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BACKGROUND: Textile-sizing mill workers are exposed to various hazards in the sizing units during their working hours and are at risk of acquiring lung impairments due to the usage of sizing chemicals in the sizing process. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study is to assess the influence of cotton dust and sizing agents on lung function and breathing difficulties among Indian textile sizing mill workers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out at a textile-sizing mill from August 2022 to September 2022. A modified questionnaire based American Thoracic Society's standard was used to assess respiratory symptoms among sizing mill workers and the pulmonary function test was conducted Spirometry. The chi-square test was used to find the difference between respiratory symptoms and the t-test was used to find the difference between spirometric parameters. RESULTS: Textile sizing mill workers showed significant (P < 0.0001) decline in peak expiratory flow rate, forced vital capacity (FVC), ratio of FEV1 and forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). There was an association between symptoms and duration of exposure to pulmonary abnormality. Sizing mill workers showed a significant decline in lung functions and an increase in pulmonary symptoms. As the service duration of exposure in terms of years increased, respiratory symptoms increased and spirometric abnormality also increased. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that sizing agents such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), emulsifier, wax, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and starch used in sizing mills are also responsible for respiratory illness and lung impairment among textile workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, attempts have been made to identify the presence of plastic rice in adulterated raw and cooked rice by comparing the compositional and morphological properties of fake rice and real rice using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. Various rice samples from the national capital region of India were studied for their compositional and morphological properties. The surface morphology of real rice and plastic rice was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Results suggest that plastic rice used as an adulterant in raw or cooked rice is made up of polystyrene, which is a well-known toxic chemical entity. The studies suggest that these techniques can be used as a scientific tool to detect and identify the presence of plastic rice in adulterated raw and cooked rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to compare the coating protection efficiency of C-steel using two kinds of clay: a local Khulays clay (RCKh) from Saudi Arabia and a commercial clay (CCIn) from India. Clay-based polymer nanocomposites have a unique layered structure, rich intercalation chemistry, and availability at low cost. They are promising reinforcements for polymers. The raw clay for both clay types was washed before being treated with NaCl to produce sodium clay (NaC). The cationic surfactant cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) was then used to convert the NaC into the organoclay (OC) form. Polystyrene/organoclay nanocomposites (PCNs) were prepared by combining different concentrations of organoclay (1%, 3%, and 5% OC) in toluene solvent and polystyrene (PS) as the matrix. To ensure the success of the PCN modification process, the organoclay and PCN films were characterized using a variety of techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The shifts in the FT-IR spectra after the CPC treatment of NaC confirmed the presence of CPC in the organoclay samples and the presence of OC in the PCNs. The exfoliated structure was obtained from the XRD spectrum for low clay loading (1–3% PCN), while the intercalated structure was the dominant form for the 5% PCN. The XRD results were confirmed by TEM images. To calculate the coating efficiency of the PCNs, various electrochemical methods were used. The electrochemical measurements included electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM) method, and Tafel plots. The PCN with a concentration of 1 wt.% OC has a fully exfoliated structure and higher coating efficiency than the PCNs with partially exfoliated structures (3 wt.% and 5 wt.