher than that of TNPs and also from commercial TiO2 (Aeroxide P25). Overall, Meso. TiO2 was superior in photocataltic activity of CO2 reduction towards renewable fuel products than that of other TiO2s. The photocatalytic activity of CO2 reduction comparison with titania nanoparticles (TNPs) and Evonik P25 which showed the improved resuls towards fuel production such as (14.01, 0.11, 83.50, 26.30 µmol g-cat-1 h-1 for CH4, CH3OH, H2, CO respectively). However, various reaction factors, activation/regeneration of photocatalyst and reaction mechanism and pathways of CO2 reduction on Meso. TiO2 have been explored. Finally, nanostructured TiO2/KIT-6 series with (1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 70, and 90 %) by using different titania wt% have been prepared by precipitation following the sol-gel hydrolysis and condensation of titania precursor dispersed within/surface of the mesoporous silica KIT-6. The characterization was made by N2 adsorption/desorption isptherms, FE-SEM, XRD and UV-Vis, analyses techniques to observe the physio-chemical properties of materials and their corelation with photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, screening of the TiO2 series showed that selectivity toward fuel products depends on the various titania loadings. However, on the basis of our required products (hydrocarbon and H2, CO) the 20wt% TiO2/KIT-6 nanocomposite was found to be the optimized photocatalyst with higher photocatalytic products formation than that of other wt% nanocomposites. The photocatalytic activity of CO2 reduction for 20 wt% TiO2/KIT-6 showed the production for CH4, CH3OH, H2, CO with 44.55, 1.08, 9.20, and 120 µmol g-cat-1 h-1, respectively. Furthermore, the affect of thermal treatment was explored for 20% TiO2/KIT-6 to observe the change in structure and its corealation with photocatalytic activity. The proposed reaction mechanism/pathways for CO2 reduction with H2O vapor on TiO2/KIT-6 nanocomposite has also been discussed

Perspectives of students in a medical school regarding Hepatitis B and C in North West India

Background: Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are among the major public health problems in the world and students in the medical schools as a group is highly vulnerable to these infections. The current study aimed to assess the perspectives (knowledge, attitude and practices) of these students about both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical school in northwest India using a self administered questionnaire. This study was carried out in the month of July 2017 using a convenience sample of Pre-final MBBS students.Results: The knowledge of the respondents was found to be good on most of the parameters except for living with Hepatitis B/C patient being a risk factor for disease and Hepatitis B being curable. On the same pattern, attitudes were also found to be positive on most of the parameters except willingness to undergo screening for the diseases. Practices of the respondents were also adequate except for use of gloves while examining a patient/collecting blood sample. An important positive practice observed was that 92.8% of the respondents were protected against Hepatitis B.Conclusions: The study has concluded that perspective of medical students towards Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are reasonably good and areas of concern need to be taken care of. Both these diseases remain a challenge for health community in general and medical students in particular due to their being an occupational hazard, so the need for infection control training before they start clinical education is strongly recommended

Domestic violence in rural currently married women: effects on utilization of reproductive and maternal health services

Background: Domestic violence remains a public health concern in India due to its high prevalence and adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. Domestic violence in low and middle income countries has emerged as a priority among researchers and policy makers who are primarily concerned with women s health and empowerment. The study aimed to assess the relationship between domestic violence and women’s use of reproductive and maternal health services.Methods: The present study was conducted among currently married rural women in reproductive age group (15-49 Years). Four villages in Kot Balwal Block were selected randomly and all the currently married women who were willing to give informed verbal consent were administered the questionnaire. The questionnaire was pilot tested by the authors. Data was analysed using proportion sand chi square test was used as a test of significance.Results: Prevalence of domestic violence was reported to be 49.12%. Regarding empowerment, the results revealed that while 65.3% of the respondents were able to decide on their health, only 20.7% had say in household purchases. Attitude towards wife beating was strongly negative as 95.7% rejected wife beating. Levels of education, exposure to media, intake of alcohol by partners and spousal age difference were statistically significant (p<0.05) in relation to use of reproductive and maternal health services.Conclusions: The study has revealed that women’s empowerment has a positive impact on use of reproductive and maternal health services. Multi-sector collaboration in initiating programs and interventions to improve women’s empowerment, increase educational attainment and reduction of gender based violence should be a priority for the health planners

Valorization of waste biomass to biofuels for power production and transportation in optimized way: a comprehensive review.

