Hygiene Products Research Articles

Biocompatible formulations based on mycosynthesized iron oxide nanoparticles: Fabrication, characterization, and biological investigation

The current study was carried out to synthesize iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) via green reduction method from a wild mushroom collected from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan. The collected fungus was identified as Daedalea sp. based on morphological characteristics. Prepared NPs were produced from iron chloride hexahydrate with fungal filtrate via combustion method. The as prepared NPs were characterized by using different techniques for example, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractions (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Morphology and size of the NPs were determined by SEM analysis. XRD study revealed crystalline nature of IONPs. The FT-IR spectrum exhibited peak at 3390.26 cm- 1 stretching that described the strong O-H band of the alcohol associated with mushroom texture. The major IONPs dose (0.75 mg/ml) demonstrated 71% growth inhibition against Aspergillus. Excellent antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (28 mm), and Klesbsilla pneumonia (28 mm) were represented by the fabricated NPs. Further, highest reducing power (53.22 ± 0.72 µg AAE/mg) was shown by the highest administrated dose (400 µg/ml). Maximum 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and trolox antioxidant activity free radical scavenging activities at 400 µg/ml IONPs concentration were noted as 51.29 ± 0.48, and 83.12 ± 0.28 trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, respectively. In brief, the negligible hemolytic activity against human red blood cells at the highest concentration (400 µg/ml), as well as, moderate antioxidant activities at low concentration suggest the application of the fabricated NPs in environmentally sound viable hygiene production.

An approach of pectin from Citrus aurantium L. for superabsorbent resin with superior quality for hygiene products: Salt resistance, antibacterial, nonirritant and biodegradability

In this paper, a kind of superabsorbent resin (SAR) with superior quality for hygiene products was developed using Fructus Aurantii Immaturus pectin (FAIP) from Citrus aurantium L.. FAIP-g-AM/AMPS SAR was established by free radical graft co-polymerization with FAIP as skeleton structure, N, N′-Methylene-bis (acrylamide) (MBA) as the cross-linker. Meanwhile, the functional monomers of acrylamide (AM) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) were introduced. The structure and morphology of FAIP-g-AM/AMPS were characterized by FTIR, 13C NMR, XRD, SEM and TG-DSC analysis. The results confirmed that the AFIP-g-AM/AMPS SAR was successfully prepared, which exhibited a three-dimensional (3D) network structure and an excellent thermal stability. The absorption and retention capacity of FAIP-g-AM/AMPS was comparable to or even better than commercial diapers and sanitary napkins. Significantly, FAIP-g-AM/AMPS itself exhibited excellent antibacterial and safety. FAIP-g-AM/AMPS has an inhibition ratio of 97.1 % for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and 98.5 % for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and was non-irritating and non-allergic to the skin. In addition, FAIP-g-AM/AMPS presented amazing biodegradability and a weight loss reached 37.1 % after 30 days by soil burial test. The research provides a safe and high-performance SAR, which expected to be used in hygiene products such as baby diapers, adult incontinence pads and sanitary napkins.

Applications of Essential Oils and Plant Extracts in Different Industries.

Essential oils (EOs) and plant extracts are sources of beneficial chemical compounds that have potential applications in medicine, food, cosmetics, and the agriculture industry. Plant medicines were the only option for preventing and treating mankind's diseases for centuries. Therefore, plant products are fundamental sources for producing natural drugs. The extraction of the EOs is the first important step in preparing these compounds. Modern extraction methods are effective in the efficient development of these compounds. Moreover, the compounds extracted from plants have natural antimicrobial activity against many spoilage and disease-causing bacteria. Also, the use of plant compounds in cosmetics and hygiene products, in addition to their high marketability, has been helpful for many beauty problems. On the other hand, the agricultural industry has recently shifted more from conventional production systems to authenticated organic production systems, as consumers prefer products without any pesticide and herbicide residues, and certified organic products command higher prices. EOs and plant extracts can be utilized as ingredients in plant antipathogens, biopesticides, and bioherbicides for the agricultural sector. Considering the need and the importance of using EOs and plant extracts in pharmaceutical and other industries, this review paper outlines the different aspects of the applications of these compounds in various sectors.