%). It was found from the Tafel plots that commercial Indian clay has better corrosion protection (81.4%) than local Khulays clay (60.2%). A comparison with other studies using current density values shows that our results are superior to those of many studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study depicts the effects of different insulation materials and fuel types on the cooling and heating performance of buildings situated in hot and dry, warm and humid, composite, and cold climatic conditions in India. Ten different locations chosen from diverse climatic regions were selected, and various potential parameters for expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene insulation materials were evaluated. Potential parameters, such as optimal insulation thickness, annual savings, and payback period, were computed for cooling and heating requirements and were found in the ranges of 0.0428–0.891 m, 10.83–19.19 $/m2, and 1.49–2.36 years for cooling, as well as 0.0063–0.1522 m, 0.29–55.92 $/m2, and 0.95–6.52 years for heating, respectively. An emission analysis was also carried out for the estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the engagement of optimal insulation thickness for heating. The GHG emissions from natural gas, coal, and diesel by the employment of various insulating materials were found in the ranges of 5.39–11.28, 9.47–32.68, and 2.26–4.51 kg/m2-year, respectively. A correlation formulation (power) for optimal insulation thickness was also carried out. For checking the preciseness of the developed mathematical models, statistical tools were utilized, and their obtained values in the satisfactory range signified the accurateness of the developed models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this research is on antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation of Escherichia coli on different surfaces. 37 E.coli isolates were obtained from K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. Biochemical assays were used to re-confirm all the isolates. Ampicillin, Cefepime, Cefotaxime, Co-trimoxazole, Tetracycline and Levofloxacin showed substantial levels of resistance. Meropenem, Tigecycline, and Colistin showed the least amount of resistance. 75.6% of the E.coli strains were multidrug resistant (MDR). Biofilm formation of E.coli was higher in TS BG than in TS B in all (polystyrene, polypropylene, glass and stainless steel) surfaces. It is evident that the presence of glucose or any sugar substrate promotes biofilm development, resulting in notable antibiotic resistance. This situation is hazardous to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Energy codes for residential buildings in India prescribe design guidelines for each climate zone. However, these guidelines are broad and similar for different cities under the same zone overlooking climatic variations due to altitude, location and other geographical factors. Design/methodology/approach - To develop strategies addressing the city-specific requirements, a stepwise simulation approach was used. Integrated Environmental Solutions-Virtual Environment (IES-VE) was used to create a prototype of a singly detached residence. The applicability of strategies is studied during the day and night times. Optimum orientation, the thickness of insulation, Window-Wall Ratio, the impact of cross-ventilation and shading depth are determined for two cities - Tiruchirappalli and Coimbatore under the warm-humid climate zone of India. Findings - Results indicate that optimum insulation thickness and WWR vary between both cities during daytime and night time. In Tiruchirappalli, roof and wall insulation using polyurethane board (100 mm) and foam concrete (25 mm) offers a maximum reduction of 2.28C indoors. Foam concrete (25 mm) insulation for roof and expanded polystyrene (25 mm) for walls reduce a maximum of 2.68C during daytime in Coimbatore. Further, night ventilation with 20% WWR allows an average decrease of 0.5-0.68C in triply exposed spaces facing the South. The use of a 2'0" depth shading device shows a maximum reduction of 0.1-0.38C. Originality/value - The contribution of this work lies in developing city-specific inputs presenting the advantage of easy replicability for other cities in the Indian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, the production of expanded polystyrene (in India it is known as thermocol) has increased drastically due to its versatile applications. Consequently, the accumulation of post-cosumer expanded polystyrene (EPS) in the environment has also increased alarmingly. Proper disposal and reuse of waste thermocol has become a serious global concern. In this work, a critical review has been made on various options available for the applications of waste thermocol with a focus on their process chemistry, process parameters, product yields etc. The present manuscript deals with the potential uses of waste thermocol for various applications such as to obtain value added chemicals, to use as an aggregate material in construction field, to prepare composite and porous carbon materials, and an adhesive material. From the in-depth literature analysis, it is observed that the conversion of expanded polystyrene (EPS), and the yield of liquid products mainly depends on degradation temperature, degradation duration, type of catalyst, and catalyst loading. More than 90 % EPS conversion to obtain liquid products could be achieved at a temperature range of 400−500 °C. Waste