Mitigation Measures Research Articles

Sheet-coating mitigation for membrane penetration in undrained triaxial tests and evaluation of comprehensive liquefaction resistance of crushed gravel

In undrained cyclic triaxial tests on crushed gravel, it is difficult to maintain undrained conditions because of the penetration of the rubber membrane (MP: membrane penetration) into the rough surface of the test specimens. A method has been developed in the present research to physically mitigate the MP-effect wherein the rough surface of each specimen is coated and smoothed by a prefabricated fines-soil sheet. This mitigation measure has been found very effective in minimizing the CR (compliance ratio for an undrained system) to achieve more strict undrained conditions. It has been further clarified that this method prevents not only the overestimation of the strength of loose specimens, as has already been recognized, but also the underestimation of the strength of dense specimens with highly positive dilatancy. The undrained cyclic strength of dense crushed gravel, comprised of various grain sizes and gradations, has been summarized in a series of undrained cyclic triaxial tests by employing the MP-mitigation method to find that, in place of the relative density governing the liquefaction resistance of loose soils, the void ratio or absolute density is a key parameter for uniquely estimating the strength with a simple empirical formula.

“Se a gente tivesse direito, não teria necessidade de estar fazendo manifestação pra nada”: a luta das marisqueiras de Farol de São Thomé, RJ - Brasil contra estereótipos de gênero em políticas públicas

Abstract The work carried out by women in the artisanal fishing production chain is historically invisible, whether in the internal prestige of communities, in fishing management, or in the legal identification of workers. Women's invisibility even incurs the restriction of social security rights, such as the so-called Defeso. Over the years 2018 to 2022, the research investigated the struggle of shellfish gatherers from Farol de São Thomé, a community located in Norte Fluminense, RJ - Brazil, against gender stereotypes present in the public policy entitled Projeto Bolsa Cidadão (PBC), instituted in the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes/RJ from 2000 to 2021. Based on qualitative methodological techniques, such as direct observation in fieldwork, semi-structured interviews, and organization of a focus group, as well as a critical legal-anthropological epistemology, the text seeks to reflect on the dimensions of redistribution, recognition, and female participation in artisanal fishing and concludes that discriminatory blocks restrict or even exclude female workers from accessing social programs. This article results from research funded by the Pescarte Environmental Education Project (PEA), a mitigation measure required by the Federal Environmental Licensing conducted by IBAMA.

Best Agile method selection approach at workplace

Selecting the most suitable agile software development method is a challenging task due to the variety of available methods, each with its strengths and weaknesses. To achieve project goals effectively, factors such as project needs, team size, complexity, and customer involvement should be carefully evaluated. Choosing the appropriate agile method is crucial for achieving high client satisfaction and effective team management, but it can be a challenging task for project managers and higher-level management officials.This paper presents a solution aiming to help them in selecting the most suitable software development method for their project. In this regard, this solution includes a pre-project management approach model and a decision tree that considers the unique requirements of the project. In the proposed solution results, Scrum was found to be suitable for both small and large projects, on the condition that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and that the approach is people-centric. Furthermore, high-risk mitigation measures should be added for small projects. To facilitate the use of our model, a software application has been developed which implements the decision-making tree.

Partisanship and the Pandemic: How and Why Americans Followed Party Cues on COVID-19.

The United States underperformed its potential in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using original survey data from April 2020 to March 2022, we show that political partisanship may have contributed to this inconsistent response by distinguishing elites and citizens who took the crisis seriously from those who did not. This division was not inevitable; when the crisis began, Democrats and Republicans differed little in their viewpoints and actions. However, partisans increasingly diverged when their preferred political leaders provided them with opposing cues. We outline developments in party politics over the last half-century that contributed to partisan division on COVID-19, most centrally an anti-expertise bias among Republicans. Accordingly, Republicans' support for mitigation measures, perception of severity of COVID-19, and support for vaccines gradually decreased after the initial outbreak. Partisan differences also showed up at the state level; Trump's vote share in 2016 was negatively associated with mask use and positively associated with COVID-19 infections. Diverging elite cues provided fertile ground for the partisan pandemic, underscoring the importance of political accountability, even in an era of polarization.

