Protective Screen Research Articles

Experimental modeling mechanical qualities of heatcover screens

Basic physical and mechanical properties of heatcover composition material that is used for making of protective screens are experimentally investigated. For this purpose on the example of flowed plastic STEF executed (with the use of traditional charts) research at small (less than 1 m/s) and high (more than 3 m/s) rate-of-change of ladening. At small speeds of ladening durability of material was investigated at superficial deformation, tension, bend and change. At high speeds work of destruction and shock viscidity was determined. Organization and realization of experiments were done according to rules of planning experiments. All investigations were made with the using kinds of experimental equipment which had according certifications of control their quality and accuracy. Obtained results were treated by methods of mathematical statistics and researches of their dispersions. The results of experimental researches drawn on at the decision of concrete design-engineering tasks, in particular, at development of equipment and choice of the modes of crushing of composition materials during their utilization (although, undoubtedly, the obtained data have more wide value). For example, data of intruding conical elements in material were used for selecting optimal angles for working elements of equipment. Correlations between power parameters of intruding process were used for selecting power parameters of equipment for crushing of composition materials. Equipment and technology for crushing of composition materials during their utilization, which are designed on the base of these investigations, have new useful technical and technological specialties, that is why, authors obtained document of intellectual property on this object.

LIVING WITH ALBINISM IN SOUTH AFRICA: UNCOVERING THE HEALTH CHALLENGES FROM A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has acknowledged that persons with albinism face the highest risk of developing skin cancer. While information concerning their susceptibility to cancer is very important, CANSA observed that such information is communicated to persons with albinism at a very late stage, especially those living in rural areas of South Africa. The Albinism Society of South Africa has revealed that the national health system has failed to adequately consider and take into account the health care needs of persons living with albinism. Very few persons with albinism have access to sunglasses with a high UV protection screen to relieve light sensitivity, or to preventative services such as dermatological skin checks, eye checks and eye corrections. This article establishes that the specialised health intervention required by persons with albinism is not prioritised in South Africa’s health care plan. The author argues that a well-timed intervention into the health needs of persons with albinism will have a penetrative influence on the fate of a small yet significant population. The recognition of the right of access to health care in the South African Constitution affords persons living with albinism the right to challenge the government’s failure to provide them with essential health care services and health accessories. This article also discusses the pertinent clinical aspects of albinism, with the aim of contextualising the legal discussion in the rest of the article.

Determining regularities in the distribution of noise load from motorways and road bridges depending on the distance to a residential area

This paper reports the improved model for estimating transport noise from highways at a roadside lane under the influence of noise load from traffic flow moving on an open section of the highway and over a bridge. It has been established that with an increase in the distance from the sound source to the coordinates of the noise load measurement, the noise decreases, both in the presence of a noise-protective screen and in the case of an open section of the highway. At 100 m from the sound source, the noise load level decreases by 13.4 % in the case of the car moving over a bridge, and by 13.3 % when driving a car along an open section of the road. It has been found that the noise level on bridges exceeds the level of noise pollution from the road to 10 dB, which is explained by the propagation of different frequencies of noise load from the bridge. It has been determined that due to the special nature of sound waves, diffraction through noise screens does not change all frequencies evenly. High frequencies diffract to a smaller degree while lower frequencies diffract deeper into the "shadow" zone behind the screen. Therefore, the screen is more effective at reducing sound waves with a high frequency compared to sound waves with lower frequencies. Experimental studies into the effectiveness of noise-protective screens made of metal perforated structures on sections of public roads were carried out, taking into consideration distances from noise sources to noise load measurement sites. It is established that noise-proof screens made of steel (perforated) sheet reduce the level of noise load from vehicles to the environment by up to 14 %. It was found that when driving cars on the road, the equivalent sound level at a distance of 1 m in front of the noise protection screen is 88.6 dBA while the maximum sound level at a distance of 1 m in front of the noise protection screen is 103.9 dBA. It has been established that in the presence of a drain hole in the noise protection screen, its acoustic efficiency is reduced to 3 dBA.

