Central Board Research Articles

Human health impacts attributable to inhalation exposure of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) during the Holi festival

Objective The present study focuses on residential areas of Delhi to identify the elevated levels of ambient PM10 and PM2.5 due to biomass burning followed by the coloring activity in the Holi festival celebrated at the end of the winter season. This study also focuses on the health risk assessment and mortality among different age groups due to the change in particulate matter levels during the Holi festival in Delhi, India. Materials and Methods Secondary data of particulate matters have been procured from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune for the period of the pre-, during, and post-Holi period for the year 2018-2020 at four selected residential locations in Delhi, India. The health impacts of particle inhalation were quantified using the AirQ + models. Results The results indicated the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 rise about 3-4 times higher during the Holi festival than on normal days, resulting in health risks and causing an excess number of mortality and Asthma cases in Delhi. Such cases were also found to be higher in 2018, followed by 2019 and 2020 at all the selected locations in Delhi. Conclusions The study linked the increasing particulate levels in the Holi festival with the increased health risk through short-term exposure of the population. The excess number of cases (ENCs) of mortality, all causes of mortality among adults (age > 30 years) associated with short-term exposure to particulate were also identified.

Assessing groundwater quality dynamics in Madhya Pradesh: Chemical contaminants and their temporal patterns

Groundwater is essential for maintaining ecosystem health and overall well-being as a pivotal resource for plants and animals. The increasing public consciousness of the deterioration of groundwater quality has emphasized the significance of undertaking extended evaluations of groundwater water quality, particularly in regions undergoing substantial hydrological alterations. This study primarily aims to investigate the spatio-temporal variations in groundwater quality and evaluate its suitability for potable purposes in the region of Madhya Pradesh. The study combines the Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen's Slope (SS) to analyze the changes in groundwater quality of all 51 districts of Madhya Pradesh, India, utilizing 12 water quality indices using MATLAB. Data was sourced from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) in India from the year 2001–2021. The data was then tested for homogeneity at all 1154 sampling stations using the software XLSTAT. Piper plot clustering characterized the state's groundwater as bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium (HCO3−-Ca2+-Mg2+) type. The study found that the groundwater in the area is heavily impacted by high levels of nitrate and hardness, which is caused by an increase in multivalent cations. The water was classified as ranging from hard to extremely hard, and approximately 25.49% of the state's groundwater has nitrate levels that exceed the acceptable limits. The MK test showed a significant increasing correlation in trends for parameters such as nitrate, sulfate, fluoride, chloride, bicarbonate, total hardness, and electrical conductivity. It also showed a significant decreasing correlation for calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. These results were observed at a confidence level of 95%. The analysis of trends has shown that human-related factors have a considerable effect on the characteristics of groundwater quality. It is therefore recommended that such human-related factors be taken into consideration when developing policies for managing groundwater resources. Consequently, these policies should emphasize the strict enforcement of rules and standards that limit the overuse of fertilizers, ensure the appropriate disposal of municipal solid and liquid wastes, and regulate industrial pollutants.

Impact of Natural and Mechanical Mating on Fecundity and Egg Retention in Muga Silkworm, Antheraea assamensis (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Lepidopteran muga silkworm Antheraea assamensis belonging to Saturnidae is an economically important insect geographically endemic to Assam and the northeastern region of India. Like any other insect species, oviposition is one of the most vital aspects of A. assamensis as it allocates the majority of its energy during its lifecycle. Muga silkworm seed production technology has still not been studied much in detail. The demand for silkworm seeds rises during the commercial rearing season in the region, Central Silk Board has established seed production centres to cater for the demand of the sericulture industry. The number of seed cocoons processed for commercial seed production is 1.5-2.5 lakhs per annum. Muga silkworm emergence pattern is asynchronous, no. of male and female moths is not equal during operations. A. assamensis is nocturnal in habit, and emergence and coupling take place at night. Due to the asynchronous pattern of emergence, it is quite often that female moths run out of mates in the seed production centres. Due to the depleting number of potential male mates, the mating will be done mechanically by putting male female moths in a bamboo box to save the time and energy of silk moths. So, an experiment was conducted to study the difference in fecundity between naturally mated and mechanically mated muga silkworms and its impact on mating duration at Silkworm Seed Production Centre, Kaliabari, Boko, Assam during commercial crop (April-May & Oct-Nov) of 2023. The results of the study showed that maximum fecundity was observed in silkworms which are naturally mated with 214±12.08 eggs per female. Whereas, the mechanically mated muga silkworm females showed slightly less fecundity compared to naturally mated females with 203.2±12.77 eggs per female. The results on egg retention showed a clear difference with 18.6±4.77 and 16.6±8.64 eggs per female in natural and mechanical mating, respectively. The slightest reduction in fecundity and increased egg retention in female moths might be due to the impact of mechanical mating on mating duration which reported only 5.5±1.29 hrs, whereas natural mating facilitated a higher mating duration with 8.2±1.30hrs, respectively. This study showed the significance of mating type (natural and mechanical) and its impact on fecundity and egg retention of muga silkworm.

