Analysis of thermal effects in packed bed liquid desiccant dehumidifiers
Abstract An analysis of the performance of a packed bed liquid desiccant dehumidifier is presented. The enthalpy and material balance equations written over a differential height of the bed incorporate the effect of the heat of dilution of the desiccant liquid, the liquid—air interface temperature and the fraction of the evolved heat that is accounted for in the air stream. Numerical results obtained are discussed in terms of the physical and operating parameters of the system.
PASSIVE AND LOW-ENERGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICES-DEHUMIDIFICATION
Methods of achieving acceptable indoor conditions in overheated, temperate, and underheated humid climates are discussed and compared. Desiccants and desiccant systems utilizing solid and liquid sorbents and various low-energy mechanical systems are described and evaluated.
Professional support in rural New South Wales: perceptions of new graduate occupational therapists.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the experiences of professional support among new graduates working in rural New South Wales, including the current availability of professional support and the impact of support levels on professional practice.


DESIGN
Qualitative, using semistructured face-to-face or telephone interviews.


SETTING
New graduate occupational therapists employed in public and private hospitals and community health services in rural New South Wales.


SUBJECTS
Nine new graduate occupational therapists within their first year of practice.


MAIN OUTCOME
A description of participant experiences of professional support and strategies to enhance the recruitment and retention of occupational therapists in rural areas.


RESULTS
Participants reported varied experiences of professional support and emphasised the importance of having access to a wide variety of resources. Participants highlighted that professional support could assist in developing independence and other skills. However, ultimately a lack of support resulted in decreased confidence and subsequent decreased job satisfaction among participants.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that greater effort should be directed to ensuring that all new graduates have access to professional support, including structured supervision, and that strategies be explored and adopted to ensure that this occurs.