Occupational Health Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment with Introduction of Biomass in Coal Based Captive Power Plant

Introduction: Occupational Health should aim at the Promotion and Maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental, and social well-being of all the employees. A pilot project was taken up due to acute shortages of coal during the COVID Pandemic, on industrial level, mixing of biomass with coal at a ratio of 20:80 respectively was considered as a good raw material. With introduction of biomass, workers were exposed to different organic substances either directly through dermal route or respirable dust with risk of becoming victims to Occupational diseases. Objective(s): The objective of the study is to identify and mitigate occupational health hazard of various nature prevailing at workplace after introduction of new raw materials;to safeguard the workforce from discomfort and occupational illness and to provide healthy working environment at RIL-Hazira. Method(s): Walk through survey was initiated by team of industrial hygienist and medical officer along with the process engineer. Subsequent workplace evaluation was done according to ACGIH screening criteria for respirable dust & VOC monitoring. To measure airborne respirable contaminants, we have considered housekeeping staff, operator, field executive, Boiler operation engineer which were found more likely to be at the risk of airborne contaminant exposure. To identify the concentration of contaminants, personal air sampler (SKC Make) was used for collection of respirable dust samples for different job category of workers. NIOSH 600 method was used for exposure assessment and samples were collected by using PVC filter used at the flow rate of 2.5 lpm. The composition of biomass pellets was received from biomass team & chemical analysis of biomass was done at our laboratory. Occupational Diseases known to be caused by organic agricultural compounds used as fuel were taken into account such as Bagasossis, farmer's lung & other hypersensitivity pneumonias, non-tubercular mycobacterial infections, infections caused by various fungi & bacteria. Prevention & Control measures were taken during the project such as modification of process, local exhaust ventilation, worker education on different diseases, personal hygiene, use of PPE, good housekeeping. Result(s): Through effective Risk assessment, Hazard Identification and measures taken to mitigate Occupational health hazards, no occupational health disease was reported after implementation of the change in process in a total of 55 identified workers. Moving forward these workers will be periodically monitored. The amount of total respirable dust was reduced by approx. 10- 25% at different location of the plant after control measures taken. This project also brought huge monetary benefits to the plant. Leading forward as the pilot project for introduction of biomass was a great success it has been planned to be scaled up to 40% mixture of biomass.

In celebration of providing the South and southern African sugar industry with more than 20 years of accredited quality analysis of mixed juice, molasses and sugar

The Sugar Milling Research Institute NPC (SMRI) has provided the South and southern African sugar industry with analytical services for more than 50 years. The need for an internationally-recognised quality assurance system to provide SMRI members and their customers with the necessary confidence in the results that they were receiving was recognised more than 25 years ago, and it culminated in the SMRI Analytical Services Division achieving ISO/IEC Guide 25:1990 accreditation in 1998. The SMRI analytical laboratory has since successfully progressed through the ISO/IEC 17025:1999 and ISO/IEC 17025:2005 iterations to the current ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard. The SMRI has therefore had to continually expand the scope of its systems over the past 25 years, in order to match the updated requirements. The system is used for the analysis of weekly composite mixed juice and final molasses samples from all the SMRI South African member mills and some southern African member mills. Similarly, raw and white sugar analyses are conducted, with the reporting of results to the members' specifications. Critical to the accuracy of these results is the continual auditing and monitoring of the methods, equipment and chemical solutions that are used in the analysis methods. This is achieved by using Certified Reference Materials and control samples, as well as participating in internationally-recognised analytical proficiency schemes. Critical to the success of the laboratory in maintaining its accreditation is the competence of the laboratory staff who undergo continual training and assessments. This was demonstrated in 2020 and 2021, when they were able to continue providing the necessary services, despite the challenges faced during the Covid pandemic.

