Water In Various Forms Research Articles

Hydrovoltaic Effects from Mechanical-Electric Coupling at the Water-Solid Interface.

The natural water cycle on the Earth carries an enormous amount of energy as thirty-five percent of solar energy reaching the Earth's surface goes into water. However, only a very marginal part of the contained energy, mostly kinetic energy of large volume bulk water, is harvested by hydroelectric power plants. Natural processes in the water cycle, such as rainfall, water evaporation, and moisture adsorption, are widespread but have remained underexploited in the past due to the lack of appropriate technologies. In the past decade, the emergence of hydrovoltaic technology has provided ever-increasing opportunities to extend the technical capability for energy harvesting from the water cycle. Featuring electricity generation from mechanical-electric coupling at the water-solid interface, hydrovoltaic technology embraces almost all dynamic processes associated with water, including raining, waving, flowing, evaporating, and moisture adsorbing. This versatility in dealing with various forms of water and associated energy renders hydrovoltaic technology a solution for fossil fuel-caused environmental problems. Here, we review the current progress of hydrovoltaic energy harvesting from water motion, evaporation, and ambient moisture. Device configuration, energy conversion mechanism mediated by mechanical-electric coupling at various water-solid interfaces, as well as materials selection and functionalization are discussed. Useful strategies guided by established mechanisms for device optimization are then covered. Finally, we provide an outlook on this emerging field and outline the challenges of improving output performance toward potential practical applications.

Golub N.P., Golub E.O., Kozma A.A., Hlebena H.F., Mikhalchuk H.M., Kuznietsova A.O. SYNTHESIS AND RESEARCH OF A COMPLEX MANGANESE-NICKELPHOSPHATE CATALYTIC SYSTEM

Individual Mn2P2O7 and Ni3(PO4)2 phosphate catalysts were synthesized. A new synthesis technique was developed and a new complex catalytic system хMn2P2O7×yNi3(PO4)2 was obtained based on them (К-1 – К-7), which has the predicted physicochemical properties. The composition of these phosphates in the structure of the catalyst was varied in the range of 0,5 – 99,5 wt.%. It was established that the conditions of synthesis of catalysts significantly influence the process of forming the composition, structure, and corresponding physicochemical parameters of the synthesized catalysts. On the thermogram of the differential thermal analysis of an individual manganese-phosphate catalyst, three endo-effects at 148°С, 220°С and 353°С and one exo-effect at 460°С are observed. The thermogram of individual Ni3(PO4)2 shows two endo-effects at 210°С and 372°С and one exo-effect at 803°С. The synthesized double manganese-containing systems are characterized by a significant difference in DTA curves for samples K-1 - K-7. All obtained air-dry samples are crystal hydras with different numbers of water molecules. The structure of the obtained series of complex manganese-nickel phosphate catalysts contains various forms of water. The process of dehydration contributes to its separation from the structure of the samples and leads to the occurrence of characteristic endothermic effects. On all synthesized complex samples, the transition of manganese (II) orthophosphate to its pyrophosphate is observed when the final heat treatment temperature is reached. Firing samples of synthesized catalysts above 700oC leads to their complete dehydration with the formation of anhydrous salts. DTA results for all synthesized manganese-nickel phosphate samples are in good agreement with their X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and surface acidity results. They confirmed the correct choice of the modifying ion to improve the structure and physicochemical parameters of the manganese (II) phosphate catalyst. It can be predicted that the synthesized new complex oxide catalysts will show improved catalytic properties (activity and selectivity) in the processes of partial oxidation of n-alkanes into valuable products. The synthesized double manganese-containing systems are characterized by a significant difference in DTA curves for samples K-1 - K-7. All obtained air-dry samples are crystal hydras with different numbers of water molecules. The structure of the obtained series of complex manganese-nickel phosphate catalysts contains various forms of water. The process of dehydration contributes to its separation from the structure of the samples and leads to the occurrence of characteristic endothermic effects. On all synthesized complex samples, the transition of manganese (II) orthophosphate to its pyrophosphate is observed when the final heat treatment temperature is reached. Firing samples of synthesized catalysts above 700oC leads to their complete dehydration with the formation of anhydrous salts. DTA results for all synthesized manganese-nickel phosphate samples are in good agreement with their X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and surface acidity results. They confirmed the correct choice of the modifying ion to improve the structure and physicochemical parameters of the manganese (II) phosphate catalyst. It can be predicted that the synthesized new complex oxide catalysts will show improved catalytic properties (activity and selectivity) in the processes of partial oxidation of n-alkanes into valuable products.
 Keywords: catalysis; catalyst; catalytic systems; complex oxides; heterogeneous catalysis; phosphates; oxidation; n-alkanes; hydrocarbons; ethane; ethylene; differential thermal analysis.

