To determine the impact of flour dust on the lung function of the workers spirometric analysis was conducted. Significant declines in forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) were observed in the flour mill workers as compared to expected values. This study reveals reduced lung efficiency of flour mill workers due to excessive exposure to fine organic dust prevalent in the workplace environment. The impairment in lung efficiency was increased with duration of exposure in the flour mill workers. The analysis of questionnaires used to generate information on self-reported problems reveals that most of the workers were suffering from asthma and respiratory problems. Furthermore, the data shows that 42% of the flour mill workers were having shortness of breath problems, 34% of workers were having frequent coughing, and 19% workers were having respiratory tract irritation. We recommend the compulsory use of personal protective equipment (nose mask) by flour mill workers during working hours. This would help to protect the workers health from the flour dust prevalent in the workplace environment. A regular periodic examination is necessary to measure the impact of particulate matter on the health of the flour mill workers. (J Occup Health 2006; 48: 396-401)
In the present research article we explore the synthesis method and adsorption capability of ZnFe oxides nanocomposites by using Pb as dopant. A conventional and simple batch adsorption method is selected and optimized. Pb@ZnFe2O4 NCs were fabricated by facile method i.e. co-precipitation method and characterized by FESEM, XRD, IR, EDX. The removal of dye has monitored by UV method.An outstanding result is obtained as adsorption efficiency of 1042 mg g−1 shows more significant performance than currently available bench-mark adsorbents. The optimized parameters pH 7.1, Adsorbent Mass: 50 mg, Initial Dye Concentration: 150 mg/l and Agitation Time: 90 min results in 96.49 % removal of CR (Congo red) dye. A CCD (central composite design) is applied to evaluate the role of adsorption variables. Based on its excellent performance, cost effectiveness, facile fabrication and large surface area, the Pb@ZnFe2O4 has considerable potential for the manufacture of cost effective and efficient adsorbents for environmental applications.
The variability of West Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) during the peak monsoon (July–August) season for the period 1951–2015 and its association with Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) is investigated based on various observational data sets. In the present study, we explored the long term variability of WPSH based on location index (zonal displacement of western edge) and intensity index (intensity values at the centre of WPSH). We observed significant interannual variability in zonal displacement of western flank at around 20°N, and this variability is coherent with the variability in intensity at the centre of WPSH. The significant long term trend in location index is about 1.4° per decade towards east, which is also consistent with weakening trend (−2.6 gpm per decade) in intensity index. Moreover, both the indices show contrasting trends prior to and post 1976 periods. The variability of location and intensity indices shows significant relationship with ISMR by modulating the low level circulations over the Indo‐Pacific region. The present study revealed that the correlations of WPSH indices with ISMR are significant at 95% confidence level. The spatial distribution of rainfall over India during WPSH expansion years depicts the significant enhancement in southern peninsula and north‐central India while a significant reduction in east central India; however, contrasting rainfall patterns are observed during WPSH contraction years. In general, changes in large‐scale circulation during the westward (eastward) shift and intensification (weakening) of WPSH favour (unfavour) monsoon rainfall. The southern peninsula and northcentral India (east central India) experience surplus (deficit) rainfall during WPSH expansion due to modulation of moisture supply from the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and west Pacific Ocean. Additionally, we noticed upper (lower) level divergence (convergence) and lower (upper) level convergence (divergence) during the expansion (contraction) years over the south Asian monsoon region.
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