Geological survey techniques and carbon storage: Optimizing renewable energy site selection and carbon sequestration

Geological survey techniques play a crucial role in optimizing site selection for renewable energy projects and identifying suitable locations for carbon storage to mitigate climate change. This abstract provides an overview of how geological survey techniques can be used to achieve these objectives. Renewable energy development, particularly solar and wind power, requires careful site selection to maximize energy generation efficiency and minimize environmental impacts. Geological surveys are instrumental in assessing factors such as subsurface geology, topography, soil composition, and hydrological conditions. These surveys help identify suitable locations with optimal wind or solar resources and geologic conditions for infrastructure development. Additionally, geological surveys are essential for identifying suitable sites for carbon storage, a critical component of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Geological formations, such as deep saline aquifers, depleted oil and gas reservoirs, and unmineable coal seams, can serve as storage reservoirs for captured carbon dioxide (CO2). Geological surveys help characterize these formations to assess their suitability for long-term CO2 storage, considering factors such as porosity, permeability, and sealing integrity. Optimizing site selection for renewable energy projects and carbon storage requires a comprehensive understanding of subsurface geology and environmental conditions. Advanced geological survey techniques, such as seismic imaging, remote sensing, and geophysical surveys, are essential for acquiring detailed subsurface data. These techniques enable scientists and engineers to assess site suitability, evaluate risks, and design effective mitigation measures. In conclusion, geological survey techniques are invaluable tools for optimizing site selection for renewable energy projects and identifying suitable locations for carbon storage. By leveraging these techniques, stakeholders can make informed decisions that promote sustainable energy development and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Analyzing VNO Airport Traffic Data of 2023: Specific Aircraft Noise Measurement and Mitigation Recommendations

The expansion of airport operations worldwide yields numerous advantages, yet it also brings about certain adverse consequences, notably noise pollution. In addressing noise pollution, airports deploy a range of noise control strategies, which can be broadly classified into four categories: passive noise mitigation methods, active noise mitigation strategies, regulatory measures, and technological innovations. The paper investigates the feasibility of Balanced Approach (BA) implementation at Vilnius International Airport (VNO according to IATA). In this study, an in depth analysis was conducted on the data pertaining to the frequency of movements, the distinct types, models and age of aircraft that utilized VNO facilities during the calendar year of 2023. Following the analysis conducted throughout 2023, a total of 38 699 aircraft movements were recorded, from which predominant aircraft types were identified: Boeing B737 (A1), Airbus A320 (A2), Airbus A220 (A3), Bombardier CRJ/Challenger (A4), Embraer (A5) and ATR 72-500 (A6). Average age of aircraft most frequently arriving and departing at VNO is 14.35 years. The sound measurements for A1, A3 and A6 were done with Bruel&Kjaer 2270 Investigator sound analyzer. Data then was post processed by BZ-5503 Measurement Partner Suite and measured data Leq, LMAX, different noise levels were compared. Measurements show that permitted noise levels are exceeded, especially by older age aircraft. Reducing air fleet age would be most efficient noise mitigation measure according to BA.

An Earthen Sill as a Measure to Mitigate Salt Intrusion in Estuaries

AbstractAt a global scale, deltas are vital economic hubs, in part due to the combination of their access to inland regions via river systems with their proximity to sea. However, with the sea in close vicinity also comes the threat of freshwater contamination by saline seawater, especially during droughts. This study explores the potential of a mitigation measure to estuarine salt intrusion, namely the construction of a (temporary) earthen sill—a measure implemented in the Lower Mississippi River near New Orleans (LA, USA). This study suggests design guidelines on how a sill can be used to mitigate estuarine salt intrusion: the design should focus on the longitudinal placement and the height of the sill, and the mitigating efficiency of the sill reduces with increasing tidal range. Overall, a (temporary) sill has great potential to reduce salt intrusion in salt wedge estuaries if there is sufficient water depth available.