Water And The Places It Collects

Biblical Hebrew has a rich vocabulary for clouds, rain, rivers, wadis, springs, wells, and cisterns, and this vocabulary indicates something of how ancient Israelites related to water. Water in all its forms was understood as a gift from God, especially when seasonal rain arrived according to expectation. Disruptions to the normal seasons were usually interpreted as a sign of judgment. By naming various forms of water and their divine origin, humans reveal their relationship with God and with water.

Multistage coupling water-enabled electric generator with customizable energy output

Constant water circulation between land, ocean and atmosphere contains great and sustainable energy, which has been successfully employed to generate electricity by the burgeoning water-enabled electric generator. However, water in various forms (e.g. liquid, moisture) is inevitably discharged after one-time use in current single-stage water-enabled electric generators, resulting in the huge waste of inherent energy within water circulation. Herein, a multistage coupling water-enabled electric generator is proposed, which utilizes the internal liquid flow and subsequently generated moisture to produce electricity synchronously, achieving a maximum output power density of ~92 mW m−2 (~11 W m−3). Furthermore, a distributary design for internal water in different forms enables the integration of water-flow-enabled and moisture-diffusion-enabled electricity generation layers into mc-WEG by a “flexible building blocks” strategy. Through a three-stage adjustment process encompassing size control, space optimization, and large-scale integration, the multistage coupling water-enabled electric generator realizes the customized electricity output for diverse electronics. Twenty-two units connected in series can deliver ~10 V and ~280 μA, which can directly lighten a table lamp for 30 min without aforehand capacitor charging. In addition, multistage coupling water-enabled electric generators exhibit excellent flexibility and environmental adaptability, providing a way for the development of water-enabled electric generators.

Developing Hydrotheology Concept in Islamic Perspective

Water is a vital tool in human life. This water intensity is indicated by the many verses of the Qur'an and the Prophet's hadith which talk about water in various forms and types. Based on verses and hadith that are spread in various letters and themes, it is necessary to formulate a new perspective on water. This article tries to formulate a view of Islamic theology about water with a focus on various aspects of the study of water conservation efforts for water resources. By using content analysis of Islamic source texts accompanied by thematic methods, it is found: First, the study of water in Islam includes three aspects 1) metaphysical, 2) humanistic, and 3) naturalistic; Second, there are three main principles in efforts to conserve Water Resources (SDA), namely: 1) Protection and Conservation; 2) Management and Empowerment; 3) Savings and Preservation.

A Review on Hydrotherapy Practices in Ancient India

Background: Water being one of the five great elements (pañcamahābhūta), is considered to be the medium of creation and maintenance of life. Hydrotherapy is the application of water in various forms, temperature on the body either internally or externally for the treatment of the diseases and maintenance of health. It has been observed that many of the practices are considered as a part of daily routine before it was developed into a separate treatment modality. Application of water was given utmost importance in Indian traditional texts like Rigveda, yajurveda, atharva veda, as well as caraka samhitä, çuçruta samhitä and añöäìgasangraha of äyurveda. The practice of hydrotherapy was a part of the all performances or rituals like yäga and yajïa. In this study we aim to elaborate the ancient Indian techniques for improving the body immunity through hydrotherapy as mentioned in traditional texts. The traditional references for hydrotherapy technique like bath, affusion, immersion, packs, irrigations, compresses, poultices, etc, in Indian tradition are searched and compiled. The key changes which can happen in the body due to these practices, which confirm the healthy condition is studied and the proper methodology for these procedures are listed as per the Indian texts with upgrading methods. We observed in this research that, although having a firm foundation of these behaviours listed in all classic books, they are not mandatory in our day-to-day actions.The modern life style has given more liberty to the people about these practices. Many historical methods have been seen to be unappealing or to fail to persuade others. In this regard we found many of the ready/ easy practices which can reach wider range of people, as an essential method to propagate and train for better living and protection of health to entire humankind.

