Exploring the multipotentiality of plant extracts for the green synthesis of iron nanoparticles: A study of adsorption capacity and dye degradation efficiency.

The goal of the project was to create environmentally friendly and economically viable materials for thoroughly purifying contaminated water. An affordable, phytogenic, and multifunctional plant-based nanomaterial was prepared in this context. The work demonstrates an effective green synthesis method for producing iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) using six different plant extracts as a reducing agent. The characterization of green synthesized catalysts was concluded via Spectroscopy (tauc plot), XRD, FE-SEM, and FT-IR. The produced nanomaterial, which had an X-ray diffractogram (XRD) peak at 43.33° and a size range of 1.82-63.63 nm, functioned as a highly effective nano-photocatalyst for the degradation of cationic dye. Due to the presence of a lower overall secondary metabolites quota, Ocimum sanctum plant extract reduced iron precursor produced the highest yield of dried NPs, followed by Azadirachta indica, Prosopis cineraria, Syzygium cumini, Citrus limon, and Salvadora oleoides. Further, the synthesized catalyst was tested for its effectiveness against gentian violet dye degradation. Ocimum sanctum plant extract reduced iron precursor produced the highest yield of dried NPs, followed by Azadirachta indica, Prosopis cineraria, Syzygium cumini, Citrus limon, and Salvadora oleoides, in that order. The dye removal efficiency of nanoparticles was 51% (Azadirachta indica), 83% (Ocimum sanctum), 59% (Syzygium cumini), 40% (Salvadora oleoides), 59% (Prosopis cineraria), and 63% (Citrus limon) after 12 h of visible light irradiation. The key factor in the process of deterioration is •O2-. As a result, the nanoparticles can be used in antibacterial and photocatalytic processes. The reduced band gap was responsible for the increased photocatalytic quantity. The maximum adsorption capacity at the time of equilibrium was obtained in order as Ocimum sanctum > Citrus limon > Prosopis cineraria > Syzygium cumini > Azadirachta indica > Salvadora oleoides. The simplicity of production, low cost, magnetic property, and high adsorption capacity will increase the efficacy of the water treatment method. This article reports on the creation of unique iron nanoparticles and their use in the purification of water.

Tuberculosis case notification by registered private medical practitioners in Kolkata: A mixed-methods study.

Background: Under-notification of tuberculosis (TB) cases remains a persistent problem that impedes accurate estimation of the disease burden. India's private health sector contributes to only one-fourth of the total TB notifications. Objectives: The present study was conducted among registered private practitioners in Kolkata to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice on TB notification, to find the socio-demographic and work-related factors associated with it, to identify the barriers faced by them in notifying TB cases and to elicit suggested solutions in overcoming these barriers. Materials and Methods: It was an observational study, cross-sectional in design following explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach conducted among 426 private practitioners in Kolkata Municipal Corporation area over 2 years (July 2019-October 2021). Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 with suitable descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using Atlas.ti 7.1 and data were represented in the form of themes, codes, and verbatims. Results: Out of 426, 295 (69.2%) of the study population had adequate knowledge, 385 (90.4%) had positive attitude and only 115 (27.0%) had satisfactory practice. Lack of awareness, inadequate communication, and breaching patient confidentiality were the main barriers identified. Suggested solutions to improve engagement of private sector were organizing more continuing medical educations, active case finding, and acknowledgement to private practitioners on notification. Conclusion: Private practitioners had adequate knowledge on TB notification, their attitude was very positive but practice was poor. Training and sensitization of private practitioners on notification are recommended with feedback from both ends.

Advances in Testing Techniques for Digital Microfluidic Biochips.

With the advancement of digital microfluidics technology, applications such as on-chip DNA analysis, point of care diagnosis and automated drug discovery are common nowadays. The use of Digital Microfluidics Biochips (DMFBs) in disease assessment and recognition of target molecules had become popular during the past few years. The reliability of these DMFBs is crucial when they are used in various medical applications. Errors found in these biochips are mainly due to the defects developed during droplet manipulation, chip degradation and inaccuracies in the bio-assay experiments. The recently proposed Micro-electrode-dot Array (MEDA)-based DMFBs involve both fluidic and electronic domains in the micro-electrode cell. Thus, the testing techniques for these biochips should be revised in order to ensure proper functionality. This paper describes recent advances in the testing technologies for digital microfluidics biochips, which would serve as a useful platform for developing revised/new testing techniques for MEDA-based biochips. Therefore, the relevancy of these techniques with respect to testing of MEDA-based biochips is analyzed in order to exploit the full potential of these biochips.

Effectiveness of copper oxychloride coated with iron nanoparticles against earthworms.

