THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND CARBON DIOXIDE SOLUBILITY OF NOVEL ROOM TEMPERATURE IONIC LIQUIDS

In the present work, a novel series of 1-alkyl-3-propanenitrile imidazolium-based room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) ([C2CN Rim]+, where R = butyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, allyl, ethoxyl, benzyl, incorporating sulfonate-based anions (dioctylsulfosuccinate (DOSS), dodecylsulfate (DDS), sulfobenzoic acid (SBA), benzenesulfonate (BS) and triflouromethanesulfonate (TFMS)) were synthesized. Trialkylphosphonium-based monocationic and dicationic RTILs incorporating dioctylsulfosuccinate anion ([Pn,n,n,14][dioctylsulfosuccinate] where n = 6, 8 and [P8,8,8 Cy P8,8,8][dioctylsulfosuccinate] where y = 6, 10) were also synthesized. The molecular structures of the thirty four RTILs synthesized were confirmed using 1H and 13C NMR, FTIR and elemental analysis. The densities and viscosities of the present RTILs were measured at atmospheric pressure at T = 293.15 to 353.15 K, refractive index was measured at T = 293.15 to 333.15 K, whereas, the start and decomposition temperatures were determined at heating rate 10 Cmin-1. The thermal expansion coefficient, densities at range of temperatures and pressures, molecular volume, molar refraction, standard entropy and lattice energy of these RTILs were also estimated. The present RTILs showed lower densities, similar refractive indices and higher viscosities compared to the other imidazolium and phosphonium-based RTILs. The thermogravimetric results exhibited short-term thermal stability in the range between 470 to 670 K. These RTILs showed a weak temperature dependency on the thermal expansion coefficients, αp = 5.0 × 10−4 to 7.50 × 10−4 K-1. Empirical correlations were proposed to represent the present data on the physical properties. The densities of the present imidazolium-based RTILs are highest when paired with TFMS anion followed by SBA, BS and DDS anion. The lowest densities was observed with DOSS anion. The measured viscosities are higher for the RTILs with DOSS anion, while it was the lowest with TFMS anion. viii The solubility of CO2 in the synthesized RTILs was measured using gravimetric measurement technique (magnetic suspension balance) at T = 298 to 343 K and pressures P = 1 to 20 bar. The results showed that CO2 solubility is influenced by the alkyl chain, functional group and nature of the cation and anion. The solubility of CO2 increases with an increase in pressure and decreases with increasing temperature. The solubility of the present RTILs is described using the Henry‘s law constant along with some thermodynamic properties such as molar enthalpy, entropy and Gibb‘s free energy. The ILs with the DOSS anion has a considerably higher affinity for CO2 compared with the ILs incorporating DDS, TFMS, SBA and BS anions. The [C2CNDim]DOSS, [C2CNHeim]DOSS and [P8,8,8,14]DOSS ILs have a higher solubility capacity among the studied imidazolium-based nitrile functionalized ILs, imidazolium-based dual functionalized ILs and phosphonium-based ILs respectively. Moreover, [C2CNDim]DOSS IL shows the highest CO2 solubility. The magnitude of ΔH0 decreases from that for moderately strong acid-base bonds at 298 K to that for weak acid-base bonds at 343 K for [C2CNHeim]DOSS and [P8,8,8,14]DOSS ILs while [C2CNDim]DOSS shows a very small decrease. [C2CNHeim]DOSS shows greater IL/CO2 interactions compare to [C2CNDim]DOSS and [P8,8,8,14]DOSS but the effect of temperature on this interaction was lower for [C2CNDim]DOSS. There was a considerable increase in CO2/CH4 solubility selectivity relative to the corresponding non functionalized imidazolium-based ILs. The highest selectivity obtained with non functionalized ILs ([APMim]BF4) is around 47 while for the nitrile functionalized IL ([C2CNDim]DOSS) is 82.7. The CO2/CH4 selectivity for the nitrile functionalized IL ([C2CNDim]DOSS was approximately four times higher than that of the [bmim]BF4,[emim]NTf2 and Sulfolane. Moreover, the recyclability studies indicated that the CO2 solubility capacity of the studied IL could be maintained for several cycles

Adsorption energetics of benzene vapors on activated adsorbent based on glycyrrhiza glabra root extract residues

Glycyrrhiza glabra root plant is mainly used in the pharmaceutical industry to obtain drugs. However, one of the important tasks is to obtain coal adsorbents with effective use of the remaining residues. We will have the opportunity to determine the full thermodynamic properties of the activated carbon adsorbent enriched with additional substances from the residues of the licorice root and to fully determine the adsorption properties of the obtained porous coal adsorbents using capillary and volumetric methods in a high-vacuum adsorption device and a high-sensitivity DAK 1-1 calorimetric apparatus. By determining the benzene adsorption isotherm, differential heat, entropy and equilibrium time of the obtained coal, the adsorption capacity of the new adsorbent, the location of the active centers, and the pore sizes can be described in detail

Health sector involvement in the management of female genital mutilation/cutting in 30 countries