thermocol can be used in construction field to improve setting times, slump value, and water absorption capacity of concrete mixtures. In many studies, a detrimental effect of EPS on compressive strength of concrete mass has been reported. A waste thermocol can also be used to prepare porous carbon with high BET surface area (900-2700 m2/g), and high pore volume (1.2-4.2 cm3/g). Further, preparation of cost-effective adhesive from thermocol material has also been addressed in the manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt metathesis reactions between pyridyl-methylene-cyclopentadienyl lithium salt and LnCl3 followed by the addition of two equivalents of LiCH2SiMe3 afforded a series of constrained-geometry-configuration rare-earth metal bis(alkyl) complexes (Cp′CH2- Py)Ln(CH2SiMe3)2(THF)n (Py = C5H4N, Cp′ = C5H4 (Cp), Ln = Sc, n = 0 (1); Cp′ = C9H6 (Ind), Ln = Sc, n = 0 (2); Cp′ = 3-Me3Si-C9H5 (3-Me3Si-Ind), Ln = Sc, n = 0 (3a), Ln = Lu (3b), Y (3c), n = 1; Cp′ = 2,7-(tBu)2C13H8 (2,7-(tBu)2-Flu), Ln = Sc (4a), n = 0, Ln = Lu (4b), Y (4c), n = 1) in moderate to good yields, which were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (for complex 3a). In the presence of [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] and AliBu3, these complexes displayed different performances towards styrene polymerization. Rare-earth metal bis(alkyl) precursors bearing Cp, Ind, and 3-Me3Si-Ind segments exhibited very low catalytic activity to afford syndiotactic polystyrene. All electron-donating tBu substituted complexes 4a, 4b, and 4c showed very high activity and perfect syndiotactivity (rrrr > 99%), producing high molecular weight polystyrene (up to 54.1 × 104) with relatively narrow molecular distribution (PDI = 1.28−2.49). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a major environmental problem in freshwater and marine environments. The effects of these polymers on aquatic life are well studied; however, there is limited knowledge of MP-associated health hazards in humans. We estimated the presence of MPs in different brands of bottled water available in India using the Nile red (NR) staining method. The FTIR examination revealed the presence of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polyamide (PA) in the bottled water samples with PE being the most prevalent one. Zebrafish embryos exposed to different concentrations of fluorescent-tagged polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) (10–150 μm) showed accumulation patterns at different time points in various organs. The exposure to PE MPs induced a concentration-dependent ROS activity. The expression of first-line antioxidative defense marker genes were significantly downregulated in embryos exposed to varying concentrations of PE-MPs, suggesting concentration and time-dependent effects on zebrafish. The results of this study suggest that the potential negative consequences on human health could be due to the oxidative stress and time-dependent toxicity of MPs. [Display omitted] • Microplastics of various types were detected in different brands of packaged drinking water available in India. • Nile Red staining can be a simple and effective method for the detection of plastic polymers. • FTIR results indicated the abundance of polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyamide in the samples. • Polyethylene polymers altered the redox balance in zebrafish. • Correlations between oxidative stress and DNA damage were observed upon microplastic exposure to zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined microplastic particles present in the benthic invertebrates Sternaspis scutata, Magelona cinta (deposit feeders) and Tellina sp. (suspension feeder) from the surface sediments of off-Kochi, southwest coast of India. The microplastic particles and thread-like fibres detected in these organisms were identified to be polystyrene by using DXR Raman microscope. Examination of the microplastic particle in Sternaspis scutata by epifluorescent microscopy showed fragmentation marks on the surface suggesting that the microplastic particle was degraded/weathered in nature. The study provides preliminary evidence of the presence of microplastics in benthic fauna from the coastal waters of India. However, further studies are required to understand the sources, distribution, fate and toxicity of the different types of microplastics in benthic invertebrates in order to identify any potential threats to higher trophic level organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the Indian scenario, the Jaipur foot is a low-cost breakthrough that enabled the disabled person to adapt to the Indian environment. The aim of this study is to modify the present foot in terms of ankle support design and method of fabrication, foot moulds profile and the inner core material in order to improve the performance and durability.Method:The optimized design of ankle support and flat foot profile moulds