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Welding fume exposure at work is recognized as a known concern for public health. This study aims to assess the welding fumes produced during welding using two different extraction patterns and to compare their influences. A thorough assessment of domestic arc welders in the erode district of India was done to assess their exposure to welding gases. The survey results chose the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process for future investigation. The stainless-steel grade SS 316 L was used in this study. To weld 3-mm, 5-mm, and 6-mm-thick stainless-steel specimens, ER316 L filler wire and four shielding gas compositions were used. Two distinct, cost-effective welding hoods with a square duct section and a conical duct section were constructed to examine welding gases. The produced fume was collected on a 240 mm glass fibre filter and re-weighted during welding. Gas flow rates of 5, 10, and 15 LPM were investigated, with current intensities of 150A, 200A, and 275A. A novel attempt has been made to compare fume formation rates (FFR) obtained using two extraction patterns. According to this investigation, weld fume hoods with conical duct sections extract more welding gases than square duct sections. The extraction rate using two extraction patterns was compared. Furthermore, the addition of CO2 to any shielding gas mixture results in a higher fume formation rate. The experimental FFR values were quite close to the American Welding Society (AWS) specifications. This finding also revealed that welders' socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, marital status, level of education, and work experience, influenced their awareness of occupational hazards and personal protection equipment (PPEs). As a result, there should be a strong emphasis on hazard identification education and strict enforcement of proper PPEs use among small-scale welders in and around the erode district to protect welders from a variety of hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low-temperature heat-exchange section of boiler tails differs from other sections by absorbing latent heat. The subcooling of water vapor droplets in natural gas flue gas in boiler tails is becoming increasingly important. However, little is known about heat transfer and the subcooling mechanism. We report an airtight condensation cavity table and use thermal imaging to monitor the surface temperature and time-dependent size of single droplets. We observed a temperature gradient in droplets; three distinct size distributions; a change in infiltration mode from Wenzel to Cassie when non-condensing gas was introduced; and accelerated departure of droplets in a sound field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an indispensable simulation tool for predicting the emission of pollutants in the work environment. Welding is one of the most common industrial processes that might expose the operators and surrounding workers to certain hazardous gaseous metal fumes. In the present study, we used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology for simulating the emission of iron fumes from the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) procedure. A galvanized steel chamber was fabricated to measure the pollutant concentration and identify the size of the fume created by the SMAW. Then, the emission of welding aerosol was simulated using a method of computational fluid-particle dynamics with the ANSYS 2020 R1 software. The highest amount of welding fumes concentration was related to iron fumes (i.e., 3045 μg/m3 with a diameter of 0.25 μm). The results of the current study indicated that the local exhaust and general ventilation system can prevent the spreading of welding fumes to the welder's breathing zone and the surrounding environment. CFD was also found to be an efficient method for predicting the emission of the iron fumes created by SMAW as well as for selecting an appropriate ventilation system. However, further studies that take the modeling of welding-generated emission of additional metal particles and gases into account will need to be undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk analysis evaluates the probability of occurrence with the impact of said risks. In the hydrocarbon sector, an environmental liability is an improperly abandoned facility, soil contaminated by spills or others. The objective of this work is to define a risk management plan. The characterization of the residue and the area was carried out. Hazardous events were identified: overflow spill, soil contamination by infiltration, as well as radiant heat and suffocating and toxic fumes from a fire. The matrix method was applied considering the probability of occurrence against vulnerability. The danger of infiltration implied a high level of risk. The risk management plan was drawn up, its main action being the liquidation of the pool and the sanitation of the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the limited reaction rate of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), it is considered as a limiting factor in the performance of fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Platinum is considered the benchmark catalyst for ORR; however, the scarcity of platinum, its high price, the drift phenomenon, its insufficient durability, and its susceptibility to gas poisoning are the reasons for the constant search for new ORR catalysts. Carbon-based catalysts show exceptional promise in this respect considering economic profitability and activity, and, in addition, they have favorable conductivity and often a large specific surface area. The use of chitin, cellulose, lignin, coconut shell particles, shrimp shells, and even hair for this purpose was reported, as they had similar electrochemical activity regarding Pt. Alginate, a natural polymer and a constituent of brown algae, can be successfully used to obtain carbon materials that catalyze ORR. In addition, metal atomic-level catalysts and metal N-doped porous carbon materials, obtained from sodium alginate as a precursor, have been proposed as efficient electrocatalysts for ORR. Except for alginate, other biopolymers have been reported to play an important role in the preparation of ORR catalysts. In this review, recent advances regarding biopolymer-derived ORR catalysts are summarized, with a focus on alginate as a source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the similarities and differences of volatile organic pollutants (VOCs) in cooking fumes (COF) of residential buildings in different regions of China, as well as to evaluate their potential health risks. COF condensates were collected from 10 representative cities in China and analyzed by a GC–MS method. Their effects on α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase (AchE), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were then detected to evaluate potential health risks. A total of 174 kinds of VOCs, including aldehydes, esters, hydrocarbons, alcohols, and carboxylic acid, were identified. There were 59 identical compounds in the northern and southern regions, and 56 common compounds in spicy and non-spicy regions. Health risk assessment results showed that COF condensate could inhibit the activity of α-glucosidase to varying degrees (61.73–129.25%), suggesting that