Air Borne Research Articles

Correlation between the distribution of airborne pollen and the positive sIgE test in patients with allergic rhinitis in Taiyuan City in spring from 2022 to 2023

This study was to investigate the relationship between spring pollen distribution concentration, species and the detection results of air-borne pollen allergens in Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province during March to May 2022 and March to May 2023.A retrospective study was conducted in the Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Clinic of the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University.Pollen particles will be monitored by gravity sedimentation method on the roof of the outpatient department of the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University in downtown Taiyuan from March to May 2022-2023, and pollen species and quantity will be observed and recorded under an optical microscope.The air-borne pollen allergen detection results of all allergic rhinitis patients in the otolaryngology Head and Neck surgery Department of the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University were extracted from the relevant outpatient system. SPSS software and Pearson correlation analysis were used to compare the correlation between the allergens and the dominant air-borne pollen monitoring results. Results are as follows: (1)A total of 18 species of spring pollen in Taiyuan City were monitored in 2022-2023, with 101 177.5 grains, and the dominant airborne pollen was poplar (16.69%) and pine (29.06%) pollen. The pollen of poplar (11.96%), elm (7.89%) and cypress (8.68%) were dominant in early spring; Pine (25.16%) pollen predominated in late spring. The two peaks of pollen dispersal in Taiyuan were in late March (15 479 grains) and early and mid May (15 094/15 343 grains).(2) The positive rates of allergens in serum specific IgE detection were: wormwood (46%, 248/541 cases), tree combination (26%, 143/541 cases), ragweed (19%, 101/541 cases), humulus scandens (9%, 49/541 cases).(3)There was a linear positive correlation between the positive rate of air-borne pollen allergens in allergic rhinitis patients in the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery in the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University and the dominant air-borne pollen concentration in the same period (P<0.05, r=0.999). In conclusion, two spring pollen dispersal peaks were formed in late March and early to mid May in Taiyuan City, and the dominant air-borne pollens were poplar and pine pollens. The positive rate of air borne pollen allergen sIgE showed that wormwood allergy was the highest.There was a positive correlation between the concentration of air-borne pollen and the positive rate of air-borne pollen allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis in the Department of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery in Taiyuan in 2022 and 2023.The monitoring of pollen distribution in spring can provide an important scientific basis for clinical workers to formulate prevention and treatment plans for patients with allergic rhinitis in the season, and provide data reference for the epidemiological investigation of allergic diseases in Taiyuan in the future.

Management of Alternaria Leaf Spot using Available Fungicides (Combi Products) in Sunflower

Back ground: Alternariaster leaf blight caused by Alternariaster helianthi is an important disease on sunflower, caused yield losses upto 80%. It is seed and air borne. Management of this disease is very important to avoid yield losses, hence, this experiment was planned with available fungicides (combi products) in the market. Methods: A field experiment was carried out on management of Alternariaster leaf spot disease for three years i.e., kharif 2018, 2019 and 2020 at RARS, Nandyal under AICRP on Sunflower scheme. Seven treatments were imposed in three replications with different fungicides by using the hybrid KBSH-44 in RBD design. Result: Pooled analysis results indicated that among different treatments, the treatment T3: (Seed treatment with carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% wp @ 2g/kg seed followed by two foliar sprays with Trifloxystrobin 25%+ tebuconazole 50% (Nativo 75WG)@ 0.25g/l) has recorded low severity (PDI) of 37% with higher yield of 1382 kg/ha, which was followed by the treatment T1 (Seed treatment with carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% WP (SAAF 75 WP) @ 2g/kg seed followed by two foliar sprays with difenconazole 25% + propiconazole 25% (TASPA 500EC) @ 0.3 ml/l) has recorded disease severity (PDI) of 40.95% and yield of 1363 kg/ha, where as control recorded high PDI of 53.38% and lower yield of 1200 kg/ha. Regarding B:C ratio, the treatment T1 recorded high B:C ratio i.e., 1.65, followed by T4 and T3 recorded 1.59 and 1.57 respectively. Hence, it was concluded that above three treatments were recommended for disease management as they are on par with each other and recorded more B:C ratio than others.