Towards a single device for multiple security domains

Military field operations place high demands on information and communication technology (ICT) devices, both in terms of reliability and security. These requirements include robustness against environmental influences such as vibrations, water, and humidity as well as protection against physical attacks and cyber-attacks. Attempts to compromise a device must be detected immediately, and if necessary, trigger automated countermeasures such as alarms, partial deactivation or emergency wiping of all data. In this work, we specifically focus on cyber security issues and aim to deliver a concept for a device that can be used in multiple security domains, isolating mission-specific data from each other without the risk of data spillover. For that purpose, we outline a high-level concept for a resilient single device concept that is able to withstand common intrusion attempts. We identify threat agents, misuse cases and the risks of a single device concept for multiple security domains and evaluate the most pressing issues. Based on the identified risks, we determine additional mitigation measures and discuss their applicability. We foresee our work to provide valuable insights into the requirements on and design decisions of highly secure mobile device solutions.

A Coupled Statistical and Deterministic Model for Forecasting Climate-Driven Dengue Incidence in Selangor, Malaysia.

The mosquito-borne dengue virus remains a major public health concern in Malaysia. Despite various control efforts and measures introduced by the Malaysian Government to combat dengue, the increasing trend of dengue cases persists and shows no sign of decreasing. Currently, early detection and vector control are the main methods employed to curb dengue outbreaks. In this study, a coupled model consisting of the statistical ARIMAX model and the deterministic SI-SIR model was developed and validated using the weekly reported dengue data from year 2014 to 2019 for Selangor, Malaysia. Previous studies have shown that climate variables, especially temperature, humidity, and precipitation, were able to influence dengue incidence and transmission dynamics through their effect on the vector. In this coupled model, climate is linked to dengue disease through mosquito biting rate, allowing real-time forecast of dengue cases using climate variables, namely temperature, rainfall and humidity. For the period chosen for model validation, the coupled model can forecast 1-2weeks in advance with an average error of less than 6%, three weeks in advance with an average error of 7.06% and four weeks in advance with an average error of 8.01%. Further model simulation analysis suggests that the coupled model generally provides better forecast than the stand-alone ARIMAX model, especially at the onset of the outbreak. Moreover, the coupled model is more robust in the sense that it can be further adapted for investigating the effectiveness of various dengue mitigation measures subject to the changing climate.

An analysis of the vulnerability of informal and formal households to disaster risks in the Rand West City region

This study aimed to compare how vulnerable informal and formal households are to disaster risks in Bekkersdal mining area in the Rand West City municipality, using a mixed method. A qualitative approach was used to construct a situational analysis of the community, while a questionnaire was used to collect descriptive data. Findings showed both household types (formal and informal) experienced disaster-related risks as their coping resources are limited. Disaster risks such as mining-related incidents (dust, earth tremors and windstorms) are more significant in the informal areas than in formal areas because of their geographical locations. The latter are located in high density areas, with limited access to basic services. Resulting in among others, construction of illegal informal areas and use of illegal electricity connections. These disaster incidents occur against the backdrop of an already vulnerable dolomitic environment that tends to form sinkholes. Thus, the negative impact of mining is the highest disaster risk factor in the area, yet households seem tolerant and distant as they perceive mining as a job opportunity. The study recommended the municipality to include disaster risks in their integrated development plans to ensure that sustainable mining practices are in place to minimise the negative effects in the area. The rehabilitation of mines, measures to prevent informal construction or illegal occupation, and educational awareness on mitigation and adaptation measures are necessary.Contribution: The study adds to the body of knowledge by revising some old techniques of addressing disaster risk measures, especially in surrounding mining communities.

