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Background/Objectives: Tannery workers are prone to lung diseases due tohazardous operational conditions. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the respiratory morbidities and lung infections among tanneryworkers. Methods: This study included 110 tannery workers (83 male and 27 female). Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) was carried out among 53 workers. Direct microscopic examination and standard microbial culture were carried out to identify lung infections from clinical samples. Statistical analyses were carried using the SPSS software, version 26. Findings: Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) revealed severe restrictive, moderate restrictive and small airway obstruction among 16.9%, 18.9% and 11.3% of workers respectively. PPE usage was reported among 68% of the workers. Only 3.6% of the subjects reported being used face masks during work. The respiratory symptoms viz; cold & cough (44.5%), asthma (2.7%), wheezing (14.5%), shortness of breath (17.3%) and chronic bronchitis (3.6%) were noted among study subjects. A significant association was found between altered PFT values and the risk factors such as working sections and lack of PPE usage (p

Skin diseases are a major occupational health issue in tannery workers because of work related exposure to various toxic chemicals used in tanning process. In the present study, prevalence of various skin diseases and predisposing factors in tannery workers were investigated.A cross sectional study including 114 tannery workers (male-89; female-25) employed at different tanneries of Southern India was carried out. Face to face interview with pre-designed questionnaire and health examination was conducted. Skin samples obtained from the participants were subjected to microscopic examination and microbial culture for diagnosis of skin diseases. The prevalence of occupational skin disorders were 39% among the study participants. Contact dermatitis (16%), skin infections (16%), eczematous lesions (7%) and nail discoloration (1.75%) wereidentified. Skin infections of fungal origin were identified among 11.4% of subjects. The skin infections of fungi; tenia corporis, tenia cruris, tenia unguium, tenia versicolor, tenia pedis and Pityriosis versicolor were identified. Bacterial skin infections identified were associated with contact dermatitis. Lack of PPE usage was reported among 30% of workers. Hazardous working environment, chemical exposure, humidity and lack of PPEusage were significantly associated with increased skin disease incidence(p

Extend the longevity of diesel in the world there is a need for identify ing alternatives sources. Biodiesel is the one of the best alternatives to overcome the fuel crises, day to day fuel price arise and environment emission concerns. In this study, the performance of the engine and emission has been studied. The raw non-edible waste cooking oil and Jatropha oils are equally blended 1:1 ratio is used to convert the biodiesel with methanol and alkaline catalyst KOH (Potassium Hydroxide) by transesterification process. Evaluated the physical properties of WJB value as per ASTM Standards. Nano additives magnesium oxide and graphene oxide were added 2:1 ratio mixed with biodiesel and diesel blend. The 4-stroke diesel engine used to find emission and performance of the bio-diesel blend WJB10, WJB20, WJB30,WJB40 and compared with mean diesel. The performance test ,combustion test and emission result were found lesser fuel consumption with brake thermal efficiency and reduced HC,CO,CO2 and NOx in WJB30 fuel blend compared to diesel.

Nowadays the use of agrochemicals for agricultural farming had become inevitable towards catering the growing demand for agricultural products. Since, from the origin of green revolution the production, marketing, and use of agrochemicals had increased several folds. Only in the later years of the nineteenth century, the adverse impact of agrochemicals on the environment and human health came into light. On realizing the detrimental impacts of the overuse of agrochemicals, efforts were made to assess its toxicity to the environmental components including humans. Under this preview, this chapter describes the source and global distribution of agrochemicals in terms of its production and consumption across the world. The impact of these agrochemicals with special reference to pesticides were reviewed through their bioaccumulation and biomagnification of its residues across different trophic levels of the agroecosystem affecting the major environmental components such as air, water, and soil. Besides the residual effects on the non-targeted organisms like earthworms, fishes, birds, and humans were discussed. Humans the top predators of the agroecosystems are the worst affected due to the improper and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals, especially pesticides. Under this context exposure of humans to agrochemicals through the environment, occupation, and unexpected accidents were discussed to understand its impact on human health. Besides, the acute, sub-acute, and chronic toxic effects of pesticides were reviewed based on the recent studies conducted across the world. To understand the impact of agrochemicals on the environment, the conduct of bio-monitoring study becomes imperative, through which the risks posed by the chemicals can be assessed. The principle of bio-monitoring studies along with risk assessment and management strategies and enlisting of ecotoxicological databases were provided to better understand the adverse impact of agrochemicals on the environment and human health with further perspectives.

