Urban City Of India Research Articles

Seasonal and annual emission trends of PM2.5 and PM10 over the national capital Delhi from 2015 to 2020

Introduction: Many urban cities in India, including National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, have been adversely affected by air pollution since 2010s. Factors like atmospheric circulation, topography, local weather patterns, vehicular emission, industrial activities, waste burning etc. lead to extreme air pollution which is a growing threat to public health. Materials and methods: The study was conducted to examine severity of air quality in Delhi from 2015 to 2020. For this purpose, Particulate Matters (PM2.5 and PM10) measurements were done at ITO, Mandir Marg, Punjabi Bagh, Anand Vihar, and R K Puram for a period of 2015 to 2020. Everyday data was collected to interpret and analyze the trend of air pollution both seasonally and annually. Results: There was a significant increase in particulate matter levels at ITO, Mandir Marg, and RK Puram in the year 2016 while in the case of Anand Vihar the highest levels were measured in 2017. Also, Punjabi Bagh showed the highest PM10 levels in 2017. The annual average data for all five sites indicates that PM2.5 and PM10 levels were above the air quality standard throughout the study period. Anand Vihar showed the highest level of particulate matter among all five locations during the study period of 2015 to 2020. The change in seasons is also one of the important factors affecting air quality. Overall, PM2.5 and PM10 concentration were recorded maximum during winters i.e. 218.07 μg/m3 and 358.80 μg/m3 respectively. Conclusion: The results conclude that air quality deteriorated more during winters>autumn>summers>monsoon. Also, the air quality index (AQI) recorded for Delhi during the study period was highest in 2016, respectively. Though AQI decreased over the years, it lied in poor quality only

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Corrugated Box Factory Workers in India.

Corrugated box factory workers routinely perform various tasks at their workplace which may impact their musculoskeletal system and quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess work-related musculoskeletal disorders and health related QoL in corrugated box factory workers of an urban city in India. Corrugated box factory. Cross-sectional. The study encompassed 60 participants fulfilling laid down inclusion criteria. Assessment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) was done by using the Hindi version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using World Health Organization Quality of Life brief questionnaire. This was done using descriptive statistics. Mean, standard deviations, and percentages were calculated using Microsoft Excel, and the data were presented in tabular and graphical format. In total, 98.33% workers reported of having work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The area-wise affection showed the highest incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in shoulder and lower back, i.e. 52.54% each followed by knee (41.23%) thereafter the other joints. This study concludes that WRMSDs are significantly prevalent among corrugated box factory workers in urban India along with manifestations of lower HRQoL.

Examining factors influencing the severity of motorized two-wheeler crashes in Delhi

Failure to meet road safety targets has necessitated urgent actions from stakeholders worldwide, especially in developing countries like India. Road safety of motorized two-wheelers (MTWs), one of India’s most preferred travel modes for urban commutes, is in danger and witnessing threatening figures of fatalities and injuries. Most of the studies in the domain of MTW safety were conducted in developed countries, with very limited research in countries having a significant proportion of MTWs. The present work investigates police-reported crash data to identify the contributory factors of motorized two-wheeler crash severity. Data from MTW crash-prone areas were selected from Delhi, which is leading in road traffic fatalities among the million-plus urban cities in India. A binary logistic regression model was developed using the data for 2016–2018 period. The model results show that the odds of fatal motorized two-wheeler crashes increase when the following circumstances apply: crash occurs on underpasses; involves bus, truck, heavy motor vehicle (lorry, crane) as the striking vehicle; when hit-and-run type of crash occurs and when older age-group (> = 55) riders are involved. Finally, based on the findings, countermeasures were suggested to facilitate policymakers and traffic enforcement agencies, in improving the road safety situation of MTW users.