A Detailed Study on Various Sources of Cabin Noise and Vibration in Crawler Dozers and Methodology Followed to Reduce the Noise

The major environmental concern in the field of opencast mining industries are the means of controlling and mitigating noise generated from different Heavy earth moving machineries (HEMM) like Excavators, Dozers, Dumpers, Loaders, Graders, etc. Continuous exposure of the operators to excess noise shall result in hearing impairment and other related health issues. Also, for the HEMM manufacturers, it is important to meet the statutory requirement and mine safety norms to qualify for the tenders. Crawler tractors also called Dozers are heavy earth-moving equipment used in open cast mines with metal blades attached in front of it for pushing or dozing of materials. Dozers being one of the major sources of such noise, in this paper we focus on noise control in dozers. The DGMS (Director General of Mine Safety) regulatory requirement specifies the noise generated inside the cabin should be less than 85dB. We present a detailed analysis of major sources of noise generation in dozers, including Structure borne, Air borne and Rattling noise. We also discuss the various stages and methodologies followed to mitigate the noise at different sources and inside the cabin to ensure that the noise level are within the accepted limits. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the noise control measures that can be implemented in dozers to reduce noise exposure and ensure safety and well-being of operators in open cast mining industries.

Assessment of the Occupational Risk of Tuberculosis & Air Borne Infection Control in High-Risk Hospital Wards and Its Implications on Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India.

Introduction The indoor air in hospitals could play a significant role in the transmission of a wide array of infections, especially in respiratory intensive care units, pulmonary outpatient departments, and other areas. Unprotected coughing and sneezing may facilitate the release of aerosols and contaminate the indoor environment. The majority of infections transmitted through these modes include viral diseases, including tuberculosis (TB), influenza, and measles, among several others. Moreover, the possibility of direct and indirect transmission of microbes by air has been underestimated in hospital settings, especially in developing countries. This studytherefore was carried out to assess the burden of microbes in the air of selected wards in a tertiary care hospital and evaluate the occupational risk of some infections among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods This study was carried out between September 2019 and February 2021 at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India. A total of 30 symptomatic healthcare workers (HCWs) were included in the study and were screened for present and past tuberculosis (TB) as well as other lower respiratory tract infections. A tuberculin skin test, chest X-ray, and sputum acid-fast staining were performed on all the HCWs who were negative for other bacterial infections and were symptomatic. The study was conductedin coordination with the pulmonology department. Active monitoring of air was performed by microbiological air sampler in the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) and other high-risk areas including the pulmonology outpatient department (OPD), the radiology OPD, and the microbiology department. Results Sputum for tuberculousbacteriawas positive in four (16.6%) HCWs. The chest X-ray showed radiological findings suggestive of TB in five (20.8%) HCWs. Three (12.5%) HCWs who were screened for extrapulmonary TBrevealed one (33.3%) was positive for TB of the hip joint. Among the HCWs, eight (33%) returned positive tuberculin tests. Assessment of the hospital air in theRICU revealedthe bacterial count (288 CFU/m3) exceeded the normal limit (≤50 CFU/m3). The COVID-19 isolation ward showed the lowest bacterial count (06 CFU/m3) and no fungi. The predominant bacterial isolates were gram-positive cocci in clusters (Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus). After proper disinfection and correction of ventilation techniques, the resampling results noted microbial colonies under normal limits. Conclusion A high burden of TB was noted among the HCWs. The airborne infection control strategies are essential to minimize the risk ofnosocomial infections and occupational TB risk to HCWs. Most microbes are transmitted through the airborne route and therefore it is extremely important to take measures to control the transmission of such pathogens in hospital settings.