Air quality is used worldwide to confirm the current status of air pollution level and associated health risks to the public. Several air pollutants reach very high concentrations in many regions across India. In this study, air pollutants were measured in an urban city of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Southern India, during 2013 to 2014 based on season and location, and the influence of meteorological factors. Air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3) across eight locations including industrial, residential, traffic, and commercial areas were assessed. The results showed that PM10, PM2.5, and CO were the most serious pollutants and their average concentrations ranged from 65.5 to 98.6 μg/m3, 27.6 to 56.9 μg/m3, and 1.58 to 8.21 mg/m3, respectively, among various locations. Significantly higher concentration of air pollutants was recorded in industrial areas followed by traffic and commercial areas. Comparatively higher mean concentration of O3 (2.22 ± 0.75 μg/m3) and CO (7.73 ± 1.86 mg/m3) was recorded during the summer season, whereas the concentration of PM10 (80.3 ± 24.4 μg/m3), PM2.5 (45.1 ± 17.7 μg/m3), SO2 (7.86 ± 1.55 μg/m3), and NO2 (13 ± 1.81 μg/m3) was higher in southwest monsoon. Ozone (O3) and CO positively correlated with temperature and negatively correlated with relative humidity. The level of PM10, PM2.5, and CO concentrations exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) guidelines. The present study’s results emphasize the need of effective air pollution control in Coimbatore. Precautionary measures to be taken to avoid exposure of air pollutants to the public and minimize pollutants. This study further suggests an investigation on the adverse impact on human health and environment using appropriate risk analysis techniques.

The study was initiated to determinants of inhalation exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (PAHs) among iron foundry workers in different workplace namely, molding, melting, shaking, blasting and finishing sections. The study population included five sections of foundry workers: 22 molding, 25 melting, 20 shaking, 18 blasting and 15 finishing workers. During work shifts, personal air samples were collected from each worker’s breathing zone using a PTFE filter and cassette holder connected in series with an XAD-2 sorbent tube. The entire sample were analysed for sixteen PAHs with HPLC. The total inhalation exposure of total PAHs (ΣPAHs) concentrations was 46.64 μg/m3 ranging 0.08–478.43 μg/m3 in all the samples. The PAHs with lower molecular weight and higher molecular weight contributed 55.02% and 44.98%, respectively, to the ΣPAHs. About 16% exposure samples collected at various sections of foundry exceeded the PAHs level prescribed by NIOSH standard limit. The highest level of ΣPAHs were found in the molding (82.64 μg/m3) followed by finishing (67.86 μg/m3), blasting (34.74 μg/m3), shaking (25.04 μg/m3) and melting (23.48 μg/m3) sections, respectively. By applying risk assessment it was estimated that the total unit risk of PAHs harming the foundry workers was 9.43 × 10–4 and about 95% of total risk is contributed by benzo[α]pyrene (BaP) and dibenzo [α h]anthracene (DahA). The study indicating the inhalation risk due to these PAHs exposures are not negligible and should be taken into account for health protection of the workers to address the quantitative aspects relating lung cancer risks to PAHs compounds in foundries.

Farmers are routinely exposed to various types of agrochemicals, but there is no evidence about adverse effects posed by these chemicals on human health. Studies from all over the world have shown negative health effects of commonly used pesticides in the agricultural occupation. Correlation between occupational exposure to pesticides and development of a wide variety of diseases ranging from respiratory effects to various types of cancer has been identified. Although the published information does not include all variables that can assist in exposure risk assessment, the real risk associated with pesticide exposure is well established. It is more than obvious that the agricultural community needs the implementation of a new agricultural concept regarding food production, which is safer for farmers, farm-workers, and the environment. This review paper summarizes the most recent findings describing the association between occupational exposure to pesticides and related health effects on farmers and farm-workers regularly involved in agricultural activities.