Antibiotic resistance in wastewater: Indian scenario

The surge of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (ARB) in the environment is poised to be the next health threat. World Health Organisation's (WHO's) Global Antimicrobial Surveillance System (GLASS) report indicates that developing countries may be at a greater risk. Among various factors, the major driver here could be untreated wastewater and poor sanitation. Bacteria are extremely adaptable to their surroundings and develop Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) when exposed to antibiotics and other pollutants that cause microbial stress. Thus, untreated domestic wastewater drains could easily become hotspots for the occurrence of ARBs. This study reports surveillance of sewage-carrying drains across four urban cities in India and demonstrated the presence of ARBs in the bacterial community against 7 classes of antibiotics, namely, β-Lactams, Chloramphenicol, Glycopeptides, Macrolides, Tetracycline, Third Generation Cephalosporin, and Quinolones. Untreated domestic wastewater flowing in target drains was collected twice a month, for a period of six months and the microbial community was subjected to Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) by plate assays. The zone of inhibition was recorded and interpreted as per the interpretive chart of The Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) & The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). The total number of samples showing resistance against antibiotics was used to define an Antibiotic Resistance Index (ARI), calculated for all 20 sampling sites (drains). Results demonstrated that the highest ARI was observed in Delhi and Mumbai, ranging from 0.81 to 0.92 in Delhi and 0.49–0.56 in Mumbai. This surveillance study reveals the antibiotic resistance pattern of the representative bacterial community in the drains and goes beyond few targeted bacterial species. The alarming presence of antibiotic resistant bacterial community highlights the concern of ARBs being the next looming health threat. This report aims to demonstrates the importance of considering sewage surveillance on routine basis by state authorities.

"These Places are easy to get into but Impossible to get out of": Women's Pathways to Psychiatric Institutions and Barriers to Community Reentry in India.

In India, where institutional-based mental health care is common, gender and other intersecting marginalized identities along with absent familial support contribute to women's admission and prolonged confinement to psychiatric institutions. However, an intersectional analysis of factors that prevent women with limited familial support from returning to their communities is lacking. This article is based on narratives of eleven women residing at a halfway home in an urban city in India, awaiting return to their communities. We include descriptions and an intersectional analysis of women's pathways to psychiatric institutions, their experiences receiving institutional-based mental health care, and the challenges they face as they contemplate returning to their communities. This study adds to the minimal research examining women's gendered pathways to psychiatric institutions in India. Women's narratives highlight that gender and illness-related disadvantages coupled with economic adversity that led to the initial admission also serve as deterrents to reentering the community.

Prediction of the concentrations of PM2.5 and NOx using machine learning-based models

Air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) are important to study due to their harmful health effects; therefore, it is essential to accurately predict them. However, due to a lack of effective monitoring and modeling methodologies, the accurate prediction of these air pollutants is challenging. The advancement in computational methodologies and the availability of larger data sets have expanded the opportunities of modeling for application in wide-ranging air pollution studies. Previous studies have utilized a lesser amount of data to predict air quality; therefore, a machine learning-based approach can be useful by utilizing a larger dataset for accurate pollutant predictions. Hence, a pilot study was carried out by utilizing two-month datasets for May and June for the year 2018 to predict PM2.5 and NOx concentration at three locations in Jaipur city, India. A multiple linear regression (MLR) based machine learning model has been developed in this study. The input parameters were selected using the Pearson correlation coefficient method. Specifically, PM10, NOx, and benzene were selected for PM2.5 prediction, and NH3, CO, O3, and benzene were used for NOx prediction. The model results were further refined by the outlier’s removal method. The final values of R2 for PM2.5 varied from 0.59 to 0.68, and for NOx, it ranged from 0.56 to 0.81 at the three different sites of Jaipur city, representing the effectiveness of the model developed. Overall, the results of this study will be useful in measuring and managing air quality in urban cities in India.

GREEN BANKING: AN ANALYSIS OF THE RETAIL BANKING CUSTOMER PERCEPTIONS

The growing prominence of the need for businesses to consider various stakeholders interests including the environmental aspects has correspondingly led to an interest in green banking. Green Banking is viewed as important for multiple factors including for the achievement of various targets such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The views of various stakeholders of banks including the banking customers towards green banking are important for consideration and hence this study uses a descriptive research methodology that focuses on the aspect of green banking and retail banking customers in the urban cities of India. The various responses of the retail banking customers were collected through the use of a semi-structured questionnaire and were subsequently collated and analysed. It was found that the awareness towards green banking was less, but there was a favourable view towards the concept. However, there is an unclarity in their understanding of the resulting influence of green banking practices on the bank itself and less amenability to an increase in costs due to green banking practices. Subsequently, the various identified impediments were analysed with suggested measures to address them and the potential results.