Assessment of Physicochemical Quality and Challenges of Municipal Sewage Water in Manchalapur Village in the Karnataka, India

The present study was carried out on characterization of municipal sewage water tank of Manchalapur village near Raichur city in Karnataka. The water samples were collectedeight times from four different locations like inlet, outlet and water spreading area of the Manchalapur tank during the year 2018-2019 in monsoon and post monsoon season. The collected water samples were analyzed for the water quality parameters by using standard procedure. The results obtained were compared with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Bureau of India Standards (IS 2296:1992) water quality requirements for irrigation. The results showed that pH (7.89, 8.54), Electrical Conductivity (1.41, 1.48 dSm-1), Total Dissolved Solids (929.63, 1031.56 mg L-1), Carbonate (2.15, 0.86 mg L-1), Bicarbonate (7.71,4.99 mg L-1), Nitrate (26.90, 34.09 mg L-1), Phosphate (9.85, 6.20 mg L-1), Calcium (3.38, 2.77 mg L-1), magnesium (5.16, 4.13 mg L-1), Sodium (0.85, 0.92 mg L-1), Biological Oxygen Demand (1396.88, 1252.31 mg L-1), Chemical Oxygen Demand (14480, 8573.0 mg L-1), Dissolved Oxygen (7.91, 8.02 mg L-1) and turbidity (13.33, 8.77 NTU) for monsoon and post monsoon respectively. All the water quality parameters were within the recommended range of irrigation standards except the parameters BOD, COD, DO and turbidity. The results could be applicable advice to farmers and agricultural researchers for proper management and use of tank water for agricultural purpose.

Monitoring of water Quality to assess Seasonal Color Changes of Lunar-Lubha River in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya (India)

The Lunar-Lubha River is a significant river in Meghalaya, India, flowing through the Jaintia Hills and eventually reaching Bangladesh’s Surma valley. During winter, the river undergoes a remarkable transformation, changing its color from turquoise to a vibrant sky-blue hue. This study investigated the reason behind this color change by examining the physicochemical characteristics of the river water during pre-monsoon, post monsoon and winter season of the year 2020 to 2022. Chemical properties of the white-powdery sediment (which acts as light reflecting media) found on the riverbed of the color-changing stretches of the river were also investigated. The analysis revealed the presence of high levels of Iron (Fe) and Alumina (Al) in sediments of the Lunar-Lubha River beds. The water quality in stations located at Lunar River can be designated below-E as per Central Pollution Control Board (Govt. of India) guidelines as the water in those stations is not fit for drinking, bathing, propagation of marine life as well as irrigation or agricultural uses. The blue coloration is more prominent in the deeper sections of the river compared to the shallow stretches. This observation aligns with the argument that shorter wavelengths of light scatter more as the depth increases. The presence of light scattering effect due to variation in water depth and the white-colored sediments at the riverbed could explain the intensified blue color in the river. The apparent blue color of the Lukha River is most likely an illusion induced by the scattering effect rather than the genuine blue color of the water.

Analisis Kinerja Keuangan NU Care-LAZISNU PBNU Periode 2016-2022

This research on the financial performance of the zakat management organization (OPZ) is a case study on NU Care-LAZISNU, the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama's (PBNU) zakat management institution under the Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama. The research method used is descriptive qualitative by conducting in-depth analysis of financial reports for the period 2016-2022. This period covers all years after the institution was recognized as a national LAZ. There are four variables analyzed, namely activity ratios, operational ratios, liquidity ratios, and growth ratios. Each ratio has several derivative ratios. The research results show that NU Care-LAZISNU PBNU has very good financial performance, which means it has the ability to manage ZIS funds with very high levels of effectiveness and efficiency, has very good liquidity, and is able to grow optimally. However, there are several derivative ratios that need to be improved, such as fund turnover ratio and operational efficiency ratio.