Redox Status, Estrogen and Progesterone Production by Swine Granulosa Cells Are Impaired by Triclosan.

Triclosan is a chlorinated biphenolic with a broad spectrum of antiseptic activities used in cosmetics and hygiene products. Continuous exposure can lead to absorption and bioaccumulation of this substance with harmful health effects. In fact, previous studies have shown that Triclosan acts as an endocrine-disrupting chemical on reproductive organs, with consequent negative effects on reproductive physiology. Therefore, to assess potential adverse impacts on fertility, we tested Triclosan on swine granulosa cells, a model of endocrine reproductive cells. We examined its effects on the main features of granulosa cell functions such as cell growth (BrdU incorporation and ATP production) and steroidogenesis (17-β estradiol and progesterone secretion). Moreover, since oxidant-antioxidant balance plays a pivotal role in follicular function, redox status markers (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide production, enzymatic and non-enzymatic scavenging activity) were studied. Our results show that Triclosan significantly inhibits cell growth (p < 0.001), steroidogenesis (p < 0.001), superoxide and nitric oxide production (p < 0.001), while it increases (p < 0.05) enzymatic defense systems. Collectively, these data suggest a disruption of the main granulosa cell functions, i.e., proliferation and hormone production, as well as an imbalance in redox status. On these bases, we can speculate that Triclosan would impair granulosa cell functions, thus exerting negative effects on reproductive function. Further studies are needed to explore lower Triclosan concentrations and to unravel its mechanisms of action at gene level.

Plasma bisphenol a and phthalate levels in children with cerebral palsy: a case-control study

ABSTRACT The case-control study aimed to evaluate potential sources of exposure and the plasma concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates in prepubertal children having cerebral palsy (CP) and healthy control. Blood samples of 68 CP and 70 controls were analyzed for BPA, di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). BPA and DBP levels were similar in groups. The median DEHP and MEHP levels of the children with CP were significantly lower than those of the controls (p = 0.035, p < 0.001, respectively). Exposure to plastic food containers/bags, personal care hygiene products, household cleaners, wood/coal stove heating, and city water supplies were associated with increased odds of higher BPA and phthalate levels in children with CP. In conclusion, potential exposure sources for BPA and phthalates differ in children with CP and healthy controls, and children with CP are not exposed to higher levels of BPA and phthalates.

Impact of imparting knowledge and awareness on the usage of menstrual cups: A study based on project ‘Thinkal’ at Alappuzha Municipality in Kerala

ObjectivesTo assess the impact of educating and creating awareness among women on Menstrual Cups (M-Cups) as a healthy, safe, easy-to- use and affordable menstrual hygiene product with the support of medical professionals. Study designA two-group, non-randomized cross-sectional study. MethodsThe M-Cup awareness creation was carried out through the project ‘Thinkal’ and 4345 cups were distributed among the beneficiaries of Alappuzha Municipality in two separate groups. One group received awareness with the help of medical professionals and experienced users whereas the other group collected the M-Cup from the distribution centres (Municipality and Community Development Society) along with the information pamphlets without attending awareness sessions initially. ResultsAmong the women who received the M-Cups without attending the awareness session, only 20.7% started using the M-Cup, where as 40.6% who received awareness, started the usage which is approximately double. ConclusionsA well curated awareness session was the most important factor which helped in transforming a woman into an M-Cup user.

Green approach to synthesize nano zinc oxide via Moringa oleifera leaves for enhanced anti-oxidant, anti-acne and anti-bacterial properties for health & wellness applications