Black Carbon Emissions from Traffic Contribute Sustainability to Air Pollution in Urban Cities of India

Black Carbon Emissions from Traffic Contribute Sustainability to Air Pollution in Urban Cities of India

One Health Operationalisation in a Local Health System: Learnings from an Urban City of India, Ahmedabad

One Health (OH) implementation relies on collaboration across sectors and actors; however, there is a lack of understanding on the required level of integration/collaboration. In the context of globalisation and destabilisation at the interfaces of the human-animal-environment implementation of OH, building health system resilience is mercurial for countries of the Global South like India. The RICOHA (Research to explore Intersectoral Collaborations for One Health Approach) study, conducted from 2017 to 2020 in Ahmedabad, India, attempted to shed light on One Health implementation and practice. It encapsulated the intersectoral network strength, actors and system factors of the current health system (human & animal), and the degree of collaboration and factors responsible for OH implementation in the local context. It also captured the zoonotic disease awareness level and practices in the community, especially among cattle handlers. Due to a lack of data on the disease burden, initiating the OH implementation process was challenging. Thus, the RICOHA project explored possible strategies to operationalise OH in the selected study settings. This study documented prioritisation of zoonotic diseases, potential OH actors, their power-influence relation and pattern of intersectoral collaboration in the multifaceted health system. Finally, different OH strategies and OH enabling factors were documented and validated.© The Authors 2023

Perception, risk factors, and health behaviours in adult obesity in Kolkata, India: a mixed methods approach

BackgroundWorld Health Organisation has described obesity as one of the most neglected public health issues. Initially, obesity was only a problem in high-income countries; however, at present, it is rising in middle and low-income countries as well, rapidly in India, especially in the urban areas. In the light of the increasing prevalence of obesity in India, it was worthwhile to study perception, risk factors and health behaviours in adult obesity holistically.MethodsThis study resorted to a concurrent mixed methods approach, collecting and combining quantitative survey (n = 120) and qualitative interview data (n = 18). Female and male aged 25–54 years with a waist circumference of 80 cm and 90 cm or higher, respectively, and a BMI of 25 or higher were selected from Kolkata, India. Kolkata was chosen as the study area since it ranked 7th out of 640 districts, the highest among the five major urban cities in India, with around 41% of the female and 43% of the male population aged 15–49 years with a BMI of 25 or higher.ResultsParticipants confirmed that lifestyle was one of the main reasons for obesity. They believed that family history, social relations, behavioural factors, urbanisation, and time-poor were significant risk factors of obesity. Interview participants expanded that technology, lack of health education and self-care, and digital marketing of food influenced the risk of obesity. Participants confirmed that they wanted to lose weight to feel healthier. Most respondents claimed that they engaged in lightly to moderate-intensity physical activity. However, a discrepancy in opinion was observed between survey responses and interview participants’ views on dietary behaviours. Participants confirmed that they rarely consulted health professionals and that the family had a minimal role in preventing obesity. Interview participants expanded that people should make better lifestyle choices at an individual level to prevent obesity.ConclusionsHealth education is fundamental. Making better lifestyle choices is crucial, which would help increase the lifespan and health span and decrease the risk of diseases. In addition, social support and better policies are required to prevent the disease and any related complications.

A cross-sectional study on knowledge about transmission and prevention of HIV in patients of Tuberculosis attending a DOTS center of a tertiary care hospital

TB-HIV coinfection imposes a double-edged sword effect on the patient’s health. Awareness about HIV among the TB patients is very essential for prevention, early detection and appropriate therapy. We aimed to evaluate the knowledge about HIV prevention and transmission among TB patients. A cross sectional study was done among the patients of Tuberculosis who attended the DOTS center at a tertiary care hospital. Patients who were HIV-TB coinfected were excluded. A pretested questionnaire consisting of 13 questions regarding the HIV transmission, methods to avoid HIV, misconceptions and treatment was used. 53 patients were enrolled in the study. It was a predominantly young (mean age was 34.69 ± 14.18 years) and male dominated (64%) population.Out of 53 enrolled patients, 42 (79.2%) were familiar with HIV infection. Among these 42 patients, more than 80% patients were aware about multiple transmission routes of HIV infection. Homosexual and mother to child transmission were less known. Awareness about use of condoms was present in 85.7% patients. On the contrary, misconceptions about HIV transmission (coughing, sneezing, shaking hands, use same toilets) was prevalent in 40% patients. Very few patients (12%) were aware about the Indian national HIV program. There was no difference in the knowledge and awareness among males and females. Literate patients and patients living in urban area had heard of HIV more as compared to their counterparts (p<0.05). Myths and misconceptions about HIV transmission are widely persistent among TB patients even in urban cities of India. There is still a long way to go regarding the spread of awareness about HIV among TB patients despite its paramount significance in prevention, early diagnosis, and early appropriate therapy for the same.