Fear of COVID-19 and inmates’ the sense of loneliness

Introduction: The aim of the research was to determine the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and inmates’ the sense of loneliness.Method: The research was carried out using the diagnostic survey method. Two standardized research tools, adapted to Polish conditions, were used: the COVID-19 fear scale of D.K. Ahorsu et al. (Adaptation - A. Lewicka-Zelent, W. Czerski) and the Sense of Loneliness Scale de Jong Gierveld. (adaptation - P. Grygiel, G. Humenny, S. Rębisz, P. Świtaj, J. Sikorska). The group of respondents consisted of 429 people staying in six penitentiary units - 6 prisons and 2 pre-trial detention centers, randomly selected by the Central Board of the Prison Service.Results: The results of own research show that inmates do not feel a strong fear of Covid-19, and their sense of loneliness is of moderate intensity. The correlation between them is weak and positive. This means that as the fear of the coronavirus intensifies, the sense of loneliness increases in people imprisoned in solitary confinement.Implications: The obtained research results indicate the need to continue the research undertaken in a situation where sanitary restrictions related to minimizing the risk of falling ill with COVID-19 are reintroduced. Inmates should take additional measures to prevent negative consequences resulting from the high level of fear of COVID-19 and inmates’ the sense of loneliness. It is not even about wide-ranging impacts, but rather targeted at individual people who experience increased fear of the coronavirus and loneliness, despite being with other inmates in prison. It means the necessity to make a detailed diagnosis in this regard among persons deprived of liberty.

Insights into the Air Quality Indices and its Linkage with Diwali Festival Celebrations in Delhi, India in November 2023: A Case Study

Air pollution, especially during the winter months, is a cause of concern in the capital city of Delhi and adjacent areas. Particulate matter (PM10, PM5.0, and PM2.5) generated from various sources has been implicated in poor air quality and adverse impacts on human health. In the present study, the status of air pollution in Delhi in November 2023 was assessed. Diwali was celebrated on 12th November 2023. The air quality indices (particulate matter) data was retrieved from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) website pre-Diwali and post-Diwali to comprehend the trends. During Diwali, an increase in PM10 in 2023 compared to the year 2022 was noted. A 42% reduction of PM10 was noticed in 2023 compared to the average concentration in 2021. However, a 45% overall increase of PM2.5 was observed compared to 2022. The air quality two days prior to Diwali was poor. Though the Government has taken many steps and various awareness campaigns have been launched, people have not stopped bursting crackers in Delhi. However, to mitigate the pollution levels, certain other initiatives such as community festivities and traditional celebration methods, should be incentivized and propagated

Analysis of Geography Textbook for Class XII Prescribed by Mizoram Board of School Education

In this study the researcher aims to analyze Geography textbook for class XII ,a new syllabus prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and The National Council of Educational Research and Training .The prescribed Geography textbook is fully adopted by Mizoram Board of School Education .As regard the textbook the study consider the quality of textbook in terms of its physical feature and academic aspects of the book. It is found that the textbook is good enough for higher level of secondary education. The textbook is still relevant according to the level of learners and learners’ experience, behavior of the learners .The textbook is also recommended for further learning in terms of its physical aspects and academic point of views.

OVERVIEW OF ROOT ZONE TECHNOLOGY

Central Pollution Control Board (2007) study found that discharge of untreated sewage is sthe single most important cause for surface and ground water pollution n India. There is a large gap between the generation and treatment of domestic wastewater in India. The problem is not only that India lacks sufficient treatment capacity but also that the existing sewage treatment plants are not operated and are not maintained. Most of the government-owned sewage treatment plants remain closed due to improper design, poor maintenance, or lack of reliable electricity supply to operate the plants, absentee employees, and poor management. The wastewater generated in these areas normally percolates in the soil or evaporates. The uncollected wastes accumulate in the urban areas cause unhygienic conditions and release pollutants that leach to surface and groundwater. Moreover, where these treatment plants exist, the cost of treatment is so high that industrialists favour not treating the waste generated and directly dumping the untreated waste into the rivers.The Root Zone Treatment system (RZTS) also known as the reed bed system or constructed wetland system is a sealed filter bed consisting of a sand/gravel/ soil system, occasionally with a cohesive element, planted with vegetation that can grow in wetlands. After removing coarse and floating material, the wastewater passes through the filter bed where biodegradation of the wastewater occurs. The functional mechanisms in the soil matrix responsible for the mineralization of biodegradable matter are characterized by complex physical, chemical and biological processes resulting from the combined effects of the filter bed material, wetland plants, micro-organisms and wastewater. The root zone treatment system also known as the reed bed or constructed wetland system is a sealed filter bed consisting of a sand /gravel/soil system.