it had a potential risk of causing hypoglycemia. Daily and 3 and 6 month intakes of COF in minors, adults, and the elderly had both activated and inhibited effects on AchE. The activated effect in the southern and spicy areas was higher than that in northern and non-spicy areas, revealing that different regions and dietary habits had different effects on the risk of neurological diseases caused by changes in AchE activity. For minors, adults, and the elderly, COF had different degrees of activation of LDH at different exposure times and regions. Activation in the northern and non-spicy areas was higher than that in southern and spicy areas, suggesting that the health risks caused by changes in LDH activity levels were significantly increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Pediatric Emergency & Intensive Care Medicine / Çocuk Acil ve Voğun Bakım Dergisi is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Working in close contacts with coworkers or the general public may be associated with transmission of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). We investigated whether crowded workplaces, sharing surfaces, and exposure to infections were factors associated with IPD. Methods: We studied 3,968 cases of IPD, and selected six controls for each case from the Swedish population registry with each control being assigned the index date of their corresponding case. We linked job histories to job‐exposure matrices to assess different transmission dimensions of pneumococci, as well as occupational exposure to fumes. We used adjusted conditional logistic analyses to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for IPD with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: ORs for IPD for the different transmission dimensions were increased moderately but were statistically significant. Compared to home‐working or working alone, the highest odds was for Working mostly outside, or partly inside (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04−1.38). Estimates were higher in men for all dimensions, compared to women. The odds for IPD for Working mostly outside, or partly inside were 1.33 (95% CI 1.13−1.56) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.55−1.14) for men and women, respectively. Higher odds were seen for all transmission dimensions among those exposed to fumes, although CIs included unity. Contact with ill or infected patients did not increase the odds for IPD. Conclusion: IPD was associated with working in close contact with coworkers or the general public, and with outside work, especially for men. Contact with infected patients or persons was not associated with IPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the preparation of synthetically versatile N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) directly from amino acids and CO2 using n-propylphosphonic anhydride. Most of the NCAs were isolated with >95% purity after simple workup, avoiding the need for tedious purification procedures typically required using conventional methods. Because the reagents and conditions employed are mild, tandem reactions with moisture-sensitive NCAs were carried out to transform them into the medicinally active alkaloids tryptanthrin and phaitanthrin A in one pot. A qualitative analysis revealed that our NCA synthesis approach is more green than conventional methods, which all directly or indirectly use the highly poisonous gas phosgene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS Google Preview WorldCat COPAC 14 Hurley Jessica. Google Scholar Google Preview OpenURL Placeholder Text WorldCat COPAC 32 Sinha Indra. Google Scholar Google Preview OpenURL Placeholder Text WorldCat COPAC 31 Sinha Indra. But this holding together of agency and world-making alongside stasis and non-futurity is developed most extensively in the tension between the trajectory of Animal, the novel's protagonist, and the overall narrative form of I Animal's People i as a novel. [Extracted from the article]

Phenytoin (PHT, brand name: Dilantin) is an anticonvulsant drug that is used in the treatment of epilepsy. PHT is metabolically inactivated by cytochromes P-450 (CYP) catalyzed aromatic hydroxylation at the para position. Therefore, Nelson et al. hypothesized that this metabolic pathway would be slowed or blocked for a PHT derivative with fluorines at the para positions of the aromatic rings (p F-PHT) resulting in a molecule with increased antiseizure activity and longer duration of action relative to PHT. Interestingly, p F-PHT is less active than PHT, but has a much longer duration of action. Nelson et al. hypothesized that differences in physicochemical properties must contribute to the poor activity of p F-PHT. Thus, p F-PHT was synthesized to compare its physicochemical properties with those of PHT. In addition, the kinetics of CYP catalyzed oxidation were compared using Sprague Dawley (SD) rat liver microsomes because PHT is metabolically inactivated by CYP in the liver. The previously reported synthesis of p F-PHT employs a highly toxic reagent and produces a highly poisonous gas. Therefore, a safer synthetic route for p F-PHT was developed. This synthetic approach utilizes three steps: 1) a thiamine catalyzed benzoin condensation of para -fluorobenzaldehyde, 2) a nitric acid oxidation of the benzoin product to the corresponding benzil derivative, and 3) a microwave-assisted phenytoin synthesis of this benzil derivative with urea. There are no significant differences in conjugation, acidity, and lipophilicity between PHT and p F-PHT. Therefore, our results do not support the hypothesis that the low activity of p F-PHT relative to PHT results from variations in physicochemical properties. While PHT and p F-PHT have the same apparent binding affinity for the CYP proteome of the SD rat liver microsome, p F-PHT undergoes CYP catalyzed oxidation at half the rate in comparison to PHT. [Display omitted] • Synthesis of 5,5-bis(4-fluorophenyl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione (p F-PHT), the bis(para -fluorophenyl) derivative of phenytoin (PHT). • Slight variations in the physicochemical properties of PHT and p F-PHT do not explain reported drastic differences in drug activity and duration. • PHT and p F-PHT have the same apparent binding affinity for the cytochromes P-450 (CYP) proteome of Sprague Dawley (SD) rat liver microsomes. • In the presence of SD rat liver microsomes p F-PHT undergoes CYP catalyzed oxidation at half the rate relative to PHT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of graphene via traditional methods has several drawbacks, such as the release of poisonous gases, Most of these techniques are time-consuming and tedious, besides the absence of control over the structural composition of graphene during synthesis. In this study, a facile approach for the synthesis of graphene densely doped with nitrogen (N-dopped graphene (NG)) from novel precursor chitosan throughout the direct solvothermal treatment of chitosan under mild circumstances at 250 °C and 270 °C. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and ammonia are utilized as structural directing agents. FTIR, XRD, CHNS/O elemental analysis, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy are utilized to elucidate the chemical composition and purity of N-dopped graphene. The surface morphology of NG is studied by using SEM, HR-TEM, and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The results approved that, the one-pot, single-step approach is a simple and cost-effective technique for producing a high throughput of NG, of charming microstructure features, including good graphitization, low oxidation state, good exfoliation level, and very extended lateral dimension sheets. Profound visions on the growing mechanism have been proposed. The incorporation effect of NG to cement mortar is also studied. Two percentages of NG 0.05 wt% and, 0.10 wt% from the total cement mass were utilized. A microstructural investigation of incorporated NG on cement mortar is studied by conducting AFM, and SEM. Furthermore, workability and mechanical characterizations including, compressive strength, and flexural strength are investigated. Also, the dynamic mechanical parameters including storage modulus and loss factor are studied. It is noticed that the workability decreased from 14.8 % to 7.8 % with the addition of 0.05 wt% and 0.1 wt% NG respectively. However, the maximum increments of the compressive strength were 35 % for the mortar containing 0.1 wt% NG and flexural strength increased three times than the unmodified one. Also, the cement mortar containing 0.1 wt% NG has a storage modulus of 12 MPa compared to unmodified 1 MPa and has the lowest loss factor (damping coefficient). These results verified that incorporating NG nanosheets in cement has a positive effect on reinforcing cement mortar. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the health hazards posed by welding fumes and emphasizes the importance of effective fume extraction at the source to comply with safety regulations, while also introducing Engmar's new "250 Light" welding torch, designed for lower amperage.

Background: Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) exposure causes adverse effects on wellbeing and quality of life, which can be studied non-invasively using self-reported symptoms. However, little is known about the effects of different TRAP concentrations on symptoms following controlled exposures, where acute responses can be studied with limited confounding. We investigated the concentration–response relationship between diesel exhaust (DE) exposure, as a model TRAP, and self-reported symptoms. Methods: We recruited 17 healthy non-smokers into a double-blind crossover study where they were exposed to filtered air (FA) and DE standardized to 20, 50, 150 µg/m3 PM2.5 for 4 h, with a ≥ 4-week washout between exposures. Immediately before, and at 4 h and 24 h from the beginning of the exposure, we administered visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires and grouped responses into chest, constitutional, eye, neurological, and nasal categories. Additionally, we assessed how the symptom response was related to exposure perception and airway function. Results: An increase in DE concentration raised total (β ± standard error = 0.05 ± 0.03, P = 0.04), constitutional (0.01 ± 0.01, P = 0.03) and eye (0.02 ± 0.01, P = 0.05) symptoms at 4 h, modified by perception of temperature, noise, and anxiety. These symptoms were also correlated with airway inflammation. Compared to FA, symptoms were significantly increased at 150 µg/m3 for the total (8.45 ± 3.92, P = 0.04) and eye (3.18 ± 1.55, P = 0.05) categories, with trends towards higher values in the constitutional (1.49 ± 0.86, P = 0.09) and nasal (1.71 ± 0.96, P = 0.08) categories. Conclusion: DE exposure induced a concentration-dependent increase in symptoms, primarily in the eyes and body, that was modified by environmental perception. These observations emphasize the inflammatory and sensory effects of TRAP, with a potential threshold below 150 µg/m3 PM2.5. We demonstrate VAS questionnaires as a useful tool for health monitoring and provide insight into the TRAP concentration–response at exposure levels relevant to public health policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposures to dust, vapors, or fumes (DVF) are associated with chronic bronchitis (CB) and emphysema. The 2007–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were used to estimate age-standardized prevalence of CB and emphysema among ever-employed adults by exposure status and industry and occupation groups. Age-standardized CB and emphysema prevalence were 2.3% and 1.9%, respectively. Of the estimated 111 million U.S. workers exposed to DVF, 2.7% reported CB and 2.8% reported emphysema. Workers in the "accommodation, food services" industry and "food preparation, serving related" occupations were more likely to report CB and emphysema. Current findings indicate that workplace exposures may be associated with high prevalence of CB and emphysema in certain industry and occupational groups. Early diagnosis and identifying associated workplace exposures are important steps in CB and emphysema prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Piton de la Fournaise, located on the island of Reunion, is a particularly active volcano that gathers many observers during its eruptions. However, this activity, if not supervised, can involve many risks. During the eruption of Piton de la Fournaise in April 2021, two geology students camped in the peri‐eruptive zone. They were found dead 48 h later on the surface and were not in the immediate vicinity of a fumarole. The autopsy revealed superficial traumatic injuries, which did not explain the death. Internal examination of both victims showed a nonspecific asphyxia syndrome and hemorrhagic pulmonary edema, with no cause of death identified. Microscopic analysis confirmed the autopsy findings without providing new diagnostic elements. Toxicological analysis revealed abnormally high levels of sulfurous gases (H2S and SO2) in the blood and lungs of both victims. The interpretation of all the forensic data allows us to conclude that the death was secondary to volcanic sulfur gas poisoning, despite the atypical context of this event. However, the meteorological conditions of the night of the event may have caused a stagnation of toxic volcanic gases on the ground, with concentrations high enough to cause fatal intoxication in these two persons, although they were not in a confined environment as is usually the case in cases of sulfur poisoning. The dramatic outcome of this event required a rigorous forensic diagnostic approach and reminds us of the need to respect safety conditions in peri‐volcanic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient particulate matter (PM) exposure increases risk for cardiopulmonary health problems which may be exacerbated in a stressful environment. Co-exposure to PM and stress characterizes the experience of many deployed military personnel and first responders but has not been thoroughly investigated. This is especially relevant to military personnel who have been exposed to high PM levels in conjunction with stressful military conflict situations. To understand the mechanisms and time-course of the health consequences following burn pit exposure, we exposed mice to moderate levels of ambient PM less than 2.5 μM in diameter (PM 2.5) alone or in combination with psychological stress. We found male mice exposed to PM 2.5 alone or in combination with stress had significantly reduced pulmonary function when subjected to methacholine, indicating increased airway hyperreactivity. These mice