Descriptive Analysis of Health Screening for COVID-19 at Points of Entry in Pakistan According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines From February 2020 to March 2021

Background Points of entry (POE) in Pakistan serve as key conduits for international travel, transport, and trade. The Central Health Establishment is the key stakeholder in the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) core capacities at POE and National Action Plan 2020 for COVID-19. A comprehensive screening plan (involving more than 4 million passengers to date) was carried out effectively despite a few limitations. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the system attributes of health screening measures for COVID-19 at POE according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines with the aim of identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the system and formulating recommendations to improve the system. Methods A descriptive study on the CDC guidelines for health screening at POE was conducted at the Directorate of Central Health Establishments from February 2020 to March 2021. The CDC guidelines are based on 11 attributes to be implemented for COVID-19 health screening at POE; these include legal and regulatory bodies to detain the traveler as suspect, isolation and coordination at POE, funds for screening, quarantine facilities equipped with basic necessities and communication channels for the quarantined travelers, referral health care facilities for POE, protocols for primary and secondary screening, capacity building, supply of personal protective equipment and screening tools, isolation areas, and provision of basic facilities at POE. Data were collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Web-based questionnaires and in-depth interviews for personnel in charge and quarantine assistants at POE were completed. Analysis of the Central Health Establishment’s information system was performed to assess management of traveler surveillance. Results The 11 attributes for health screening according to the CDC guidelines were addressed and well implemented at POE by the Central Health Establishment under the flagship of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation, and Coordination. Primary health screening of 4,088,119 inbound travelers was conducted. Secondary health screening led to the referral of 415 suspected cases of COVID-19 to hospitals. A total of 74,833 polymerase chain reaction tests for COVID-19 were performed at airports for inbound travelers, with a positivity rate of 0.6%. A total of 19,130 international flights were screened during the study period. Conclusions Preparedness and response for COVID-19 at POE are in line with the National Action Plan of the Government of Pakistan and International Health Regulations (2005).

The study of the influence of protective screen on reducing the level of air pollution

The task of assessing the areas of chemical pollution near the highway, where the protective screen is located, is considered. The protective screen locally changes the aerodynamics of the air flow near the highway, which contributes to the minimization of air pollution in the working zones near the highway. Recently, interest has increased in studying the effectiveness of the use of protective screens of complex shape, which are located near highways. The purpose of the work is to develop a numerical model for calculating pollution zones formed near the protective screen, as well as conducting a laboratory experiment to analyze the patterns of formation of pollution zones near the T-shaped screen. For mathematical modeling of the process of formation of pollution zones near the protective screen, the equation of convective-diffusion transfer of impurities is used. This equation takes into account atmospheric diffusion, wind speed, emission intensity of a chemically hazardous substance, the location of the emission source, and the shape of the protective screen. Two models of aerodynamics are used to calculate the air flow velocity field when flowing around a protective screen. The first model is the Navier-Stokes equations. These equations are written in the variables "eddy current function". The second model is a two-dimensional equation for the velocity potential. For the numerical integration of the vortex transport equation, the splitting method is used, followed by the explicit finite-difference method. For the numerical integration of the Poisson equation for the stream function, the Liebman method is used. To numerically integrate the equation for the velocity potential and the equation for the convective-diffusion transfer of impurities, a locally one-dimensional difference scheme is used. The calculation of unknown parameters is implemented by an explicit formula. A package of application programs was created on the basis of the developed numerical model. The constructed numerical model and software package allow to study the process of the formation of pollution areas near the highway almost in real time. The results of the computational experiment are presented. The results of a laboratory experiment on the study of the structure of the contamination zone near the protective screen are presented.

NUMERICAL TESTS FOR SOIL EROSION REDUCTION SOLUTIONS UNDER THE ACTION OF THE WIND

The purpose of this study is to make a numerical model of air movement over a sandy terrain provided with protective screens. This model was based on a series of physical tests on air flow in a wind tunnel with discontinuity, for which velocity profiles were obtained in different sections downstream of the air inlet. Following the numerical simulation of the air flow under the same conditions as those of the physical tests, almost identical velocity profiles were obtained in the same sections. This allowed the validation of the numerical model and its adaptation to simulate the movement of air in the atmospheric boundary layer zone above a sandy terrain provided with a number of permeable protective screens with the aim of reducing the wind speed.

'Candidatus Liberibacter' Pathosystems at the Forefront of Agricultural and Biological Research Challenges.

'Candidatus Liberibacter' Pathosystems at the Forefront of Agricultural and Biological Research Challenges.

An X-ray lead screen may be used to reduce an interventional radiologist's radiation exposure during CT-guided procedures.