suitable for both left and right foot were developed through CAD/CAM and prosthetic feet were fabricated using ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam as an appropriate alternative core material for microcellular rubber (MCR). The developed prosthetic feet were tested for rigidity by load-deflection analysis in universal testing machine.Result:EVA foot had shown better rigidity than conventional MCR foot, which will help in weight transfer during walking and increase the durability. The CAD modeled ankle support and single block EVA had made the manufacturing process easy and reduced the weight of foot and improved Gait to the person fitted with it due to improved flat foot profile.Conclusion:The new artificial foot had proven to be efficacious technically as well as functionally, which is clearly borne out from the extremely positive feedback given by the amputees.Implications of RehabilitationPersons with below knee amputation are usually provided with transtibial prosthesis, which allows for easier ambulation and helps them to get back to their normal life.Transtibial prosthesis is an artificial limb that replaces a lower limb that is amputated below the knee.In our study, a new prosthetic foot with a modified ankle support and flat foot profile using better inner-core material than the conventional Jaipur foot was developed and the process was also optimized for mass production. The developed prosthetic foot can be fitted with both above and below knee exoskeleton type of prosthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The metal-aggregate industry is a dominating and unorganized industrial sector in India. The production of this aggregate is enormous to meet the ever-increasing demands of the construction industry. During crushing of stone aggregates in quarries, waste is generated, which is termed stone dust or quarry waste. The proper utilization or environment-friendly disposal of this stone dust is of concern. This paper presents the results of model walls with reinforced-stone dust as backfill, tested under strip loading with backfill compacted at varying relative densities of 17, 38, 59, and 73%. The model-wall facing was comprised of segmental blocks of concrete, and backfill was reinforced with bamboo-grid strips with a length-of-reinforcement-to-height-of-wall ratio (L=H) as 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6. The consequence of reduced-relative density of backfill (stone dust) on the facia displacement, settlement of backfill, and failure surcharge was studied. The results show that unreinforced-stone dust model walls collapse without much resistance when tested at a backfill relative density of 59% and lower. Stone dust is found to be a very effective material as a reinforced backfill and gives considerably good results with respect to facia displacement, failure surcharge pressure, and backfill settlement for a relative density at 59 and 73% with a minimum length of reinforcement L=H as 0.5. The model walls constructed with a relative density at 38 and 17% display higher facia displacements and fail at low-surcharge values compared with the walls constructed with a relative density of backfill at 59 and 73%. This study helps in understanding the response of reinforced-stone dust walls corresponding to the range of relative densities used in experimental work and also helps to bring about an optimum effect without much wastage of material. With a view to further improving the performance of these model walls, expanded polystyrene geofoam blocks were placed behind each facia unit, and the wall behavior and performance was checked for geofoam densities of 0.12, 0.15, and 0.20 kN=m3 with thickness variation as 5, 15, and 20 mm. Geofoam inclusion improves the overall behavior in terms of reduced-facia displacements, backfill settlements, and increased values of failure surcharges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to quantify microplastic prevalence among 20 sandy beaches on the Gujarat coast. Beaches were categorised into three different classes, viz. low-impacted sites, moderately impacted sites, and highly impacted sites based on anthropogenic pressure. Microplastic (MP) (≤ 5 mm) contamination on the beaches varied with an average of 1.4 MPs/kg to 26 MPs/kg sediment. Sutrapada site-1 and Porbandar showed the highest and lowest mean abundance of microplastics, respectively, among 20 selected beaches. Out of the total assessed microplastics, threads were the maximum (89.98%), followed by the films (4.75%), fragments (3.36%) and foam (1.89%). In terms of colour and size, different microplastics were recorded in this study. The chemical composition of microplastics was identified by ATR-FTIR as polypropylene (47.5%), polyethylene (26%), and polystyrene (25%). Tourism and fishing activities are the possible sources of higher microplastic contamination at highly impacted sites. • Microplastic pollution has been reported