Saroj S. Jeet Singh

Effect of microencapsulated plant extracts on mosquito repellency

Mosquitoes are the most important single group of insects in terms of public health importance. Mosqui-toes not only cause nuisance by their bites but also transmit deadly diseases. The activity of mosquitoes is affected by climate, light and temperature. In tropical areas like India, the population of mosquitoes is found huge day by day. Repeated use of synthetic insecticides for mosquito control has disrupted environment as well as human health. To overcome this problem, plant derived compounds may be the better alternate over synthetic insecticides. To enhance the health and hygiene qualities by means of use of medicinal plants through effective application technique on textiles, marigold (petals) and nirgundi (leaves) methanol extract was used as mosquito repellent finish on 100 % woven cotton. For applying mosquito repellent finish on fabric, complex coacervation technique of microencapsulation was used through pad-dry-cure method. Finished cotton samples were tested against Anopheles stephensi by using laboratory cage method for their efficacy and durability to washing and sun-drying as per standard test methods. Marigold (petals)and nirgundi (leaves) extract finished fabric samples showed 96 and 94 % repellency respectively after 60 minutes of observation. It remained 56 % and 54 % (after 15 washes) and 54 and 52 % (after expo-sure in sun for 3 hours) by the application of marigold and nirgundi extracts respectively. Hence, microencapsulation technique on selected cotton textile proved effective to repel mosquitoes up to acceptable level according to WHO (1996).

Development of Palmarosa Oil Microcapsules

Natural fragrant microcapsule with gelatin and gum as a wall material palmarosa as a core material were prepared by complex cocervation technique. Different variables, including ratio of essential oil, gum, gelatin, temperature and pH were optimized on the basis of comparative analysis through visual assessment under inverted microscope. Result showed that medium sized microcapsules having sharp and thick wall and good uniformity in size and distribution were formed at ratio of 1:2:4 of oil, gum and gelatin, at a temperature of 50°C with initial and final pH 4.5 and 9.0, respectively. Hence, these optimized ratios were selected for preparation of microcapsules.

Development of protective clothing for agricultural workers

Farm workers are exposed to pesticide vapours and organic dust during various farm activities which may leads to many health problems. To minimize health hazards protective clothes were designed with reference to fabric and functional features. Designed protective clothing was given to twenty five farm workers involved in pesticide application and forty farm workers (25 males and 15 females) engaged in threshing activity, for a period of one month to access their suitability and acceptability. On the basis of suitability and acceptability recommended protective clothing for pesticide applicators were jacket with hood and pyjama of water proof fabric (having lining of cotton hosiery fabric), Chemical Resistant mask, Glasses/goggles, Nitrile gloves and Sports shoes. For threshing activity recommended protective clothing were : apron with hood and full sleeves with elasticized cuffs (elastic in two rows),Pleated mask / beak mask, Glasses/goggles ,Sports shoes, Mittens/gloves (for male) and for female : Kameez with full sleeves preferably elasticized cuffs or apron, hood mask/scarf mask ,glasses/goggles, sports shoes, mittens/gloves.

Eco Friendly Printing of Cotton with Kachnar Bark Dye

Textile printing involves the production of a predetermined coloured pattern on a fabric, usually with a definite repeat. In India dyeing and printing with natural dyes is an age old practice. Todays scene of natural dye promotion is very optimistic and promising. The scientists and textile technologists of various institutions have started working on natural dyes as a possible means of producing ecologically sound products which would appeal to green minded consumers. Keeping in view the importance of natural dyes in textile world a study was conducted to print cotton fabric with kachnar bark dye using Cassia tora gum. Cotton fabric was scoured to remove impurities. Dried kachnar bark was grounded to make powder, 8 per cent dye was extracted by boiling in water, strained to get dye extract. Extracted dye was evaporated to make 10 ml. dye concentrate. Two concentrations i.e. 2.5 and 5 per cent of Cassia tora gum powder was used as natural thickner. Paste of thickener was prepared by adding lukewarm water and added to dye concentrate for making printing paste. Copper sulphate and ferrous sulphate were used as mordants. Printing was done by block and screen printing techniques. Printed samples were dried in sun, cured for three days and steamed in laboratory steamer. The printed samples were evaluated visually for depth of colour, evenness of print, sharpness of print and overall appearance. Fastness of printed samples was studied against, sunlight, washing, rubbing and perspiration using standard test methods. Results of the study revealed that for visual evaluation screen printed samples scored higher as compared to block printed samples. The fastness ratings against different agencies ranged from good (3) to excellent (5). The fastnesses as well as visual evaluation grades of Cassia tora gum were comparable with guar gum used as controlled thickner, hence Cassia tora gum can be used effectively for printing of cotton.

Market Potential of Traditional Indhi of Haryana

Abstract Haryana has a rich tradition of handicrafts. But due to various reasons rural artisans are abandoning the age-old art. The study is an attempt to prove the potential of revival of traditional Indhi of Haryana. Indhi was modified to suit the needs and taste of potential contemporary users. The market potential of modified indhi was assessed on the basis of aesthetic appeal, utility, workmanship, uniqueness, color combination, fabric and traditional value. The overall acceptability was found to be excellent.

Acceptability of Modern Durrie Designing Techniques for Income Generation

Abstract The rural women practicing durrie weaving as income generation are not aware about the latest trends in durrie designing required for increased profitability. Designed durries were prepared using innovative designs, which have multipurpose use, and different designing techniques were applied. These designed durries were having altogether different and beautiful look as per the latest trend. Training was imparted to 15 weavers on all the technical aspects to assess the acceptability of designs and designing techniques. Majority of the respondents (80%) acquired high level of knowledge about new attractive designs having multipurpose use. General knowledge about the trends & export of designer durrie was also acquired by majority of the respondents. As high as 47 percent respondents had high acquisition of knowledge after the training on designing techniques whereas, 40 percent had high level of attitudinal change. More than fifty percent (53.33 %) respondents had high skill change and 40 percent had medium skill change. The overall KAS was significantly higher (t=5.58*) after the training. Overall perceived feasibility index (PFI) of designing techniques of durrie weaving was 89.07 percent, and 66.67 percent respondents were placed in the high category while judging overall acceptability of the designing techniques.

Impact of Embroidery Training on Women (Part-II)

Abstract The study on impact assessment of embroidery training on 30 women in Hisar and Sirsa districts of Haryana state revealed that impact of training was found to be of medium level. This means women acquired favourable attitude but medium level of knowledge. The knowledge acquisition and attitude were found to be non-significantly related with age, occupation, family educational status, education of the respondent, caste and economic motivation.

Impact of Tailoring Training on Women (Part-I)

Abstract The impact of tailoring training was studied on 30 women from two districts of Haryana state. The impact of training was of high level indicating knowledge accquisition to high level and favourable attiude. The knowledge gain was negatively and significantly related with age while attitude was positively related with age and economic motivation.