This article explores green synthesis as a strategic and sustainable route to fabricate potent zinc oxide nanoparticles. Natural green based antibacterial agents and alternatives are being introduced in the market however there is a dearth in green approach moringa based zinc oxide nanoparticles in personal care products and establishing efficacy. Moringa oleifera comprises various phytochemicals that act as non-toxic stabilizing and reducing agents. Green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles (GsZnO-Nps) were investigated for their morphological and physicochemical properties using various advanced characterizing techniques. The hexagonal wurtzite structure of GsZnO-Nps is determined by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), the average crystallite size is 13.82 nm, total crystallinity was 95.91 % and high specific-surface-area is 77.38 m2/g. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) revealed the formation of spherical nanoparticles having a diameter of 50 nm. UV–vis spectrum shows high bandgap energy of 3.36 eV. Results have shown that antioxidant efficacy of GsZnO-Nps is significantly higher than AR-Grade ZnO, evaluated by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of GsZnO-Nps was 21.72 µg/mL and AR-Grade ZnO was 345.57 µg/mL. GsZnO-Nps (0.0183 g/mL) shows robust anti-acne efficacy against Cutibacterium acne (C. acne) organism which estimated by ZOI technique, have average ZOI of 33 mm, with standard error 0.577 mm. Antibacterial efficacy of GsZnO-Nps was established at different concentrations (10, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens by zone-of-inhibition (ZOI) method with respect to standard drugs. GsZnO-Nps at 200 µg/mL exhibits high ZOI of 26.75 mm against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and ZOI of 30 mm against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) organisms respectively which is comparatively higher or equal to standard drugs. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of GsZnO-Nps is 500 µg/mL to inhibit the microbe's growth. GsZnO-Nps established the added benefits of moringa phytochemicals and is an excellent approach to developing eco-friendly and multi-functional versatile products having strong antioxidants, anti-acne and advanced antibacterial efficacy for numerous industrial applications like cosmetic, health hygiene products, drugs, therapeutic etc.

PREGNANT WOMEN'S LEVEL OF SANITARY AND HYGIENIC KNOWLEDGE ON THE DENTAL DISEASES PREVENTION

Early childhood caries results from many factors, including behavioral, nutritional, and social. The state of the mother's oral health, her knowledge on the prevention of dental diseases and attitude to oral hygiene in general significantly impact the child's oral health status in the future.Objective of the study. This study aims to identify the level of pregnant women's sanitary and hygienic knowledge on the preventionof dental diseases by assessing the results of the questionnaire.Materials and methods. To study the level of knowledge and skills of expectant mothers in the prevention of dental diseases, we conducted a questionnaire survey of pregnant women using a Google-form. The total number of respondents was 101. The survey was conducted via social networks. Methods of descriptive statistics were used. All bioethical norms concerning clinical research inaccordance with the provisions of GCP (1996), Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine (04.04.1997), WMA Helsinki Declaration on Ethical Principles of Scientific Medical Research Involving Human Subjects (1964-2013), Order of Ministry of Health № 690 dated September 23, 2009, were observed during the study.Results and discussion. Survey data showed a significant need for dental treatment among pregnant women, which they were aware of (55.4%). However, this need is mainly realized by necessity (52.5%) and not by regular preventive check-ups. Only 33.7% ofrespondents have regular annual dental check-ups, which is a sign of responsible attitude towards one’s own health, but the frequency of check-ups is insufficient. 10.9% of female respondents have an adequate level of preventive dental care. Oral hygiene level among pregnant women with regard to the basic manipulation of tooth brushing is as follows: 65.35% of respondents do it twice a day, 25.74%brush their teeth once a day and the rest do it irregularly. In addition to toothbrush and toothpaste, pregnant women also use floss (70.30%), mouthwash (73.27%) and other items and products (20.79%).The questions related to knowledge and skills of pregnant women regarding the prevention of dental diseases in children showedthat the majority of expectant mothers are unaware of the basic rules of child oral care. When asked "Who/What motivates you to choose oral hygiene items and products?" only 18.81% of respondents said that they follow the advice of their dentist. The majority (64.37%) chooses products using TV and social media ads, and 15.84% of respondents said their choice was influenced by promotional offers.Premature use of the above products disrupts the normal process of naturation of the enamel of primary teeth, resulting in its rapid destruction under the influence of cariogenic factors.Conclusions. The results of the questionnaire of pregnant women showed that the level of their sanitary and hygienic knowledge is insufficient for the formation of proper hygiene skills among them and their children, as well as for the implementation of preventive measures for major dental diseases. In particular, it has been revealed that a significant percentage of children born and living in Chernivtsi are exposed to such cariogenic factors as inappropriate feeding regime and excessive consumption of carbohydrates in theform of drinks and food, inadequate oral care and delayed qualified dental care.