experienced increased goblet cell hyperplasia in their lungs, with no change in alveolar density. Mice exposed to PM 2.5 and/or stress also exhibited reduced cardiac contractility, right ventricular (RV) output, and changes in RV capillary density and cardiac inflammatory markers. Taken together, these data indicate that short-term exposure to PM 2.5 with or without stress causes a clear reduction in pulmonary and cardiac function. We believe that this model is well-suited for the study of military and other occupational exposures, and future work will identify potential mechanisms, including the inflammatory progression of these co-exposures. • Preclinical exposure to concentrated air particulate matter and stress, in combination, is a novel way to assess the effects of burn pit exposure. • Military personnel are under tremendous stress in deployed areas, and are often exposed to burning pits of debris that emit toxic fumes containing very high levels of particulate matter. • Mice exposed to concentrated particulate matter and stress combined have reduced pulmonary and cardiac function. • Exposure to particulate matter induces an inflammatory phenotype, similar to cardiac dysfunction induced by other environmental stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas detected with nanosized oxide materials attracts consideration due to its promising capability of identifying different poisonous gases in atmosphere. In this study, the Cu-doped SnO2–TiO2 nanostructures were synthesized by co-precipitation and hydrothermal method using stannic chloride, titanium isopropoxide and copper nitrate as precursors. Structural characterization revealed that the items correspond to nanostructures of Cu particles deposited on SnO2–TiO2 surface. The characterizations studies of hybrid nanocomposites were determined by X-ray diffractrogram, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy analyses. Optimized nanocomposite was fabricated into high sensitive gas thick film to sense gas molecules. The prepared sensor device using the films exhibits higher responses (sensitivities) to reducing group of gases. The improved sensitivity of this nanocomposite propagates the gas diffusivity of the sensing film comprising Cu-doped SnO2–TiO2. This sensing film will also increase the sensor response due to its catalytic and electrical sensitization effects of Cu and titanium oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While drilling and blasting with explosives is widely used for rock fragmentation in mining and civil engineering, its use is associated with rigorous safety and environmental constraints as blasting creates toxic fumes, vibrations and dust. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in transitioning from blasting with explosives to rock fragmentation without explosives. In this study, the potential of expansive cement (EC), aka soundless chemical demolition agent (SCDA), as an alternative to explosives to break hard rock under confinement is explored through a comprehensive experimental and numerical modelling study. To do so, two large-scale tests have been designed and carried out on 1 m × 1 m × 0.25 m panels made from high-strength concrete and subjected to planar, biaxial loading conditions. Such test configuration is designed to mimic a mining front subjected to biaxial stresses. Different EC drill hole patterns were tested and compared. The fragmentation behaviour due to EC was first examined with five particle flow code (PFC2D) models simulating different EC drill hole patterns. Two panel designs were retained for the large-scale experiment. It is found that rock breakage with EC under confinement is feasible and promising, especially when the optimized drill pattern from numerical modelling is adopted. It is demonstrated that discrete element modeling with PFC2D can be used effectively to design and optimize the EC drill hole pattern under biaxial confinement. The findings of this study could set the stage for numerous future applications of EC for rock fragmentation of subsurface hard rock excavations such as shafts, tunnels, and mine openings. Highlights: PFC2D models are developed to examine the efficiency of expansive cement to fragment a panel under biaxial loading. Both modelling and large-scale test results indicate that panel breaks more effectively when relief holes are employed in both loading directions. Concrete panel #2 is successfully fractured using expansive cement while both in-plane and bulging failure mechanisms are observed during the test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Occupational exposure to inorganic dust and fumes in the year preceding disease has been associated with increased pneumococcal pneumonia risk, but the impact of prior cumulative exposure has not been characterized. Methods: We studied 3184 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease with pneumonia. The case index date was the day the infection was diagnosed. We selected six controls for each case from the Swedish population registry; each control was assigned the index date of their corresponding case. We linked job histories to a job-exposure matrix to calculate a cumulative exposure index, intensity-years, by multiplying the duration (maximum 5 years) of each exposure with the level of exposure (0 for unexposed, 1 for low and 4 for high). We used conditional logistic analyses to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of invasive pneumococcal disease with pneumonia adjusted for comorbidities, educational level, income and other occupational exposures. Results: Taking other occupational exposures into account, greater than 5 intensity-years of exposure to silica dust or to fumes was each associated with increased odds for invasive pneumococcal disease with pneumonia (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.49–4.32) and (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.41–3.55), respectively. Five intensity-years or less of exposure to silica dust or fumes manifested lower odds (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.20–1.76) and (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.94–1.16), respectively. Conclusion: This study adds evidence that the risk of pneumococcal pneumonia increases with increasing cumulative exposure to dust and fumes, indicating the importance of cumulative exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Materiae Compositae Sinica is the property of Acta Materiea Compositae Sinica Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Realizing the significance of poisonous gas detection emitted from various factories and mines will help to reduce severe accidents and also tends to save human life. Photonic crystal (PhC) is capable of detecting technology and has attracted popularity due to its evident benefits in sensitivity (Se), durability, safety, downsizing, adaptability, online usage, and remote access. This paper presents the design and investigation of a two-dimensional (2D) PhC sensor to sense toxic gases using hexagon air rods. Additionally, the point defect is introduced in the design to enhance the sensing characteristics of the proposed sensor. The Sio2 rods enclose the defect zone in the proposed sensor design to maximize the resonance properties to detect the toxic gases, which would be necessary for building compact sensors. Over the