Emissions and Furnace Gas Temperature for Electricity Generation via Co-firing of Coal and Biomass

The emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen and sulphur oxides for electricity generation with coal and biomass co-firing are investigated and the furnace gas temperature assessed. The study uses simulation and considers fuel combinations based on two coals (bituminous coal, lignite) and four types of biomass (rice husk, sawdust, chicken litter, refused derived fuel). With increasing biomass, net CO2 emissions are seen to decline significantly for all types of selected biomass, while gross carbon dioxide emissions increase for all blends except bituminous coal/refuse derived fuel, lignite/chicken litter and lignite/refuse derived fuel. The reductions in emissions of nitrogen and sulphur oxides are dependent on the contents of nitrogen and sulphur in the biomass. The results also show for all fuel combinations that increasing the biomass proportion decreases the furnace exit gas temperature

Enteric coating of ibuprofen tablets (200 mg) using an aqueous dispersion system

Ibuprofen is a propionic acid derivative that belongs to the class NSAIDs. Major adverse reactions associated with Ibuprofen are related to GIT and include peptic and mucosal ulcers, dyspepsia, severe gastric pain and bleeding, that results in excessive treatment failure. The goal of this study was to develop enteric coated ibuprofen tablets in order to avoid gastric mucosal irritation, diffusion of drug across mucosal lining and to let active ingredient be absorbed easily in small intestine. The formulation was developed and manufactured through the direct compression process, the simplest, easiest and most economical method of manufacturing. Enteric coating was done using an Opadry white subcoating and an aqueous coating dispersion of Acryl-Eze. Enteric coated formulation was subjected to disintegration and dissolution tests by placing in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid for 2 h and then 1 h in phosphate buffer with a pH of 6.8. About 0.04% of drug was released in the acidic phase and 99.05% in the basic medium. These results reflect that ibuprofen can be successfully enteric coated in order to prevent its release in the stomach and facilitate rapid release of the drug in the duodenum, due to the presence of superdisintegrant. Formulating this enteric coated tablets could increase patient compliance by decreasing adverse drug reactions (ADR S) associated with Ibuprofen therapy.Ibuprofeno é um derivado do ácido propiônico, que pertence à classe dos fármacos não-esteróides (AINES). As principais reações adversas associadas com o ibuprofeno se referem àquelas do trato gastrintestinal (TGI), como úlceras pépticas e da mucosa, dispepsia, dor gástrica grave e sangramento, que resultam em muitas falhas de tratamento. O objetivo do estudo foi desenvolver comprimidos revestidos de ibuprofeno que impeçam a irritação da mucosa gástrica, difusão do fármaco através da mucosa e permitam, facilmente, a absorção do princípio ativo do intestino delgado. A formulação foi desenvolvida e manufaturada por meio de processo de compressão direta, método mais simples e econômico de preparação. O revestimento entérico foi efetuado utilizando-se subrevestimento com Opadry branco e revestimento por dispersão aquosa de Acryl-Eze. A formulação de revestimento para liberação entérica foi submetida a testes de desintegração e de dissolução, em ácido clorídrico 0,1 M, por 2 h, e, então, a h, em tampão fosfato pH 6,8. Cerca de 0,04% do fármaco foi liberado na fase ácida e 99,05%, no meio básico. Estes resultados refletem o fato de que o ibuprofeno pode ser revestido com sucesso, a fim de impedir sua liberação no estômago e facilitar a rápida liberação do fármaco no duodeno, devido à presença de superdesintegrante. A formulação de tais comprimidos aumentaria a adesão do paciente pela diminuição das reações adversas (RAs), associadas à terapia com ibuprofeno

Knowledge about osteoporosis among healthy women attending a tertiary care hospital

INTRODUCTION: To determinate the knowledge on osteoporosis-risk factors and disease in three age groups of Pakistani women.METHODS: In this exploratory cross-sectional study, an osteoporosis knowledge assessment questionnaire (OKAT) was used to collect data and it was delivered through a face-to-face interview. Questions were asked about symptoms of osteoporosis, knowledge of risk factors, preventive factors and treatment. A convenience sample (n =320) comprising of three groups of healthy women aged 25-35 years, 36-45 years, and over 45 years was taken. The scoring range was 0 to 20. Among-group comparisions of means were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. To determine the overall influence of osteoporosis-risk factors, the multivariate analysis was used.RESULTS: The knowledge on osteoporosis in younger women was very poor compared to relatively older females. However, women belonging to higher socioeconomic status and better education had slightly more knowledge about osteoporosis compared to those with a low education level, regardless of age.CONCLUSION: The majority of women had modest knowledge on osteoporosis. Younger women were at increased risk for low bone mass and premature osteoporosis

New fixed point theorems for orthogonal FmF_m-contractions in incomplete mm-metric spaces

In this paper, we introduce the concept of orthogonal $m$-metric spaces and by using $F_m$-contraction in orthogonal $m$-metric spaces, we give the concept of orthogonal $F_m$-contraction (briefly, $\bot_{F_m}$-contraction) and investigate fixed point results for such mappings. Many existing results in the literature appear to be special case of results proved in this paper. An example to support our main results is also mentioned

Square Root Extended Kernel Recursive Least Squares Algorithm for Nonlinear Channel Equalization