The exposure of both patient and operator to radiation is one of the limitations of computed tomography (CT)-guided interventions, and it should be kept as low as reasonably possible. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a lead screen in reducing the radiation dose to an operator in the course of CT-guided interventions. This prospective study analysed data collected from 72 consecutive CT-guided procedures, all of which were performed with an X-ray protective lead screen placed between the scanner and the operator. Five dosimeters were placed in the CT scanning room, and accumulated radiation doses were measured for each dosimeter. The dosimeter placed on the gantry side of the lead screen revealed highest levels of radiation (11.33 ± 1.93 mSv), which were significantly higher than those at all other dosimeters. The radiation dose behind the lead screen was almost the same when measured by dosimeters on the CT scanner gantry side and 3 metres away from it. The presence of the screen caused no discomfort for operators. A lead screen reduces an operator's radiation exposure significantly, while not posing any obstacles or causing any discomfort while CT-guided procedures are carried out.

Defining patterns of heat transfer through the fire-protected fabric to wood

Under the thermal action on wood when applying a protective screen made from fire-retardant fabric, the process of temperature transfer is natural. It has been proven that depending on the thermal properties of the coating of fire-proof fabric, this could lead to varying degrees of heat transfer. Therefore, it becomes necessary to study the conditions for establishing low thermal conductivity and establishing a mechanism that inhibits heat transfer to wood. Given this, a mathematical model has been built of the process of heat transfer to wood when it is protected by a screen made of fire-proof fabric. According to the experimental data on determining the temperature on the non-heated surface of the fabric and the resulting dependences, the density of the heat flow transmitted to wood through fire-proof fabric was determined. Thus, with an increase in the temperature, the density of the heat flow to the surface of the wood through a protective screen made of fire-proof protected coating based on "Firewall-Attic" increases to a value above 16 kW/m2, which is not sufficient for ignition of wood. Instead, the density of the heat flow through the protective screen of fire-proof fabric protected by the "Firewall-Wood"-based coating did not exceed 14 kW/m2. This makes it possible to argue about the compliance of the detected mechanism of formation of heat-insulating properties in the protection of wood and the practical attractiveness of the proposed technological solutions. Thus, the peculiarities of inhibition of the process of heat transfer to wood through a protective screen made of fire-proof fabric under the action of a radiation panel imply the formation of a heat-insulating layer of coked cellular material when decomposing the coating. Thus, on the surface of the fire-proof fabric, a temperature above 280 °C was achieved and, on an untreated surface of the fabric, it did not exceed 220 °C, which is insufficient for the ignition of wood.

ON IMPROVEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS OF THE KHARKIV MOTORWAY SECTION

Nowadays, on the territory of large cities, there is an increase in emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere. The reasons for this are manifold: violation of design technological regimes, outdated equipment, an increase in the volume of road transport. The constantly growing intensity of traffic flows is annually accompanied by an increase in the anthropogenic load on the population of modern cities. With the increase in the number of vehicles on the streets of large cities, the world community has identified noise as one of the main factors that worsen the standard of living of people. To assess the noise pollution of the environment by road transport, a typical area of the urban area in the Kharkiv micro district was chosen. The study consisted of four main stages: Stage I – assessment of the road condition and environmental situation in the courtyards of the micro district; Stage II – assessment of acoustic pollution of the main area; Stage III – assessment of the concentration of pollutants; Stage IV – measures to reduce the level of environmental hazard. The study revealed that residential areas around Gagarin Avenue are prone to high noise levels and high concentrations of pollutants in the air. So, Gagarin Avenue is in the zone of acoustic discomfort (noise level 80 dBA), which exceeds the permissible noise level, while the degree of man-made impact on the environment during road operation is 1000 UAH / hour for every 100 people. Based on the results of calculations of the concentrations of pollutants from vehicles along Gagarin Avenue, it was found that for almost all substances their concentrations exceed the MPC by more than 3 times. Analysis of the experience of European countries in the use of noise protection screens with integrated solar panels allowed us to propose a model of noise protection barrier with integrated solar panels, which can be used to protect the urban environment from noise, sound waves and exhaust chemicals. gases from internal combustion engines. It has been established that the placement of a combined noise protection screen will reduce the noise level by about 8–15 dBA. Noise load maps were built in the main area before and after the implementation of the environmental measure. The results of the study will make it possible to introduce administrative and legislative measures to ensure regulatory noise levels for residential areas adjacent to highways and environmental safety when organizing traffic on the streets of large cities.

