One-Pot Synthesis of Benzoxanthenes in Solvent Free Condition using Chloroaluminate Ionic Liquids as Catalyst

A mild and efficient method has been developed for the preparation of 14-aryl-14H dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes from one-pot condensation of aldehydes with β-naphthol using catalytic amount of Chloroaluminate ionic liquid (imidazolium chloride·3AlCl3 or pyridiniumchloride·3AlCl3) under thermal solvent-free conditions. Excellent yields, short reaction times, easy workup and reusability of the catalyst as well as solvent free conditions are advantages of this procedure

Synthesis and analysis of separation processes for extracellular chemicals generated from microbial conversions

Recent advances in metabolic engineering have enabled the production of chemicals via bio-conversion using microbes. However, downstream separation accounts for 60–80% of the total production cost in many cases. Previous work on microbial production of extracellular chemicals has been mainly restricted to microbiology, biochemistry, metabolomics, or techno-economic analysis for specific product examples such as succinic acid, xanthan gum, lycopene, etc. In these studies, microbial production and separation technologies were selected apriori without considering any competing alternatives. However, technology selection in downstream separation and purification processes can have a major impact on the overall costs, product recovery, and purity. To this end, we apply a superstructure optimization based framework that enables the identification of critical technologies and their associated parameters in the synthesis and analysis of separation processes for extracellular chemicals generated from microbial conversions. We divide extracellular chemicals into three categories based on their physical properties, such as water solubility, physical state, relative density, volatility, etc. We analyze three major extracellular product categories (insoluble light, insoluble heavy and soluble) in detail and provide suggestions for additional product categories through extension of our analysis framework. The proposed analysis and results provide significant insights for technology selection and enable streamlined decision making when faced with any microbial product that is released extracellularly. The parameter variability analysis for the product as well as the associated technologies and comparison with novel alternatives is a key feature which forms the basis for designing better bioseparation strategies that have potential for commercial scalability and can compete with traditional chemical production methods

Maternal and perinatal outcome in abruption placenta in tertiary care center: a record based case series study

Background: Abruptio placenta is premature separation of the normally implanted placenta before delivery. It is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and neonatal morbidity and mortality, more so because of the difficulty to predict the acute event. It occurs in approximately one in 80 deliveries and remains a significant cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Objective of the study was to study maternal and perinatal outcome in cases of abruption. Methods: 42 cases of pregnant women who presented with abruption placenta to HSK hospital and Research Centre, S. Nijalingappa Medical College, a tertiary care centre at Bagalkot, from January 2022 to December 2022. Maternal and perinatal characteristics were retrieved from the case papers. Results: Among 42 cases of abruption 70% delivered vaginally and 30% underwent caesarean section. 84% had preterm delivery. 66% were still born. 21% were case of severe anaemia and required blood transfusion. 1 had maternal mortality. Conclusions: The availability of advanced emergency obstetric care across greater number of referral hospitals has been responsible for decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with many obstetric conditions. However, the challenge with abruptio placenta is the difficulty of predicting this condition, and hence appropriate management. As of now, early referral to tertiary care centres, better availability of blood and blood products and early interventions have the potential to limit adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Research regarding predictors of placental abruption can help in improving maternal and perinatal outcome.

Coexistence of Pulmonary Thromboembolism, Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A flimsy triple dribble

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare autoimmune disease with multi‐system involvement. It involves the upper respiratory tract, lungs and kidneys. A 36-year-old female patient presented with complaints of low-grade fever, dry cough and loss of appetite initially followed by dyspnea, purpuric skin lesions, right lower limb swelling with pain and redness. Her chest radiograph revealed right upper lobe cavitary lesion with consolidation in right lower lobe. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in sputum and Broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) via Cartridge based nucleic acid amplification assay (CB-NAAT). Later, Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) revealed bilateral pulmonary artery thromboembolism. Furthermore, her C-ANCA was positive, serum creatinine was rising, urine microscopy had red cell casts and lower limb venous doppler revealed DVT. Histopathological examination of the skin lesion revealed vasculitis. Based on the above findings, diagnosis of GPA was comfortably made. Patient improved with pulse steroids, cyclophosphamide, anticoagulants and anti-tuberculous therapy (ATT). Keywords: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Pulmonary thrombo-embolism, deep venous thrombosis, vasculitis, c-ANCA

Treatment of Pseudo Class III Malocclusion with Multiple Loop Protraction Utility Arch

Pseudo Class III malocclusion has been characterized by an anterior crossbite in the presence of a forward mandibular displacement. There are various methods to correct pseudo Class III malocclusion, e.g., Inclined planes, reverse stainless steel crown, bonded composite resin slopes, tongue blade, the removable appliance with auxiliary springs, and maxillary lingual arch with finger springs. In this article, we are presenting a case of pseudo Class III malocclusion treated with multiple loop protraction utility arch. Patient had functional mandibular anterior deviation resulting into traumatic anterior cross bite and concave profile. We fabricated multiple loop arch wire (0.016”×0.022” blue elgiloy) which was activated at four 90° bends without disturbing other segments of the arch