in sediments of 20 sandy beaches of Gujarat, India. • A total of 1158 microplastics of mainly three types were detected. • Mean abundance of microplastics ranged from 1.4 to 26 MPs/kg. • Chemical nature of MPs was identified as polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene. • Fisheries and tourism were the main causes of MPs prevalence on Gujarat coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper presents life cycle energy (LCE) analysis of different types of residential buildings (one storey, two storey, and duplex and multi storey) in Indian context. A total of 10 houses’ designs were examined with energy saving features, e.g. thermal insulation on wall and roof, double pane glass for windows. One of these buildings was further examined to assess LCE performance with on-site power generation. Dynamic energy simulation tools DesignBuilder, e-Quest and EnergyPlus were used to assess energy performance of the buildings. LCE of the buildings is varying from 240 to 380kWh/m2 year depending on the type (envelope) of the building and climatic conditions. LCE savings of about 5–30% are observed with thermal insulation on wall and roof along with double pane glass for windows. It is found that net zero operating energy building can be achieved by on-site power generation from PV and wind turbine. LCE of the building for net zero operating energy is evaluated to be 71.24kWh/m2 year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The prevalence of microplastics along the coastal habitats has become a global concern owing to the increased input of plastic debris from multiple sources. The present study is the first of its kind to examine the prevalence and distribution of microplastics in Odisha coast. The average microplastic abundance in the nine stations along Odisha coastal beach is 258.7 ± 90.0 particles/kg of beach sediment. Among the stations sampled, Swargadwara was reported with the highest microplastic abundance of 378.3 ± 39.7 particles/kg of beach sediment andAbhayachandpurwas found with the lowest number of 153.3 ± 27.3 particles/kg. Different types of microplastics varying in color, size, and shape were encountered in the study. From the Raman spectroscopic analysis, twelve types of polymers including High Density Polyethylene, Polystyrene, Polyvinyl chloride, and acrylonitrile copolymer were identified., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Herein, we report the prevalence of microplastics in the South Andaman beaches, India. The average microplastic abundance of the eight stations covered along the South Andaman beach was found to be 414.35 ± 87.4 particles per kilogram of beach sediment. Among the stations sampled, Kodiyaghat was found with highest microplastic abundance of 973.3 ± 76.59 particles per kilogram of beach sediment and Burmanullah recorded the lowest number of 161.7 ± 32.51. Microplastic particles of different types, size, color and shape were present in all the eight stations sampled. From the Raman spectral analysis, thirteen different types of polymers were identified. The microplastic pollution may be attributed to improper solid waste management, tourism activities and maritime activities. The present study will help in understanding the prevalence, source and pathway of microplastic particles and their affiliated risk to the fragile marine ecosystem. Unlabelled Image • Microplastic contamination level in the sediment was found to be 414.35 ± 87.4 particles per kilogram of beach sediment. • Fragments and fibres were found to be dominant in terms of shape. • Microplastics of size between 500 and 1000 μm dominated the microplastic share. • Raman spectral analysis revealed 13 types of polymers like polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polybutadiene etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution by microplastics (MPs) is currently a global problem in the coastal and marine environment. Transfer of MPs from land to sea and their inclusion in the food web has a significant adverse effect on the marine life and human health. The present study was carried out at the fishing harbour of Chennai, southeast coast of India. The possible MPs were isolated from the soft tissues of the commercially important bivalve Perna viridis and examined by microscopic and DXR Raman spectroscopic methods. The MPs were identified as to be polystyrene polymers in the soft tissues. This investigation revealed that size and color are the major factors affecting the bioavailability of MPs to bivalves in the study area. The presence of colorants in organisms revealed an anthropogenic origin through the use of a wide array of applications. Hence, coastal zones are a hotspot for pollution by MPs, and filter feeding bivalves are at the highest risk. Therefore, further studies are required to understand the accumulation rates and residence time of MPs across the food webs., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)