A Comprehensive Review on Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystals: Mechanisms, Materials, and Applications.

Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) stand at the intersection of polymer science and liquid crystal technology, offering a unique blend of optical versatility and mechanical durability. These composite materials are composed of droplets of liquid crystals interspersed in a matrix of polymeric materials, harnessing the optical properties of liquid crystals while benefiting from the structural integrity of polymers. The responsiveness of LCs combined with the mechanical rigidity of polymers make polymer/LC composites-where the polymer network or matrix is used to stabilize and modify the LC phase-extremely important for scientists developing novel adaptive optical devices.

An insight into impact of nanomaterials toxicity on human health.

In recent years, advances in nanotechnology have significantly influenced electronics manufacturing, industrial processes, and medical research. Various industries have seen a surge in the use of nanomaterials. However, several researchers have raised the alarm about the toxicological nature of nanomaterials, which appear to be quite different from their crude forms.

Unveiling the potential of polymer cholesteric liquid crystal interpenetrating networks as a label-free alcohol biochemical sensor.

In this study, an optical sensor is developed, incorporating hydrogen-bonded photonic array dots containing poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) within a polymer cholesteric liquid crystal interpenetrating polymer network (PCLC) framework, thereby effectively controlling porosity. This methodology involves the fabrication of a porous photonic film, subsequent infusion with a hydrogel (PAA), and precise UV-curing to generate patterned array dots. The sensor exhibits exceptional discriminatory capability between methanol and ethanol, accurately discerning their varying concentrations within alcohol solutions.

A novel approach to low-cost, rapid and simultaneous colorimetric detection of multiple analytes using 3D printed microfluidic channels.

This research paper presents an inventive technique to swiftly create microfluidic channels on distinct membrane papers, enabling colorimetric drug detection. Using a modified DIY RepRap 3D printer with a syringe pump, microfluidic channels (µPADs) are crafted on a flexible nylon-based substrate. This allows simultaneous detection of four common drugs with a single reagent.

Antibiotics and nano-antibiotics in treatment of lung infection: In management of COVID-19.

The world has witnessed the cruelty of COVID-19 disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The association of COVID-19 with other secondary and bacterial co-infections has tremendously contributed to lung infections. An increased probability of having a secondary lung infection was observed among the post-COVID patients.

Fine-Tuning of Ni/NiO over H-NbO for Enhanced Eugenol Hydrogenation through Enhanced Oxygen Vacancies and Synergistic Participation of Active Sites.

The hydrogenation of lignin-derived phenolics to produce valuable chemicals is a promising but challenging task. This study successfully demonstrates the use of sustainable transition metal-based catalysts to hydrogenate lignin-derived phenolics. A defect-induced oxygen vacancy containing H-NbO prepared from commercial NbO was employed as a catalyst.

Substantial Changes in Selected Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Associations with Health Risk Assessments in Industrial Areas during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments in many countries worldwide, including India, imposed several restriction measures, including lockdowns, to prevent the spread of the infection. COVID-19 lockdowns led to a reduction in gaseous and particulate pollutants in ambient air. In the present study, we investigated the substantial changes in selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and associations with health risk assessments in industrial areas.

Statistical analysis, source apportionment, and toxicity of particulate- and gaseous-phase PAHs in the urban atmosphere.

Introduction: The concentrations of particulate and gaseous Polycyclic Hydrocarbons Carbon (PAHs) were determined in the urban atmosphere of Delhi in different seasons (winter, summer, and monsoon).

Methodology: The samples were collected using instrument air metric (particulate phase) and charcoal tube (gaseous phase) and analyzed through Gas chromatography. The principal component and correlation were used to identify the sources of particulate and gaseous PAHs during different seasons.

Chemically Functionalized Gold Nanosphere-Blended Nematic Liquid Crystals for Photonic Applications.

A demand for functional materials that are capable of tailoring light-emissive properties has apparently been rising nowadays substantially for their utilization in organic optoelectronic devices. Motivated by such promising characteristics, we present highly emissive as well as aggregation-induced emission (AIE) electroluminescent composite systems composed of a nematic liquid crystals (NLC) blended with polyethylene-functionalized gold nanospheres (GNSs). The major findings of this study include superior electro-optical properties such as threshold voltage reduction by around 24%.

Temporary reduction in VOCs associated with health risk during and after COVID-19 in Maharashtra, India.

Unlabelled: A novel coronavirus has affected almost all countries and impacted the economy, environment, and social life. The short-term impact on the environment and human health needs attention to correlate the Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and health assessment for pre-, during, and post lockdowns. Therefore, the current study demonstrates VOC changes and their effect on air quality during the lockdown.

Spatio-temporal variation in fine particulate matter and effect on air quality during the COVID-19 in New Delhi, India.

Novel Coronavirus disease has affected almost all the countries; which leads to the pandemic, impacting adversely on environment. The impact on environment during pre-and during lockdowns needs an attention to correlate the pollutants from industrial emissions and other factors. Therefore, the current study demonstrates the changes in fine particulate matter PM, PM and effect on air quality during lockdown.

Superior improvement in dynamic response of liquid crystal lens using organic and inorganic nanocomposite.

In this study, the response time of a 4 mm-aperture hole-patterned liquid crystal (HLC) lens has been significantly improved with doping of N-benzyl-2-methyl-4-nitroaniline (BNA) and rutile titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO NP) nanocomposite. The proposed HLC lens provides the focus and defocus times that are 8.5× and 14× faster than the pristine HLC lens, respectively.

Liquid crystal lens with doping of rutile titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

A 4 mm-aperture hole-patterned liquid crystal (LC) lens has been fabricated using a LC mixture, which consisted of rutile titanium dioxide (TiO) nanoparticles (NPs) and nematic LC E7, for the first time. The TiO NP dopant improves the addressing and operation voltages of the LC lens significantly because it strengthens the electric field surrounding the TiO NP and increases the capacitance of lens cell. Unlike the doping of common colloidal NPs, that of rutile TiO NPs increases the phase transition temperature and birefringence of the LC mixture, thereby helping enhance the lens power of LC lens.

An assessment of ozone levels, UV radiation and their occupational health hazard estimation during photocopying operation.

This study investigates the levels of ozone concentration along with an ultraviolet (UV) and visible spectral radiation at eight photocopy centers in an academic institute, Delhi. Sampling was done in two types of locations, i.e.

Assessment of indoor air concentrations of VOCs and their associated health risks in the library of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

The present work investigated the levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m/p-xylene, and o-xylene (BTEX) in different microenvironments in the library of Jawaharlal Nehru University in summer and winter during 2011-2012. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks due to organic compounds were also evaluated using US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) conventional approaches. Real-time monitoring was done for TVOC using a data-logging photo-ionization detector.