A study was carried out among iron foundry workers to assess occupational exposure to ambient respiratory dust in their work environment and rates of risk factors in each process by using Bayesian decision analysis (BDA) and AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) exposure categorization guidelines. A total of 93 respirable dust samples were collected in various processes, including the molding, melting, shakeout, heat treatment, felting and finishing units of the foundries. The mean concentrations of respirable dust were 1.40±0.86 mg/m 3 in the molding process, 1.42±0.63 mg/m 3 in melting, 0.56±0.59 mg/m 3 in shakeouts, 1.63±0.85mg/m 3 in heat treatment, 2.17±0.61 mg/m 3 in felting, and 3.30±3.47 mg/m 3 in the finishing sections, respectively. The mean levels of respirable dust in the finishing process exceed the ACGIH standard (TLV 3 mg/m 3 ). The results of BDA show that the respirable dust exposures were in AIHA Category 4 for shakeouts (96.7% probability), felting (98.1% probability), and finishing (100% probability), respectively. The exposures belonged to category 3 for molding (52.8% probability), melting (79.4% probability) and heat treatment (40.3% probability), respectively. Therefore, it is required to have immediate control and safety adaptation by personal protective equipment of proper respiratory musk, engineer control, chemical analysis of respirable dust, exposure surveillance in order to prevent from being exposed to respirable dust among the foundry workers.

The increasing growth of world population required raising overall food production. In order to meet the requirement, food supply factors of increasing yields, expanding agricultural area and increasing the productivity of crop and animal agricultural are necessary. As a consequence, application of pesticide for protection of crop involves wide variety of chemicals with various applicable techniques. The pesticides are very commonly used in agriculture sector with several methods of applications in recent years. However, in developing countries, the conventional method of application of pesticide is the major practice. The knowledge and awareness of application play a major role in fate of pesticides in the environment and human health. Several studies have reported the handling practices and subsequent exposure of farmers to pesticides and pesticide accumulation. In addition to the preparation and application of pesticides, there are several important problems related to pesticide use that should be understood by every applicator. Generally, in the conventional way, application of pesticides did not include any regular inspections for safety procedure and follow-up inspections of problem areas. Some of the methods, however, may result in problems such as over application, not reaching the pest habitat while using a minimum amount of pesticide, and depositing unsafe residues. Proper techniques of application not only aid in effectiveness but also ensure workers’ safety, public protection and protection of the environment. Although newer pesticides are capable of degrading fast, the adverse impact of these chemicals with already existing persistent pesticides on environment including humans is reported in recent years. The application of pesticide is not merely the operation of sprayer or duster. It has to be coupled with a thorough knowledge of the pest problem. The application techniques ideally should be target oriented so that safety to the non-targets and the environment is ensured. Therefore, environmentally responsive controlled release of pesticide through advance technologies is needed and recommended. This chapter deals with the different types of pesticide application, their distribution and occurrence in the environment and human health-related issues.

The increasing technological advancement in industrial production enhances the release of nanoparticles (NPs) in the work environment which have raised occupational health concerns on the adverse effects of exposed workers. This chapter reviews the available literature on risk assessment methods for workers exposed to various NPs. The results from previous studies explored the potential of substances to affect the functioning of the human system and environment. More recent studies have shown a strong association between nanosized particles and related health effects. Protection of the human system from exposure to NPs is becoming a pressing issue in occupational hygiene. Although occupational safety and health research has generated data on exposure, risk assessment, and risk management guidance, substantial research gaps remain. Hence, further investigation of environmental and biological monitoring studies are needed to validate the risk associated with exposure of workers in the industrial sector. This chapter provides an overview on monitoring NPs and risk assessment methods for the development and implementation of effective risk management guidance.