Fossil fuels are primary sources for energy production. Increased dependence on fossil fuels has resulted in increased environmental issues demanding alternative sources. Bioenergy is becoming a popular alternative energy source due to its positive environmental impact and the availability of renewable sources. However, the availability of renewable energy sources in the energy sector currently contributes to about 14%. Biofuels are preferred due to its sustainability, eco-friendly approach, and low-cost raw materials, making it an efficient technique for energy production. This article provides the fundamental and applied concepts for on conversion processes of biomass to biofuels, such as combustion, pyrolysis, fermentation, gasification, and anaerobic digestion along with their role in the green economy. Different physical characteristics of biomass resources are important and contribute to determining their potential for producing biofuels. Herein, LCA, its techno-economic importance, and the role of biomass in green economy are explained. Varying compositions and properties of different types of biomass resources, including lignocellulosic feedstocks, agriculture and forest residue, municipal solid waste, food waste, and animal manure as potential biomass resources, have been discussed. The article explains the strengths and weaknesses of different thermochemical conversion techniques and their current input toward scalar applications and commercialization

Prevalence and risk factors associated with human Intestinal Parasitic Infections (IPIs) in rural and urban areas of Quetta, Pakistan

Abstract Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are endemic worldwide and more prevalent in countries with unhygienic conditions. The objective of the research was to identify the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in rural and urban areas of Quetta, Balochistan and to check their associated risk factors including; age, gender, educational status, sanitary system and any other immunodeficiency. For this instance 204 stool samples were collected from the urban and rural population of Quetta, Balochistan. The participants with positive results for Intestinal Parasitic Infections were interviewed using close-ended questionnaire. From the findings of this study, it has been revealed that prevalence of Intestinal parasitic infections in rural and urban areas was 21%. Males were found more prevalent (66%) as compared to females (34%) due to higher risk of contacting to outer environment. The prevalence was higher in rural areas (23%). The most prevalent intestinal parasite was Entamoeba histolytica (48%). Other prevailing parasites were Hymenolepis nana (26%), Giardia Intestinalis (17%), Trichomonas hominis (5%) and Trichuris trichiura (5%). The majority of patients were having lower socio-economic (52%) and educational status (48%). Educational status of 48% patients was primary or below primary. Most of the participants with positive results did not have hand washing habit (62%) and didn’t have the closed sanitary system (71%). The intestinal parasitic infections were more prevalent among children aged from 1-10 (33%). This may be a result of poor hygiene in children. The study will contribute to lower down the prevalence in the studied areas by the application of different preventive measures in future

Prevalence of Marital Conflicts among Women Diagnosed with Postpartum Depression

The present research was on the prevalence of marital conflicts among women having postpartum depression and from general population. The sample was of 100 women, including 50 women having postpartum depression and 50 from general population. The data was collected after one week of child birth. The hypothesis was “the marital conflicts will be higher in women with postpartum depression than women from general population”. The hypothesis was tested by using chi-square test, highly significant results revealed that postpartum depression negatively effect the marital relation. Similarly, women with postpartum depression revealed difficulty in understanding themselves and they blamed themselves comparing them with women without postpartum depression. Women with postpartum depression blamed themselves when things went wrong and created troubles for themselves

Enhancing the catalytic activity of eggshell-derived CaO catalyst and its application in biodiesel production from waste chicken fat.

The comparatively greater cost of producing biodiesel in comparison to petroleum diesel is one of the key drawbacks. Eggshells and leftover chicken fat are examples of poultry wastes that can be used to produce biodiesel at a low cost as catalysts and oil, respectively. In this study, eggshell-derived CaO and its doping with sodium methoxide catalyst for enhancing catalytic activity was synthesized for the transesterification of waste chicken fat and characterized by FT-IR and XRD analyses. XRD studies confirmed the crystalline structure of the developed catalyst and doping of sodium with eggshell-derived CaO. The transesterification reaction was performed at different reaction parameters such as the catalyst loading, the methanol to oil ratio, the reaction temperature, and the reaction time. The biodiesel produced at the maximum yield was evaluated by gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. A maximum yield of 96% biodiesel was obtained with catalyst loading of 2 wt% of oil, as well as a methanol to oil ratio of 13:1 at 60 °C in 1 h. The output demonstrates that eggshell waste is a potentially accessible source of biomass-derived nano catalyst for the synthesis of biodiesel using chicken fat as a feedstock