Fabrication and infusion of potent silver doped nano ZnO aimed to advance germicidal efficacy of health and hygiene products

This article explores a strategic approach to fabricate nano scale silver (100-2000 ppm) doped zinc oxide (ZnOS) in a unique Surfactant-Polyol-Assembly (SPA) that acts as a caging agent, restricting the growth of particles. This highly suitable approach for health and hygiene products is among the few works of literature exploring the fabrication and infusion of nano ZnOS to elevate the germicidal efficacy of liquid cleansing products significantly. XRD reveals a hexagonal wurtzite structure having an average crystallite size of 15.14 nm, total crystallinity of 97.62% and a high specific surface area of 70.68 m 2 /g. Surface morphological analysis using SEM exhibits monodisperse spherical particles. UV-Vis spectra indicate Burstein-Moss-effect with blue-shift of UV absorbance edge, increase in bandgap energy from 3.55 to 3.64 eV with higher doping. Significant germicidal efficacy of nano ZnOS and infused products having p values < 0.05 compared to AR grade ZnO are established against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens using zone-of-inhibition (ZOI) and European standard EN 1276. Infused products with 0.2% of ZnOS exhibit ZOI up to 13.25 mm with a log reduction of 2.13 while nano ZnOS 2000 ppm shows ZOI up to 11.75 mm with a log reduction of 5.41 which corresponds to >99.999% germ kill. • This study aimed at the fabrication of potent nano scale silver doped zinc oxide (ZnOS) in Surfactant-Polyol-Assembly (SPA) restricting the growth of particles size. • The present study established the advanced germicidal efficacy of fabricated nano ZnOS having >99.999% germ kill. • Fabricated nano ZnOS is infused into liquid cleansing products and established its significant germicidal efficacy for health and hygiene applications.

Hand hygiene products and adverse skin reactions: A cross-sectional comparison between healthcare and non-healthcare workers of Bangladesh during COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe deadly COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe since December 2019. Due to the significant risk of infection, frontline health workers had to use Personal Protective Equipment and hand hygiene products, to help prevent transmission of infection. The present study aims to compare the adverse skin responses between healthcare workers (HCW) and non-healthcare workers (NHCW). Materials and methodsA descriptive, cross-sectional study of HCW and NHCW throughout the country wa executed. A self-structured questionnaire was utilized to gather data from 404 HCWs and 826 NHCWs during a two-month period using multistage sampling. STATA (v16) was used to analyse the data. Results41.87% of the study participants experienced adverse skin reactions, which were more prevalent amongs HCW (65.10%) than NHCW (30.51%). The most frequently reported skin condition was skin dryness (34.39%), followed by skin peeling (11.71%). Users of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) were more likely to get itch (8.13%), whereas soap water users were more likely to suffer from skin peeling (35.74%) and rash (7.46%). There was a significant (p < 0.001) association between occupation and adverse skin responses, with HCW being 3.5 times more likely to have adverse skin manifestations than NHCW. ConclusionThe research showed that healthcare workers were at a greater risk to developing skin reactions than the overall population with frequent use of hand hygiene measures being a significant risk factor.

Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizers amid COVID-19: Chemical Formulation, Analysis, Safety.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) containing ethanol (EtOH) or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to inactivate microorganisms help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. These products have become very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from vaccines or other preventative antiseptic measures, the majority of consumers have relied on different types of ABHSs to disinfect their hands. As a result, there has been a global rush in the demand for these ABHSs and other antiseptic hygiene products. This has resulted in the formation of many new commercial sanitizer producers. There are around fifty companies of varying sizes that have been marketing their ABHSs in Bangladesh, most of which have only been manufacturing their products for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. To monitor the quality and components of these products, the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) analyzed approximately 200 different hand sanitizer samples using GC-FID method. All samples were alcohol-based except for 3 which were alcohol-free aqueous hand sanitizers. Of the supplied formulated ABHSs, 80 samples were found to contain only IPA and 54 contained only EtOH. However, 28 samples were found to be contaminated with methanol (MeOH), 7 samples contained only MeOH and 18 samples contained both EtOH and IPA. This is the first study to explore the analysis of alcohol content in formulated ABHSs and their marketing status in Bangladesh, but the findings could be of use in other jurisdictions as similar issues have been raised in many parts of the world.