There are contradictory reports about bitumen exposure and malignancy risk worldwide. Also, the evidence for genotoxicity risk among workers occupationally exposed to asphalt is insufficient. The study intended to evaluate particulate matter 10 (PM10) at the workplace and biomarkers of genotoxicity effects among a group of asphalt workers in and around Bangalore, India. This study involved a total of 107 participants (54 exposed group and 53 unexposed control group). To evaluate the genotoxicity, the urinary 8-OHdG and relative telomere length as oxidative damage while micronucleus (MN) assay for cytogenetic damage was carried out during the study. The majority of workers have reported health complaints and 57.4% of them were not using any personal protective equipments (PPE’s). The level of PM10 detected was 104 ± 9.5 μg/m3 and 619 ± 22.7 μg/m3 in the road paving and asphalt mixing sites respectively. The biomonitoring study observed a highly significant (p =

To assess the effects of exposure to pesticides in tea garden women workers, the present study evaluated the activities of erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) as biomarkers of pesticide exposure and DNA damage by comet assay as a biomarker of genotoxicity in peripheral blood lymphocytes. We examined 143 women subjects including 77 women workers exposed to pesticide in tea garden (exposed) and 66 women subject with no history of occupational exposure to pesticides (non-exposed). The two groups had similar mean ages, BMI and personal habits. The results revealed that exposed group had lower activity of AChE (2.86 ± 0.75 vs. 3.93 ± 0.87 U/ml) BChE (2.02 ± 0.74 vs. 2.60 ± 0.74 U/ml, p 0.001) than those of non-exposed group. The mean comet parameters such as tail length (TL), % DNA in tail, tail moment (TM) and olive tail moment (OTM) used to measure DNA damage were significantly elevated in exposed workers compared to non-exposed (p 0.001). There was no variation observed in Cholinesterase (ChEs) activity and Comet assay parameter based on age, personal habits, years of exposure and use of personal protective equipments (PPEs) except BChE activity. The multiple regression analysis showed no association of confounding factors on end points measured except slight negative association of BMI with tail length. Therefore this study suggests that the workers in tea garden might have exposed to pesticide through their occupation on a regular interval. Although this study could able to associate it with their occupational exposure, the role of other DNA damaging factors cannot be ruled out. Our study finding indicate the necessity of periodic monitoring of these biomarkers along with imparting education and training to minimise the risk.

The urinary excretion of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) has been used as a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage in both the clinical and occupational setting. The urinary 8-OHdG in traffic policemen posted at busy traffic junctions were estimated along with the control population away from the busy traffic junctions those doing administrative job. A total of 105 urinary samples (60 samples of traffic policemen and 45 samples of control population) were collected for estimation of 8-OHdG and analyzed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mean 8-OHdG was significantly higher (13.42±1.61) μg/g creatinine) than those of control group (9.34±1.36 μg/g creatinine) (p

This study reports a work-environmental assessment and workers' exposure in a major prebake type aluminium smelter in India. Levels of known health hazards in and near the main smelting operations viz., the Potroom, the Carbon area, the Butt section, the Rodding shop, the Bath preparing area and the Casthouse were measured. Dustiness in general was high to excessively high. Mean levels of respirable dust (PM10) in air in the three dustiest areas were 24.07 mg/m3 in the Carbon areas, 27.57 mg/m3 in the Bath preparing and 4.44 mg/m3 in the Rodding shop. 40- 60% of the particles were less than 5 microm in size. 0.5- 2.82% particulate fluoride was obtained in the size fraction 0.4- 4.7 microm of the Potroom air. Naturally, exposures to total dusts were very high in these processes. The background levels of NOx and SO2 and fluorides (gaseous and particulate) were found to be within the prescribed Indian Standards. Higher exposures to gaseous and particulate fluoride, 3.85 and 6.53 mg/m3 respectively, were observed among the Rodding shop workers. The levels ofpolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were deemed to be excessive in the Carbon area. Measurements of heat stress were made in winter and were found to be lower than the prescribed limit.