Sufficient personal protective equipment training can reduce COVID-19 related symptoms in healthcare workers: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe association between inadequate personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic and an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in frontline healthcare workers has been proven. However, frontline healthcare workers with an adequate supply of personal protective equipment still showed an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. Research on the use of personal protective equipment could provide insight into handling present and future pandemics. ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the impact of the availability, training and correct selection of personal protective equipment on the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection or positive suspect cases in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium. DesignThis was a prospective cohort study involving Belgian healthcare workers: nurses, nursing aides, and midwives working in hospitals, home care services, and residential care services. MethodsRespondents were invited from May to July 2020 (period 1) followed by a second time in October 2020 (period 2) to complete a digital survey on personal protective equipment availability, training, personal protective equipment selection, screening ability, COVID-19 testing and status, and symptoms corresponding with the COVID-19 suspect case definition. The main outcome was a composite of COVID-19 status change (from negative to positive) during the study or a positive suspect case definition in period 2. ResultsFull data were available for 617 participants. The majority of respondents were nurses (93%) employed in a hospital (83%). In total, 379 respondents provided frontline care for COVID-19 patients (61%) and were questioned on personal protective equipment availability and personal protective equipment selection. Nurses were more likely to select the correct personal protective equipment compared with nursing aides and midwives. Respondents working in residential care settings were least likely to choose personal protective equipment correctly. Of all healthcare workers, 10% tested positive for COVID-19 during the course of the study and a composite outcome was reached in 54% of all respondents. Working experience and sufficient personal protective equipment training showed an inverse relation with the composite outcome. The relationship between personal protective equipment availability and the composite outcome was fully mediated by personal protective equipment training (-0.105 [95% confidence interval -0.211 — -0.020]). ConclusionsProper training in personal protective equipment usage is critical to reduce the risk of COVID infection in healthcare workers. During a pandemic, rapid dissemination of video guidelines could improve personal protective equipment knowledge in practitioners.Tweetable abstract: Proper training in personal protective equipment usage is critical to reduce the risk of COVID infection in healthcare workers.

Radiation protection technologies using granular materials

Technological overcoming of the potential threat of a decrease in the quality of radiation monolithic structures of protective shields, which are under constant influence of ionizing radiation (due to radiation embitterment) is one of the most urgent tasks of ensuring protection against radiation exposure.
 The aim of the work is to carry out a comparative analysis of the quality (in terms of radiation protection) of monolithic and granular protective screens. In contrast to monolithic prototypes, granular conglomeration has clear advantages, which are to avoid destructive processes of radiation embitterment, simplify replacement and handling (compaction and compaction), and disposal. It is important to emphasize that the protective properties of granular screens hardly differ from their monolithic counterparts, and the economic advantages of the corresponding technologies are significant at the same time. The material provided is actually the formulation of the problem on the theoretical substantiation of the advantages of using granular materials (in comparison with monolithic ones) in radiation protection technologies based on analysis as physical mechanisms and form factors of interaction neutron and gamma radiation with a substance with a developed morphology on a micro-scale.

Model test for the simultaneous injecting of super-large rectangular pipe jacking

In the construction of pipe-jacking tunnels, simultaneous injecting is a key in controlling surface deformation and jacking force. At present, the traditional simultaneous injecting research is mainly limited to the study of slurry materials and the friction coefficient, while research on the flow of the slurry itself and its filling mechanism is rarely involved. By building a pipe-slurry-soil system and model test platform, this paper presents the results of a laboratory reduced-scale model test on the simultaneous injection of slurry of super-large rectangular pipe jacking. Results show that different slurries have varying effects on the quality of protective slurry screen, which contains traditional thixotropic slurry (consisting of bentonite, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and soda ash) as well as HS-3 compound slurry and polyacrylamide compound slurry. Furthermore, the injection pressure, injection flowing path, and toroidal injection pressure distribution were visually and accurately measured and analyzed by installing 22 miniature soil pressure gauges on the surface of the organic glass model pipe and arranging 12 cameras inside the organic glass segment. Meanwhile, the settlement of different parts of soil and pipe-jacking force was measured to observe the influence of protective slurry screen on the ground settlement and pipe-jacking force. The injecting pressure distribution and the flow filling process of the shallow overburden large-section rectangular pipe-jacking tunnel were also explored.

ECOLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SHALLOW GROUNDWATER IN SOUTHERN BUG AND SYNIUKHA INTERFLUVE AREA

Problem Statement and purpose. The study area encompassing the territory of about 150 km2, in August 2000, was declared as a zone of environmental emergency due to increasing pollution rates in shallow groundwater, in surface water and to health deterioration of the inhabitants of some settlements. Groundwater is widely used by the local population in numerous boreholes for domestic and agricultural purposes. In the zone of environmental emergency there are about 35 anthropogenic objects, such as: industrial and domestic landfills, pesticide and fertilizer storage, various livestock farm complexes, settling tanks, wastewater and solid waste discharges, etc. The insecurity of shallow groundwater, also its location close to the surface and in the lowest parts of the terrain leads to intensive pollution of groundwater. Besides, groundwater in relation to the fractured waters of the Precambrian crystalline rocks, which lie below and are used for drinking water supply, perform the functions of both a protective screen and a source of pollution. In this case, a multifaceted study of shallow groundwater chemical composition and their formation conditions is a priority task of this study for the environmental emergency zone and for the district as a whole. The purpose of this paper to study the chemical composition and to establish the processes and factors controlling the shallow groundwater chemistry in modern and Pleistocene sediments of the Southern Bug and Syniukha interfluve. Data and Methods. A total of 102 water samples were collected from groundwater wells and boreholes and were hydrochemically analyzed for their macrocomponent composition. Groundwater quality geochemical assessment was carried out using statistical methods in combination with conventional graphical methods by examining groundwater in the Boleslavchik village, where they are most polluted. Results. The dominant hydrochemical types of shallow groundwater are SO4- Na, HCO3-Na and mixed SO4-Mg-Na, SO4-Ca-Na types, sometimes NO3-HCO3 and NO3-Cl-Na types. These groundwater types are formed under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors, such as water-rock interaction, evaporation-crystallization, precipitation and anthropogenic impact. In this case, water-rock interaction processes, such as silicate weathering, carbonate and sulfate dissolution, ion exchange, evaporation-crystallization and anthropogenic impact play major roles. The weathering of feldspars, chlorites and dissolution of calcites, dolomites are the primary sources for Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ ions, and dissolution of gypsum, sulfide mineralization for SO4 2– ions. High concentrations of Na+, Cl–, SO4 2–, NO3 – in shallow groundwater reflect agricultural activity as the main source of these ions.

“Let’s Talk about Skin Cancer”: Examining Association between Family Communication about Skin Cancer, Perceived Risk, and Sun Protection Behaviors

Family communication about skin cancer risk may motivate protective behaviors. However, it is unclear how widespread such communication might be. In this study, we describe prevalence and patterns (across environmental, personal, and behavioral factors) of family communication about skin cancer across N = 600 diverse (79% female, 48% Hispanic, 44% non-Hispanic White) primary care patients from Albuquerque, New Mexico, a geographical location with year-round sun exposure. Over half reported discussing general cancer (77%) and skin cancer risks (66%) with their families. The most frequent target of skin cancer risk communication included doctors (54%), followed by friends/coworkers (49%), spouse/partner (43%), other family members (38%), sisters (36%), mothers (36%), daughters (33%), sons (32%), father (24%), and brothers (22%). On average, participants reported having talked to three family members about skin cancer risks. The most frequently discussed content of skin cancer risk communication was the use of sun protection (89%), followed by the personal risk of skin cancer (68%), who had skin cancer in the family (60%), family risk of skin cancer (59%), time of sun exposure (57%), and skin cancer screening (57%). A family or personal history of cancer, higher perceived risk, higher health literacy, being non-Hispanic, having higher education or income, and proactive sun protective behavior were associated with greater family communication about general cancer and skin cancer risks. These study findings have implications for interventions that encourage discussions about skin cancer risk, sun protection, and skin cancer screening that lead to adoption of sun-safe behaviors.

Nationwide comprehensive health protection screening program in Hungary, 2010-2020-2030 (MAESZ).

Background and Aims: From 2010 a new, complex screening program started in Hungary, named NATIONWIDE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH PROTECTION SCREENING PROGRAM in HUNGARY 2010-2020-2030. Within the framework of the Program in the largest mobile diagnostics center in Hungary the adult population has the opportunity to obtain 40 comprehensive surveys in free form.

Endodontic Emergencies in Mumbai City during COVID-19 Lockdown and Different Phases of Unlock.