Symbolism and metaphors of water in religious experience

Čedo Antolić, a respected singer-songwriter, born in 1951 in Zagreb, where he died in 2019, moves within the Catholic religious vocabulary, but has a distinctive metaphoric system. He emphasizes the frequent mention of water in various forms - such as a stream, river, sea, rain, drop - and within its typical theme of addressing God, and in that discusses issues of existential importance. The imagery of Čedo Antolić related to water is very rich, and some of its aspects are analyzed here, for example the analogy between water and light, as an attribute of God. The experience of water as a medium of purification is very important, which can be presented either as rain that falls, or as a stream or river that is entered, or as the sea through which one travels. Fruitful metaphor of the river develops as a way of life or the flow of time, which can be identified with a road or street. A number of metaphors thus reach allegory, so that life - like a river or a road - has a beginning, which purity we can try to return to, and it also has its end, as estuary or death, when the poet is meeting God at the end of his journey.God is both present and absent, he is both the goal and the companion; God is the touch of the supernatural in the existence, but existence also seeks to transcend life. Since faith is true elsewhere, and not yet realized in the present life, travel can also be understood as wandering, and water has negative connotations of something that consumes man or moves him away from communion with God. The street, which is actually a river, is at the same time a place of wandering for those who do not know God, as well as a place of prayer for one who knows him; it is both night and day - bright for those who are in that street, dark for those who do not know that path. The street - the river - is also the place where the poet sings, so the themes of water, life, religion and art are intertwined.

A Fiber Fluidic Nanogenerator Made from Aligned Carbon Nanotubes Composited with Transition Metal Oxide

Harvesting electricity from water has been recognized as an effective way to deal with the increasing energy shortage. The nanogenerators made from carbon nanomaterials have been widely studied to harvest energy from various forms of water. However, its electric generation is usually not sufficient for practical applications. Here, we develop a flexible fiber fluidic nanogenerator based on aligned carbon nanotube/transition metal oxide composite film. An open-circuit voltage of 0.31 V combined with an output power of 30 mW/m2 had been produced when the fluidic nanogenerator was inserted into saline solution. The output power is superior to the majority of previous hydroelectric generators based on carbon nanomaterials. A stable output voltage of 1.8 V could be further achieved by connecting fiber generators in series. The enhanced electricity generation after introduction of transition metal oxides is attributed to the intensified charge unbalance at the interfacial electric double layer between the carbon nanotube and aqueous solution, which provides a new way for creating high-performing hydroelectric generators.

Mechanisms and consequences of flooding of lubricating oils in transmissions of rod well pumping units

In ensuring the trouble-free and long-term operation of artificial lift facilities, an important role is played by the condition of lubricants and, in particular, oils. The operating conditions of sucker rod pumping units have their own characteristics - the equipment is operated daily and around the clock, its operation is characterized by temperature drops, humidity, significant and uneven loads, vibrations, high contact pressures, etc. there is a gradual accumulation of water in various forms: dissolved, in the form of an emulsion or in a free state. The presence of water is undoubtedly destructive; it naturally intensifies the aging process of lubricants and accelerates the wear of parts in friction pairs. On the basis of scientific papers, the mechanisms, patterns and consequences of the harmful effects of flooding of lubricating oils are analyzed, taking into account the specifics of the operating conditions of oilfield equipment. The regularities of changes in the state of the properties of oils, depending on the form of the presence of water in the lubricating medium: free, emulsified and dissolved, are separately considered and analyzed. The ways and mechanisms of flooding have been investigated and analyzed, which are conditionally divided into three groups: absorption of atmospheric moisture by oil components, condensation of atmospheric moisture on the inner surfaces of the gearbox and the mirror of the lubricant bath, and direct ingress of water into the gearbox due to technical imperfections and equipment defects. Particular attention is paid to the regularities of atmospheric moisture condensation, as the main path of flooding and the factors affecting the intensity of this process in the industrial operating conditions of the gearboxes of sucker rod pumping units. The main directions of the fight against flooding of both design and technical and organizational nature have been formulated.