This work developed and demonstrated a machine learning approach for robust ATR. The primary innovation of this work was the development of an automated way of developing inference rules that can draw on multiple models and multiple feature types to make robust ATR decisions. The key realization is that this ''meta learning'' problem is one of structural learning, and that it can be conducted independently of parameter learning associated with each model and feature based technique. This was accomplished by using a learning classifier system, which is based on genetics-based machine learning, for the ill conditioned combinatorial problem of structural rule learning, while using statistical and mathematical techniques for parameter learning. This system was tested on MSTAR Public Release SAR data using standard and extended operation conditions. These results were also compared against two baseline classifiers, a PCA based distance classifier and a MSE classifier. The classifiers were evaluated for accuracy (via training set classification) and robustness (via testing set classification). In both cases, the LCS based robust ATR system performed well with accuracy over 99% and robustness over 80%.

Frequent and repetitive activities in job and awkward postures are shown as major contributors of musculoskeletal problems in most of the occupational health studies; however, efforts to explore newer risk factor are important to plan interventional measures. In this backdrop, this study examined contribution of fluoride exposure to musculoskeletal complaints. A cross-sectional interviewer-administered questionnaire survey was conducted involving 180 randomly selected subjects from a metal smelting industry. Clinical examination of the subjects was also performed to assess their health status and morbidity details. Assessment of personal exposure to particulate and gaseous fluoride at workplace was conducted. Urinary fluoride level was also examined in post-shift samples collected from study subjects. The mean age of the study subjects was 39.1 (±6.7) years. Majority of the workers (42.5%) were engaged in pot room. About 54% workers were suffering from backache and 66% subjects had joint pain. Exposure of workers to both particulate and gaseous fluoride and post-working shift urinary fluoride level was significantly higher in pot-room workers in comparison with all other workers. It was observed that age (odds ratio (OR): 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18–2.34), drinking untreated water (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.03–2.76), working in pot room (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.13–1.91) and urinary fluoride level (OR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.81–3.75) had significant effects on musculoskeletal complaints. This study concludes that along with other predictors such as nature of work, posture at work and age of worker, exposure to fluoride also has significant role in the occurrence of musculoskeletal morbidity.

Fluoride (Fl) exerts an inhibitory effect on many metabolic enzymes of various tissues. A study was carried out among individuals residing in a Fl-affected area in India. The biochemical parameters including serum enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and serum creatinine (CRTN) were estimated in 259 subjects compared to 233 controls. The results showed that among the Fl-exposed population, ALKP and SGPT were significantly increased compared to control. The CRTN levels were also significantly increased compared to the control subjects. LDH levels were not markedly altered. Data suggest that Fl exposure affects renal and hepatic functions in endemic areas of India.

An environmental and biological monitoring of a lead acid battery manufacturing unit was carried out to measure the respirable particulate matter, lead content in working atmosphere and blood lead levels of workers employed in different sections. The results showed high mean air lead concentration in buffing (1444.45 microg/m(3)), plate cutting (430.14 microg/m(3)) and pasting (277.48 microg/m(3)) sections. The mean blood lead levels of employees in these sections were also higher than the values prescribed by ACGIH.

The impact of the insecticide cypermethrin on the functional response, predatory behaviour and mating behaviour was studied in a non-target potential reduviid biological control agent Acanthaspis pedestris (Stal). The intensity of abnormal behaviour increased as the concentration of cypermethrin was increased. The insecticide negatively affected the functional response events such as attack ratio, handling time and rate of discovery. Cypermethrin also reduced the predatory efficiency and prolonged the mating events in A. pedestris. The type II (decelerating curve) of functional response was altered into a type IV (dome-shaped curve) by cypermethrin.

