This study aimed to evaluate the health effects of exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and gaseous pollutants, including carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), on the hematological parameters of workers exposed to charcoal grilling emissions in restaurants. Air pollutant concentrations were measured in six barbecue restaurants located in Al-Rusafa District, Baghdad, during December 2024 and January 2025. Nine measurements were recorded monthly during morning and evening peak cooking periods. Blood samples were collected from two groups: grilling workers exposed directly to charcoal smoke (n = 30) and customers from dining areas as the control group (n = 30). Hematological analyses included white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), platelets (PLT), and other blood indices. Statistical analyses were performed using independent t-tests and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that pollutant concentrations were consistently higher in grilling areas than in dining areas, especially during evening hours, due to intensive cooking activity and insufficient ventilation. PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations frequently exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits in grilling areas, while CO, NO2, and SO2 also reached elevated levels. Significant increases (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and PLT among exposed workers compared with the control group. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that CO2 was positively associated with WBC, HGB, RBC, MCV, and PLT, whereas PM10 and PM2.5 showed negative associations with several hematological parameters after adjustment for co-pollutants. These findings suggest that chronic exposure to indoor air pollutants generated from charcoal grilling may induce systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and physiological adaptation to hypoxic conditions among restaurant workers.
The gas sensing properties of Co3O4 and Co3O4:Y nano structures were investigated. The films were synthesized using the hydrothermal method on a seeded layer. The XRD, SEM analysis and gas sensing properties were investigated for Co3O4 and Co3O4:Y thin films. XRD analysis shows that all films are polycrystalline in nature, having a cubic structure, and the crystallite size is (11.7)nm for cobalt oxide and (9.3)nm for the Co3O4:10%Y. The SEM analysis of thin films obviously indicates that Co3O4 possesses a nanosphere-like structure and a flower-like structure for Co3O4:Y.
The sen
... Show MoreThis systematic review aimed to investigate the relation between orthodontic treatment (OT) and the incidence of the gingival black triangle (GBT) after completing treatment with a fixed orthodontic appliance, as well as the associated risk factors and the level of alveolar bone. Electronic and hand searches were conducted in three electronic databases for relevant articles published up to March 2022. Retrieved articles went through a two-step screening procedure, and the risk of bias (RoB) was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. The incidence of GBT after OT was set as the primary outcome, while the secondary outcomes were the risk factors associated with GBT and alveolar bone loss following OT. Out of 421 papers, 5
... Show MoreThis study aimed to incorporate hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHA) or amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles (nACP) into a self-etch primer (SEP) to develop a simplified orthodontic bonding system with remineralizing and enamel preserving properties.
nHA and nACP were incorporated into a commercial SEP (Transbond™ plus) in 7% weight ratio and compared with the plain SEP as a control. Shear bond strengths (SBS), enamel damage, and adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores were evaluated at 24 h
This study relates to synthesis of bentonite-supported iron/copper nanoparticles through the biosynthesis method using eucalyptus plant leaf extract, which were then named E-Fe/Cu@B-NPs. The synthesised E-Fe/Cu@B-NPs were examined by a set of experiments involving a heterogeneous Fenton-like process that removed direct blue 15 (DB15) dye from wastewater. The resultant E-Fe/Cu@B-NPs were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmet–Teller analysis, zeta potential analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The operating parameters in batch experiments were optimised using Box–Behnken design. These parameters were pH, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2
... Show MoreThis study investigates the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the mechanical, thermal, and surface properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) nanocomposites under accelerated weatheringconditions, including UV exposure, elevated temperature, and humidity. LDPE samples were reinforced with varying ZnO concentrations (0.5%, 1%, and 2%) and compared to neat LDPE (D0). Shore D hardness and Charpy impact tests showed enhanced mechanical stability in nanocomposites, with D1 (0.5% ZnO) exhibiting improved hardness and impact resistance before and after exposure. Contact angle measurements indicated increased hydrophobicity in D1 due to better dispersion of ZnO. At the same time, higher loading in D2 led to a decrease in c
... Show MoreMetasurface polarizers are essential optical components in modern integrated optics and play a vital role in many optical applications including Quantum Key Distribution systems in quantum cryptography. However, inverse design of metasurface polarizers with high efficiency depends on the proper prediction of structural dimensions based on required optical response. Deep learning neural networks can efficiently help in the inverse design process, minimizing both time and simulation resources requirements, while better results can be achieved compared to traditional optimization methods. Hereby, utilizing the COMSOL Multiphysics Surrogate model and deep neural networks to design a metasurface grating structure with high extinction rat
... Show MoreTo promote sustainable steel-concrete composite structures, it is essential to develop special shear connectors that facilitate accelerated construction and deconstruction. A lockbolt demountable shear connector (LBDSC) was recently proposed. While the LBDSC has been evaluated using horizontal and vertical (standard) push-out tests, it is essential to further assess the disassembly mechanism and the positive flexural performance of prefabricated demountable composite beams (PDCBs) under both serviceability and ultimate limit states. Two full-scale test specimens of PDCBs with LBDSC were designed with partial shear connections and assessed using a three or four-point load beam setup under both cyclic and static monotonic loading conditions.
... Show More