Stakeholder perspectives of street works management in England

It is widely recognised that street works are disruptive, have high social costs and are deleterious to highway structures. Notwithstanding this, utility works are critical so that society can enjoy the amenities of a modern world. In striking this balance, this study investigates the policy landscape of street works management in England to gain an insight into stakeholder perspectives of the industry. Semi-structured interviews with industry stakeholders have helped to identify the complexity of the industry and revealed that a number of issues compromise effective street works management. Principal problems include Street Authorities failing to take enough ownership of the coordination process, highway legislation not encouraging joint working due to inherent challenges arising from reinstatement guarantees, and entrenched attitudes and adversarial practices in the construction industry encouraging silo working. Key recommendations include amending highway legislation to support and recognise multi-agency working and Street Authorities undertaking reinstatements on behalf of undertakers to help reduce fragmentation and discharge undertakers of onerous guarantees which contribute to silo working

Process mapping for road works planning and coordination

Purpose Diminishing local government budgets and the need to reduce highway works activities necessitate cost effective and efficient processes. This paper investigates streamlining road works administrative processes to enhance coordinated working at Derby City Council. Design/methodology/approach Case study research of a local authority was undertaken using Business Process Mapping. Specifically, Swimlane analysis enabled re-engineering of business processes from design stage, to works permit issuance. Process improvement recommendations were validated by nine industry experts through a focus group and semi-structured interviews. A logic map was developed for transferability to other Councils, identifying key attributes for a successful administrative road works management process. Findings Research revealed inherent silo working and processes built around fragmented IT systems creating process inefficiency. Validation found numerous practices and management styles were culturally embedded and common across Councils. Peer reviewed recommendations are made to improve working practices, including improving IT systems, removing process bottlenecks, and training staff. Research implications Whilst road works management policy is generally under-researched, it’s strategic and negative impacts are widely acknowledged. This study highlights the day-to-day operational problems which are interconnected to the strategic impact, bridging an important gap in knowledge, as well as adding to Business Process Re-engineering literature. Originality/novelty The research adds to a limited of body of road works management policy research, and also presents a high-level logic map for Councils to adopt as appropriate

Evaluating the road works and street works management permit scheme in Derby, UK

Road works (highway works) and street works (utility works) activities are vital for society to travel, enjoy amenities, and to access essential services such as water, electricity, gas and telecommunications. However, road works and street works can be disruptive, inconvenient and have high social costs. The Permit scheme is a relatively new management regime which seeks to reduce the disruption caused by highway excavations by giving English Street Authorities greater control of works in their areas. The Derby Permit scheme commenced on October 2013. This research aims to understand whether the adoption of the Permit scheme has resulted in any change to the city’s road works and street works landscape. A time series model using an intervention variable was run. 61 months of average works duration data was analysed along with several independent variables including daylight hours, economic activity and precipitation. The results showed that the Permit scheme had a positive effect on Derby by reducing the overall average duration of works by a third of a day. This is a 10% reduction overall, being equal to 8434 days per year, and in monetary terms equivalent to saving £769,048/$1,179,777 in societal costs per annum. This research is significant as it provides impact information for policy makers and practitioners on a relatively new type of scheme, and it is original, in that this is the first time that an intervention analysis approach has been applied to this area of public policy

Street work policy in England, UK: insights from stakeholders

Road works and street works can be highly disruptive, expensive and deleterious to highway structures and infrastructure planning, yet these activities must take place if modern societies are to continue to function. In helping to strike this balance, this study investigates the public policy landscape of highway excavation management in England. Semi-structured interviews with industry stakeholders highlighted the complexity of the industry and revealed that a number of issues compromise effective management. Principal problems included Street Authorities failing to take enough ownership of the coordination process, highway legislation not encouraging joint working due to inherent challenges arising from reinstatement guarantees, and entrenched attitudes and adversarial practices in the construction industry encouraging silo working. Key recommendations include amending highway legislation to support and recognise multi-agency working and Street Authorities undertaking reinstatements on behalf of undertakers, thus helping to reduce fragmentation and discharge undertakers of onerous guarantees which contribute to silo working

Design of solvent-assisted plastics recycling: Integrated economics and environmental impacts analysis

In 2018, the United States generated over 35. 7 million tons of plastic waste, with only 8.4% being recycled and the other 91.6% incinerated or disposed of in a landfill. The continued growth of the polymer market has raised concerns over the end of life of plastics. Currently, the waste management system is faced with issues of inefficient sorting methods and low-efficiency recycling methods when it comes to plastics recycling. Mechanical recycling is the commonest recycling method but presents a lower-valued recycled material due to the material incompatibilities introduced via the inefficient sorting methods. Chemical recycling offers a promising alternative as it potentially allows for plastics to maintain their original properties. To that end, there is the need to investigate feasible chemical recycling methods to help mitigate the challenging problem posed by plastics at the end-of-life stage. This work proposes a conceptual solvent-assisted plastics recycling framework based on a superstructure optimization approach. This framework is evaluated using a representative case study to recover Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). In this case study, it is found that polymer recovery is both economically and environmentally favorable when compared to traditional methods of disposal such as incineration