The floods of 2022: Economic and health crisis hits Pakistan.

Pakistan is currently going through the worst-ever recorded flood crisis. The 2022 floods have created unprecedented destruction, especially in the coastal regions of the country. Almost one-third of Pakistan has drowned, merely as a consequence of climate change which is impacting many countries around the globe, with the South Asian countries at the greatest risk due to their proximity to the equator. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported millions of people to be affected by the catastrophic floods. The country is also going through a major economic crisis due to livestock and agriculture being destroyed, which has led to severe food shortages resulting in the flood victims being vulnerable to malnutrition as well. Health care has also been severely affected, with a serious outbreak of waterborne diseases including diarrhea, dengue fever, malaria. Thousands of pregnant women are unable to access maternity services and menstrual hygiene products are also unavailable in flood-stricken areas. The Government of Pakistan should address this urgent matter as a priority and necessary steps should be taken to try and contain this catastrophe.

RISK FACTORS FOR CARIES OF TEMPORARY TEETH IN CHILDREN

Oral health is an important component of overall health. Analysis the etiological risk factors for the occurrence of early caries in children demonstrates that the greatest responsibility for the children oral health is on their parents, who must monitor the quality and regularity of children's individual hygiene, their practical skills in dental care and the right use of hygienic products to prevent or remove dental deposits.&#x0D; According to the results of the survey, we have found that mothers whose children had caries had three-fold higher pregnancy complications than mothers of children without caries.&#x0D; Breastfeeding is the most effective ways to ensure child health as it is the most balanced in terms of the necessary components needed for the proper formation of the child's organs and systems. We have found out that 84.6% of children without caries were breastfed compared to 79.3% of children with caries.&#x0D; Nutrition is important for maintaining oral health, and carbohydrates play a special role. Only 1.1% of children with caries do not overconsume sweets, and 80.4% of them eat sweets every day. While among healthy children, 13.5% do not eat sweets at all, and 34.6% consume them every day.&#x0D; Based on the information from parents, almost 90% of children of both groups brush their teeth. But 54.5% of healthy children brush the teeth twice a day, while only 35.7% of children with caries do so. Toothpaste is used by 85.3% of children without caries and by 64.2% of children having caries.&#x0D; The obtained results indicate that parents of children do not pay enough attention to maintaining the oral health by their children. This is confirmed by the results of surveys, according to which 52.5% of children with caries aged from 3 to 6 years have never visited a dentist.&#x0D; A low level of parents’ awareness about oral health is one of the risk factors for early caries in preschool children. The results of the questionnaires show an unsatisfactory situation with the awareness of adults about individual hygiene, the use of additional products by parents themselves and their children. There is a need to carry out sanitary and educational work among parents of preschool children and families planning pregnancy.

AN EXAMINATION OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF CELLULOSIC HANDSHEETS TREATED WITH GLUTARALDEHYDE

The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the demand for products that are considered hygienic, thereby increasing the production rate and variety of hygienic products. Researching new antimicrobial materials is gaining importance with increasing awareness of the topic of infectious diseases caused by various microorganisms. In the present work, cellulosic handsheets were produced and then coated with coatings having different glutaraldehyde concentrations by a roller bar technique. The surface water absorption capacity of the sample groups and their structural and strength characteristics were analyzed. Also, the cross-linking effect of glutaraldehyde was determined by FTIR analysis. The results not only showed that, after being exposed to glutaraldehyde on their surface, the handsheets presented a higher hydrophilic structure and higher tensile strength properties, but also confirmed that coatings containing 1–5% glutaraldehyde lessened fungal activity on their surfaces.

Results of the patch tests with European baseline series in children: Five years of experience from a single center in Turkey and a review of the literature.