A Rapid Review on the Effectiveness and Use of Wearable Biofeedback Motion Capture Systems in Ergonomics to Mitigate Adverse Postures and Movements of the Upper Body

Work-related diseases and disorders remain a significant global health concern, necessitating multifaceted measures for mitigation. One potential measure is work technique training utilizing augmented feedback through wearable motion capture systems. However, there exists a research gap regarding its current effectiveness in both real work environments and controlled settings, as well as its ability to reduce postural exposure and retention effects over short, medium, and long durations. A rapid review was conducted, utilizing two databases and three previous literature reviews to identify relevant studies published within the last twenty years, including recent literature up to the end of 2023. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 14 were of high or moderate quality. These studies were summarized descriptively, and the strength of evidence was assessed. Among the included studies, six were rated as high quality, while eight were considered moderate quality. Notably, the reporting of participation rates, blinding of assessors, and a-priori power calculations were infrequently performed. Four studies were conducted in real work environments, while ten were conducted in controlled settings. Vibration feedback was the most common feedback type utilized (n = 9), followed by auditory (n = 7) and visual feedback (n = 1). All studies employed corrective feedback initiated by the system. In controlled environments, evidence regarding the effectiveness of augmented feedback from wearable motion capture systems to reduce postural exposure ranged from strong evidence to no evidence, depending on the time elapsed after feedback administration. Conversely, for studies conducted in real work environments, the evidence ranged from very limited evidence to no evidence. Future reach needs are identified and discussed.

Evaluating the effectiveness of mitigation measures in environmental impact assessments: A comprehensive review of development projects in Korea

Rapid urbanization and development projects in Korea have posed significant threats to biodiversity; thus, effective mitigation measures are required to preserve natural habitats. Nevertheless, the factors underlying variations in mitigation measure effectiveness according to the disturbance level and surrounding environmental conditions have not been clarified. This study evaluated the effectiveness of mitigation measures implemented in environmental impact assessments (EIAs) of development projects in Korea, with a focus on their effectiveness with respect to the disturbance level and surrounding environmental conditions. A review of 288 EIA reports from selected projects that implemented all 10 mitigation measures classified according to the Wildlife Conservation Comprehensive Plan was conducted. Using the biodiversity tipping point framework, the effects of mitigation measures on biodiversity were categorized into four levels and analyzed. Analysis of variance and redundancy analysis were then performed to discern the variance in mitigation measure effectiveness in terms of the disturbance level, surrounding environment, and species. The results revealed significant variations in the effectiveness of mitigation measures depending on the surrounding environment and disturbance level. Linear projects exhibited a clear impact on various species as the disturbance level increased, whereas area-based projects did not exhibit such pronounced effects. All species demonstrated a negative relationship with development duration, development area, and distance from urban centers. Notably, avian and amphibian species showed a strong negative correlation with the digital elevation model while reptiles and mammals exhibited a strong positive relationship with pre-development biodiversity and distance from protected areas, respectively. Mitigation measures play a key role in alleviating the adverse effects of development projects; therefore, our findings indicate the need for spatially tailored mitigation plans to augment their effectiveness.

Modelling of the heat and the cold risks in Sofia and Varna – preliminary results

According to future climate projections, the expected thermal stress environmental conditions will get worse if the authorities do not apply appropriate measures for mitigation and adaptation to these changes. The health issues concerning air pollution and extreme temperatures have assumed great importance in recent years. The objective of this study is to estimate the thermal comfort in two of the biggest cities in Bulgaria - Sofia and Varna and their surroundings for the year 2017 by biometeorological indexes. We use computer simulations of the atmospheric parameters that define the thermal comfort indexes, by Advanced Research Weather Forecast Model WRF ARW version 3.9. We performed the simulations on four domains for 2017 with an output frequency of 1 hour. The outermost domain has a horizontal resolution of 9 km and encompasses the Balkan Peninsula. It uses initial and boundary conditions from the 0.25-degree NCEP Final Operational Model Global Tropospheric Analyses datasets with a time-frequency of 6 hours. The estimation of the thermal comfort conditions is performed with characteristics called indexes. The differences in the number of cases between the indexes are due to the specific definitions and the meteorological factors that each of them takes into account. Some of these characteristics have applications depending on the specific thermal conditions.

