Volume 3, Issue 2, July-December, 2026
Effect of Environmental Degradation and Occupational Disadvantages on Public Health: A Cross Sectional Study in Alwar, Rajasthan
Open Access | Original Article | 16 September 2026 | Article Number: 262005
Abstract
The Matsya Industrial Area (MIA) has seen rapid industrial devolution and the Alwar district in Rajasthan had restrictions on surface mining which has brought about considerable environmental changes and occupational health issues. The aim of the study is to assess the influence of macro-environmental changes and Individual level work stressors on the multi-systemic medical health profiles of local populations and industrial workers. Multi-stage stratified random selection approach was used to pick 500 adults from Alwar district. The Medical and environmental data were collected by structured dependable techniques. Adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) from Binary Logistic Regression and Beta Coefficients (β) from Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression were used to determine the contributing factor of medical susceptibility. The patients disclosed high incidence rates of Chronic Respiratory Dysfunctions (26.4%), Musculoskeletal Disorders (38.2) and Dermatological Pathologies (19.6%). Mining/industrial laborers had significantly lower Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) in comparison to non-industrial cohorts (t (498) = -8.14, p<0.001) as determined by independent samples t-tests. Multiple linear regression revealed working hours per day (β= 0.34, p<0.001) and inhabited nearness less than 1 km from the active industrial group (β=0.29, p<0.001) as main interpreters of systemic health deprivation score (R2=0.441, F = 63.81, p<0.001). Severe hazards were identified for persons who need access to standard personal protection equipment using logistic regression models (aOR= 4.12, 95% CI: 2.45-6.92). Human induced changes in the environment along with improper workplace safety measures leads to substantial measured multi-systemic health morbidity in Alwar. Read more
View PDFA review of chemistry, extraction, functional properties, and sustainable food applications of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.)
Open Access | Original Article | 10 September 2026 | Article Number: 262004
Abstract
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.), a delicious tropical fruit, is cultivated extensively in the Southeast Asian region. Processing of rambutan generates a lot of seed waste as seeds are discarded when the edible portion of the fruit is stripped off. On an average, rambutan seeds form 5-10% of the total mass of the fruit. The kernel contained within the seeds, which is a fatty tissue extracted for its valuable content, contains about 30-40% of fat on a dry weight basis.
A range of 20-41% has been mentioned in the literature due to variation in seed fraction, cultivar, and extraction process utilized for fat extraction from the kernels. Though considered a waste product, rambutan seeds are rich sources of edible fat. It is rich in oleic and arachidic acids, which give it unique physicochemical properties. These properties are similar to those of cocoa butter, making rambutan seed fat a promising ingredient for food applications.
This review summarizes the current knowledge on rambutan seeds as an underutilized agro-industrial by-product. It highlights their chemical composition, methods of fat extraction, physicochemical properties and potential food applications. The review discusses conventional extraction methods such as mechanical pressing extraction and solvent extraction. It also reviews new green extraction technologies such as supercritical CO2 extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and enzyme-assisted extraction. The review also describes the thermal behavior, crystallization, triacylglycerol profile, polymorphism and structural features of rambutan seed fat by using different analytical methods.
The functional attributes of rambutan seed fat, including its flexibility, oxidative stability, melting behavior, and emulsifying properties, are also evaluated in this research. Additionally, nutritional value, safety, and presence of antinutritional components of rambutan seed fat are also discussed. The study highlights the significance of using rambutan seed waste as a valuable resource rather than discarding it. It demonstrates how the circular economy and waste valorization are supported by the use of rambutan seed waste. Additionally, this method contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations.
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Design and optimization of 3D printing process parameters: A review
Open Access | Original Article | 16 July 2026 | Article Number: 262003
Abstract
The Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology and more specifically the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), is well known for the possibility to produce complex components with high design freedom in order to obtain outputs with reduced material waste and at competitive costs. The process parameters, like build orientation, infill density, bed temperature, nozzle temperature, layer thickness and print speed, however, have a significant effect on the quality and performance of FDM-printed parts. So, it is very important to choose the best suited process parameters in order to enhance the mechanical properties, surface quality, dimensional accuracy and manufacturing efficiency. The present review article critically explores the new studies reported to date on optimization of the process parameters for FDM process, covering statistical method namely Taguchi method, Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) and Design of Experiments (DOE) among various Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). This review provides a comparative analysis of statistical and AI-based optimization techniques for FDM process parameter optimization and identifies current research gaps and future directions. The review concludes that hybrid optimization methods combining statistical process with AI–based method are more accurate and more optimized, and could be the answer to next-generation additive manufacturing systems. Read more
View PDFDesign and evaluation of pH-sensitive omeprazole enteric-coated pellets IP for sequential release in the gastrointestinal tract
Open Access | Original Article | 15 July 2026 | Article Number: 262002
Abstract
Omeprazole, a widely used proton pump inhibitor, is highly unstable under acidic conditions, resulting in degradation in the stomach and reduced therapeutic effectiveness. This study aimed to develop pH-sensitive enteric-coated pellets of omeprazole (7.5% w/w) for sequential drug release within the gastrointestinal tract. The formulation was designed to protect omeprazole from acidic degradation during gastric transit and facilitate controlled release within the intestinal region. Extrusion-spheronization was used to prepare the pellets, followed by coating with an HPMC barrier layer and an enteric coating of Eudragit L100/S100. Three formulation batches with varying polymer concentrations and coating levels were prepared and evaluated to identify the optimal formulation. The prepared formulations were characterized for micromeritic properties, drug content, dissolution behavior, and preliminary accelerated stability. The dissolution studies demonstrated minimal drug release in acidic medium (pH 1.2) for up to 2 hours, followed by controlled drug release exceeding 95% in pH 6.8–7.4 buffer media. Among all formulations, F2 exhibited the most desirable performance, demonstrating effective acid resistance, uniform drug distribution, and controlled drug release in the intestinal medium. Preliminary accelerated stability studies indicated no significant changes in physical appearance or drug release characteristics during the study period. The developed pH-sensitive pellet system successfully achieved sequential drug release and demonstrated satisfactory stability, indicating its potential as a promising oral delivery approach for acid-labile drugs such as omeprazole. Read more
View PDFA superior way of temperature monitoring using fibre optics
Open Access | Original Article | 09 July 2026 | Article Number: 262001
Abstract
Temperature measurement using fibre optic techniques is preferred now a days due to its few distinguished features such as it is not sensitive to electric current, electromagnetic radiations such as microwaves and not prone to radio frequency interference (RFI). This technology also caters to multipoint and distributed temperature measurement as can be seen from multi-channel operation. It can be used in the places and conditions where constant on site monitoring by humans is a tedious and dangerous task. Hence it offers a robust and an alternative way to conventional temperature measurement techniques. Read more
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