Low-Dimensional Compounds Containing Bioactive Ligands. Part XX: Crystal Structures, Cytotoxic, Antimicrobial Activities and DNA/BSA Binding of Oligonuclear Zinc Complexes with Halogen Derivatives of 8-Hydroxyquinoline

Two tetranuclear [Zn4Cl2(ClQ)6]·2DMF (1) and [Zn4Cl2(ClQ)6(H2O)2]·4DMF (2), as well as three dinuclear [Zn2(ClQ)3(HClQ)3]I3 (3), [Zn2(dClQ)2(H2O)6(SO4)] (4) and [Zn2(dBrQ)2(H2O)6(SO4)] (5), complexes (HClQ = 5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline, HdClQ = 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline and HdBrQ = 5,7-dibromo-8-hydroxyquinoline) were prepared as possible anticancer or antimicrobial agents and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray structure analysis. The stability of the complexes in solution was verified by NMR spectroscopy. Antiproliferative activity and selectivity of the prepared complexes were studied using in vitro MTT assay against the HeLa, A549, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HCT116 and Caco-2 cancer cell lines and on the Cos-7 non-cancerous cell line. The most sensitive to the tested complexes was Caco-2 cell line. Among the tested complexes, complex 3 showed the highest cytotoxicity against all cell lines. Unfortunately, all complexes showed only poor selectivity to normal cells, except for complex 5, which showed a certain level of selectivity. Antibacterial potential was observed for complex 5 only. Moreover, the DNA/BSA binding potential of complexes 1–3 was investigated by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopic methods.

Electronic, intermolecular, quantum computational investigations, molecular docking and simulation studies of the potent antiviral drug EIDD-2801

In this work, an analysis has been done to describe the molecular structure, spectroscopic, reduced density gradient, topological properties, atomic charges, Lipinski rule, Natural bond orbital analysis, docking and molecular dynamics simulation of the potent antiviral drug EIDD-2801 in the effective treatment against COVID-19. Intramolecular charge distribution is well understood by three schemes such as AIM, Mulliken and NBO analysis and non-covalent interactions have been understood through reduced density gradient. Topological properties, such as charge density and Laplacian of charge density along with the electron localization function, make it easy to obtain comprehensive information about bond strengths and critical points. The details obtained from the calculation of global reactivity descriptors and Lipinski rule are useful for understanding the nature of molecular reactivity and site selectivity. Electrostatic potentials help to identify potential electrophilic and nucleophilic sites for interaction between EIDD-2801 and target proteins. The molecular docking combined with molecular dynamic simulation studies enables us to get better picture about the ligand-protein interaction.Copyright © 2023 Indian Chemical Society

Screening of Natural Antivirals Against the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Compilation of Updates

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), named by WHO, is a real public health disaster of the third millennium. This highly contagious viral disease has infected the world population and is now a global pandemic. This acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has severe complica-tions like pneumonitis, respiratory failure, shock, multiorgan failure, and death. Well-defined FDA-approved synthetic is not yet available. Case management strategies like lockdown, use of masks and sanitizers, social distancing, and repurposing of antiviral drugs were initially undertaken to cope with this pandemic. Different broad-spectrum antiviral drugs are being repurposed as one of the treatment modalities. The global vaccination programme with the newly launched COVID-19 vac-cines, Covishield, covaxin, sputnik V, etc., is an ongoing process. Simultaneously, significant research is being carried out in search of natural antivirals and evaluating the potency of food bioac-tives to aid naturistic protection against the coronavirus. This mini-review has compiled the latest updates on the screening and evidence-based mechanistic evaluation of phytochemicals and food bioactives as non-pharmacological adjuvant aid in COVID pandemics.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

2nd International Conference on Recent Advances in Mechanical Engineering Research and Development, ICRAMERD 2021