Insights from modelling sixteen years of climatic and fumonisin patterns in maize in South Africa

Mycotoxin contamination of agricultural commodities is a global public health problem that has remained elusive to various mitigation approaches, particularly in developing countries. Climate change and its impact exacerbates South Africa’s vulnerability to mycotoxin contamination, and significantly threatens its’s food systems, public health, and agro-economic development. Herein we analyse sixteen years (2005/2006–2020/2021) of annual national meteorological data on South Africa which reveals both systematic and erratic variability in critical climatic factors known to influence mycotoxin contamination in crops. Within the same study period, data on fumonisin (FB) monitoring show clear climate-dependent trends. The strongest positive warming trend is observed between 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 (0.51 °C/year), and a strong positive correlation is likewise established between FB contamination and temperature (r ranging from 0.6 to 0.9). Four machine learning models, viz support vector machines, eXtreme gradient boosting, random forest, and orthogonal partial least squares, are generalized on the historical data with suitable performance (RMSE as low as 0.00). All the adopted models are able to predict future FB contamination patterns with reasonable precision (R2 ranging from 0.34 to 1.00). The most important model feature for predicting average FB contamination (YA) is the historical pattern of average FB contamination in maize within the region (ΣFBs_avg). The two most significant features in modelling maximum FB contamination (YM) are minimum temperature from the CMIP6 data (Pro_tempMIN) and observed precipitation from the CRU data (O_prep). Our study provides strong evidence of the impact of climate change on FB in South Africa and reiterates the significance of machine learning modelling in predicting mycotoxin contamination in light of changing climatic conditions, which could facilitate early warnings and the adoption of relevant mitigation measures that could help in mycotoxin risk management and control.

Precipitation exacerbates spatial heterogeneity in the propagation time of meteorological drought to soil drought with increasing soil depth

The propagation of meteorological droughts to soil droughts poses a substantial threat to water resources, agricultural production, and social systems. Understanding drought propagation process is crucial for early warning and mitigation, but mechanisms of the propagation from meteorological drought to soil drought, particularly at varying soil depths, remain insufficiently understood. Here, we employ the maximum correlation coefficient method and the random forest (RF) model to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns and drivers of propagation time (PT) from meteorological drought to soil drought at four different depths across China from 1980 to 2018. Our findings reveal consistently higher PT in northern China and lower PT in southern China across varying soil depths, with more pronounced spatial heterogeneity with increasing soil depth. Furthermore, we identify temperature and precipitation as determinants of spatial patterns of PT in surface and deeper soil layers, respectively. Additionally, precipitation emerges as the dominant factor influencing changes in PT between different soil layers. Our study highlights a discernible shift in PT drivers from temperature to precipitation as soil depth increases and the significant impact of precipitation on exacerbating spatial heterogeneity in PT. This study contributes to an enhanced comprehension of the propagation process from meteorological drought to soil drought at different depths, which can aid in establishing practical drought mitigation measures and early warning systems.

Culturable Bioaerosols Assessment in a Waste-Sorting Plant and UV-C Decontamination