Pediatric allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is increasingly prevalent. Patch testing is the gold-standard diagnostic method. Our study aimed to identify common contact-sensitizing allergens in Turkish children. We retrospectively analyzed the patch test results and characteristics of 191 pediatric patients [114 (59.7%) females, 77 (40.3%) males], who received the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis between 2015 and 2019. The mean age of the patients was 12.2 years (range 4-18 years). Thirty-six (18.8%) of the patients in the study group had positive patch test outcomes with 56 positive allergens. Girls had a significantly higher rate of total positive patch test results than boys (75%/25%; p=0.003, p < 0.05). The most frequent four allergens were nickel sulfate (n=20, 10.4%), cobalt chloride (n=6, 3.14%), p-phenylenediamine (n=5, 2.61%), Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (n=5, 2.61%), respectively. In our study, we discovered that in addition to the frequently encountered metal allergens such as nickel and cobalt, p-phenylenediamine and Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone sensitivities were frequent in the Turkish population. p-phenylenediamine sensitization can cause serious systemic dermatitis during the lifetime of children. We suggest that in Turkey personal care and hygiene products containing Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone should be legally regulated. Since childhood contact dermatitis may have an impact on the quality of life by influencing family and social life, suspected allergens should be detected as early as possible.

Evaluation of Some Quality Characteristics of Fermented Kangal (Coil) Sucuks Produced by Butchers with Traditional Methods in terms of Compliance with Standards

This research was carried out to determine some microbiological and physicochemical properties of fermented kangal sucuks (thirty pieces) produced by butchers in Siirt with traditional methods and reveal whether fraudulent practices were applied during production. It was determined that the mean total aerobic mesophilic microorganism count of sucuks was 7.06±0.47, coliform group microorganism count 4.66±1.50, Escherichia coli count 3.79±1.59, Staphylococcus aureus count 4.08±2.13, and yeast and mold count 5.88±1.02 log10 cfu/g. The mean moisture amount of the samples was determined as 30.92%±8.20, pH value 5.41±0.45, and water activity value as 0.888±0.05. In addition, the presence of starch was detected in twenty of the samples, while indicates of putrefaction were observed in twenty-eight of the samples, and the presence of blood was found in all of them. Regarding the examined sucuks, it was determined that 6.67% of them did not comply with the criteria specified in the TS 1070 fermented sucuk standard in terms of moisture content, 20% in terms of E. coli, 60% in terms of S. aureus, and 93.33% in terms of coliforms, pH value, and putrefaction. According to the Turkish Food Codex, 26.67% of the samples were non-compliant pH value and 66.67% presence of starch. In conclusion, since the hygienic quality of some samples is not very good, and some of them were encountered indicates of putrefaction and the presence of blood, it was concluded that these products might pose a potential risk to public health. In order to obtain hygienic and standards-compliant products; producers should be made aware, hygienic measures should be taken at all stages from production to consumption, and inspections by competent authorities should be increased.

Fabricating a Sanitary Napkin Performance Tester

ABSTRACT With more and more research happening in the various dimensions of all the sanitary napkin components, various sanitary napkins are available in the market with enhanced functionalities. The increasing consumer awareness on eco-friendliness and the demanding expectations on disposable products to maintain a healthy environment have been the driving forces to initiate the research on improving the eco-friendliness of disposable hygienic product and producing low-cost sanitary napkins. The reasons for non-penetration of sanitary napkins in all strata of Indian markets are mainly due to financial non-affordability, lack of awareness about health, and hygiene etc. The efforts by the Government in the form of creating awareness and offering subsidiaries and supplying raw materials at low cost, low cost sanitary napkins are now available in the market. All these efforts will together guarantee the low cost of the sanitary napkin but still the quality is not ensured, the main reason for this is the higher cost of the testing apparatus. This project focuses on fabricating an economic and indigenous instrument for the accurate evaluation of selected performance properties of sanitary napkin. Varieties of sanitary napkins have been tested in this fabricated performance tester (SANPER tester) and analyzed.