Rainfall Variability and Rice Production: An Assessment Based on the Variability in Indian Monsoon and Ground Water Level of Punjab, India

In Punjab, 99 per cent of total cultivated area is under irrigation but it is at the cost of declining ground water table. Due to rainfall variability and very high requirement of water in rice crop, which occupy large area in the state during kharif season, has further deteriorated the situation of water resources. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the relationship between declining groundwater level, variable monsoonal rainfall and rice yield of different agroclimatic zones of Punjab. The historical data of rainfall for different locations of Punjab viz. Amritsar (1998-2017), Ballowal Saunkhri (1998-2017), Bathinda (1998-2017), Ludhiana (1998-2017) and Patiala (1998-2017) was collected from the Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology, PAU, Ludhiana and Met Centre, IMD Chandigarh. The productivity data of rice was collected from indiastat.com and Statistical Abstract of Punjab whereas the data related to groundwater table (1998-2017) were collected from the Central Ground Water Board, Punjab. It was observed that the ground water table level showed significant decrease after 2005 at all locations and there was a positive correlation between rice yield and ground water table at all the locations except at Amritsar where it was negatively correlated. The deficit rainfall years showed very less impact on rice yield which has increased continuously. However, the relationship between groundwater table and rainfall indicated that deficit monsoonal rainfall led to further decline in groundwater table as it was not recharged.

Assessment of the Ambient Air Quality of Sangli City, Maharashtra, vis-à-vis National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

Assessment of ambient air quality is important to formulate short-term and long-term plans to mitigate air pollution. This study attempts to present an ambient air quality assessment for Sangli City, located at 16.85° N, and 74.58° E. The assessment is done through ambient air quality data measured over three ambient air quality monitoring stations located in residential, commercial, and industrial zones of Sangli City. The data was collected from 2009 to 2017 under the National Air Quality Monitoring Program of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India. The observed concentrations of gaseous pollutants, SO2 and NOx, and respirable particulate matter are compared with the concentration levels prescribed by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 2009. The concentration levels of particulate matter are quite on the higher side of the prescribed standards. The levels of NOx are almost approaching the prescribed values, whereas SO2 levels are well within the margin. We have also studied seasonal variations in the pollutants during the study period. In general, the air quality in Sangli City is quite undesirable during the mid-winter to mid-summer period. The study is useful for common men to increase awareness. It also forms baseline data and is useful for local and central government to design appropriate strategies to apply corrective measures, protect health, and promote environmental protection.

E-Waste Management Rules 2022: Issues And Solution For Environmental Protection

An important global concern is the handling of electrical and electronic waste, particularly in India, a rapidly growing electronics market. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated demand and growth, with India contributing over two million tonne’s of its electronic waste every year. India produced 1.6 million tonne’s of e-waste in the fiscal 2021–22, ranking third in the world, however, only half a million tons was gathered and treated. As India transforms to a digital economy, and electric mobility, this number is anticipated to rise dramatically as a result of the rising usage of the electronic gadgets, solar panels, and electric automobiles. E-waste must be managed carefully because it contains dangerous materials that, if improperly handled or disposed of, are damaging “to the environment and human health.” In its 192nd Report on the “Functioning of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Department of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science, Technology, Environment, and Forests came to the conclusion that e-waste will become a significant issue in the future” due to modern lifestyles, rising living standards, and increased economic growth. In order to control e-waste and safeguard the environment in India, this article examines the problems and potential solutions. It also critically evaluates the recent legal adoption and effective execution “of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which went into effect on April 1, 2023, These regulations mark the beginning of a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for recycling e-waste.”

Effects of bed depths and the ratio of aerobic to anaerobic zone on the performance of horizontal subsurface flow macrophyte-assisted high-rate vermifilters treating synthetic brewery wastewater.