Feasibility and effectiveness of electronic vs. paper partograph on improving birth outcomes:A prospective crossover study design

BACKGROUND: The partograph has been endorsed by World Health Organization (WHO) since 1994 which presents an algorithm for assessing maternal and foetal conditions and labor progression. Monitoring labour with a partograph can reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes such as prolonged labor, emergency C-sections, birth asphyxia and stillbirths. However, partograph use is still very low, particularly in low and middle income countries (LMICs). In Bangladesh the reported partograph user rate varies from 1.4% to 33.0%. Recently, an electronic version of the partograph, with the provision of online data entry and user aid for emergency clinical support, has been tested successfully in different settings. With this proven evidence, we conducted and operations research to test the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing an e-partograph, for the first time, in 2 public hospitals in Bangladesh. METHODS: We followed a prospective crossover design. Two secondary level referral hospitals, Jessore and Kushtia District Hospital (DH) were the study sites. All pregnant women who delivered in the study hospitals were the study participants. All nurse-midwives working in the labor ward of study hospitals were trained on appropriate use of both types of partograph along with standard labour management guidelines. Collected quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS 23 statistical software. Discrete variables were expressed as percentages and presented as frequency distribution and cross tabulations. Chi square tests were employed to test the association between exposure and outcome variables. Potential confounding factors were adjusted using multivariate binary logistic regression methods. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board of the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b). FINDINGS: In total 2918 deliveries were conducted at Jessore DH and 2312 at Kushtia DH during one-year study period. Of them, 1012 (506 in each facility) deliveries were monitored using partograph (paper or electronic). The trends of facility based C-section rates was downwards in both the hospitals; 43% to 37% in Jessore and from 36% to 25% in Kushtia Hospital. There was a significant reduction of prolonged labour with e-partograph use. In Kushtia DH, the prolonged labour rate was 42% during phase 1 with the paper version which came down to 29% during phase-2 with the e-partograph use. The similar result was observed in Jessore DH where the prolonged labour rate reduced to 7% with paper partograph from the reported 30% prolonged labour with e-partograph. The e-partograph user rate was higher than the paper partograph during both phases (phase 1: 3.31, CI: 2.04-5.38, p < .001 and in phase 2: 15.20 CI: 6.36-36.33, p < .001) after adjusting for maternal age, parity, gestational age, religion, mother's education, husband's education, and fetal sex. CONCLUSION: The partograph user rate has significantly improved with the e- partograph and was associated with an overall reduction in cesarean births. Use of the e-partograph was also associated with reduced rates of prolonged labour. This study has added to the growing body of evidence on the positive impact of e-partograph use. We recommend implementing e-partograph intervention at scale in both public and private hospitals in Bangladesh. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03509103

Carbon nanotubes incorporated Z-scheme assembly of AgBr/TiO2 for photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light irradiations

Photocatalytic H2 production is a promising strategy toward green energy and alternative to carbon-based fuels which are the root cause of global warming and pollution. In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) incorporated Z-scheme assembly of AgBr/TiO2 was developed for photocatalytic H2 production under visible light irradiations. Synthesized photocatalysts were characterized through transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), photoluminescence spectra (PL), Brunauer Emmet-Teller(BET), and UV-vis spectroscopy analysis techniques. The composite photocatalysts exhibited a H2 production of 477 ppm which was three-folds higher than that produced by TiO2. The good performance was attributed to the strong interaction of three components and the reduced charge recombination, which was 89 and 56.3 times lower than the TiO2 and AgBr/TiO2. Furthermore, the role of surface acidic and basic groups was assessed and the photocatalytic results demonstrated the importance of surface functional groups. In addition, the composites exhibited stability and reusability for five consecutive cycles of reaction. Thus, improved performance of the photocatalyst was credited to the CNTs as an electron mediator, surface functional groups, higher surface area, enhanced charge separation and extended visible light absorption edge. This work provides new development of Z-scheme photocatalysts for sustainable H2 production