The proceedings contain 79 papers presendted at a virtual meeting. The special focus in this conference is on Recent Advances in Mechanical Engineering Research and Development. The topics include: Firmware of Indigenous and Custom-Built Flexible Robots for Indoor Assistance;Automation of AM Via IoT Towards Implementation of e-logistics in Supply Chain for Industry 4.0;Evaluation and Optimization of Process Parameter for Surface Roughness of 3D-Printed PETG Specimens Using Taguchi Method at Constant Printing Temperature;Evaluation of Preventive Activities of COVID-19 Using Multi-criteria Decision Making Method;mechanical Characterization of Concrete with Rice Husk-Based Biochar as Sustainable Cementitious Admixture;Ranking of Barriers for SSCM Implementation in Indian Textile Industries;Framework to Monitor Vehicular GHG Footprint;solution to Real-Time Problem in Shifter Knob Assembly at Automobile Manufacturing Industry;performance of Chemical Route-Synthesized SnO2 Nanoparticles;a Numerical Study to Choose the Best Model for a Bladeless Wind Turbine;Effect of Tissue Properties on the Efficacy of MA on Lungs;effect of Process Parameters and Coolant Application on Cutting Performance of Centrifugal Cast Single Point Cutting Tools;Study and Analysis of Thermal Barrier Application of Lanthanum Oxide Coated SS-304 Steel;recovery of Iron Values from Blast Furnace Gas Cleaning Process Sludge by Medium Intensity Magnetic Separation Method;fatigue Analysis of Rectangular Plate with a Circular Cut-Out;protection of Vital Facilities from the Threat of External Explosion Using D3o Material;investigation on Coefficient of Heat Transfer Through Impact of Engine Vibration;electrical Modulus and Conductivity Study of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber/Barium Hexaferrite Flexible Polymer Dielectrics;preface.

The Storage and In-Use Stability of mRNA Vaccines and Therapeutics: Not A Cold Case.

The remarkable impact of mRNA vaccines on mitigating disease and improving public health has been amply demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many new mRNA-based vaccine and therapeutic candidates are in development, yet the current reality of their stability limitations requires their frozen storage. Numerous challenges remain to improve formulated mRNA stability and enable refrigerator storage, and this review provides an update on developments to tackle this multi-faceted stability challenge. We describe the chemistry underlying mRNA degradation during storage and highlight how lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations are a double-edged sword: while LNPs protect mRNA against enzymatic degradation, interactions with and between LNP excipients introduce additional risks for mRNA degradation. We also discuss strategies to improve mRNA stability both as a drug substance (DS) and a drug product (DP) including the (1) design of the mRNA molecule (nucleotide selection, primary and secondary structures), (2) physical state of the mRNA-LNP complexes, (3) formulation composition and purity of the components, and (4) DS and DP manufacturing processes. Finally, we summarize analytical control strategies to monitor and assure the stability of mRNA-based candidates, and advocate for an integrated analytical and formulation development approach to further improve their storage, transport, and in-use stability profiles.

Il Poct Nello Sviluppo Di Un Network Clinico Assistenziale Nella Medicina Di Prossimita

Point of care (POC) are tests conducted near the site of patient care, outside of laboratory, usually performed by patients or healthcare personnel not trained in laboratory medicine. POC testing (POCT) require small sample volumes, minimize pre-analytical errors, and reduce alterations of labile analytes. Furthermore, when used appropriately, could improve the patient's outcomes providing faster results and earlier therapeutic strategies. Instead, its over or incorrect use could lead to a patient risk and potential increase of healthcare costs.In the Province of Modena, a decentralized and multi-professional POCT diagnostic system was developed to integrate the clinical and diagnostic pathways supporting fast clinical decisions, to improve outcomes and to optimize the clinical patient pathways. We installed 129 POCT (77 emogasanalyzers, 9 coagulometers, 9 instruments for haematological tests, 9 instruments for chemical analyses, 10 counters, 6 for immunoassay, 3 cube-PCR and 6 for rapid diagnosis of COVID-19). These instruments were installed not only in emergency rooms of three Hospitals but also in specific setting as the OSCO-Community hospital, oncological and emergency setting and Neonatal Intensive Care. Furthermore, 264 glucometers were located in various departments of three hospitals. This system provides multiple advantages for: (i) patients reducing waiting time and long-distance travelling from home, (ii) healthcare professionals improving skills, autonomy and responsibility, reducing workload and promoting collaboration, and (iii) the healthcare system giving continuity in the therapeutic and assistance pathways ensuring a high analytical quality and costs reduction. To implement a successful POCT network is vital to develop a multidisciplinary team composed by physicians, nurses and laboratory technicians working together. Furthermore, the continuous training and education of operators guarantees the efficiency and productivity of the system.In conclusion, the POCT network represent an opportunity for the health care system to consolidate the patients-based laboratory medicine, reducing for diagnostic response, clinical decision and the hospitalization.