Interpretation of the Role of Composition on the Inclusion Efficiency of Monovalent Cations into Cobalt Hexacyanoferrate.

Cobalt hexacyanoferrate of various compositions was prepared in flow mode and the role of the vacancy on the structure, thermogravimetric (TG) properties, and the adsorption efficiency was studied. The material, Nay Co[Fe(CN)6 ]1-x ⋅z H2 O, with a minimum vacancy of x=0.014 to the highest x=0.47, was obtained. The TG-differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) profile showed a distinct influence of the vacancy on the water release temperature. Materials with x>0.35 showed a smooth release of water at a relatively lower temperature. However, for the materials with x<0.35, water release took place in multiple steps, suggesting the existence of various forms of water. The FTIR profiles supported the existence of free and bonded water molecules. However, the materials with multiple water peaks in the FTIR spectra showed a shift of the major XRD peaks when heated at 285 °C in N2 atmosphere. Regarding the effect of the vacancy on the adsorption behavior, for NH4 , the adsorption was found to be proportional to the number of Na atoms in the material, confirming the ion-exchange process. On the contrary, the materials with low vacancy and high Na content showed nominal Cs adsorption capacity. Interestingly, the K adsorption capacity was found to be in between that of the other two ions. This means the ionic size decides the rate of placement into the interstitial sites. For larger ions like Cs, the ease of percolation via the vacancy decides the overall adsorption efficiency.

DIFFERENTIAL AND THERMAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX CATALYTIC SYSTEM OF TYPE хСrРО4уNi3(РО4)2

Individual phosphates of cobalt and nickel and seven new complex oxide catalytic systems based on chromium phosphate were synthesized by modifying it with ions of Nі2+ type xCrPO4´yNi3(PO4)2 with different content of both phosphates having acidic surface properties. The modern methods of analysis have studied the composition, structure and some physical and chemical parameters of all synthesized samples. The influence of the synthesis conditions on the nature of the formation of their structure and the corresponding physico-chemical and catalytic properties was studied with the help of differential-thermal analysis. It is established that for synthesized binary samples, various forms of water that are part of their composition are characteristic: adsorbed, structural, crystallization, constitutional, etc. Allocating them from the structure of catalysts in the process of heat treatment is accompanied by various effects and corresponding endo-effects. In this case, the kinetics of water thermosorption from the surface and from the volume of internal pores depends on the nature of the interaction between the molecules in the adsorption layers and water molecules on the surface. In the allocation of adsorbed water from phosphate catalysts, the change in the type of anion is not observed. However, the elimination of crystallization, and especially constitutional water, is accompanied by a rupture of chemical bonds, intense diffusion of water vapor from the lattice and rearrangement of phosphate anion. All synthesized phosphates have different curves of DTA, which are different from individual phosphates of cromium and nickel, and with each other. After calcining at 700°C and at higher temperatures, all synthesized complex catalytic phosphate systems exist in the form of anhydrous salts, which is confirmed by the data of X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopic and chemical analyzes. Thus, the results obtained are in good agreement with [24, 25] and show that, as it was predicted, when changing the composition of the chromium-nickel-phosphate system, it was possible to obtain catalysts, on the surface of which formed certain chemical structures that could form the corresponding optimal surface complexes and detect special catalytic properties in the processes of partial oxidation of n-alkanes in valuable products.