Particulate Matter Pollution in Urban Cities of India During Unusually Restricted Anthropogenic Activities

The outbreak of COVID-19 is a global public health challenge and has affected many countries, including India. The nationwide lockdown was imposed in India from March 25 to May 31, 2020 to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. The study intends to assess the impact of the absence of major anthropogenic activities during the various phases of the COVID-19 lockdown (LDN) period on the daily mean concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 in six populated cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur, Ajmer, and Alwar in the state of Rajasthan. Investigation has been done for the different periods, including the pre-lockdown—PRELD (January 1–March 4, 2020), partial lockdown—PLDN (March 5–24, 2020), COVID-19 lockdown—LDN (March 25–May 31, 2020), and unlocking—ULC (June 1–August 31, 2020) phases. We have also compared the mean concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 with the same period of the year 2019. A significant improvement in air quality during the COVID-19 LDN period was noticed in all cities compared to 2019 and for the same period of the year 2020. However, the levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were seen to rise during the second, third, and fourth LDN phases compared to the first LDN, indicating that the subsequent lockdowns started with some relaxations and dusty conditions. On the other hand, wind-blown dust is another vital source of PM10, resulting in high concentrations in the summer months (April–May). Significant reductions in PM2.5 (~25–50%) and PM10 (20–37%) in all six cities during the LDN period compared with PRELD were estimated. However, with significant variations from city to city, the lowest reductions in PM2.5 (~25%) and PM10 (~20%) were measured in Jodhpur and Ajmer, respectively. It was noticed that the episodes of rainfall and transport of oceanic air masses resulted in a reduction of particles during the ULC period compared to the LDN period. The air quality index was, more or less, in the “good to satisfactory” category during the first 3 LDN periods, whereas it was moderate for Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Ajmer during the last LDN period. The study will be helpful to determine mitigation policies to minimize air pollution, especially in developing regions.

Do Fast Food Milieus Influence the Eating Behaviors and BMI of Adolescents?

Background: The nutrition transition has commercialized fast foods worldwide despite of the evinced health hazards. This necessitates a scientific appraisal of the factors leading to fast food consumption and its associated Body Mass Index (BMI) status amongst adolescents. Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to assess the pattern of fast food consumption, factors affecting the consumption, and correlate the fast foods intake with the BMI of adolescents (16-19 years). Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a randomly selected sample of 219 adolescents across the gender, pursuing higher secondary education in an urban city of India. A structured questionnaire was administered on understanding consumption pattern and their reasons for consumption of fast foods. Anthropometric measurements included height (cms), weight (kgs) and BMI. Descriptive statistics, spearman correlation, and factor analysis method were used for statistical analysis. Results: 14% and 24% of adolescents consumed fast foods once a day and three to four times a week respectively. Sweets and confectionary, burger, pizza, fried snacks, dairy desserts, and high fat sandwiches consumption showed a positive correlation with BMI (p<0.05). Factor analysis indicated taste and advertising of the fast foods as the most influencing factors which accounted for 17.56% variance followed by 13.62% variance shown by affordable pricing, branding, and easy availability of fast foods. Peer influence and comforts eating showed a variance of 11.38%. Limited time availability and quick service indicated 10.06% whereas ambiance, food product quality showed 8.28% variance correspondingly. Conclusion: The factors recognized make a supplication for nutrition education interventions for adolescents.

Impact of Covid 19 Outbreak on Urban cities in India

Impact of Covid 19 Outbreak on Urban cities in India

Impact of Covid 19 Outbreak on Urban cities in India

According to the UN habitat report 2020, the next decade is considerable to see a rise in urbanization which may range to 60.4 % by 2030 as compared to 56.2% in 2020. Hence the current article intends to unravel the impact of Covid 19 on cities globally. The world cities report 2020 and Covid 19 Response plan 2020 by UN Habitat will be reviewed to get a better understanding of the overall condition of cities globally. Furthermore, the article also focuses on studying the major challenges in urban areas as mentioned in the UN habitat report like high risk for transmission, impact on economic activities, urban inequalities and coping mechanisms, by considering major cities in India. Lastly, it deals with the suggestions on how to enhance urban growth by tackling the prevailing issues so that sustainable cities can be developed which will accommodate the influx of people in the upcoming years as estimated by the UN habitat report 2020.

A Review on Problems Faced Due to Poor Transportation Facilities in Small Urban Cities in India

The development of any city majorly depends on efficient transportation planning. There are many different problems faced by small urban cities due to which the public is facing lots of inconvenience like public transport, culvert overflow, traffic congestion, lack of traffic signals etc. In most of the small urban cities in India, there are very few public transports available in the city due to this people use their own vehicle which increases traffic congestion. This also affects the environment by increasing noise and air pollution. Lack of traffic signals leads to improper flow of vehicles in the city which results in more chances of road accidents. In the rainy season from low height culverts, water overflows by that pedestrian as well as traffic flow gets affected. This is the review paper of various researches done on problems faced by small Indian cities and this will help us to suggest how it can be minimized.