This study examines the potential of iron nanoparticle-coated copper oxychloride in mitigating its toxic effects on earthworms, a key component of sustainable agriculture due to their role in enhancing soil quality and promoting plant growth. While earthworms and their coelomic fluid play a crucial role in enhancing soil health and promoting plant growth. Copper oxychloride, a commonly used fungicide, induces oxidative stress by disrupting antioxidant defense mechanisms in living systems. Through probit analysis, the median lethal concentration (LC50) of copper oxychloride was determined to be 2511.9 mg/kg. Artificial soil was treated with copper oxychloride at 60% and 80% of LC50, but the addition of iron nanoparticle-coated fungicide successfully reduced earthworm mortality to 0%. These findings offer promising insights into protecting non-target organisms from fungicide toxicity while maintaining agricultural productivity. The findings present a potential breakthrough in sustainable agriculture by demonstrating how nanotechnology can mitigate the harmful effects of fungicides on essential soil fauna. The use of iron nanoparticle-coated fungicides not only protects earthworms but also offers a path to maintaining ecological balance and enhancing crop productivity without compromising soil health.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices among residents of different slum settlements in a ward of Kolkata: A mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is the most basic need for mankind. Poor WASH practices are associated with various waterborne diseases, especially in developing countries such as India. The aim of the study was to assess WASH practices among residents of different slum settlements in a ward of Kolkata, identify the factors associated with WASH practice, and explore the barriers faced by the families and municipal staff in providing adequate WASH services to the community. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational study, cross-sectional in design with a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach, was conducted in different slum settlements in a ward of Kolkata. Quantitative data were collected by face-to-face interview, spot observation, and measuring the living area, door, and window spaces. Key informant interviews were conducted with the medical officer, ward vector-control coordinator, and municipal waste handlers, in addition to in-depth interviews with respondents who had unsatisfactory WASH practices. SPSS version 25.0 was used to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using Atlas.ti 22. RESULTS: The overall WASH practices were considered satisfactory in 58.8% of the households. Education of the respondents up to the secondary level, presence of overcrowding, and inadequate ventilation in the house had statistically significantly higher odds of unsatisfactory practice. Poor living conditions, difficulty in collecting and storing water, waterlogging, blocked sewage drains, common toilets for men and women, and lack of motivation were the primary obstacles identified by the residents. CONCLUSION: Unsatisfactory WASH practices were observed among a high proportion of the slum population. Community engagement and education regarding WASH in communities is strongly recommended along with improvement of infrastructure and capacity building.

Analysis of heavy metals concentration in ambient air and in human population of Rohtak, India.

The samples of ambient air collected from six different sites of the city during three different seasons on glass fibre filter papers were estimated for selected metals. The maximum value of Pb (0.191 microg m-3), Cd (0.015 microg m-3), Zn (0.198 microg m-3), Ni (0.582 microg m-3) and Cu (0.396 microg m-3) was observed at Hissar road during winter season. The minimum value of Pb (0.006 microg m-3), Cd (not detected), Zn (0.002 microg m-3), Ni (0.003 microg m-3) and Cu (0.002 microg m-3) was observed at University Campus during monsoon season. These values were however below the permissible limits. Sample of 50 people each was taken up from both low and high polluted sites. The significant difference at P<0.001 was observed in Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni and Cd in blood samples of subjects residing at low and high polluted area.

Impact of vehicular exhaust on ambient air quality of Rohtak city, India.

In the present study, ambient air quality of Rohtak city (Haryana) was monitored by High Volume Sampler. The selected parameters to judge the quality of air were Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen dioxide NO), Ozone (O3) and Suspended particulate matters (SPM) which give a fair idea of pollution load carried by the air. The monitoring data were collected from six sites randomly selected in Rohtak city. Sulphur dioxide was found below the permissible limits of National Ambient Avo Quality Standards (NAAQS) at all the sites. Higher concentration of SO2 was observed during winter in comparison to summer and monsoon seasons. Nitrogen dioxide concentration was found to be above the prescribed standards of NAAOS at four sites in winter season. Ozone concentration was found below the prescribed standards (NAAOS), but its concentration was higher in summer season as compared to winter. Suspended particulate matter concentration was observed above the safety limits at all the sites in all three seasons.

Observation of critical magnetic behavior in 2D carbon based composites.

Two dimensional (2D) carbonaceous materials such as graphene and its derivatives, e.g., graphdiyne, have enormous potential possibilities in major fields of scientific research. Theoretically, it has been proposed that the perfect atomic lattice arrangement of these materials is responsible for their outstanding physical and chemical properties, and also for their poor magnetic properties. Experimentally, it is difficult to obtain a perfect atomic lattice of carbon atoms due to the appearance of structural disorder. This structural disorder is generated during the growth or synthesis of carbon-related materials. Investigations of structural disorder reveal that it can offer both advantages and disadvantages depending on the application. For instance, disorder reduces the thermal and mechanical stability, and deteriorates the performance of 2D carbon-based electronic devices. The most interesting effect of structural disorder can be seen in the field of magnetism. Disorder not only creates magnetic ordering within 2D carbon materials but also influences the local electronic structure, which opens the door for future spintronic devices. Although various studies on the disorder induced magnetism of 2D carbon materials are available in the literature, some parts of the above field have still not been fully exploited. This review presents existing work for the future development of 2D carbon-based devices.

