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Abstract Copolymers of propylene/1-octene and propylene/1-hexene were synthesized in slurry phase polymerization using Mg[Cl.sub.2]/Ti[Cl.sub.4]/Diester based catalyst system. The Al/Do (co-catalyst/external donor), Al/Ti (co-catalyst/catalyst) mole ratio variations were investigated for effect [...]

In this paper, we report on extensive experiments conducted to evaluate Internet of Things (IoT) sensor performance in monitoring urban air quality. As certified sensors showed a considerably reduced air quality measurement error of 4.3% compared to uncalibrated sensors at 8.5%, our results highlight the crucial function of sensor calibration. The performance of sensors was impacted by environmental factors; higher temperatures produced better accuracy (3.6%), while high humidity levels caused sensors to react more quickly (2.3 seconds). The average air quality index (AQI) recorded by inside sensors was 45, but outside sensors reported an AQI of 60. This indicates that the positioning of the sensors had a substantial influence on the air quality data. Additionally, the methods of data transmission were examined, and it was found that Wi-Fi-transmitting sensors had lower latency (0.6 seconds) and data loss (1.8%) than cellular-transmitting sensors. These results emphasize the significance of environmental factors, sensor placement strategy, sensor calibration, and suitable data transmission techniques in maximizing IoT sensor performance for urban air quality monitoring, ultimately leading to more accurate and dependable air quality assessment.

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is unusual in sickle cell disease (SCD). However, excessive urinary iron loss and mucosal/submucosal infarcts may result in poor absorption of iron in SCD. During the first decade of the disease, environmental factors and poor nutrition may also affect iron metabolism and contribute to iron deficiency in SCD. The present study assessed iron status and haematological profile of young children with SCD using serum Iron, Ferritin and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) to establish early diagnosis of IDA.Results showed that out of 6276 newborns screened, 33(0.52%) were detected to have SCD. Amongst 33,14(14.28%) children were suspected to have IDA. Iron studies revealed 42.4% of coexistent IDA with low serum Iron among 3 children, whereas high normal or raised TIBC was seen in 14 children. The findings emphasize that raised TIBC with normal serum iron may indicate early onset of IDA in the early decade of SCD, highlighting the need of timely initiation of iron therapy to prevent further severe events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Early identification, referrals and timely treatment is crucial to improve the outcome of Birth Defects (BDs). The role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in India is largely fulfilled by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) who can play an important role in community‐based reporting and referrals of BDs in newborn. In the study area, ASHAs have been previously trained for identification of BDs under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK); however, reporting through them was found to be sub‐optimal. Methods: To strengthen the community based reporting of BDs through ASHAs, audio visual based training was provided to 1225 ASHAs in 6 tribal blocks of Palghar district in Maharashtra, India. The change in knowledge about BDs before and after training among 1023 participants was analyzed using paired sample t test & McNemar test. Results: Findings reveal a significant increase in the knowledge of participants with regards to prevention, risk factors and identification of BDs after intervention as compared to before intervention. Discussion: The study suggests that audio‐visual based refresher training increased knowledge of ASHAs with respect to identification, prevention and risk factors of BDs which may eventually improve reporting and referrals of BDs at community level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Despite several adversities imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it was crucial to sustain research having public health relevance such as investigations around sickle cell disease (SCD). Against this background, an ongoing ICMR-multicentric study for newborn screening of SCD in the tribal population at Model Rural Health Research Unit (MRHRU-Dahanu) in Palghar District, Maharashtra constituted the current study setting. This was a descriptive study wherein, certain measures were undertaken and strategies were developed in view of the challenges in newborn screening for SCD due to the COVID-19 pandemic during December 2019-September 2021 at Sub District Hospital, MRHRU-Dahanu. Methods: During the onset of the pandemic, (December 2019-March 2020), the follow up was possible in 26.7 per cent (20/75) of the newborns. Subsequently, challenges such as travel restrictions, fear of COVID-19, shortage of staff were experienced with respect to enrolment and follow up visits. Results: After implementing certain pragmatic strategies (ASHA involvement, usage of virtual platform and flexible visits), follow up rate increased to 47.5 per cent (66/139) between July 2020-April 2021 (post first lockdown) and to 66 per cent (65/98) during the second wave (May 2021-August 2021). Interpretation & conclusions: The study emphasizes the importance of network building, use of virtual platform and engaging health workers in tribal settings. Such pragmatic approaches have the potential to pave a path for further implementation research involving specific interventions to improve health outcomes in tribal settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Deepti. Tandon, Kiran. Munne, Sanjay. Chauhan, Anushree. Patil Despite adequate treatment of reproductive tract infection, there is persistence of symptoms in some patients. This raises the possibility of existence [...]

Supply chain management is one of the most prominent areas that needs to incorporate sustainability to achieve responsible consumption and production (SDG 11).It has been identified that there are limited studies that have presented the significance of different Industry 4.0 technologies from the perspective of sustainable SCM. The purpose of this study is to discuss the role of Industry 4.0 technologies in the context of sustainable SCM, as well as to identify important areas for future research. The PRISM framework is followed to discuss the role and significance of sustainable SCM and the integration of Industry 4.0-enabling technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and digital twin for sustainable SCM. The findings of the study reveal that there are limited empirical studies for developing countries and the majority are emphasized in case studies. Additionally, a few studies have focused on operational aspects, economics, and automation in SCM. The current study is able to contribute to the significance and application of IoT, cloud computing, big data, AI, blockchain, and digital twin in achieving sustainable SCM in the future. The current study can be expanded to discuss the Industry 4.0-enabling technologies in analyzing sustainability performance in any organization using environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]