Computational Chemistry as an Educational Tool in Health Sciences

Experimentation as a teaching technique allows the understanding and relationship of concepts as well as the acquisition of problem-solving skills. Computational chemistry is a tool for studying chemical phenomena through computational experiments. The use of simulation in chemistry and biochemistry education is evolving the teaching techniques and developing computational skills. Teaching chemistry and biology through simulations and structural analysis is mainly limited to graduate students. However, we are moving toward a future where computational skills, including programming and simulation, will no longer be optional. In the present research, we use a pharmaceutical example for computational modeling and molecular docking to study and design drugs. Physicochemical characterization of the drug Remdesivir was carried out to demonstrate that the acquisition and learning of theoretical concepts are more practical when performing computational experiments. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Digital Literacy Practices of Engineering Students Using E-Textbooks at a University of Technology in South Africa

South Africa's higher education system, like many others, is presently experiencing a significant transition towards digital forms of teaching and learning. This transition precedes the advent of Covid-19 but has been hastened by the pandemic. However, these new technologies also bring with them new digital practices. A crucial means by which communication is enacted is by reading e-textbooks. However, e-textbooks may enable different forms of engaging with written text than are offered by traditional, print textbooks. Despite this need, only a few studies have been conducted on students' use of e-textbooks in engineering education. In this study, data were collected by way of focus-group interviews conducted with first-year students from two engineering departments (chemical engineering and nautical science) at a university of technology in South Africa. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis using ATLAS.ti. In order to analyze and contextualize the findings obtained, the researchers make use of a theoretical framework, Mediated Discourse Analysis (MDA). The findings provide insight into how students engage with e-textbooks and how this might be different from engaging with traditional, print textbooks. The findings also reveal the extent to which some new digital literacy reading practices remain unfamiliar to engineering students. © 2022 IEEE.

Integrating “Impacts of Covid-19 pandemic on air quality” in STEM courses and internships for undergraduate students

Air pollution is a global public health concern and has led to millions of premature deaths worldwide. In overpopulated cities, particulate matter such PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) in the troposphere have deleterious effects on human health leading to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The students in two undergraduate courses (Principles of Biology for Honors students and Ecology) and one graduate course (Teaching STEM at the K-12 schools) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore;and summer-exchange undergraduate engineering interns learnt about the positive and negative effects of Covid-19 pandemic on air quality for some of the selected overpopulated cities in the world that witnessed lockdowns from March 2020 through spring 2021. The STEM students as well as the interns had the opportunity to learn how to analyze the real-time and historical air quality data from the Environmental Protection's Agency's centralized data system, AirNow, as well as from the Air Quality Open Data Platform (https://aqicn.org/data-platform/covid19) Worldwide Covid-19 dataset. For the above-mentioned courses, the materials pertaining to Covid-19 and air quality were taught in the form of modules (two for each course) with lectures;discussions and class debates;video materials;simulations with real-time data;and a project centering on that theme. The engineering students who worked as summer interns worked on analyzing data from five of the major cities in the world. Besides analyzing the effects of the pandemic on PM2.5, NO2, and O3 in the selected populated cities, the students also studied whether any correlations existed among the air quality parameters or not. The students' learning outcomes included honing content knowledge in atmospheric chemistry and physics of particulate matter;environmental sciences and engineering;public health and policies;research skills with respect to data analysis and problem-solving;as well as presentation and writing skills. The students and interns in the courses and internships also addressed and debated on the various issues of sustainability, which encompasses social, environmental, economic considerations along with policies. The crisis of the pandemic on climate change is dependent on the policies of the governments towards which directions the economies need to head. When the governments prioritize to shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy such as wind, solar, geothermal, biofuels, then the mitigation efforts of climate change could come to fruition. It is anticipated that with more ongoing collaborations across disciplines, the authors will be able to permanently integrate these diverse components in other STEM courses such as Statistics for Engineers, Big Data Analytics, and enhance multidisciplinary learning for all majors. This integration of research findings in STEM courses is a reflection of the KDB (Know, Do, Be) framework, as the interns and the students honed their skills not only in content knowledge through inquiry, but felt responsible in taking action towards mitigation efforts of climate change. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2022