Impact of Covid 19 Outbreak on Urban cities in India

Impact of Covid 19 Outbreak on Urban cities in India

An Exploratory Study on Olfactory Cues in Retail Stores

The study aimed to explore the factors of olfaction that affected purchases in retail stores and shed light on the enablers of olfactory factors for retailers. The study was accomplished by using structured questionnaires in the urban cities of India. A total of 356 customers were surveyed. The inferential statistics techniques, which included exploratory factors analysis and one-way ANOVA were applied. The study extracted 4Is: Interaction with scent, inhabitants of scent, impelling effect of scent, and intensity of scent as prime factors of olfaction that affected customer purchases in retail stores. The study revealed that frequency of visit, amount spent during a visit, and purpose of visiting a retail store were significant enablers of olfactory factors. Olfactory factors obtained in this research will help retail managers apply olfactory cues in controlled (intensity) and best manner (pleasantness and pairing). The study also contributed to the extant literature by highlighting the significance of olfaction for retail stores.

Assessment of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic imposed lockdown and unlock effects on black carbon aerosol, its source apportionment, and aerosol radiative forcing over an urban city in India

A nationwide lockdown was imposed in India due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic which significantly reduced the anthropogenic emissions. We examined the characteristics of equivalent black carbon (eBC) mass concentration and its source apportionment using a multiwavelength aethalometer over an urban site (Ahmedabad) in India during the pandemic induced lockdown period of year 2020. For the first time, we estimate the changes in BC, its contribution from fossil (eBCff) and wood (eBCwf) fuels during lockdown (LD) and unlock (UL) periods in 2020 with respect to 2017 to 2019 (normal period). The eBC mass concentration continuously decreased throughout lockdown periods (LD1 to LD4) due to enforced and stringent restrictions which substantially reduced the anthropogenic emissions. The eBC mass concentration increased gradually during unlock phases (UL1 to UL7) due to the phase wise relaxations after lockdown. During lockdown period eBC mass concentration decreased by 35%, whereas during the unlock period eBC decreased by 30% as compared to normal period. The eBCwf concentrations were higher by 40% during lockdown period than normal period due to significant increase in the biomass burning emissions from the several community kitchens which were operational in the city during the lockdown period. The average contributions of eBCff and eBCwf to total eBC mass concentrations were 70% and 30% respectively during lockdown (LD1 to LD4) period, whereas these values were 87% and 13% respectively during the normal period. The reductions in BC concentrations were commensurate with the reductions in emissions from transportation and industrial activities. The aerosol radiative forcing reduced significantly due to the reduction in anthropogenic emissions associated with COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown leading to a cooling of the atmosphere. The findings in the present study on eBC obtained during the unprecedented COVID-19 induced lockdown can provide a comprehensive understanding of the BC sources and current emission control strategies, and thus can serve as baseline anthropogenic emissions scenario for future emission control strategies aimed to improve air quality and climate.

Prediction modeling of skid resistance and texture depth on flexible pavement for urban roads

Due to the urbanization and vehicle growth in India, the accident rate was very higher especially in urban cities of India. In India on the year 2019 the country has reported around 1,51,000 deaths due to road accidents. The cause of road accidents may be due number of factors such as Road surface characteristics, geometric characteristics, human factors, vehicle characteristics and weather condition etc. Among the above factors the road surface characteristics such as macro and micro texture contributes to the vehicle skidding and causes of serious accidents, thus the above characteristics should be monitored and maintained in the road surface. In reality, monitoring the skid resistance of all roads and maintain the required skid resistance is very difficult. Hence in this study, the prediction model was developed for skid resistance and texture depth using regression technique for the optimum maintenance of urban roads surface characteristics such as skid resistance which mainly depends on the macro and micro texture of the pavement surface. In this study the vast network of roads with varying traffic characteristics, age and surfacing etc., the ease in data collection prompted to take the city of Chennai as the study area for the development of Skid resistance and texture depth prediction model. Models developed for using regression technique is found to be highly satisfactory. It is found out that factors influencing the progression of skid resistance are texture depth, traffic condition, age, variation of bitumen content from optimum and abrasion value, among which, the texture depth has greater influence on the skid resistance value. The model developed in this study can be utilized for the optimum maintenance of urban roads.