The present descriptive research focused on determining the traits of patients who required endodontic treatment during the COVID-19 lockdown and various stages of unlocking in Mumbai metropolitan region. The descriptive analysis was carried out by examining the patients who were registered at Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai during four phases of lockdown (25 March to 31 May 2020) and eight phases of unlock (1 June 2020 to 31 January 2021). The evaluation was performed by evaluating the number of days and the overall number of patients reported for endodontic treatment for the first and subsequent visits. Each patient underwent intensive triage, which included taking their body temperature, oxygen saturation level, and travel history. The sex, age, and endodontic diagnosis of the offending tooth were also reported. The pain parameters were analyzed using a verbal numerical rating score (VNRS). During the lockdown phases, 297 patients seeking endodontic treatment visited the hospital over a total of 26 working days, and during the unlock phases, 16,195 patients visited the hospital over 189 working days. The average age of the patients that visited were 31–40 years of age (57.23%). The mean VNRS score was 5.85 ± 1.62. For both the lockdown and unlock periods, a significantly higher percentage of males visited dental school (p < 0.001). When compared to other stages, the number of patients attending during lockdown phase 4 (55.56%) and unlock phase 8 (32.35%) was the highest. The majority of endodontic emergency diagnoses were reversible pulpitis (36.5%) and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (33.14%), all of which had higher mean VNRS (p < 0.05). Of the 49 patients that reported with COVID-19 symptoms, 11 tested positive. During the lockdown and unlock periods, 12 of the 41 treating workers tested positive. Personal protective equipment and patient screening are critical in shielding clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Estimating the influence of double-sided rounded screens on the acoustic field around a linear sound source

This paper reports a study into the acoustic field of transport flow around noise protection screens located on both sides of the sound source. Most research on noise protection involving noise protection screens relates to the assessment of the effectiveness of screens located on one side of the noise source. The influence of the second screen on the effectiveness of the first one has been investigated only experimentally. Therefore, it is a relevant task to assess the mutual impact of the two screens between which the linear sound source is located. A problem was stated in such a way that has made it possible to derive an analytical solution and find a sound field around a linear sound source. In this case, the sound source was limited on both sides by acoustically rigid screens with finite thickness. The screens' cross-sections were shaped as part of a ring with arbitrary angles and the same radius. The problem was solved by the method of partial domains. This method has made it possible to obtain an infinite system of algebraic equations that were solved by the method of reduction. Such an approach to solving a problem allows a given solution to be applied for different cases of the mutual location of screens, source, and territory protected from noise. The study results help estimate a field between the screens, the dependence of increasing sound pressure on the road on the geometric size of the screen and the width of the road. In addition, the solution resulted in the ability to assess the impact of one screen on the efficiency of another in the frequency range of up to 1,000 Hz. It has been shown that the mutual impact of screens could reduce the screen efficiency by 2 times. The study reported here could make it possible to more accurately calculate the levels of the sound field from traffic flows when using noise protection screens, which is often performed in practice when designing new and reconstructing existing highways.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Bovine Brucellosis in District Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan.

Simple SummaryOur study estimated the seroprevalence of brucellosis in bovine herds and identified the important risk factors associated with the occurrence of the disease at livestock farms. A total of 220 sera from 46 bovine herds of district Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan, was collected and subjected to brucellosis screening by serology. It resulted in 58.7% herd-based and 22.7% individual animal-based seroprevalence. Age, herd size and previous history of abortion came out as associated risk factors. Strict biosecurity, personal protection, quarantine measures and routine screening are recommended at livestock-holdings/farms, whereas disease awareness and pasteurization of milk are recommended for the general population to prevent zoonosis.Bovine brucellosis is a contagious zoonotic disease that causes economic losses through abortion and infertility. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of bovine brucellosis in district Gujranwala of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 220 bovine sera (112 from buffaloes, 108 from cattle) from 46 unvaccinated herds were collected. Parallel testing by the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Indirect Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (I-ELISA) showed a 58.7% (27/46) herd-level and 22.7% (50/220) animal-level seroprevalence. Seroprevalence was higher (p < 0.001, OR = 7.62) in adult animals (37.2%) compared to younger animals (4.9%). A herd size of >10 animals (p = 0.021, OR = 7.83), less housing space (p = 0.037, OR = 6.39) and history of abortion at the farm (p = 0.023, OR = 5.6) were found as risk factors associated with the seropositivity of brucellosis. There was a substantial agreement between the RBPT and I-ELISA results (Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ) = 64.16, percent agreement = 89.5%). In conclusion, a relatively higher seroprevalence was found compared to the previous reports from the country. Standardization and validation of the advanced diagnostic tests would be needed. Biosecurity, personal protection, quarantine measures and routine screening of animals at the farm level and disease awareness programs and consumption of pasteurized milk in the human population will be helpful in preventing the transmission/zoonosis of the disease.

Editorial: Green or red: Challenges for fish and freshwater biodiversity conservation related to hydropower

Editorial: Green or red: Challenges for fish and freshwater biodiversity conservation related to hydropower