Paradigm Shift in Protective Barrier Covering Implements for the Endemic Phase of Corona Virus and Routine Airborne Pollutants: The Game Changer Approach - Phase Three Category

This article presented a possible protective solution to the diverse health problems associated with human beings inhaling routine anthropogenic airborne particulates and micro-organisms by introducing some regular user friendly barrier covering implements i.e. narrows it down to zero pollutant inhaled for each person’s health care protection via the introduction of cosmetic-style barrier coverings, for the individual sense organs (i.e. nose-mouth-eye). Comprehensively, the atmosphere air is a mixture of several gases, consisting of three main components (78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% argon), water vapor, trace gases such as the noble gases (neon, helium, krypton, and xenon); greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone); and the other gases such as hydrogen, iodine, carbon monoxide, ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, etc. Furthermore, particulate matter (PM) a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets, such as dust, dirt, soot (a.k.a. black carbon), smoke, and smog-causing pollutants such as oxides of nitrogen (NOx), oxides of sulfur (SOx), are regularly being released into the atmosphere by human activities (anthropogenic sources). Along with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) i.e. chemical gases released from solid and liquid chemical products such as detergents, pesticides, printer supplies, adhesives, furniture, electronics, paints (and many other products), gasoline vapors, power plants and automobile exhaust, re-occurring wildfires and bush burning in different parts of the world (e.g. Canada, Brazil, California, etc.). Specifically, the June 2023 Canadian wildfire, whose smoke drifted into the northeast United States, and then temporarily made New York City “the most polluted city on the planet”, plus, the occasional air borne viruses and bacteria diseases (particles and respiratory droplets), during pandemics e.g. influenza, corona virus disease 19 (COVID-19), the common respiratory syncytial virus (RSV-a seasonal virus, characterized by variable epidemiology, depending on geographic area and climate) that share many similar symptoms as corona virus, etc. Most notably, this July 22, 2023 Erika Edwards report on “tripledemic” quoted Dr Mandy Cohen (director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), as saying that the American people are expecting to have three bugs out there, “three viruses: COVID, of course, flu and RSV”. This means that many Americans will be urged to get three different vaccinations this fall: COVID, RSV and the annual flu shot. “But that will be a challenge for the health care system, (said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert and professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center), at a time when there’s already vaccine fatigue”. The pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs- CO2, CH4, N2O, O3, etc.) do not only contributing to climate change (e.g. global warming the emphasis in my first and second articles) but are also the major air, water, and soil pollution that already afflictsmany cities/countries globally today. Air pollutants with the strongest evidence for public health concern include particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Trend and mortality pattern of communicable diseases in a tertiary care hospital in Kerala

Background: Communicable disease burden in India is very high. Surveillance of communicable diseases is an important epidemiological tool to monitor current disease burden, monitor trends, and to identify outbreaks. This study was conducted in a retrospective manner to identify the changing trends of communicable diseases, and its mortality during the period of 2015-2020.Methods: This record based cross sectional study was done in Government Medical College Thrissur. All confirmed communicable disease cases reported during the study period was included in the present study except COVID-19 positive cases. The communicable diseases were classified as: Air borne, water borne, vector borne, vaccine preventable diseases, zoonosis, and blood borne diseases. Data were entered in excel 2007 and statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 16. Results were expressed as frequencies, percentages.Results: Total number of cases reported were 14337. Maximum number of cases were in 2019. The most common type of communicable diseases that was reported was airborne diseases (2370, 34.85%) followed by vector borne diseases (1825, 26.83%). The total number of deaths reported was 764. Airborne diseases accounted for more than 70% of deaths. The overall CFR was found to be higher for pneumonia (19%), followed by H1N1 (17.8%).Conclusions: Communicable disease is still a major public health problem in India. The most common type of communicable disease that was reported was airborne disease. Airborne disease also accounted for more than half of all death. The study emphasizes the importance of a proper surveillance system in controlling outbreaks of communicable diseases.

