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Fully atomistic molecular dynamic simulations were performed to address the self-assembly of amphiphilic and comb-like polybenzoxazines (iBnXz) in water, with i = 3 (trimer), i = 4 (tetramer); i = 6 (hexamer), i = 8 (octamer), and i = 10 (decamer). Spontaneous aggregation of these comb-like polybenzoxazine molecules into a single micelle occurs in the simulations. The simulations show that molecular size and concentration play important roles in micellar morphology. At an iBnXz concentration of 50 mM, the 3BnXz and 4BnXz molecules aggregate into spherical micelles, whereas the 6BnXz, 8BnXz, and 10BnXz molecules aggregate into cylindrical micelles. The micellar morphology is spherical at low concentrations, but undergoes a transition to cylindrical shape as concentration increases. The transition point depends on the molecular size-both the true size as indicated by molecular weight, as well as an additional effective size dependent on molecular flexibility.

Introduction: The processing of crude oil is characterized by numerous hazards, which have significant health, safety, and environmental impacts on neighboring communities. The occurrence of mercury and its toxic derivatives is considered one of the many negative impacts of oil and gas operations. However, there is limited research on mercury and its negative effects on workers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This study examines the occurrence, exposure, and symptoms of mercury on the health and safety of oil and gas workers in Oman. It also explores the acute/chronic effects of mercury poisoning on the maintenance and inspection workers, who are more prone to the adverse effects of mercury poisoning during oil and gas operations. Methods: The two-pronged approach of literature review and survey questionnaire was used to deduce the effects of mercury exposure and poisoning using 68 respondents with 1 – 6 years of working experience in the sector. Results: Based on the questionnaire response rate of 72%, the results showed that over 90% of participants had experienced symptoms of elemental, organic, and methyl mercury poisoning. The common symptoms experienced are headaches, insomnia, weakness, hearing impairment, visual and sensory abilities. However, the respondents who experienced methyl mercury (MeHg) symptoms are due to consuming seafood and cigarettes, whereas elemental and organic mercury symptoms are due to oil and gas operations. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for robust health and safety measures to effectively detect, monitor and eliminate mercury compounds responsible for poisoning maintenance and inspection workers.

Introduction: Mercury is a highly toxic and persistent contaminant found in food and parts of the environment. Over the years, global research on mercury poison has soared owing to concerns about its effects on human health, occupational safety, and environmental sustainability. Although numerous studies have identified and examined the various types, sources, toxicity, exposure, and impacts of mercury, comprehensive studies on the research landscape and scientific developments on the subject areas are currently lacking. Therefore, this paper shows a bibliometric analysis (BA) and literature review (LR) of the top publications, funders, organisations, and countries working on Mercury research worldwide. Methods: The research landscape on the subject area was examined by BA from 1995 to 2021, whereas the scientific developments were highlighted through LR. Results: Results showed that mercury research has gained global prominence since the discovery of the Minamata disease in 1956. The most prolific mercury researchers, institutions, and funders are from the United States, Japan, Brazil, Canada, and China, whereas the publications on Mercury research doubled over the period. The top source titles for publications on Mercury are Neurotoxicology, Science of the Total Environment, and Environmental Health Perspectives. However, Micheal Aschner (US) and Takashi Yorifuji (Japan) are the most prolific researchers. Co-occurrence analysis revealed that mercury, methyl mercury, fish, toxicity, and Minamata disease are the most cited keywords, which shows the correlation nexus between fish consumption and mercury poisoning. Conclusion: The LR showed that mercury research is widely investigated due to global concerns about its impact on human health, safety, and the environment.

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