EVALUATION OF BOUND WATER FORMS IN CLAYS

Clays during lithogenesis change the composition, structure and properties, including physicochemical. The result of the thermal analysis was thermograms, on which four peaks of loss of bound water mass were established. These peaks in the author's interpretation are presented as different types of bound water in clays. The obtained experimental data, from the position of the size of the structural elements, allowed to distinguish the following types of water: loosely bound and strongly bound water of the surface of colloids, water surface of crystallites (minerals) and the crystal lattice of minerals. It has been revealed that when the montmorillonite and kaolinite clays are heated, endo-effects are observed in the temperature range up to 900°C caused by the release of H2O and OH-, the source of which is adsorption water and crystal lattice water of minerals. For montmorillonite in the high-temperature range, endo-effects due to the release of CO and CO2 were also noted, which is due to the presence of calcite in its composition. The energy activity of the surfaces of the particles of montmorillonite and kaolinite clays is distributed in the following sequence: the crystallite surface &gt; of the surface of the colloid &gt; of the surface of the strongly bound water of the colloid, which does not contradict the physical nature of the formation of the clay particle. It has been revealed that in montmorillonite clay, the water of the surface of crystallites has the greatest strength of bonds between molecules, the smaller is the strongly bound water of the colloid and the least is loosely bound water of the colloid. In kaolinite clay, the greatest strength of the bonds between molecules is the water of the surface of crystallites, the smaller is the loosely bound water of the colloid and the least strongly bound water of the colloid. In kaolinite and montmorillonite clays, the temperature of the effect and the heat of dehydration of the studied forms of bound water determine the change in the loss of bound water mass in different directions. The results of the studies allowed to quantify various forms of water in clay minerals.

Water Controls Amazonian Biodiversity

Almost everything about the Amazon River is truly gigantic and amazing. It crosses more than 7,000 km. The area from which water and materials drain into the Amazon River from higher lands to the river’s lowland plains covers about 7 million km2. This area connects aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that contain 20% of the Earth’s fresh water and most of the Earth’s diversity of living organisms. Humid areas, where bodies of water directly affect biodiversity, cover 30% of Amazonia. Water in various forms, from flying rivers in the form of clouds, to rainfall, to flow of water from highlands to lowlands, is a major factor affecting biodiversity Amazonia. You can see this effect all over Amazonia, and water has controlled the ecosystem of this area for many years. The Amazon contains numerous species that together form a complex forest, both on land and underwater.

Condors, Water, and Mining: Heeding Voices from Andean Communities

This paper addresses the relationship between scholarship and activism, considering the obligations that ethnobiologists have to the communities we work with. I begin by describing the cultural meaning of Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) in Peru through their connections to mountains and water in various forms, and the condor’s role as guardian and protector. My research on condors led me to Indigenous beliefs and practices regarding sacred mountains and water, and from this to the threats against the environment posed by international mining operations. This discussion highlights questions concerning the scholar’s role in situations of environmental destruction and political conflict in relation to structural violence, the mass media, and climate change. At a time when those who protect the land and water are endangered around the globe, the decisions we make while conducting research carry responsibilities for the consequences of our actions, even as these consequences ripple out beyond our specific locality and our original intentions.

DIFFERENTIAL AND THERMAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX CATALYTIC SYSTEM OF TYPE хСо3(РО4)2уNi3(РО4)2