Waste-Sorting Plant (WSP) workers are exposed to bioaerosols containing a large variety of bacterial and fungal species, posing a critical health risk that needs to be assessed and mitigated. The present study aimed to evaluate the indoor air quality in a Portuguese WSP and the air decontamination efficiency with UV-C. The concentrations of bacteria and fungi and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), CO2, relative humidity, and temperature were determined at different hours in manual sorting areas (cabin and ramp) in autumn and winter in 2022 and in administrative offices and canteen in the autumn of 2023. The PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in the air increased with the daily waste-sorting activities, especially inside the cabin, averaging 22 and 42 μg/m3, respectively, while the CO2 concentration was in the range of 343–578 ppm in both sampling sites. The bacterial species were mainly environmental (mesophilic bacteria) rather than human sources. In the waste-sorting areas, the concentration of bacteria was often found to exceed outdoor values by more than 1000 CFU/m3 on average. Additionally, the concentration of fungi indoors was consistently higher than outdoor values, in many cases exceeding 500 CFU/m3. These findings suggest that workers in these areas are frequently exposed to high levels of microbes. The indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) contamination ratios revealed that the air quality inside the administrative offices and the canteen had high pollutant concentrations during some time periods. The worst scenarios were observed in the canteen and offices with high occupancy in the afternoon. UV-C lamps at 253.7 nm and with 5.0 W irradiation power were used in the sorting cabin to test the indoor air and surface decontamination, and the results showed a high bacterial removal efficacy of over 87.6% after one hour of exposure to UV-C. The present study raises the question of whether 37 °C is the optimal incubation temperature for WSP samples since the microorganisms’ habitat before the sampling had a much lower temperature. As the waste-sorting industry expands, these findings show that the air quality of WSPs remains concerning and requires a holistic approach, integrating the working conditions of all personnel and the implementation and monitoring of mitigation measures.

The Bitcoin‐agricultural commodities nexus: Fresh insight from COVID‐19 and 2022 Russia–Ukraine war

AbstractThis paper investigates the volatility connectedness and dynamic time–frequency relationship between Bitcoin (BTC) and 15 major agricultural commodity markets during the COVID‐19 and 2022 Russia–Ukraine war periods. We employ the TVP‐VAR‐based extended joint connectedness method, minimum connectedness investment portfolio, and wavelet coherence (WC) method. The results indicate that the sudden outbreaks of the two crises brought about increased volatility connectedness between BTC and agricultural commodity markets. Throughout the entire sample period, BTC remained a net transmitter of volatility. Moreover, in terms of the total connectedness index (TCI), the overall volatility correlation surged rapidly after the outbreak of COVID‐19 and the 2022 Russia–Ukraine war. The portfolio results demonstrated that BTC exhibited a low correlation with the agricultural commodity markets, suggesting diversification potential. Additionally, only Feeder Cattle served as an effective hedging asset for BTC throughout all periods. The WC analysis confirmed that during the COVID‐19 period and the 2022 Russia–Ukraine war, most of the linkages were primarily concentrated at medium‐ to long‐term frequencies. Our analysis will contribute to a deeper understanding of the interconnection between these markets, enabling market participants to consider risk mitigation measures and support portfolio diversification when formulating policies and regulations involving relevant markets in the future.

Evaluasi Faktor-Faktor Penyebab Longsor dan Kesesuaian Mitigasi

Management and maintenance of slopes require proper knowledge of slope conditions so that appropriate mitigation measures can be implemented. The activities required for the management of slopes include slope inventory, slope inspection, slope risk level assessment, and risk mitigation measures. The objective of this study was to observe the slope conditions and causes of past slope failures, determine the appropriate mitigation measures, and analyze the suitability of landslide mitigation measures and causes of slope failures. The research locations are road segment No. 36 (Kota Lahat – Simpang Air Dingin), No. 37 (Simpang Air Dingin – Pagar Alam), and No. 38 (Pagar Alam – Tanjung Sakti – batas Bengkulu). The research was initiated by analyzing data collected by the South Sumatra National Road Management Agency (BPJNSS) from 2018 to 2021. The field observation was conducted on ten locations where the slope had been repaired after slope failure events. The suitability of mitigation with the factors that cause landslides was analyzed using the slope management system method suggested by the Ministry of PUPR. The results showed that most slope failures were triggered by high-intensity rain falling on slope surfaces containing high humidity due to previous rainfall. The common types of slope mitigation are reducing the forces that cause movement, increasing the resisting forces by controlling seepage, and the use of anchors.

First molecular survey of tick-borne protozoan and bacterial pathogens in the questing tick population in Bangladesh.