Abstract: This study presents a square root version of extended kernel recursive least square algorithm. Basically main idea is to overcome the divergence phenomena arise in the computation of weights of the extended kernel recursive least squares algorithm. Numerically stable givens orthogonal transformations are used to obtain the next iteration of the algorithm. The usefulness of the proposed algorithm is illustrated by discussing its application on the nonlinear multipath fading channel equalization based on Rayleigh distribution. Experiments are performed on slow fading Rayleigh channel with scattered signals

Outbreak of dengue fever in Karachi 2006: a clinical perspective

OBJECTIVE: This study reports clinical manifestations and spectrum of severity of dengue fever (DF), dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) in adult patients admitted during 2006 outbreak in Karachi. A rough estimation of cost of care was also calculated. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi from January to December 2006. Patients suspected of having DF with positive dengue IgM antibodies were included and records were reviewed. Patients were divided into DF, DHF and DSS as per WHO classification, and the severity of clinical manifestations was determined. RESULTS: A total of 278 (65.72%) of 423 patients admitted with suspected dengue illness had positive IgM titer. Mean age was 31 +/- 12.9 years, with 168 (60%) males and 110 (40%) females. Common presenting symptoms were fever (100%), vomiting (78%), epigastric pain (52%), bleeding tendencies (34%), and erythematous rash (33%). Thrombocytopenia (60%), Leucopenia (45%), elevated transaminases (ALT 71%; AST 88%), and deranged PT (22%) and aPTT (75%) were the predominant. Laboratory parameters: DF was diagnosed in 169 (61%) patients, 82 (29%) were classified as DHF, and 27 (10%) as DSS. Patients with DHF/DSS were younger (n=60, 55%) and had longer hospital stay (p=0.001). Case fatality rate for DHF/DSS group was 4.6%. CONCLUSION: It was estimated that endemicity of DF is on the rise in Karachi and a significant proportion of patients had DHF and DSS. Younger patients develop DHF and DSS and have high case fatality rate

Clinical characteristics and predictors of positive stool culture in adult patients with acute gastroenteritis

OBJECTIVE: To identify the presenting features and spectrum of pathogens in adult patients with acute diarrhoea and to determine the predictors of stool culture positivity. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006. Medical records of all consecutive adult patients with history of acute diarrhoea were reviewed between June 2006 to December 2006 for clinical characteristics and laboratory investigations. RESULTS: A total of 454 patients were admitted from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006. Stool cultures were performed in 233 (50%) patients, 96 (42%) had positive results. Patients with positive stool culture compared to a negative Culture were found to have a younger mean age (43 vs. 53), greater number of unformed stools (16 vs. 11) and low serum bicarbonate level (16 vs. 20). Vibrio cholerae (86%) was found to be the most prevalent organism followed by Salmonella spp (6%), Campylobacter spp (5.2%), Shigella spp (2%). Ciprofloxacin was given to 97% patients along with fluid administration, and 78% were found to be resistant to quinolones. Most patients recovered before the finalized stool culture results. CONCLUSION: Careful selection of the patients based on their clinical presentation and initial laboratory work up can help to decide ordering of stool culture in adults with diarrhoea. Fluid resuscitation remains the main stay of treatment

Inventory Management and Its Effects on Customer Satisfaction

This study examines how inventory management puts positive impact on customer satisfaction and how easily we can check the performance. It also helps retailers to put their inventories in proper order which tells them about demand and supply of their inventories. Proper inventory management system reduces the risk of short of inventories which reduce the cost of lost customers. The objective of the study is to minimize the risk of dissatisfaction of customers and found how to sustain customer satisfaction with the help of proper inventories system. This paper also outlines significant relationship between Customer needs, Quality with variable of prime interest. Poor association has been found between performance and customer satisfaction

Drug overdose: a wake up call! Experience at a tertiary care centre in Karachi, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE: To study the characteristics of patients admitted with drug overdose caused either by accidental overdose of the prescribed medications or as an act of deliberate self harm (DSH) at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.METHODS: A retrospective case series review was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital from January 2002 to October 2006. Three hundred and twenty four adult patients admitted with drug overdose were included in the study.RESULTS: Our sample group revealed mean age of 36.2 +/- 17.0 years, more females (59%), housewives (34%), and students (20%). Fifty six percent of patients committing DSH were married (p = 0.001), 81% needed in-patient psychiatric services (p = 0.016) of whom a significantly high number (38%) refused it. Domestic and social issues were rated highest among DSH group (p = 0.003), depression among females was common (p = 0.028) and Benzodiazepines (41%) was the most frequently used drug (p = 0.021). Sub-group analysis of accidental overdoses revealed mean age of 45.6 +/- 19.6 years, single (75.4%) and males (54.1%). Drugs used were mainly Benzodiazepines (18%) followed by Opioids (11%), Antiepileptics (10%) and Warfarin (10%).CONCLUSION: Our study showed that depressed housewives are at greater risk for DSH. Domestic and social issues were rated highest and Benzodiazepines were the most commonly used agents. Most of our patients refused inpatient psychiatric treatment leading us to believe that general awareness of psychiatric illnesses is imperative in our community. High number of accidental overdoses is alarming in older, single males convincing us to believe that existing pharmacy system needs further evaluation and modification