Levels of fungi aerosols in residential houses in Benin City, Southern Nigeria

Lack of monitoring residential homes for fungi contamination, has reportedly resulted in various health outcomes in vulnerable occupants. This study assessed the level of indoor and outdoor airborne fungi contamination and reveal the identity of air borne fungi species in the study area. Forty-five households were randomly selected across the five local council areas in Benin city for airborne sampling. Airborne fungi were assessed bimonthly using the passive sampling technique. Discrete colonies of fungi were enumerated and mean values of triplicate concentrations were expressed in Colony forming unit / m3 (CFU/m3) Airborne fungi isolates were characterized and identified using standard procedures. The mean indoor and outdoor meteorological parameters ranged between 31.2 to 32.3°C and 31.1 to 32.5°C (Temperature); 71.6 to 74.1% and 63.0 to 74.1% (Relative humidity) respectively. The fungi concentrations varied from 301.0 to 747.1 CFU/m3 and 337.67 to 554.6 CFU/m3 (indoor); 223.8 to 450.4 CFU/m3 and 378.64 to 532.7 CFU/m3 (outdoor) in wet and dry seasons. The prevalent fungi genera isolated from the indoor and outdoor air across the sampling sites were Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus. The outdoor fungi concentrations showed a significant association (R = 0.360 and 0.260; R2 = 0.130 and 0.032; p&lt; 0.01) with indoor fungi concentrations in both seasons. The study revealed high airborne fungi counts and fungi species of public health interest in the houses. Regular cleaning and maintenance practices to reduce the increasing effect of fungi spores is highly recommended.

Emission characteristics for combustion of sludge with coal in a grate furnace aimed at boiler application

Distillery sludge and coal co-combustion are favorable energy recovery options which also help to overcome the individual feed sample disadvantages. The emission of PM, SO2, NOx, HCl, HC, CO and CO2 was studied during the co-combustion experiments along with monitoring of the ambient air quality at the experimental site. The combustion of coal and sludge samples was studied and the results showed that by increasing the distillery sludge mixed coal ratio from 20%, 30% and 40% (wt./wt.%), the emission values reduced. Air borne PM and gaseous pollutants did not exceed the standard limit for ambient air. The results for PM were observed within the range i.e. 580–1432 mg/Nm3. Similarly, SO2 and NOx emissions were 55–147 and 7.5–2.4 mg/Nm3 of all the substrate combinations. To regulate the flue gas composition and monitor the emitted gases, it is necessary to pass it through a proper control systems.

COVID-19 case findings and contact tracing in South German nursing homes

BackgroundThe air borne SARS-CoV-2 poses a high threat to the elderly and people with underlying diseases. COVID-19 spread quickly in South German nursing homes and for this reason called for preventive measures by the German government. The aim of this paper is to showcase the testing strategies implemented by the Public Health Department Reutlingen to control the spread of COVID-19 in local nursing homes and to report the results thereof.MethodsThis study reports COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes in Reutlingen County and how they were dealt with through extensive testing, contact tracing, isolation and hygiene inspections. The testing strategy consisted of three phases: In phase 1 only suspected cases, in phase 2 all staff and residents, and in phase 3 all suspected cases and their contacts were tested.ResultsNearly all residents (98%) and staff members (92%) of all nursing homes in Reutlingen County were tested for SARS-COV-2. 25 of 37 nursing homes had COVID-19 cases, 5 had 30–81 cases/home. 62% of the 395 nursing homes cases were residents, but less than half of them exhibited symptoms (41%). The cases uncovered in nursing homes represented 26% of all 1529 cases in Reutlingen County during the time of this study.ConclusionsMany COVID-19 cases were discovered through extensive testing, allowing for early interventions. The results shed light on the COVID-19 situation in nursing homes and allowed for individually designed preventive measures. The results also lead to a change in the German legislation. The outbreak management methods of the Public Health Department Reutlingen may also be applicable in other countries.

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Adult Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients: A Hospital Based Study at Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a multi-system infectious disease with a major cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world but particularly in developing countries like Bangladesh. A normal healthy individual does not face the symptoms causing by tuberculosis due to their immune system that’s why infection among healthy individuals always remain silent. As it is highly infectious air borne disease that’s why treatment completion for TB is the cornerstone of its control and prevention. So to understand these factors efficiently this study was carried out about socio-demographic determinants of adult TB patients attending the tertiary care teaching hospital, Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Methodology: This was hospital based cross sectional observational study done at Bangladesh Medical College Hospital, Dhanmondi, Dhaka with the study period from January 2020 to December 2021.Total 410 patients of age group 18 years and above with persistent cough with sputum production for more than 2 weeks were enrolled for this study purpose. Results: Total prevalence of sputum positive adult pulmonary TB among the studied group was 69.02%. Majority 54% were male patients in the age group of 41-50 years (31.45%). Pulmonary TB was predominantly diagnosed among employed group 41.34%, those who have completed their high school level (34.28%) in mainly the rural (66.08%) locality. Joint family (61%) with 8-10 family members (43.46%) have been found mostly affected in our study. The cardinal features were cough with sputum production (80.21%) followed by fatigue (71.73%), fever (42.05%), sweating (46.99%), loss of appetite (32.86%) and weight loss (27.56%). Pulmonary TB was found mostly among smokers (57.23%) with normal BMI (44.88%). Conclusion: To decrease the rate of infection with Tuberculosis, a multi-factorial approach can play the pivotal role by improving the living conditions, education level, economic status and adequate sanitation. Awareness can bring a new dimension in this regard.