Individual phosphates of cobalt and nickel and seven new complex oxide catalytic systems based on cobalt phosphate were synthesized by modifying it with ions of Nі 2+ type xCo 3 (PO 4 ) 2 ×yNi 3 (PO 4 ) 2 with different content of both phosphates having acidic surface properties. The modern methods of analysis have studied the composition, structure and some physical and chemical parameters of all synthesized samples. The influence of the synthesis conditions on the nature of the formation of their structure and the corresponding physico-chemical and catalytic properties was studied with the help of differential-thermal analysis. It is established that for synthesized binary samples, various forms of water that are part of their composition are characteristic: adsorbed, structural, crystallization, constitutional, etc. Allocating them from the structure of catalysts in the process of heat treatment is accompanied by various effects and corresponding endo-effects. In this case, the kinetics of water thermosorption from the surface and from the volume of internal pores depends on the nature of the interaction between the molecules in the adsorption layers and water molecules on the surface. In the allocation of adsorbed water from phosphate catalysts, the change in the type of anion is not observed. However, the elimination of crystallization, and especially constitutional water, is accompanied by a rupture of chemical bonds, intense diffusion of water vapor from the lattice and rearrangement of phosphate anion. All synthesized phosphates have different curves of DTA and DTG, which are different from individual phosphates of cobalt and nickel, and with each other. It is established that on all DTG curves of K-1-K-4 samples quite significant peaks of endo-effects are observed in the region T = 473-763 K. They indicate the presence of various interactions of adsorbed aqueous layers on the surface of samples of phosphates: the layers of condensed water (I) (in the region T = 450-550 K), water in mesopores (II) (in the region T = 620-670 K), and adsorption layers of water directly on the surface of phosphates (III) (in the region T = 730-770 K). After calcining at T = 973 K and at higher temperatures, all synthesized complex catalytic phosphate systems exist in the form of anhydrous salts, which is confirmed by the data of X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopic and chemical analyzes.

Drying of wet brown coal particles by a steam-fluidized bed dryer

ABSTRACTAlthough the world has abundant resources of brown coal, its moisture content is often high. Thus, a fluidized bed drying system using superheated steam for fluidizing gas has been developed as large-capacity and low-energy-consumption drying technology. Since brown coal particles have wide particle size distribution and cohesiveness due to high moisture content, it is important to know their fluidization characteristics as well as handling characteristics in storage and transportation facilities. However, their drying characteristics are complicated because brown coal contains water in various forms, namely, free water on a surface, bound water in small pores, and non-freezable water chemically bound to hydrophilic functional groups. In this work, basic experiments were carried out to evaluate drying characteristics of brown coal particles. Drying rate, critical, and equilibrium moisture content were formulated and their relevance to the forms of water was discussed. Also the influence of moisture content on flow properties of pulverized coal was evaluated in relation with forms of water.

Thermal, swelling and stability kinetics of chitosan based semi-interpenetrating network hydrogels

The present study is focused on studying the swelling kinetics, thermal and aqueous stabilities, and determination of various forms of water in the chitosan (CS) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) blend and semi-interpenetrating polymer network (sIPN). CS/PAN blend hydrogel films were prepared by solution casting technique. The blend film with optimum swelling properties was selected for the synthesis of sIPN. CS in the blend was crosslinked with the vapors of Glutaraldehyde (GTA) to prepare sIPN. The fabricated CS/PAN blend and sIPN hydrogels films were characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The kinetics of swelling, bound and unbound waters and aqueous stability were determined experimentally. FESEM showed good miscibility between CS and PAN, FTIR showed no chemical interaction between CS and PAN; however, it did show a doublet for the sIPN, TGA showed improved thermal stability and swelling kinetic followed second order kinetics. The degree of swelling of the sIPN hydrogels samples at room temperature varied from ~2200 % (with a fair degree of stability (~30 %)) to ~1000 % (with high degree of aqueous stability (43 %)) with increase in the crosslinking time. The calculated unbound water (WUB) max., for the blend was 52.3 % whereas for the bound (WB) the max., was 41.9 %. However, for sIPN hydrogel films, the WUB water decreased (max. 21.0 %) where as the WB increased (max. 52.0 %). The decrease in WUB and increase in the WB is attributed to the formation of a compact structure and increase in the contact area between the water and polymers in sIPN hydrogels due to the induction of new water contacting point in these hydrogel films, respectively.