Quantification of Spent Coffee Ground Extracts by Roast and Brew Method, and Their Utility in a Green Synthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology has become increasingly important in modern society, and nanoparticles are routinely used in many areas of technology, industry, and commercial products. Many species of nanoparticle (NP) are typically synthesized using toxic or hazardous chemicals, making these methods less environmentally friendly. Consequently, there has been growing interest in green synthesis methods, which avoid unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals and reduce harmful waste. Synthesis methods which utilize food waste products are particularly attractive because they add value and a secondary use for material which would otherwise be disposed of. Here, we show that spent coffee grounds (SCGs) that have already been used once in coffee brewing can be easily used to synthesize gold and silver NPs. SCGs derived from medium and dark roasts of the same bean source were acquired after brewing coffee by hot brew, cold brew, and espresso techniques. The total antioxidant activity (TAC) and total caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) of the aqueous SCG extracts were investigated, showing that hot brew SCGs had the highest CQA and TAC levels, while espresso SCGs had the lowest. SCG extract proved effective as a reducing agent in synthesizing gold and silver NPs regardless of roast or initial brew method.

Sequence-Specific Recognition of SARS COV-2 with Solid-State CRISPR-Cas12a-Assisted Nanopores (SCAN)

The current outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 caused the COVID-19 disease to spread rapidly globally. Specific and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 is needed to prevent the disease from spread. Here, we present a solid-state CRISPR-Cas12a-assisted nanopores (SCAN) system to detect SARS-CoV-2. We introduced a new scheme using current drops and dwell times of ssDNA reporter translocation events to estimate the cleavage activity. We validated this scheme by a statistical model approximating the reporter length distribution over the cleavage reaction. We believe that the SCAN would provide a sensitive and specific detection method for SARS-COV-2. © 2021 MicroTAS 2021 - 25th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences. All rights reserved.

MINI: AN ENERGY-FLEXIBLE POINT-OF-CARE DEVICE FOR HIGH-THROUGHPUT SCREENING

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the need for robust, high throughput diagnostics capable of screening large populations. To overcome this limitation, we have developed MINI: a portable, high-throughput screening device for COVID-19 infection in community and limited resource settings for up to 96 samples simultaneously. MINI operates on electrical, solar, or thermal energy and is robust against power interruptions. Here, we provide a complete description of MINI, and preliminary validation of the system utilizing a predecessor device and nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs samples - results in <30 minutes post RNA extraction and purification. © 2021 MicroTAS 2021 - 25th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences. All rights reserved.

Volatile Chemical Profile of Ethanol-based Hand Sanitizer Marketed in Brazil by HS-SPME/GC-MS