range of various noxious gases, spectral factors such as Se, transmitted output power, detection limit (DL), and quality factor (QF) are analyzed by RI values. The designed hexagonal PhC sensor has attained a QF range of 408.5, high efficacy of 98%, with an improved Se of 724.7 nm/RIU at 1508 nm, respectively. The resonant wavelength (λr), QF, Se, and output power for the square resonator are attained as 1500 nm, 250, 609.75 nm/RIU, and 98%. The proposed sensor can spot and classify various gaseous molecules. Hence, the proposed is applicable for industries, mines, thermal plants, agriculture, healthcare devices, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have demonstrated the rise of localism worldwide. In an Asian context, we are witnessing an increasing number of protest events and numerous social movement documentaries being produced. In Hong Kong, Edward Tin-kei Leung 梁天琦 was the first self-proclaimed localist to participate in a democratic election and the first to be charged for riot since the Handover. The documentary film of Leung's story, Lost in the Fumes, achieved an impressive degree of popularity among local people during the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill (ELAB) movement. Analysing its storylines and plots, as well as filming techniques, from the perspectives of film studies and cultural studies, together with several interviews as a supplement, this article examines the emotional connections of films and protesting bodies in social movements. It explores the cinematic representation of Leung and how this representation was received by viewers to facilitate self-mobilization in the Anti-ELAB Movement. Hence, I will analyse the functions of films as a cultural or emotional foundation in social movements that facilitate the creation of a shared emotional engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooking oil fumes (COFs) represent a major indoor environmental pollutant and exhibit potent mutagenic or carcinogenic health effects caused by containing various heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) and long-chain aldehydes. Despite some evaluation of the cumulative exposure of COFs to cancer cells under high concentration were evaluated, their biological adverse effects with low-dose exposure to healthy cells had been inadequately investigated. Herein, we firstly scrutinized the three selected typically toxic compounds of heterocyclic amine 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), 3,8-dimethylammidazo[4,5-f]quinoxalin-2-amine (MeIQx) and trans, trans-2,4-decadienal (TDA)) emitted from COFs. In vitro studies revealed that the PhIP, MeIQx and TDA aerosol particles were negligible toxicity to cancer cells (A549 and HepG-2) but strong cytotoxicity to normal healthy cells (HelF and L02) under 0.5–4 μg/mL low dose exposure based on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) mechanism. In vivo studies demonstrated that PhIP caused significant lung and liver damage after exposure to PhIP for 30 days with mice. These results indicated the direct proof of healthy cell damage even at low-dose exposure to HAAs and aldehydes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal fumes fever (MFF) is an inflammatory condition, whose mechanism is yet unclear, associated with the inhalation of metal fumes, particularly zinc. In this study we investigate experimentally the hypothesis of a two-step mechanism of MFF onset: (1) the photocatalytic production of airborne hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via ZnO and (2) the production of hydroxyl radicals (HOׄ) through Fenton reaction via magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. Photocatalysis and Fenton reaction products were measured using a multiscattering-enhanced absorbance device and assessing the degradation of bromophenol blue with microplate photometry, respectively. We observed that in the presence of UV, ZnO produces 3 to 4-times more H2O2 than UV alone or that non-UV irradiated ZnO. In the presence of biologically-relevant ligands, we also measured a Fenton reaction at physiological pH with either Fe(II), Fe(III) or Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Our results support the hypothesis of a two-step mechanism of MFF onset, in which the prior presence of Fe in the lungs exacerbates the oxidative stress, triggered by the photocatalysis of ZnO, a situation that could occurs when welding galvanized steel. More broadly, this raises the question of the role of the Fenton mechanism in respiratory exposure to metal particles and its possible contribution to other lung diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hazardous substances at the workplace can cause a wide variety of occupational incidents. This study aimed to investigate the nature and circumstances of acute occupational intoxications reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Center. Methods: During a one-year prospective study, data on the circumstances and causes of the incident, the exposure(s) and clinical course, were collected by a telephone survey with victims of an acute occupational intoxication. Results: We interviewed 310 patients. Most incidents occurred in industry (25%), building and installation industry (14%) and agriculture (10%). Patients were often exposed via multiple routes. Inhalation was the most common route of exposure (62%), followed by ocular (40%) and dermal contact (33%). Acids and alkalis were often involved. Exposure often occurred during cleaning activities (33%). The main root causes of these accidents were: technical factors such as damaged packaging (24%) and defective apparatus (10%), organizational factors such as lack of work instructions (44%) and poor communication or planning (31%), and personal factors such as disregarding work instructions (13%), not (adequately) using personal protective equipment (12%) and personal circumstances (50%) such as inaccuracy, time pressure or fatigue. The majority of the patients only reported mild health effects and recovered quickly (77% within 1 week). Conclusions: Poison Center data on occupational exposures provide an additional source of knowledge and an important basis for poisoning prevention strategies related to hazardous substances at the workplace. These data are useful in deciding which risk mitigation measures are most needed in preventing future workplace injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presented research, we investigated Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO), with the addition of variously modified zeolite Y as an attractive explosive. Analysis of both blasting tests and thermodynamic models of blasting properties led to the conclusion that the addition of zeolite Y enhanced the detonation properties of such prepared ANFO via the growth of the detonation pressure, temperature, compression energy, and heat of the explosion. Generally, the modification of ANFO with variously prepared zeolite Y also reduced the volume of (COx + NOx) post-blast fumes. Furthermore, it was found that the ANFO's velocity of detonation (VOD) could be controlled by the choice of the way of zeolite Y modification. Namely, for zeolite Y without Mg, as well as Mg-Y prepared via the impregnation method, the VOD rose. The opposite effect was observed when ANFO was modified with Mg-Y, obtained from the deposition of