Effects of total vermibed depth, as well as the ratio of aerobic (the unsubmerged) to anaerobic (the submerged) zone on the performance of the horizontal subsurface flow macrophyte-assisted vermifilters (HSSF-MAVFs) treating synthetic brewery wastewater at a higher hydraulic loading rate (HLR), were investigated for the first time. Results showed that the HSSF-MAVF with a 50 cm total and 18 cm submerged vermibed depth yielded the optimum removal of the pollutants, ensuring a (91.2 ± 1.7)%, (81.8 ± 1.9)%, (67.4 ± 3.9)%, and (63.1 ± 2.3)% removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium N (NH4 + -N), total N (TN), and organic N, respectively, whereas there was an increase of (142 ± 6.3)% in the effluent nitrate-N (NO3 - -N) than that in the influent. At the optimum condition, the effluent concentrations of all the pollutants including COD, NH4 + -N, NO3 - -N, TN, and organic N were well below the surface water discharge standards specified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and thus, the effluent of the HSSF-MAVF could be safely discharged into the surface water bodies. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Total vermibed depth of HSSF-MAVFs was optimized for organic and nitrogen removal. HSSF-MAVFs were subjected to the higher HLR of synthetic brewery wastewater. Removal of COD and NH4 + -N was decreased with the increase in submerged bed depth. Removal of organic N and TN was increased with the increase in submerged bed depth. Total/unsubmerged bed depth had a positive impact on the organic and N removal.

Evaluation of Satisfaction Levels of Women Journalists With Regards to the Consumption of OTT Contents: A Study of Karnataka

In our everyday lifestyle we spend too much time in front of electronic gadgets. The vast range of development of media and visual entertainment is not a big thing for everyone and it’s widely accessible through mobile phones. The new form of media content spreading through the streaming services means OTT Platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Voot, Zee5, and etc. availability of OTT Platforms is not a big thing because many streaming platforms give such a freemium option for their viewers. But one thing we all should be aware of is that some contents are released on OTT because they are unlikely to be released on theatre and TV, which is subject to regulation by the Central board of film certification (CBFC) and Broadcasting content complaints council (BCCC) and etc. So, Streaming Platforms has not any regulatory restriction to broadcast web contents and it gets more liberty in the absence of censorship. The main purpose of this study to assess awareness of OTT platforms among women journalists and to know satisfaction level of OTT Content. For this study descriptive research method was adopted and the primary data collected through the survey method. A total 80 number of the respondents were selected. It is found from the study that majority of the women journalist were aware about the OTT platform and they were very satisfied with the content of the OTT.

Edukasi Logo Obat, Dagusibu dan Bud Serta Cek Kesehatan Guru

Community service activities were carried out at SMA N 1 Muaro Jambi with the educational theme of drug logos, dagusibu, and Beyorn Use Date (BUD) as well as free health checking activities for educators at SMA N 1 Muaro Jambi. The topic was raised to provide education delivery to respondents with formal education and is expected to have a positive impact on the surrounding location. The topic also supports the program of the Central Board of the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (PP-IAI). This activity was carried out by making 10 questions designed that referred to the theme and topic of the activity consisting of pre-test and post-test, the next data was carried out through statistical tests using Paired T-tests. Tangible differences were obtained in respondents who received educational exposure (P<0.05). With data on 23 respondents, There is an increase in the educational value of respondents on community service materials. These results also confirm the understanding of the material educational theme of drug logos, dagusibu, and Beyorn Use Date (BUD) provided to respondents. In the Health examination, information was obtained, the respondents suffered from health problems as evidenced by the results of health checks, especially on blood pressure. In conclusion, education on pharmacy topics obtained satisfactory results for high school students

Four years of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in Indian cities: Assessment of the impact on surface ozone during the period 2018–2022

There is a significant increase in ozone at the surface and troposphere due to growing population, industrialisation and urbanisation. The initiation of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019 marked a turning point in addressing air pollution in Indian cities. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) ground-based measurements show a reduction in number of days with continuous exposure to 8 h surface ozone (MDA-8) exceeding 100 ppb since the implementation of NCAP. For instance, cities such as Visakhapatnam and Tirupati reported zero days of MDA-8 ozone surpassing 100 ppb in 2022. Also, a substantial reduction is observed in the frequency of MDA-8 ozone exceeding the 100 ppb threshold at other stations. The NO2 and PM2.5 measurements from CPCB show a decreasing trend at most stations, whereas satellite-based HCHO and NO2 measurements show negative (0–0.004 mol m−2 month−1) and positive (0–0.02 m−2 month−1) trends, respectively, during the period of 2019–2022. Therefore, although the implementation of NCAP is oriented towards reducing PM10 concentrations, it is also proven to be effective in curbing ozone pollution in most cities of India. This study, therefore, suggests to continue the efforts of NCAP and to implement tailored regulations for reducing ozone pollution in cities with high pollution.