Aims: This study aims to determine the volatile chemical profile of ethanol-based hand sanitizer marketed in Brazil by HS-SPME/GC-MS. Background: Ethanol-based hand sanitizer has been used to protect against coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In general, these formulations are prepared using a carbomer. In 2020 and 2021, the production of hand sanitizer has increased due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Therefore, it is important to know the composition of this formulation because certain molecules present in some alcoholic mixtures can cause health problems. Methods: Ethanol-based hand sanitizer, AL1, AL2, BL1, CL1, DL1, EL1, FL1, and GL1 (ethanol derivative of fuel station), was purchased from manufacturers commercialized in Araguaína-TO and analyzed by HS-SPME/GC-MS for determining volatile chemical profile. Results: The analyses showed different compositions for the ethanol-based hand sanitizers. Samples AL1 and AL2 contained isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, benzene, ethane-1,1-diethoxy, limonene, and other compounds. Linear alkanes were also detected. Only ethyl acetate and ethane-1,1-diethoxy were detected in CL1, in addition to ethanol. Thus, it is the most suitable sample among those analyzed. The presence of benzene, alkanes, and other hydrocarbons may be associated with the use of fuel ethanol to prepare these sanitizers, as shown in the sample GL1. Benzene, xylene, and toluene were found in FL1. This sample is the most contaminated among those analyzed. Conclusion: The chemical profile of commercial ethanol-based hand sanitizer from eight different samples sold in Araguaína-Brazil was established by GC-MS. Compounds like benzene and other alkanes were found in some samples. These results suggested possible contamination by alcohols unqualified in producing pharmaceutical substances. These analyzes are particularly relevant due to the pandemic situation to avoid COVID-19 proliferation. Benzene and other alkanes are harmful to human health and should be avoided in hand sanitizer production.

LIVER INJURY ASSOCIATED WITH TURMERIC&≤x2013;A GROWING PROBLEM: NINE CASES FROM THE DRUG-INDUCED LIVER INJURY NETWORK [DILIN]

BACKGROUND: Turmeric (curcumin) is a commonly used over-the-counter herbal product whose uses include diarrhea, arthritis, cancer and even COVID-19. Recently turmeric has been implicated in cases of clinically apparent liver injury with jaundice. The aim of this case series is to describe the clinical, histologic and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) associations of turmeric-associated hepatotoxicity as seen in the U.S. Drug Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) Prospective Study. METHODS: All adjudicated cases enrolled in DILIN between 2003-2020 with turmeric as an implicated product were reviewed. Causality was assessed using a 5-point expert opinion score. Available products were collected and analyzed for the presence of turmeric using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. Genetic analyses included HLA sequencing. RESULTS: Of 1697 cases of drug-induced liver injury judged to be definite, highly likely or probable (high confidence), nine (0.5%) were attributed to turmeric, all of which were enrolled since 2012, and 6 since 2017 (Figure). The 9 cases included 7 women, 8 whites, with a mean age of 51 years (range, 35-62 years) and BMI 25 kg/m2 (range, 15-40). Seven patients used alcohol, but none to excess, and none had underlying liver disease. Turmeric was used for an average of 102 days before onset of injury (range, 30-425 days). Initial mean ALT was 1179 U/L (range, 328-2245), ALP 211 U/L (41-441), total bilirubin 5.9 mg/dL (1.2-10.8), and INR 1.0 (0.9-1.2). Six patients developed jaundice, and serum bilirubin peaked at 9.6 mg/dL (0.8-26), and INR 2.3 (1.0- 9.7). Liver injury was hepatocellular in 8 patients (mean R = 22). Five patients had elevated antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer and two anti-smooth muscle (ASM) antibody, but none were treated with corticosteroids. Liver biopsy in 5 patients showed portal and lobular mixed inflammatory infiltrates with lymphocytes and eosinophils typical of drug-induced liver injury. Five patients were hospitalized, and one patient died of acute liver failure. Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of turmeric in all 7 products analyzed;3 also contained piperine (black pepper), and none contained green tea. Of 7 patients with HLA typing available, 4 carried HLA-B*35:01, a class I HLA allele previously implicated in both green tea and Polygonum multiflorum hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Liver injury due to turmeric appears to be increasing, perhaps, reflecting usage patterns or increased combination with black pepper, which increases its absorption. Turmeric liver injury, similar to that caused by other polyphenolic herbal products, is typically hepatocellular, with a latency of 1 to 6 months, and is linked to HLA-B*35:01. While most cases are self-limited, the injury can be severe and result in death or liver transplantation.