Mg over zeolite Y via the ultrasonic-assisted procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, polymer composite material has shown excellent performance in a wide range of technological applications, such as renewable energy, biomedical applications, optoelectronic devices ...etc. As the knowledge-base on this emergent material continues to grow, a new kind of hybrid sensors fabricated with semiconducting metal oxides and conducting polymers had been synthesized and had demonstrated high sensing capability for several poisonous gases and chemical warfare agents at room temperature. This research work introduces the synthesis and the characterization of a novel polymer P-DSBT composite consisting of ZnO nanoparticles (P-DSBT/ZNO). The composite films P-DSBT/ZNO are prepared by spin coating technique and then studied using different spectroscopic characterization techniques, i.e., FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, AFM and UV–Vis to further investigate on the structure and the morphology of this material. For assessing the P-DSBT/ZNO selectivity, different oxidizing and reducing gases were applied and it was found that the nanocomposite has the best selectivity for methane (CH4). The obtained P-DSBT/ZNO shows a wide sensing range (0–200 ppm) and a very high response magnitude, i.e., relative resistance changes of approximately 40% per 60 ppm of CH4. The key finding of this work is that sensitivity for gas detection is greatly improved by the interaction of ZnO-based hybrid materials at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Impacts of inhaling gasoline fumes on the lungs of adult male rats and the alleviating role of fenugreek seeds were evaluated. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups, unexposed control and fenugreek groups, gasoline exposed groups for 6 h/6 day/week for 10 weeks with and without supplementation of fenugreek seed powder in food (5% w/w). Rats exposed to gasoline fumes showed significant elevation in lung tumor necrosis factor-α, as an inflammatory marker, and the proapoptotic marker Bax with a reduction in the antiapoptotic marker Bcl2. Moreover, remarkable elevations in transforming growth factor-β1, collagen and hydroxyproline were observed as fibrotic markers. Lung oxidative stress markers (hydrogen peroxides, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl) increased significantly along with marked decrease in total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels. Additionally, marked decreases in white and red blood cell counts, hemoglobin content, platelet count, accompanied by elevated red cell distribution width percentage were observed, supporting the inflammatory status. Histopathological changes represented by hematoxylin&eosin, immunohistochemistry staining for Bax&Bcl2, and transmission electron microscopy supported the negative impacts of gasoline fumes compared to the control group. Fenugreek seeds supplementation with gasoline exposure showed pronounced alleviation of lung biochemical and histopathological changes compared to the gasoline-exposed group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaborative modelling of the Internet of Things (IoT) with Artificial Intelligence (AI) has merged into the Intelligence of Things concept. This recent trend enables sensors to track required parameters and store accumulated data in cloud storage, which can be further utilized by AI based predictive models for automatic decision making. In a smart and sustainable environment, effective waste management is a concern. Poor regulation of waste in surrounding areas leads to rapid spread of contagious disease risks. Traditional waste object management requires more working staff, increases effort, consumes time and is relatively ineffective. In this research, an Intelligence of Things Enabled Smart Waste Management (IoT-SWM) model with predictive capabilities is developed. Here, local sinks (LS) are deployed in specified locations. At every instant, the current status of smart bins in each LS is notified to users to determine the priority level of LS to be emptied. Based on aggregated sensor values for the three smart bins, LS weight and poison gas value, the priority order of emptying LS is computed, and decision is made whether to notify the users with an alert message or not. It also helps in predicting the LS, which is likely to be filled up at a faster rate based on assigned timestamp. This model is implemented in real time with many LS and it was observed that bins, which were close to more crowded sites filled up faster compared to sparse populated areas. Random forest algorithm was used to predict whether an alert notification is to be sent or not. An average mean of 95.8% accuracy was noted while using 60 decision trees in random forest algorithm. The average mean execution latency recorded for training and testing sets is 13.06 sec and 14.39 sec respectively. Observed accuracy rate, precision, recall and f1-score parameters were 95.8%, 96.5%, 98.5% and 97.2% respectively. Model buildup and the validation time computed were 3.26 sec and 4.25 sec respectively. It is also noted that at a threshold value of 0.93 in LS level, the maximum accuracy rate reached was 95.8%. Thus, based on the prediction of random forest approach, a decision to notify the users is taken. Obtained outcome indicates that the waste level can be efficiently determined, and the overflow of dustbins can be easily checked in time [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The first case of Taralomyces flavus infection in human and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient after exposure to biocontrol agent fumes is reported here.Case Presentation: A 77-year-old Thai female farmer with kidney failure presented with peritonitis and PD catheter obstruction from fungal biofilms. The potential root cause of infection was associated with exposure to biocontrol-agent fumes containing pathogen during agricultural work in her garden. This source of infection has not been mentioned previously. Showering and changing clothes right after outdoor activity with a high density of fungal matters or dust should be added to the routine aseptic technique before performing PD bag exchange to prevent the system contamination. Although the patient received early treatment with liposomal amphotericin B, itraconazole, and catheter removal, according to the ISPD Guideline 2016 and the Global Guideline 2021, the outcome was unfavorable. Antifungal susceptibility testing later revealed that the pathogen was only susceptible to voriconazole. Thus, antifungal susceptibility should be tested if the patient fails or slowly responds to the primary antifungal regimen.Conclusions: T. flavus peritonitis is reported here after exposure to biocontrol-agent fumes containing the pathogen. This work also alerts and reiterates nephrology peers to be aware of this overlooked source of peritonitis, the exposure to dusty environments, specifically containing biocontrol-agent fumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooking-oil fumes (COFs) from street-food stalls in night markets have adverse effects on air quality and workers. This study proposes a floor-mounted, cylindrical, movable, small-sized rotating packed bed (RPB) coupled with green surfactants in a Span and Tween mixture as an intensified chemical