Review of electromagnetic interference shielding materials fabricated by iron ingredients.

Iron (Fe) and its counterparts, such as Fe2O3, Fe3O4, carbonyl iron and FeO, have attracted the attention of researchers during the past few years due to their bio-compatibility, bio-degradability and diverse applications in the field of medicines, electronics and energy; including water treatment, catalysis and electromagnetic wave interference shielding etc. In this review paper, we aimed to explore iron based materials for the prevention of electromagnetic interference (EMI) by means of both reflection and absorption processes, including the standard methods of synthesis of Fe-based materials along with the determination of EMI performance. It is customary that a proper combination of two dielectric-losses, i.e. electrical and magnetic losses, give excellent microwave absorption properties. Therefore, we focused on the different strategies of preparation of these iron based composites with dielectric carbon materials, polymers etc. Additionally, we explained their positive and negative aspects.

Droplet Velocity Measurement Based on Dielectric Layer Thickness Variation Using Digital Microfluidic Devices.

In recent years, the number of interdisciplinary research works related to the development of miniaturized systems with integrated chemical and biological analyses is increasing. Digital microfluidic biochips (DMFBs) are one kind of miniaturized systems designed for conducting inexpensive, fast, convenient and reliable biochemical assay procedures focusing on basic scientific research and medical diagnostics. The role of a dielectric layer in the digital microfluidic biochips is prominent as it helps in actuating microliter droplets based on the electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) technique. The advantages of using three different material layers of dielectric such as parafilm, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) were reported in the current work. A simple fabrication process of a digital microfluidic device was performed and good results were obtained. The threshold of the actuation voltage was determined for all dielectric materials of varying thicknesses. Additionally, the OpenDrop device was tested by utilizing a single-plate system to transport microliter droplets for a bioassay operation. With the newly proposed fabrication methods, these dielectric materials showed changes in contact angle and droplet velocity when the actuation voltage was applied. The threshold actuation voltage for the dielectric layers of 10⁻13 μm was 190 V for the open plate DMFBs.

Epidemiological studies on bicycle manufacturing industrial workers.

Studies involving health status of bicycle manufacturing industrial workers exposed to chemicals and unexposed workers of the same industry who formed control were conducted at Sonepatin Haryana State, India. Negligence of industrial hygiene and personal protection affected the health of exposed workers adversely Epidemiological spectrum of exposed subjects showed much variation from control. Some unique disorders, such as nail impairments, nasal septum perforation and metal fume fever were observed in exposed workers against their absence in unexposed workers. Data showed occurrence of following diseases in the order of asthma>skin disorders>allergic disorders>bronchitis>all other respiratory diseases>nail disorders and acute pharyngitis>pulmonary tuberculosis and loss of smell and hearing>nasal septum perforation showing high risk factor for 'all other respiratory diseases' and skin disorders. Importance of occupational health surveillance has been highlighted.

Bioaccumulation of Zn, Cu and Cd in Channa punctatus.

Adult Channa punctatus were acutely exposed to LC50 of zinc (18.62 mg/l), cadmium (11.8 mg/l) and copper (0.56 mg/l) separately for 96 hr The concentration of metals was found maximum in liver and minimum in muscles. The degree of accumulation among the five tissues differed and it was in the order: gill>liver>kidney>blood>muscle in case of Zn, gills>kidney>blood> liver>muscle in case of Cd and gills>kidney>blood>liver>muscle in case of Cu exposure.

Effect of cadmium individually and in combination with other metals on the nutritive value of fresh water fish, Channa punctatus.

Impact of metal cadmium on the nutritive value of Channa punctatus on exposure to a sublethal concentration (1.12 mg/l) of cadmium (Cd2+) for 15 and 60 days has been studied. Among the various parameters selected, the level of moisture in liver and muscle was increased, while decrease was noted in the level of ash, total proteins and inorganic constituents like iron, calcium, inorganic phosphate, sodium and potassium in both liver and muscle in the two types of exposure. The total lipid level of liver increased, while muscle lipid level was decreased. On the other hand, calcium, iron, inorganic phosphate, sodium and potassium levels showed increase in blood. Zinc and selenium decreased the percentage alterations in all the parameters selected for study. In the two types of exposure, zinc was most effective to counteract the cadmium toxicity to fish as in almost all the parameters insignificant alterations were recorded. In combination studies, protection against cadmium toxicity by the two chemicals became more marked with increase in the tenure of exposure.