The new tobacco products in the new era

Since its first emergence in Dec. 2013, heated tobacco products (HTPs) have been rapidly spread in Japan, accounting for the majority of world market share. According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey in 2019, 27% of male and 25% of female adult tobacco users used HTPs and the percentage reached 50% among youths. This “new” type of tobacco has tremendous impacts on tobacco control both in terms of science and society. From a viewpoint of monitoring, it is becoming harder and harder, to accurately grasp its prevalence due to rapid changes in the products' line-up and appearance. This also make it difficult to perform chemical analyses of the products. HTPs are becoming a loophole of the new national clean air policy that started in Japan in Apr. 2020 and related ordinances on a municipality level. Under the pandemic of COVID-19, Tobacco industry is promoting HTPs by making them look like a solution for the restriction of the place of tobacco use. HTPs contains many harmful or potentially harmful substances including carcinogens but are promoted as less harmful products. Those misleading promotions are being conducted utilizing the lack of mandatory regulations on the advertisement and promotion in Japan.

Analysis and Dynamic Monitoring of Indoor Air Quality Based on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Machine Learning

The air quality of the living area influences human health to a certain extent. Therefore, it is particularly important to detect the quality of indoor air. However, traditional detection methods mainly depend on chemical analysis, which has long been criticized for its high time cost. In this research, a rapid air detection method for the indoor environment using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and machine learning was proposed. Four common scenes were simulated, including burning carbon, burning incense, spraying perfume and hot shower which often led to indoor air quality changes. Two steps of spectral measurements and algorithm analysis were used in the experiment. Moreover, the proposed method was found to be effective in distinguishing different kinds of aerosols and presenting sensitivity to the air compositions. In this paper, the signal was isolated by the forest, so the singular values were filtered out. Meanwhile, the spectra of different scenarios were analyzed via the principal component analysis (PCA), and the air environment was classified by K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) algorithm with an accuracy of 99.2%. Moreover, based on the establishment of a high-precision quantitative detection model, a back propagation (BP) neural network was introduced to improve the robustness and accuracy of indoor environment. The results show that by taking this method, the dynamic prediction of elements concentration can be realized, and its recognition accuracy is 96.5%.

Skin reactions to oxidised alcoholic hand disinfectant - a role for acetaldehyde?

Background: During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic many healthcare workers (HCW) reported skin irritation when using alcoholic hand disinfectants (AHD), often based on WHO-recommended formulation, from temporary manufacturers. Apart from eczema, some HCW also reported erythema and burning sensation within 10-30 minutes after application of AHD. This was not experienced with regular AHDs. The culprit AHDs had an unpleasant smell which made us investigate aldehydes as a possible cause. Objectives: Investigate skin reactions to aldehydes. Methods: 4 HCWs were investigated with 15 minutes exposure (closed test) for immediate reactions to AHD and acetaldehyde. Based on the literature a test dose of 10% acetaldehyde was used. Later, chemical analyses for aldehydes were made, and closed test with dilution series of acetaldehyde were performed in healthy volunteers. Results: All HCWs were positive to acetaldehyde 10%. Levels of 0.25-1.9 ppm of acetaldehyde were detected in regular AHDs, compared to 80-800 ppm in the culprit AHDs. In test tubes addition of hydrogen peroxide to ethanol enhances acetaldehyde formation. In volunteers 10/10 reacted to acetaldehyde 10%, and 6/10 to 3.3%. Conclusions: Hydrogen peroxide included in the WHO-recommended AHD is oxidizing ethanol to acetaldehyde and elevated levels of acetaldehyde were detected in AHDs causing skin complaints. Acetaldehyde can cause erythema, although at single application on intact skin, higher doses than those found in the AHDs are needed. However, AHDs are used repeatedly on skin where the skin barrier function could be reduced by repeated hand washing. Therefore, acetaldehyde-rich AHDs as a cause to skin reactions cannot be ruled out.