Questing ticks carry various tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) that are responsible for causing tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in humans and animals around the globe, especially in the tropics and sub-tropics. Information on the distribution of ticks and TBPs in a specific geography is crucial for the formulation of mitigation measures against TBDs. Therefore, this study aimed to survey the TBPs in the questing tick population in Bangladesh. A total of 2748 questing hard ticks were collected from the pastures in Sylhet, Bandarban, Sirajganj, Dhaka, and Mymensingh districts through the flagging method. After morphological identification, the ticks were grouped into 142 pools based on their species, sexes, life stages, and collection sites. The genomic DNA extracted from tick specimens was screened for 14 pathogens, namely Babesia bigemina (AMA-1), Babesia bovis (RAP-1), Babesia naoakii (AMA-1), Babesia ovis (18S rRNA), Theileria luwenshuni (18S rRNA), Theileria annulata (Tams-1), Theileria orientalis (MPSP), Anaplasma marginale (groEL), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (16S rRNA), Anaplasma bovis (16S rRNA), Anaplasma platys (16S rRNA), Ehrlichia spp. (16S rRNA), Rickettsia spp. (gltA), and Borrelia (Bo.) spp. (flagellin B) using genus and species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The prevalence of the detected pathogens was calculated using the maximum likelihood method (MLE) with 95 % confidence interval (CI). Among 2748 ixodid ticks, 2332 (84.86 %) and 416 (15.14 %) were identified as Haemaphysalis bispinosa and Rhipicephalus microplus, respectively. Haemaphysalis bispinosa was found to carry all the seven detected pathogens, while larvae of R. microplus were found to carry only Bo. theileri. Among the TBPs, the highest detection rate was observed in A. bovis (20/142 pools, 0.81 %, CI: 0.51-1.20), followed by T. orientalis (19/142 pools, 0.72 %, CI: 0.44-1.09), T. luwenshuni (9/142 pools, 0.34 %, CI: 0.16-0.62), B. ovis (4/142 pools, 0.15 %, CI: 0.05 - 0.34) and Bo. theileri (4/142 pools, 0.15 %, CI: 0.05-0.34), Ehrlichia ewingii (3/142 pools, 0.11 %, CI: 0.03-0.29), and Babesia bigemina (1/142, 0.04 %, CI: 0.00 - 0.16). This study reports the existence of T. luwenshuni, E. ewingii, and Bo. theileri in Bangladesh for the first time. The novel findings of this study are the foremost documentation of transovarian transmission of B. bigemina and E. ewingii in H. bispinosa and also provide primary molecular evidence on the presence of E. ewingii and Bo. theileri in H. bispinosa. Therefore, this study may shed light on the circulating TBPs in ticks in the natural environment and thereby advocate awareness among physicians and veterinarians to control and prevent TBDs in Bangladesh.

An evaluation of air quality impact prediction performance undertaken as part of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in India

Effective implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is recognised as a global issue, in particular the impact prediction stage, which is the ‘core’ of EIA. Consisting of four stages: impact identification, impact assessment, significance evaluation, and mitigation measures on the possible environmental repercussions of project developmental activities, the efficacy of impact prediction can define the quality of the EIA process, which will better align environmental decision-making to sustainable development. The weakness of impact prediction in EIA demands more study to enhance practice. Although this is widely explored in the context of developed countries such as the UK, it is particularly concerning in India. A specialised review package built from several sources is utilised to assess the efficacy of air quality impact prediction, based on Lee & Colley (1991). 20 EIA reports of Category A (mega-scale projects causing significant environmental impacts) are reviewed. This study's evaluation indicates that significance evaluation and mitigation actions are the weakest phases and a major concern while assessing air quality studies conducted as a part of EIA. Recommendations to improve the process include prioritising the cumulative impact assessment within the regulatory framework, enhancing capacity building, embedding public participation and instilling accountability among stakeholders, which can be adopted globally. Additional recommendations specifically for India are revising the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), restructuring the EIA review mechanism by EAC and improving mitigation measures by adopting GIS and remote sensing technologies.