Wordly Corrasions: Philology and Narrative inWorstward Ho

Scholarly research over the last twenty years has marked a profound shift in the understanding of Beckett's sources, his methods of composition, and his attitudes towards citation and allusion in manuscript documents and published texts. Such landmark studies as James Knowlson's biography, Damned to Fame (1996), and John Pilling's edition of the Dream Notebook (1999), and the availability of primary documents such as Beckett's reading notes at Reading and Trinity libraries, opened the way for a generation of work rethinking Beckett's textual habitus. Given this profound reappraisal of Beckett's material processes of composition, this paper seeks to show that Beckett's late prose work, Worstward Ho, represents a profound mediation on writing, self-citation, and habits of allusion to the literary canon. In its epic gestures, it reorients the heavenly aspiration of Dante's Commedia earthwards, invoking instead the language of agriculture, geology and masonry in the process of creating and decreating its imaginative space. Beckett's earthy epic invokes and erodes the first principles of narrative by way of philology as well as by means of deft reference to literary texts and images preoccupied with land, farming, and geological formations. This process is described in the word corrasion, a geological term referring to the erosion of rock by various forms of water, ice, snow and moraine. Textual excursions into philology in Worstward Ho also unearth the strata comprising Beckett's corpus (in particular Imagination Dead Imagine, The Lost Ones, and Ill Seen Ill Said), as well as the rock or canon upon which his own literary production is built. A close reading of Worstward Ho turns up a number of shrewd allusions to the King James Bible and Thomas Browne, as one might expect, but also perhaps surprisingly sustained affinities with the literary sensibilities of Alexander Pope and the poetry of S. T. Coleridge. The more one digs, the more Beckett's ‘little epic’ seems to become one of earthworks, bits of pipe, and masonry, a site and record of literary sedimentation.

Immediate effect of cool spinal bath on blood pressure of healthy volunteers – Results of a single arm study

IntroductionHydrotherapy is the use of water in various forms for treating diseases. Traditionally, spinal baths have been a common hydrotherapy technique prescribed for treating high blood pressure. However, despite such traditional use there have been no documented studies conducted to scientifically evaluate this indication. This study is an attempt to examine traditional claims and possible mechanisms of spinal baths and their effect on blood pressure. Materials and methodsFifty healthy volunteers were randomly selected from medical students enrolled in a naturopathic programme. The participants were of both sexes aged between 18 and 25 years. A cool (26±1°C) spinal bath was given to each of the participants for 15min. The outcome measures were resting blood pressure, body temperature, pulse rate and breathing rate. Results47 participants completed the study (male 19%, female 81%), all the participants have shown significant reduction in blood pressure (p<.001), pulse rate (p<.001) and body temperature (p<.001) but breathing rate was not significant. DiscussionA cool spinal bath for 15min has shown a significant short-term reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and temperature which indicate that a cool spinal immersion may potentially have a role in managing hypertension. However, these observations are based on a short-term single arm pre-post design on normotensive students, and large scale randomised control trials over a longer period are needed to warrant better results.

Water Bodies as a Catalyst to Growth and Development- The Case of Kodungallur Town, Kerala

The evolution and growth of cities and towns are primarily dependent on three important factors- Its geographic location, physical environment and its socio-economic environment. The presence of water in various forms in its natural setting plays an important role in enhancing the quality of physical environment and the socio-economic environment. During the processes of growth and expansion of cities and towns, the location of water bodies are seen by the planners and policy makers as liability and constrain rather than an asset or a resource. The development projects very often ignore the conservation of water bodies and transform them into other developments. Hence, the preservation, conservation and rejuvenation of water bodies in urban areas are important. The major factor that contributes to the sustainable development of an area is its water bodies. Moreover, presence of water bodies give added social, psychological and environment value. It includes (a) enhancing the aesthetic quality and place quality, thereby contributing to the image of the city or town (b)enhancing the social and recreational value and thus increasing the livability of the residents and land value many fold.In this paper the authors have made an attempt to (a) bring the importance of water bodies in an urban area to sustain its eco system (b) bringthe different ways by which the water bodies have acted as a catalyst to the growth and development of the town and (c) highlight the issues and potentials of the existing water bodies and (d) formulate strategies for sustainable development of town. These aspects are covered, in relation to a case study area Kodungallur town in Kerala State. In brief, the Kodungallur town is a culturally rich historical temple town of central Kerala. The town has its unique geographical advantage, historical and cultural importance and immense potential for growth and development.