Biopolymer derived superabsorbent for environmental sustainability: A review

AbstractIncreased environmental degradation and solid waste production has resulted in a higher demand for biodegradable materials based on biopolymers. Superabsorbent are three‐dimensional cross linked polymeric material that allow huge amounts of liquid to absorb. Synthetic superabsorbents (SABs) are extensively used as an absorbent of aqueous solutions for various applications, mainly as adult incontinence, feminine hygiene products etc. The major components of synthetic superabsorbents are acrylic/methacrylic acid. According to the report of US Environmental Protection Agency, the acrylamide used in the production of synthetic superabsorbent is extremely carcinogenic when exposed to people. On the other hand, A large number of synthetic Superabsorbent polymers are quite resistant to the environmental degradation process, and thus responsible for the accumulation of solid waste material. However, the presence of hazardous and undegraded content in the synthetic superabsorbents leads the designing of biopolymer based superabsorbents. These developed hybrid materials of superabsorbents are a combination of renewable raw materials and synthetic polymers. Biopolymer‐based superabsorbent has a lot of potential due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non‐lethal qualities. This review paper discusses the general perspective, characterization, and synthesis strategies for the production of hybrid superabsorbents. In addition, the methodologies for illustrating these superabsorbent hydrogels, as well as their prospective uses, are discussed.

Тechnological solutions at a dairy complex in the wilderness

Recently, the creation of large livestock complexes has been observed on all continents of the earth. High-yielding cattle herds of dairy cows exist in Holland and Israel, meat breeds - in Argentina and Brazil, pigs - in Denmark and the USA, sheep - in Australia and New Zealand, poultry - everywhere.&#x0D; In Saudi Arabia, the government has taken a decisive course on progressive policies in agriculture. The Al-Safi company produces 75,000 tons of milk per year (7000 kg per cow). It has its own processing plant (300 tons per day). The company employs more than 1,100 people in 137 different positions on a competitive basis. The farm has more than 25000 head of cattle, 225 people work, which is 89 heads per person and 125 cows per milker. Many cows give 10000 kg of milk per lactation (more than 30 kg per day). There are 17 milking parlors and 370 milking machines. The technology of keeping animals includes 5 subdivisions - newborn calves, workshops for raising young animals (heifers, steers for fattening), and an inseminated non-calf workshop.&#x0D; The load per worker is 260 heads. People work from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m., they are provided with showers, wall lockers, a washing machine, overalls and shoes, and personal hygiene products.&#x0D; To improve the gene pool of a closed population, artificial insemination is used. Every day, more than 30 calves are born at the farm, which are placed in cages (100 Ч 200 Ч 80 cm) of a calf house without walls. At the age of three months, they are transferred to a group up to a year, then heifers - to a group for fertilization, steers - for fattening. Netels are formed into a separate group. The program of uniform feeding of livestock is based on the use of silage and hay forage with a two-year supply, which ensured the stability and quality of forage, as well as crop rotation. For this purpose, there are silo facilities for 35,000 tons. Hay is harvested in bales or rolls. Organization of breeding and selection of animals is carried out according to a computer program.&#x0D; There are also similar high-tech enterprises in Israel, the USA, Holland and Canada. The talented people of Ukraine are not far behind the Arabs in terms of intelligence, the country's leaders are no stupider than princes and sheikhs, Ukrainian businessmen are no poorer than Arabs, although the sources of income are different.&#x0D; It is necessary to improve the management structure and the quality of the state apparatus, to increase punishment for inaction and fraud. The production and consumption of food determines the well-being of the people, which is so eagerly talked about "above", but there are few effective measures. Everyone must fight for the best together, using both domestic and foreign experience.

Identification and analysis of fibers in ultra-large micro-CT scans of nonwoven textiles using deep learning

Fibrous materials play a significant role in many industries, such as lightweight automotive materials, filtration, or as constituents of hygiene products. The properties of fibrous materials are governed to a large extent by their microstructure. One way to access the microstructure is to use micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT). Completely characterizing the microstructure requires geometrically characterizing each individual fiber. To make this possible, one must identify the individual fibers. Our method achieves this by finding in segmented µCT scans the centerline of all individual fibers. It uses a convolutional neural network that was trained on automatically generated synthetic training data. From the centerlines, analytic descriptions of the individual fibers are constructed. These analytic representations allow detailed insights into the statistics of the geometric properties of the fibrous material, such as the fibers’ orientation, length, or curvature. The method is validated on artificial data sets and its usefulness demonstrated on a very large micro-CT scan of a nonwoven composed of long fibers with random curvature.