Ever since people started utilizing natural resources, environmental quality started to deteriorate. Deterioration of the quality of these resources affects human health and well-being and therefore becomes a threat to human security. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants relevant due to their high toxicity and potential carcinogenicity. These contaminants are considered to be hazardous to aquatic organisms, fish, birds, and humans. Varying levels of these pesticides have been reported in different segments of the ecosystem including humans. Health damage to fish and wildlife has prompted concern about the health effects of these contaminants on humans. It has been found that a greater amount of total intake of these contaminants in human beings is through consumption of contaminated food. A number of abnormalities seen in the reproductive system of various wildlife species can be correlated with similar abnormalities on the rise in the human population. Exposure to these pollutants also suppresses the immune system, thereby increasing the risk of acquiring several diseases. Temporal trends examined by comparing the results of previous studies on OCP levels in the Indian environment revealed a decline in the trend of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) in some parts of the natural environment. In contrast, very high concentrations were detected in biotic samples. Continuous monitoring and epidemiological studies of OCP levels in humans are warranted. In this chapter, we outline the environmental and human health problems associated with pesticide contamination. To our knowledge, this is the first report to present the residue levels of persistent OCPs in fish, wildlife, and human tissues from India.

This paper reports the continuing results of a project where a genetics-based machine learning system acquires rules for novel fighter combat maneuvers through simulation. In this project, a genetics-based machine learning system was implemented to generate high angle-of-attack air combat tactics for advanced fighter aircraft. This system, which was based on a learning classifier system approach, employed a digital simulation model of one-versus-one air combat, and a genetic algorithm, to develop effective tactics for the X-31 experimental fighter aircraft. Previous efforts with this system showed that the resulting maneuvers allowed the X-31 to successfully exploit its post-stall capabilities against a conventional fighter opponent. This demonstrated the ability of the genetic learning system to discover novel tactics in a dynamic air combat environment. The results gained favorable evaluation from fighter aircraft test pilots. However, these pilots noted that the static strategy employed by the X-31's opponent was a limitation. In response to these comments, this paper reports new results with two-sided learning, where both aircraft in a one-versus-one combat scenario use genetics-based machine learning to adapt their strategies. The experiments successfully demonstrate both aircraft developing objectively interesting strategies. However, the results also point out the complexity of evaluating results from mutually adaptive players, due to the red queen effect. These complexities, and future directions of the project, are discussed in the paper's conclusions.

To describe exposure level of organochlorine pesticides (OCP) among workers occupationally engaged in agriculture and sheep wool associated jobs, the present study was carried out in rural neighborhood of Bangalore city, India. Thirty participants were interviewed and obtained informed consent before blood sample collection. The maximum concentrations of OCP were detected in blood samples of agriculture workers than sheep wool workers. Among the metabolites of HCH and DDT, lindane (γ-HCH) and p,p’-DDE were the most contributed to the total OCP. There were no differences in pesticide residues found between sex and work groups. It was observed that about 30% of samples exceeded the tolerance limits of 10 μg/L prescribed for HCH under the prevention of food adulteration act. Therefore, the present study recommends continuous monitoring with larger sample size.

A study to monitor and estimate respirable particulate matter (RPM), toxic trace metal concentrations in the work environment was carried out in different sections of an integrated steel manufacturing industry. The average RPM concentration observed varied according to the section blast furnace was 2.41 mg/m;{3}; energy optimization furnace, 1.87 mg/m;{3}; sintering plant, 0.98 mg/m;{3}; continuous casting machine, 1.93 mg/m;{3}. The average trace metal concentration estimated from the RPM samples like iron, manganese, lead and chromium did not exceed ACGIH prescribed levels.

This paper outlines our long-term vision for integrating robust machine learning as an approach to the modern battlefield. We will develop the architecture for an Integrated Learning System (ILS) that will enable representation tools to maximize the utility of data collected by distributed sensors. This project will suggest a system for data capture, processing, retrieval and analysis and focus on the development of semantic interoperability for ontology alignment and the ability to learn from experiences, so that performance improves as it accumulates knowledge resulting in the ability to learn new object/event classes and improve its classification accuracy. To illustrate the notion of robust learning from distinct representations of sensor data from a common source, we offer an application where a LCS addresses automatic target recognition (ATR) in extended operating conditions (EOCs). The LCS-based robust ATR system performed well, resulting in powerful ATR rules that generalize over multiple feature types, with accuracy over 99% and robustness over 80%. To illustrate the notion of ontology enabling learning, we outline preliminary experiments with a network of LCSs integrating ATR via a simple vehicle ontology.