Condition of Ground Water Quality in Relation to Pollution in Krishnagiri District Taluk, TamilNadu

A fundamental natural resource is water, which is essential to life. The increasing urban isation of India has an impact on the quantity and quality of groundwater. According to the Central Ground Water Board, the groundwater beneath Krishnagiri has been reduced by 60%, and additional investigation may reveal salt water intrusion. Our goal in the current work was to investigate groundwater quality assessment.This investigation's goal was to assess Krishnagiri City's groundwater's level of quality. The quality of groundwater determines whether it is suitable for use in industrial, household, agricultural, and drinking water applications. Evaluation of Groundwater Suitability in the Northern and Eastern Krishnagiri District for Irrigation and Drinking Water. Groundwater samples were taken in the research region. In Tamil Nadu's fluorosis-prone Krishnagiri area, water samples were taken from ten villages. Numerous physico-chemical indicators of water quality, including pH, TDS, TH, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl, and fluoride (F), have been measured and compared to typical values (WHO and BIS). Groundwater quality has been evaluated by looking at physicochemical elements such pH, TDS, TH, sulphate, chloride, calcium, and magnesium. A substantial linear association between several water quality metrics is revealed by the investigation. Version 16 of the SPSS statistical analysis programme was utilised for the analysis. The outcomes showed that the groundwater's pollutants were almost at the allowable levels. With a few notable exceptions, the bulk of the criteria used to evaluate the water quality showed levels within the range permitted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). None of the measurements exceeded the BIS-recommended allowed thresholds for determining the water quality, with the exception of pH at a specific point in Zone 1.

Perceptions, Attitudes, and Barriers towards the Use of Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) Standards among Saudi Healthcare Providers.

Quality improvement is a strategic priority for all healthcare systems. However, the engagement of healthcare providers in pursuing accreditation plays a critical role in integrating standards into routine practice. Therefore, the current study assessed the perceptions, attitudes, and barriers towards using the Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI) standards among Saudi healthcare providers. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among a representative sample (364) of Saudi healthcare providers (both genders, aged 20-60) working at twenty governmental CBAHI-accredited hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The study participants were selected using a cluster random sampling method. Data regarding the perceptions, attitudes, and barriers toward using CBAHI standards among Saudi healthcare providers were evaluated using a validated questionnaire. Additional information regarding demographic-socioeconomic variables was obtained with an interview-based questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 28. A total of 364 healthcare providers participated in the current study. Of them, 54.4% were males, and 45.6% were females. Almost half (48.6%) of the study participants held bachelor's degrees. For the variables of age group, marital status, monthly income, and years of work experience, statistically significant associations were found between males and females (p-value < 0.05). The means of overall item agreement percentage of the participating healthcare providers for perceptions and attitudes towards using CBAHI standards and attitudes towards using CBAHI standards as a tool for quality improvement were 80.1%, 76.4%, and 72.0%, respectively. The highest item agreement percentage of the participating healthcare providers regarding the barriers that inhibit the hospital from obtaining the full benefit from the CBAHI accreditation was for the inexpedient IT tools (59.6%). The current study's results demonstrated accepted perceptions and attitudes toward using CBAHI standards among Saudi healthcare providers. In addition, the identified barriers should be alleviated to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of the hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The findings also help clarify the accreditation operating process, which may be helpful to policymakers and stakeholders in making informed decisions on integrating accreditation standards.

Locational Suitability of Paschim Boragaon Landfill Adjacent to Deepor Beel Wetland, Assam

Deepor Beel, situated in the lower Assam region of Brahmaputra Valley, is a significant wetland that holds immense importance and is classified within the biogeographical region of the Burma monsoon forest. The beel acts as a crucial reservoir for storing water in Guwahati, aiding in mitigating the effects of flash flooding. The beel is endowed with luxuriant aquatic flora and fauna and maintains a well-balanced ecosystem. Nevertheless, the presence of the Paschim Boragaon Landfill in close proximity to the beel has raised concerns about the fragility of the biodiversity and ecosystem. The study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of placing a waste disposal site near a wetland and also how effectively did the Paschim Boragaon landfill adhere to the criteria specified in the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Central Public Health and Environment Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO). The landfill's establishment has disregarded the prescribed regulations imposed by the relevant governing body, posing a significant threat to the soil, water, and environment. This situation flagrantly violates the Wetland Rules of 2010, leading to detrimental effects on the diverse features and biodiversity of the beel. The landfill's close proximity has directly or indirectly disrupted the beel's heterogeneous characteristics. Hence, an urgent relocation of the entire landfill is imperative to protect the beel and uphold the internationally renowned Ramsar wetland's biodiversity.