Despite generating enormous interest, the full landscape of process intensification and multiobjective optimization (MOO) remains unexplored in the area of batch extractive distillation (BED). This paper is focused on articulating a mixed-integer nonlinear MOO problem to optimize both conventional and vapor recompressed BED, considering both existing and new plant scenarios. Process optimization of BED columns typically involves several technical, economic, and environmental objectives that are conflicting in nature, which lead to many equally good optimal solutions from the perspective of the given objectives. Here, the objective functions considered for BED optimization are minimization of total annual cost and CO2 emissions along with maximization of total annual production of two components that form an azeotropic mixture. To perform this optimization, a unique MOO strategy is adopted, which comprises of three steps. The first step deals with the selection of significant decision variables through Taguchi analysis followed by the formulation of the optimization problem. In the second step, BED is optimized with the help of an elitist nondominated sorting genetic algorithm. The third step comprises of a selection of a solution from the Pareto-optimal front using the TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) with entropy information for weighting of objectives. The performance of this MOO strategy for BED optimization without and with vapor recompression is illustrated for the separation of acetone–methanol mixture with water as the homogeneous entrainer. Finally, a comprehensive analysis is performed to assess the superiority of vapor recompressed BED over conventional BED.

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Background: Simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis (SMCB) is characterized by recurrent mucoid or mucopurulent sputum production in absence of localized suppurative disease. This observational open label study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of homoeopathic medicine in SMCB. Methods: 1902 patients were screened from 07centres out of which 1305 were excluded. 597 patients were enrolled as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 14 pre-defined homeopathic medicines were shortlisted for prescription after repertorizing the pathological symptoms of SMCB. Outcomes were changes in symptoms score using chronic bronchitis symptom scale (CBSS) and changes in FEV1/ FVC ratio using spirometry over a period of two years. Appearance of any change (relief/ worse)/ status quo was immediately followed by placebo/ change in dilution/ change in remedy. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Results: 532 patients were analyzed under intention to treat principle using last observation carry forward method. Mean CBS score reduced from 29.86±4.5 at baseline to 12.33±7.6 at completion of 2 years. Repeated measures ANOVA, at time points 0 (baseline), 3, 6, 9, 12 , 15, 18, 21 and 24 months, showed significant reduction in CBS scores [Wilk’s Lambda 0.104, F=564, df 524; p=00001]. The FEV1 and FEV1/FVC was maintained within normal limits. 86% prescriptions included Lycopodium, Arsenicum album, Pulsatilla, Phosphorus, Stannum metallicum, Calcarea carbonica, Silicea, Bryonia alba. Conclusion: The result suggests effectiveness of homoeopathic treatment in early stage of SCMB patients. However, controlled trials are required for further validation.

The prevalence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome- Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has undergone a historic transition from December 2019 to April 2020. Under the current circumstances, SARS-CoV-2 has become a key problem for the public health and economic steadiness of the global fraternity. Based on ample of evidence from the global epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome- Corona virus) scientists and physicians strappingly consider these viruses share structural and functional similarities of selected biologically active enzymes namely, 3CLpro, PLpro and RdRp. Ultra-diluted homoeopathic medicine has the legacy to combat infectious as well as viral diseases since last two centuries. Thus, existing antiviral homoeopathic therapies were meta-analysed in the current study and the need of appropriate clinical validation with proper in vitro as well as in vivo studies prior to make clinical endorsements in treating Covid-19 patients with homoeopathic medicines has been explained.