ECONOMICAL HIGH ROBUSTNESS AND PRECISION LINEAR GUIDE

Today’s business environment demands production systems that are easy to use, flexible, yield great output, require little to no maintenance and provide great return of investments in short periods of time. This work focuses on providing a solution for a linear guide that is economical, light weight, precise and maintenance free. The guide comes within the scope of developing an automated linear axis that may be used in a heavily air borne contaminated environment.

Airborne Fungi in Prison Indoor Environments of Nsukka and Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria

Air borne fungi are transmitted through the air which can cause respiratory infections in human leading to allergies, asthma and diseases of the respiratory tract. The study is to determine the prevalence of fungi isolates in Enugu and Nsukka indoor prison environments and the possible effects on the respiratory tracts of the prison inmates. Institutions that accommodate large number of people such as Prisons, schools and hospitals are prone to airborne diseases due to overcrowded and unhygienic environment. The study was carried out using convenience sampling method and health based questionnaires. One hundred and forty (140)samples were analyzed consisting prison offices(48),inmates cells (28),lavatory (16),furniture(8),nasal swabs(20) and hostels(20). AC single impactor with high vacuum pump was used for indoor air sample collection; thermometer was used in measuring the temperature of the room and hygrometer for measuring the humidity. Sterile swab was used in collection of nasal samples, walls, furniture, toilets and bathrooms. Sabouraund dextrose agar (0.05µg Chloramphenicol and 1µg of Streptomycin), Malt extract agar, Chromagar, Brain heart infusion agar, and Nutrient agar were used for culture media for isolation of fungi respectively. The data generated from this research was analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 23.The result obtained showed that the percentage distribution of fungi isolates in prison offices were 60.9%, 57.4% in Nsukka and Enugu respectively while the percentage distribution percentage distribution of fungi isolates in prison cells were 42.6% and 39.1% in Enugu and Nsukka respectively. There was a significant difference in the distribution of fungal isolates at P=0.042.The indoor temperature and humidity of Enugu and Nsukka were the same at P using ANOVA, when compared with the hostels that served as control. Considering the public health effects of these airborne fungi, appropriate measures should be put in place in prison indoor environment to prevent the growth of moulds and yeast and its dissemination.

Methanolic Extraction, Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Transdermal Patches of Azadirachta indica A. Juss

At present, synthetic drugs form a major line of treatment in the management of many diseases and currently available as transdermal patches. Traditional medicine system is centuries old practice and again gaining importance. Hence, herbal products can be used to treat many diseases as transdermal patches. Neem leaves has antibacterial properties and can be used for controlling air borne bacterial contamination. Azadirachta Indica. A. Juss (neem) very useful traditional plant. The present study was carried out to extract, formulate and evaluate a transdermal patches containing Azadirachta indica A. Juss The total four Transdermal patches were prepared by solvent casting method and evaluated for physicochemical characteristics such as weight variation, thickness, drug content uniformity, folding endurance, In-vitro diffusion, ex-vivo permeation studies and anti-Bacterial screening test. The infrared spectroscopy showed that there was no incompatibility between drug and polymer. The In-vitro diffusion studies of Transdermal patches of Neem showed percentage of drug release from 65.2% to 92.06% at the end of 21hrs. The ex-vivo permeation study was carried out for optimized formulation (M2) using goat abdomen skin as barrier and showed percentage drug release 89.6% at the end of 21hrs. Release kinetics data showed that all the formulations followed zero order kinetics with non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. The anti-bacterial screening study showed good anti-bacterial activity against Bascillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and zone of Inhibition (ZOI) was compared against standard antibiotic drugs i.e. Penicillin and Streptomycin.