scrubber for COF purification. Moreover, it is used for an on-site performance evaluation of PM 2.5 removal efficiency (η PM2.5) in a fried-food stall. With a hydrophilic–lipophilic balance of 6 (H6) from the Span and Tween mixture, an optimal dose of 8.2 g/L is achieved for an η PM2.5 of 88.8 %. Except for direct interception and inertial impaction, the RPB with H6 stimulates the emulsification of COFs, which is a dominant mechanism for the range of PM 1–2.5. By comparing the effects of scrubbing solutions of water, traditional detergent, and H6, it is found that H6 exhibits the highest emulsification effect for η PM2.5 with low scent and manageable foaming level. A 7-day performance evaluation for commercial operation suggests that a promising η PM2.5 can be reached by maintaining the concentration of H6 in the scrubbing solution. Therefore, the effectiveness of the RPB with the bio-based H6 surfactant is clearly demonstrated by the removal of PM 2.5 in commercial fried-food stalls. The findings shed light on the development and application of RPB with bio-based and eco-friendly surfactants for wet scrubbing of COFs in terms of particulate-matter removal in commercial fried-food stalls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is very important to study impurity gas poisoning in ZrCo alloy because it is associated directly with the performance of ZrCo alloy as a hydrogen storage material. In this work, the effects of atomic replacement on the mechanism and properties of CO impurity gas poisoning in doped (Ti) ZrCo hydrogen storage alloys were investigated using the first principles method, based on the pseudopotential plane wave method. The adsorption energy, lattice constant, density of states, and charge density difference of the compounds before and after doping were calculated. Then, surface adsorption models of the ZrCo and Zr0.8Ti0.2Co alloys were established with the assistance of a conventional model. The resulting adsorption energy values of the clean surface and the surface adsorption energy values in the presence of CO impurity gases manifested that the Ti element-doped Zr0.8Ti0.2Co alloy was more susceptible to CO gas poisoning compared to ZrCo, which was consistent with the existing experimental results. In addition, by analyzing the conventional model, the electrons from the doped atoms overlapped with the surrounding electrons of C atoms, the phenomenon of orbital hybridization occurred, and the interactions increased. Consequently, Ti doping was not conducive to ZrCo to improve the ability to resist CO poisoning. The research results of this paper have laid a good foundation for the study of the effect of Ti doping on the antitoxicity performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the death cases of simple asphyxiant gas acute poisoning are increasing sharply. Common asphyxiant gases in death cases include nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, methane, propane, laughing gas, etc. Simple asphyxiant gas has no affinity for biological matrices and escapes quickly, which puts forward new requirements for autopsy procedures, selection and collection of samples, laboratory analysis and identification. This paper reviews the research and development process of death cases caused by simple asphyxiant gas acute poisoning and put forwards the collection and analysis strategy of the samples in such cases. The most valuable biological samples in such cases should be lung tissues associated with the airways, followed by brain tissue and cardiac blood. Gaseous samples from the esophageal cavity, tracheal cavity, pulmonary bronchi, gastric and cardiac areas are also recommended as valuable samples. In the case of postmortem examination, the gas should be injected into gas sample bag directly. Biological materials such as tissue and blood should be directly sealed in head-space vials and analyzed by using the headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil fume is always considered as a major source of indoor air pollution. This article aims to examine the effects of cooking oil fume as environmental pollution on the health of Chinese women by using the data obtained from China Labor force Dynamic Survey (CLDS). In order to estimate the effect of environmental pollution on the human health, we utilize probit model approach and baseline regression method. The results showed that oil fume has a significant negative impact on the health indicators of "physical pain, health impact on work and injury." By conducting endogeneity analysis, our results show the robustness and indicate that oil fume has a robust effect on the women health. Heterogeneity analysis show that heavier oil fume has a negative impact on the subjective health of middle-aged and young women, while it has a significant negative impact on the objective health of middle-aged women. Analysis of the impact mechanism reveal that heavier oil fumes will reduce women's sleep quality and will lead to the poorer health. Based on our study findings, this study proposes policy recommendations from the perspectives of the use of smoke extraction equipment, cooking methods, and sleep quality to reduce the negative impact of cooking fumes on women's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is urgent to develop new efficient ammonia synthesis catalysts using non-precious metals. Herein, the Mo2C species is introduced into a carbon-supported Mo catalyst by in situ carburization of a carbon-supported Mo catalyst in H2. In combination with the presence of the Mo2C phase as well as the enhancement of the graphitization degree of carbon and the amount of the low-valent Mo species, the migration and the exchange of the adsorbed species with the gaseous species are accelerated. As a result, the catalyst with carbonization treatment shows higher ammonia synthesis activity than the sample without carbonization, and the ill effect of the poisoning of reagent gases also is alleviated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, we demonstrate a versatile method for the removal of bone cement fumes from the vicinity of health care workers in a simulated operating room. The mixing of two component bone cement in the perimeter of an operating room releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The use of localized negative pressure within proximity of the mixing vessel is expected to reduce the concentration of VOCs dispersed near the airway of operating room personnel. A standard two component bone cement formulation was mixed in the perimeter of a simulated operating room. A median VOC concentration of 19 ppm was detected with a portable VOC detector. When a portable negative pressure unit was stationed near the mixing area at distances of 8 and 36 cm from the mixing vessel, the median VOC rise was reduced by approximately 97% and 83%, respectively, relative to the control. The use of a portable negative pressure unit provides a potential increase in the safety for all staff when working with materials that give off VOCs in the operating room. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poisonous gas leakage is a serious problem and it is seen that due to the gas leakage, hazardous accidents occur every day. Therefore, detection of poisonous gas is very important in industrial production as well as in our daily life. Graphene is an important candidate for the next generation room temperature gas detectors. In this work, great sensitivity enhancement in graphene gas detectors was achieved by using highly charged ions (HCIs) irradiation technology. The graphene gas detectors prepared from single layer graphene were irradiated by 4.25 MeV 54Xe17+ to different ion fluences. In 1 ppm NO 2 atmosphere, 27 times higher gas sensitivity was detected in irradiated detectors. Even in the low concentration (50 ppb), 12 times sensitivity improvement was achieved. Furthermore, we obtained optimal sensitivity enhancement of graphene gas detectors for the irradiation fluences ranging from 1 × 1013 ions/cm2 to 7 × 1014 ions/cm2. Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate the evolution of defects induced in graphene. The three stages evolution process of the intensity ratio of D peak to G peak (I D / I G) with increasing fluence was analyzed by using phenomenological model for better understanding of the sensitivity variation with increasing ion fluence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this modern era, huge capital of the country has been spent for the defence field to deploy primitive and high security measures and safeguard the border security forces from the trespassers. Robot plays a vital role in saving human loses as well as the damages that occur during disasters. Thus, it will gain more importance in the upcoming era. Basically, Robot consists of Arduino Uno, PIR sensor which use to detect the bomb which is made up of metal, the Gas sensor use to detect poisonous gas. This paper has proposed the system Arduino, Bluetooth, metal detector, PIR sensor, gas sensor, Taser.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manual scavengers are exposed to poisonous gases such as methane, and hydrogen disulfide during sewage cleaning. As a result, they are subjected to health-related issues such as bronchitis, skin cancer, and respiratory problems the worst being the loss of life. To automate the process of manual scavenging, this project proposes a Robotic hand controlled by a Mobile application. This system automatically clears the blockages in the underground water flow. This system is user-friendly and can be used for cleaning the sewage along roads and underground sewage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amongst the chemical warfare agents, blistering (vesicant) agents can be significant materials. The most important agent in this group is sulfur mustard (mustard gas) which is known as "King of chemical warfare (CW) agents ". Exposure to this agent, seriously causes damages in several organs, such as the eyes. This article reviews the ophthalmological aspects of sulfur mustard with reference of its management. Methods: A wide-ranging search in PubMed databases, Thomson Reuters and Scopus was done and different aspects of chemical properties of sulfur mustard, its mechanism of action and effects on eyes, clinical finding, diagnostic evaluation, initiate actions, pharmaceutical and surgical interventions was reported. Results: Sulfur mustard can alkylate DNA and RNA strands and break down structures of protein and lipid of cell membrane. This may impair cell energy production, and leads to cell death. Exposure to sulfur mustard, therefore, causes such problems for organs, including irreversible damage to the eyes. Conclusion: Understanding the mechanism of the sulfur mustard effect and the early training in prevention injuries will cause fewer complications and damage to organs, including the eyes. Washing the eyes with tap water or eyewash solutions, using mydriatic drops, anti-inflammatory drugs, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors and antibiotics may help to the management of poisoning. Surgical interventions including tarsorrhaphy, amniotic membrane transplantation, stem cell transplantation and corneal transplantation could reduce the harm to the victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous investigation of kerf quality and fume emissions during laser cutting process is essential to achieve efficient and hygienic cutting process. In this study, an experimental investigation on process factors of CO2 laser cutting (CLC) of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets has been carried out followed by an optimization study to enhance the kerf geometry and reduce the emitted harmful fumes. Laser power, transverse cutting speed, and sheet thickness have been considered as the process factors. The kerf geometry has been measured using optical microscope. The emitted fumes are considered to be proportional to the generated kerf volume. An L9 experimental design plan was designed using Taguchi method, and the results were evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Second-order regression models have been developed to correlate the input parameters to the process responses. Genetic algorithm (GA) was implemented to obtain the optimum process parameters that should be used to minimize the kerf volume and consequently the emitted fumes. A significant decrease in kerf volume has been obtained using the optimum process parameters. Confirmation experiments have been conducted to verify the accuracy of the proposed approach. The proposed optimization method shows a considerable decrease in the kerf volume and the emitted fumes, especially for large sheet thicknesses. The emitted fumes can be reduced by about 39% and 61% for sheet thickness of 7 mm and 10 mm, respectively, by applying the optimum cutting parameters obtained from this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study are to elucidate the early history of risk for pneumococcal pneumonia from occupational exposure to metal fumes and dusts, and to demonstrate the importance of searching older literature when performing reviews. We performed manual searching for articles in the Library of the Surgeon General's Office (the precursor to Index Medicus), in the Hathi Trust database, in PubMed, andby screening reference lists in literature appearing before the introduction of PubMed. An early body of literature, from the 1890s onward, recognized that pneumonia was linked to "Thomas slag," a steel industry byproduct containing iron, manganese, and lime. Researchers, mainly in Germany, showed that workers in metal‐dust‐exposed occupations, especially using manganese, manifested an increased incidence of pneumococcal pneumonia. An outbreak of pneumococcal pneumonia in the 1930s implicated manganese fume in its etiology. In the immediate post‐World War II period, there was a brief flurry of interest in pneumonia from exposure to potassium permanganate that was soon dismissed as a chemical pneumonitis. After a hiatus of two decades, epidemiologic investigations drew attention to the pneumonia risks of welding and related metal fume exposure, bringing renewed interest to the forgotten role of pneumococcal pneumonia as an occupational disease. Occupational or environmental inhalation of manganese, iron, or irritants may be causally related to increased pneumococcal pneumonia risk. In particular, the risk associated with manganese seems to be overlooked in recent literature. An important conclusion is the importance of obtaining additional evidence through a deeper assessment of the literature in a broad historical context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]