Cochin University of Science and Technology

About: Cochin University of Science and Technology is a education organization based out in Kochi, Kerala, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Thin film & Natural rubber. The organization has 5382 authors who have published 7690 publications receiving 103827 citations. The organization is also known as: CUSAT & Cochin University.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with malignancies

Abstract: Little attention has been given to ARDS in cancer patients, despite their high risk for pulmonary complications. We sought to describe outcomes in cancer patients with ARDS meeting the Berlin definition. Data from a cohort of patients admitted to 14 ICUs between 1990 and 2011 were used for a multivariable analysis of risk factors for hospital mortality. Of 1,004 included patients (86 % with hematological malignancies and 14 % with solid tumors), 444 (44.2 %) had neutropenia. Admission SOFA score was 12 (10–13). Etiological categories were primary infection-related ARDS (n = 662, 65.9 %; 385 bacterial infections, 213 invasive aspergillosis, 64 Pneumocystis pneumonia); extrapulmonary septic shock-related ARDS (n = 225, 22.4 %; 33 % candidemia); noninfectious ARDS (n = 76, 7.6 %); and undetermined cause (n = 41, 4.1 %). Of 387 (38.6 %) patients given noninvasive ventilation (NIV), 276 (71 %) subsequently required endotracheal ventilation. Hospital mortality was 64 % overall. According to the Berlin definition, 252 (25.1 %) patients had mild, 426 (42.4 %) moderate and 326 (32.5 %) severe ARDS; mortality was 59, 63 and 68.5 %, respectively (p = 0.06). Mortality dropped from 89 % in 1990–1995 to 52 % in 2006–2011 (p < 0.0001). Solid tumors, primary ARDS, and later admission period were associated with lower mortality. Risk factors for higher mortality were allogeneic bone-marrow transplantation, modified SOFA, NIV failure, severe ARDS, and invasive fungal infection. In cancer patients, 90 % of ARDS cases are infection-related, including one-third due to invasive fungal infections. Mortality has decreased over time. NIV failure is associated with increased mortality. The high mortality associated with invasive fungal infections warrants specific studies of early treatment strategies.

Surface properties and catalytic activity of ferrospinels of nickel, cobalt and copper, prepared by soft chemical methods

Abstract: Ferrospinels of nickel, cobalt and copper and their sulphated analogues were prepared by the room temperature coprecipitation route to yield samples with high surface areas. The intrinsic acidity among the ferrites was found to decrease in the order: cobalt>nickel>copper. Sulphation caused an increase in the number of weak and medium strong acid sites, whereas the strong acid sites were left unaffected. Electron donor studies revealed that copper ferrite has both the highest proportion of strong sites and the lowest proportion of weak basic sites. All the ferrite samples proved to be good catalysts for the benzoylation of toluene with benzoyl chloride, copper and cobalt ferrites being much more active than nickel ferrite. The catalytic activity for benzoylation was not much influenced by sulphation, but it increased remarkably with calcination temperature of the catalyst. Surface Lewis acid sites, provided by the octahedral cations on the spinel surface, are suggested to be responsible for the catalytic activity for the benzoylation reaction.

Strength and durability of concrete containing recycled concrete aggregates

Abstract: Recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) sourced from waste concrete are a sustainable alternative to natural crushed stone aggregates. The strength and durability properties of concrete containing RCA were evaluated by a comprehensive experimental investigation involving nine control mixes. The variables considered in the experimental study are water cement ratio, cement content in concrete and percentage replacement of coarse aggregate. The strength properties such as compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength are studied. Durability properties such as water absorption, sorptivity, acid attack resistance and chloride permeability are also determined. The test results showed that up to 25% of natural crushed stone aggregates in concrete may be replaced with RCA, without significantly affecting the strength of concrete and that the partial replacement of natural aggregates with RCA can be recommended in areas of moderate exposure conditions. Mathematical models developed in the study can be used for the a priori prediction of the strength parameters of RCA concrete. A mix design methodology using the developed models is proposed to aid practicing engineers to determine the mix proportions of RCA concrete.