A REVIEW ON FIRST MEMBERS OF COVID-19 VACCINES IN PHASE 3 AROUND THE GLOBE

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a member of the coronaviridae family is the cause of the pandemic which started in 2019 and the world is still fighting against it. In spite of the usage of drugs like remedesivir, flavinavir and hydroxycholoquine along with different approaches to increase the immunity or to treat the respiratory infection in humans, even now this viral infection is uncontrollable. According to the stats, till November 10, 2020 over 10 million people have lost their lives around the world, touching the mark of 37 mill ion plus patients around the world with epidemiology showing the most cases in USA followed by India, Russia, Brazil and Spain. After seeing the rapid spread and post disease effects of this air borne viral infection, an urgent need of the vaccine consider ed. This led to encourage researchers around the world to develop different types of vaccines, namely inactivated, live attenuated, nanoparticle based, viral vectored, recombinant type, DNA and RNA vaccines, among which few have already passed Phase 1 clinical trials and are under Phase 2 or 3 human trials. The vaccines which have the highest potential to be successful with minimal side effects proposed by different countries around the world with their type, mechanism of action and their effects along with the challenges and considerations regarded with these vaccines has been discussed in this paper.

Mode of infection and some diseases caused by Epstein Barr virus: The most ubiquitous, common malignant and characteristic virus

Epstein Barr virus (EBV) was detected for the first time by electron microscopy (EM) in a malignant Burkitt’s lymphoma. EBV has a worldwide distribution and its prevalence is more than 90%. It is a malignant virus, symptoms vary from mild or find no symptoms in some individuals and serious symptoms or cancers in others. EBV is a characteristic one since it has a lot of properties to become latent and modulate the host immune system in a serious manner in some conditions where it has many proteins having sequence and functional homology with many human proteins. EBV could be transmitted through saliva or contact with the air borne, blood transfusion, organ transplantation semen or cervical secretions. EBV Causes a lot of diseases which varies according to some factors. Rediagnosis For COVID-19 is recommended by considering it EBV or ovine herpes virus 2 (OvHV-2) where I think that they are the same virus With two names according to human or veterinary medicine because accurate diagnosis is the first and most important step for controlling COVID-19 and I show that the obtained RNA and considered as corona Virus is mainly one of the messenger RNA (s) of EBV (0vHV-2) to be translated for proteins demanded by this herpesvirus. This false diagnosis may be performed with other RNA viruses named previously. Proper diagnosis will be achieved by electron microscopy for detection of herpes viral particles and sequencing of glycoprotein B complete gene. Another recommendation is taking in consideration that stool is among routes of infection as well as milk and colostrum with special care during management for all animals or birds ( because all species are susceptible ) which also give good chance for experimental application of vaccines, antibodies as well as studying pathogenesis and pathology of the virus.

Indoor Air Quality of Historic Buildings: A Comparison of Certified to Non-certified Buildings

Since, there is a high level of concern for historic buildings becoming sustainable this paper will investigate the indoor air quality of three historical buildings that are on the National Registry of Historic Buildings and located around Fulton County, Georgia, USA and three historical buildings that are not certified in the same area. The certification for the three certified buildings was obtained thru Earth Craft Sustainable Preservation program, which is the only historic building certification in the United States. The research entails field measurements of CO₂ levels, air borne particles (both types and sizes), and greenhouse gas emissions. This was done by counting the airborne particles with sizes between 0.3 to 5.0 nanometers, and identifying biological and non-biological airborne particles both indoors and outdoors. These tests were used to determine if the interior of the certified buildings have better CO₂ levels than the exterior and to ascertain how much the certification process effects the indoor air quality. This information will be compared to the noncertified buildings to ascertain if the results of the testing will show that the indoor air quality and greenhouse gases are better than the noncertified buildings. This research will demonstrate the need for improved indoor air quality testing in historic buildings before certifying them as being sustainable in the area of indoor air quality.