Background: For the last decades, the international community has emphasised the importance of a multisectoral approach to tackle female genital mutilation (FGM/C). While considerable improvement concerning legislations and community involvement is reported, little is known about the involvement of the health sector. Method: A mixed methods approach was employed to map the involvement of the health sector in the management of FGM/C both in countries where FGM/C is a traditional practice (countries of origin), and countries where FGM/C is practiced mainly by migrant populations (countries of migration). Data was collected in 2016 using a pilot-tested questionnaire from 30 countries (11 countries of origin and 19 countries of migration). In 2017, interviews were conducted to check for data accuracy and to request relevant explanations. Qualitative data was used to elucidate the quantitative data. Results: A total of 24 countries had a policy on FGM/C, of which 19 had assigned coordination bodies and 20 had partially or fully implemented the plans. Nevertheless, allocation of funding and incorporation of monitoring and evaluation systems was lacking in 11 and 13 of these countries respectively. The level of the health sectors' involvement varied considerably across and within countries. Systematic training of healthcare providers (HCP) was more prevalent in countries of origin, whereas involvement of HCP in the prevention of FGM/C was more prevalent in countries of migration. Most countries reported to forbid HCP from conducting FGM/C on both minors and adults, but not consistently forbidding re-infibulation. Availability of healthcare services for girls and women with FGM/C related complications also varied between countries dependent on the type of services. Deinfibulation was available in almost all countries, while clitoral reconstruction and psychological and sexual counselling were available predominantly in countries of migration and then in less than half the countries. Finally, systematic recording of FGM/C in medical records was completely lacking in countries of origin and very limited in countries of migration. Conclusion: Substantial progress has been made in the involvement of the health sector in both the treatment and prevention of FGM/C. Still, there are several areas in need for improvement, particularly monitoring and evaluatio

Cost of care for preterm babies in Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, East-central Uganda: A provider perspective

Introduction: Preterm birth and its complications are a major global health burden and significantly contribute to the under-five mortality in Uganda. This study aimed at identifying the morbidities suffered by preterm babies and the cost of preterm care to the provider in Jinja Referral Hospital. Methods: This was a one-year cost analysis of preterm care from August 2015 – July 2016. The study took on a micro-costing approach, through which medical and accounting records, were reviewed for 507 preterm babies that were seen over the year to determine morbidities of preterm infants and costs from the provider perspective. Analysis of findings was done using a Microsoft excel sheet. Costs were converted to US$for the annual exchange average rate of 2016. One-way sensitivity analysis was done to establish the impact of cost drivers on the total cost. Results: We found that the most prevalent morbidities among preterm babies were; neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, respiratory distress and neonatal septicaemia. The total annual cost of preterm care from the provider perspective was US$ 54,108 and the unit cost of care per preterm baby was US$ 107 at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. Cost drivers included; equipment, personnel and utility costs (water and electricity). Conclusion: The cost of preterm care is high and sub-optimal from a provider perspective. It is characterized by stockouts of drugs and supplies which are critical in the care that is required to boost the survival of preterm babies. Improving funding for preterm care may be helpful in enhancing preterm survival

Role of certain bioagents against Guava decline disease and in enhancement of the growth of guava trees

Biocontrol agents, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma harzianum were evaluated against fungi causing guava (Psidium guajava) decline disease caused by Botryodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani. Generally, our results showed high antagonistic effects of tested biocontrol agents against previous pathogens. T. harzianum isolates showed an average of 58% inhibition against all pathogens. T. harzianum T4 was the most prominent isolate in inhibiting the growth of guava pathogenic fungi. Based on the secretion of volatile substances, T4 had the most significant inhibition ability as compared to other Trichoderma isolates. By using B. subtilis, the radial growth of R. solani and F. oxysporum was significantly decreased as compared to B. theobromae. In case of P. fluorescens, the radial growth of R. solani was decreased more than B. theobromae followed by F. oxysporum. Different densities of T4 significantly decreased the disease severity and increased plant height, dry weight of shoots and roots and total pigments (chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoids) in guava trees in comparison with infected trees only. We concluded that the application of biocontrol agents decreased guava decline disease and improved the growth of guava trees

Tongue metastasis as an initial presentation of renal cell carcinoma: a case report and literature review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Primary tumour of the kidney metastasizing to the tongue is very unusual and only anecdotal cases have been reported. An exhaustive literature review covering the period from 1911 onwards disclosed 28 cases. Out of those, only 3 cases presented initially with tongue metastases before the diagnosis of primary renal cell carcinoma.</p> <p>The prognosis for patients with lingual metastasis of renal cell carcinoma is poor. Treatment of tongue metastasis is usually palliative and aims to provide patient comfort by means of pain relief and prevention of bleeding and infection. Surgical excision is recommended as the primary treatment with emphasis on preservation of tongue structure and function.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report a case of tongue metastasis as an initial presentation of renal cell carcinoma in a 78-year-old man. Initially thought to be primary tongue cancer but on review of his histopathology again, it was diagnosed to be a rare metastasis from kidney cancer.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Tongue metastasis from renal cell carcinoma is rare and its diagnosis is a challenge. The prognosis of patients with tongue metastasis is poor. Similar to the primary tumours of the tongue, metastatic lesions may be ulcerated or polypoid. Since the tongue is a rare metastatic site, when a lesion is detected, a thorough evaluation to distinguish between metastasis and primary cancer should be made as the management and prognosis vary.</p