Multi-objective optimization of venturi scrubbers using a three-dimensional model for collection efficiency

Multi-objective optimization of a venturi scrubber was carried out using a three-dimensional model for collection efficiency and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA). Two objective functions, namely (a) maximization of the overall collection efficiency, and (b) minimization of the pressure drop were used in this study. Three decision variables including two operating parameters, viz liquid-gas ratio and gas velocity in the throat, and the nozzle configuration, which takes into account the three-dimensional nature of the problem, were used in the optimization. Optimal design curves (non-dominated Pareto sets) and the values of the decision variables corresponding to optimum conditions on the Pareto set for a pilot-scale scrubber were obtained. The liquid to gas (L/G) ratio, which is a key decision variable that determines the uniformity of liquid distribution, and a staggered nozzle configuration can produce uniform liquid distribution in the scrubber. Multiple penetration using nozzles of two different sizes in a triangular staggered arrangement can reduce liquid loading by as much as 50%, consequently reducing the pressure drop in the scrubber

Clinical characteristics and hospitalisation outcomes of hypoglycaemia in hospitalised patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background/Aim: Strict glycaemic control delays the onset as well the progression of diabetes related microvascular complications. The major roadblock in achieving the target glycated haemoglobin (HbA 1 c) and blood glucose levels is hypoglycaemia. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics and outcomes of hypoglycaemia in the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) hospitalised patients. Methods: This was an observational study done for nine months in T2DM patients who had documented hypoglycaemia (blood glucose < 70 mg/ dL) during the hospital stay. T2DM patients with hypoglycaemia on admission , hypoglycaemia due to anti-diabetic drug overdose, intensive care unit (ICU) patients with hypoglycaemia were excluded from the study. Eligible patients were categorised into two groups as symptomatic and as-ymptomatic hypoglycaemia. Clinical features, risk factors, hospitalisation outcome were compared between the symptomatic and asymptomatic hypoglycaemia group. Results: Two hundred patients were enrolled in this study (n = 89, symptomatic group and n = 111, asymptomatic hypoglycaemia). Hypoglycaemic episode in past was significantly associated with symptomatic hypoglycaemic events during hospitalisation [34 (38.2 %) vs 27 (24.3 %)], p = 0.01. Admission blood glucose levels (mg/dL), HbA 1 c (%) were significantly higher in symptomatic hypoglycaemia group [(225.93 vs 178.72, p = 0.008), (8.55 ± 2.49 vs 7.72 ± 1.82, p = 0.007)], respectively. The blood glucose level during the hypoglycaemia episode was significantly higher in patients with asymptomatic hypoglycaemia group (56.38 ± 9.51 vs 44.22 ± 11.21 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Patients with HbA 1 c ≤ 6 % were significantly higher in asymptomatic hypoglycaemia (n = 12, 10.8 % vs n = 2, 2.24 %, p = 0.02). Majority recovered fully without complications and got discharged (n = 155, 77.5 %). Conclusion: In presented study, symptomatic hypoglycaemic patients had significantly higher admission blood glucose levels and HbA 1 c %. Patients with HbA 1 c < 6 % were significantly higher in asymptomatic group. Past history of hypoglycaemia was significantly associated with symptomatic hypoglycaemia during hospitalisation

Prediction of mortality and prioritisation to tertiary care using the ‘OUR-ARCad’ risk score gleaned from the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic—A retrospective cohort study from South India

Judicious utilisation of tertiary care facilities through appropriate risk stratification assumes priority, in a raging pandemic, of the nature of delta variant-predominated second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India. Prioritisation of tertiary care, through a scientifically validated risk score, would maximise recovery without compromising individual safety, but importantly without straining the health system

How are gender inequalities facing India’s one million ASHAs being addressed? Policy origins and adaptations for the world’s largest all-female community health worker programme

Background: India’s accredited social health activist (ASHA) programme consists of almost one million female community health workers (CHWs). Launched in 2005, there is now an ASHA in almost every village and across many urban centres who support health system linkages and provide basic health education and care. This paper examines how the programme is seeking to address gender inequalities facing ASHAs, from the programme's policy origins to recent adaptations. Methods: We reviewed all publically available government documents (n = 96) as well as published academic literature (n = 122) on the ASHA programme. We also drew from the embedded knowledge of this paper’s government-affiliated co-authors, triangulated with key informant interviews (n = 12). Data were analysed thematically through a gender lens. Results: Given that the initial impetus for the ASHA programme was to address reproductive and child health issues, policymakers viewed volunteer female health workers embedded in communities as best positioned to engage with beneficiaries. From these instrumentalist origins, where the programme was designed to meet health system demands, policy evolved to consider how the health system could better support ASHAs. Policy reforms included an increase in the number and regularity of incentivized tasks, social security measures, and government scholarships for higher education. Residential trainings were initiated to build empowering knowledge and facilitate ASHA solidarity. ASHAs were designated as secretaries of their village health committees, encouraging them to move beyond an all-female sphere and increasing their role in accountability initiatives. Measures to address gender based violence were also recently recommended. Despite these well-intended reforms and the positive gains realized, ongoing tensions and challenges related to their gendered social and employment status remain, requiring continued policy attention and adaptation

Radome development for Electronic Equipment Pod

This project deals with the development of a set of flight worthy radomes which form the parts of wing mounted store(pod). The various activities of this program are: design, analysis, fabrication, testing and certification. This set contains radomes of tangent ogive shapes and arbitrary complex geometries. Solid wall concept with E glass-epoxy composite material was selected which caters for limited frequency band Stress analyses of radomes subjected to flight loads were carried out by finite element technique. Fabrication was carried out by employing pressure bag moulding and vacuum bag moulding techniques. Structural tests were carried out to ensure that the radomes resist the flight loads in a satisfactory manner. These radomes were painted under controlled humidity and temperature conditions with special imported coatings which provide protection against rain erosion and static electricity. These radomes were subjected to six environmental tests as per MIL 810C and JSS. No physical damage and functional deterioration was noted after the environmental tests. Eight sets of four radomes were supplied to the sponsoring authority

Structural Testing of Radomes '3' and '4' Electronic Equipment Pod, Technical Report Part XI

Structural testing of radomes '3' and '4' was carried out to evaluate the design . Pressure loading on these radomes in the presence of wing was estimated through wind tunnel testing. Structural tests were carried out by subjecting the radomes to external and internal pressures. The radomes were mounted on to, a mock-up of metal capsule and trapeze unit. Metal capsule was simulated by a geometrically similar metal shell. Radome '3' was subjected to external pressure whereas radome '4' was subjected to internal pressure. Maximum deflections in radomes were within 0.5 mm