Effects of Air Borne Particulate Matter on the Plants Grown in Different Areas of Dhaka Mega City, Bangladesh: An Air Pollution Tolerance Study

Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) was used to assess four plant species, namely Mangifera indica, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Psidium guajava and Sweitenia mahagoni for their response toward air pollution in Dhaka city. Leaf samples of the plant species were analyzed for their physicochemical and biochemical attributes, including relative water content, leaf extract pH, ascorbic acid content and chlorophyll content. APTI values of all the plant species were found to be sensitive with respect to air pollution. Our results indicate that the studied plant species are not suitable for mitigating air pollution and should not be considered for urban roadside plantation. Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/10406026.2020.1858606.

Air Quality Monitoring and Purification Devices: A Review

Air quality has been degrading due to increase in vehicles and industrial activities. These industrial activities and vehicles cause most of the air pollutants as gases, but some are very tiny solid particles, such as dust, smoke. Most commonly detected air pollutants are Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), particulate matter, Hydrocarbons (HC), Lead, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and smog. These air pollutants affect both the indoor and outdoor air. The indoor air is more polluted, due to the release of the air borne chemicals while cooking and from furniture. The polluted air is unsafe for human health. So, the need of an indoor automatic air purifier arises. This paper presents a thorough study of different techniques and models developed to monitor the air quality and hereby control the air purifier system.

Concept of Dhoopan Chikitsa (Medicinal Fumigation Therapy) and Its Importance in Prevention of air-borne diseases– A review

A person could spread infectious diseases to another person or an animal to person. Most of the contagious diseases are airborne, air borne diseases spread by tiny pathogens in the air. Bacteria, fungi or viruses transmit them. These diseases are spread by sneezing, coughing and phlegm. Airborne diseases are the most widespread, and complete prevention is complicated. These pandemic conditions had occurred in ancient times, which were described in Ayurveda text such as Janpadodhwansaj vikar (mass destruction of population) and infectious diseases (Auopsargika rogas) and Samarikavishaprayoga.Janpadodhwansaj vikar, communicable diseases (Auopsargika rogas) and Samarikavishaprayoga spread by four routes – air, water, region, time. At that time, Dhoopan Chikitsa (Fumigation therapy) had been mentioned for treating these types of airborne diseases spread by air. Dhoopana is one of the measures suggested for the maintenance of the internal and external environment of man. Dhoopana is a method by which drugs of herbal, herbo-mineral or animal origin are used for fumigation. Herbs belonging to Plant origin possess kushthahara krimihara and kandughna properties, Animal products like horn, hair, nails etc. have also been used for fumigation and Mineral like sulphur compound viz, Hartal (Arsenic trisulphide) and Manashila (Arsenic disulphide) have been used as a disinfectant for Dhoopa Chikitsa or medicinal fumigation therapy. The nose is the best route for the administration of drugs to the patient. Dhoopan Chikitsa is very easy to administer, and it can fumigate the environment also.

Are healthcare workers safe? Facility assessment of airborne infection control measures in public hospitals of Kerala

Background: Nosocomial transmission of airborne infection is a major peril to health care providing community and has been linked to poor adherence to airborne infection control practices. The present study was conducted to assess the gaps in health care facilities and practices for prevention and control of transmission of air borne infections among healthcare workers in government district level hospitals of Kerala.Methods: A cross sectional survey including observation was done in 24 facilities. The tool for the survey and the check list for observation were developed based on national airborne infection control guidelines and assessment tool for prevention and control of infection by centre for disease control. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 23.Results: The functioning of airborne infection control system was found to be suboptimal in most of the institutions. Implementation of environmental control measures was poor when compared to administrative control and personal protection measures. Adequate ventilation was not present in more than half of the institutions (60%). All institutions had infection control committees in place but were not functioning well. Personal protective equipment’s were not available at point of use in more than half of the institutions (62.5%). Out of the 16 self-reported hospital acquired respiratory infections among the staff, pulmonary tuberculosis was predominant.Conclusions: Several barriers were identified at different levels for prevention and control of airborne infections among healthcare workers. The findings reinforce the need to implement strict guidelines to prevent occupation induced airborne infections among health workers in public health system.