Mitigation Techniques Research Articles

Workplace violence and its associated factors among nurses working in university teaching hospitals in Southern Ethiopia: a mixed approach

BackgroundWorkplace violence among nurses has increased dramatically in the last decade. Still, mitigation techniques have not been well explored; many studies used a quantitative research approach, and there is a knowledge gap on the current status of workplace violence. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of workplace violence and associated factors among nurses working at university teaching hospitals in the South Region of Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a mixed approach. A random sample of 400 nurses was interviewed for the quantitative analysis, and nine key informants were interviewed for the qualitative analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the data. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a corresponding p-value < 0.05 was used to determine the association between variables. The qualitative data were transcribed and translated, then themes were created, followed by thematic analysis using Open Code version 4.02.ResultsThe prevalence of workplace violence was 61.3% within the last 12 months. Nurses working in emergency departments [AOR = 4.27, 95% CI: 2.21, 8.24], nurses working in inpatient departments [AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.40, 4.72], the number of nurses in the same working unit from one to five [AOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.21, 4.63], and six to ten staff nurses [AOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.85], nurses routinely making direct physical contact [AOR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.55, 4.95], and nurses' work time between 6 pm and 7 am [AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.82] were factors significantly associated with workplace violence.ConclusionIn this study, the prevalence of workplace violence against nurses was high. We identified factors significantly associated with workplace violence among nurses. Interventions should focus on early risk identification, the management of violent incidents, and the establishment of violence protection strategies that consider contextual factors to reduce workplace violence.

Analysis of Cascaded Asymmetric Inverters using Low Frequency Technique

Multilevel inverters include a wide range of configurations and numerous benefits. Since each level switching angle is not neatly prepared, most conventional inverters cannot produce optimized waveforms. To attain an adequate voltage profile, we should indeed closely review the switching angle arrangement to attain a minimal Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). This work focuses on Cascaded H Bridge (CHB) multilevel inverters with asymmetrical configuration operating under a low frequency (LF) scheme. This work discusses various methods of harmonic mitigation techniques that comes under the LF scheme which includes the finest switching angle optimizations for generating various levels. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the topologies is investigated by minimizing lower-order harmonics and THD. THD is compared for various mitigation techniques for seven and nine-level configurations. The proposed configurations are simulated by employing MATLAB/Simulink. THD is calculated theoretically and evaluated by comparing it to simulated results for the suggested inverters. Additionally, thermal simulations of the configuration are carried out in PLECS to estimate power losses and efficiency. The suggested configurations are examined utilizing OPAL-RT (4510) test bed and the outcomes are included.

Leopard density and determinants of space use in a farming landscape in South Africa

Protected areas are traditionally the foundation of conservation strategy, but land not formally protected is of particular importance for the conservation of large carnivores because of their typically wide-ranging nature. In South Africa, leopard (Panthera pardus) population decreases are thought to be occurring in areas of human development and intense negative interactions, but research is biased towards protected areas, with quantitative information on population sizes and trends in non-protected areas severely lacking. Using Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture and occupancy techniques including 10 environmental and anthropogenic covariates, we analysed camera trap data from commercial farmland in South Africa where negative human-wildlife interactions are reported to be high. Our findings demonstrate that leopards persist at a moderate density (2.21 /100 km2) and exhibit signs of avoidance from areas where lethal control measures are implemented. This suggests leopards have the potential to navigate mixed mosaic landscapes effectively, enhancing their chances of long-term survival and coexistence with humans. Mixed mosaics of agriculture that include crops, game and livestock farming should be encouraged and, providing lethal control is not ubiquitous in the landscape, chains of safer spaces should permit vital landscape connectivity. However, continuing to promote non-lethal mitigation techniques remains vital.

308 Awardee Talk: Prevention and mitigation of pathogens in feed and feed manufacturing systems

Abstract Prior to 2013, pathogen transmission through feed was focused primarily on bacteria and biosecurity was used to prevent adulterant entry into the ingredients and the feed mills. Following the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) outbreak in 2013, research focused on pathogen mitigation and control quickly became a subject of interest. Since PEDV, multiple endemic viruses and foreign animal diseases have been found to be transmissible in feed or feed ingredients. As African swine fever virus (ASFV) spread closer to the United States and endemic pathogens are a continued pressure on production systems, it is imperative that prevention measures are included in the feed supply chain and options for mitigation are fully elucidated for times of need. Previous research has demonstrated that preventative measures such as boot baths, lines of separation, showers, and changing clothes are effective measures when appropriately maintained. However, these protocols can seem costly and burdensome to employees, especially when the risk of disease transmission appears low. Employee training is difficult as disease transmission is difficult to visualize and exhibit the importance of each measure. Glo Germ, a florescent substance, is a cost-effective training tool which can demonstrate the efficacy of prevention protocols and can identify areas where biosecurity measures have not been properly utilized. Preventative measures are the first line of defense for feed manufacturing systems, but understanding and using mitigation techniques in the event of contamination can limit pathogen spread and protect the rest of the feed supply chain. Pelleting, as a method of thermal inactivation process, has recently been demonstrated to lessen the quantity of detectable viral RNA and decrease the risk of infection. The pelleting process, however, is a point-in-time mitigant and does not decrease the risk of product re-contamination as feed continues down the supply chain. The use of chemical mitigants, like formaldehyde, medium-chain fatty acids, and organic acids, can decrease the presence of bacterial and viral pathogens with longer-lasting mitigation properties. These mitigants can either be used in the feed itself, or as an addition to flushing batches which help disperse the chemical mitigants throughout the feed manufacturing equipment, thus reducing the risk of product re-contamination. In the event more drastic measures must be taken to eliminate pathogen presence from feed mills, gaseous fumigation and the use of portable heaters show promise as methods to decontaminate feed manufacturing equipment without the use of water or complete equipment breakdown. Overall, effective training and implementation of preventative measures are needed to provide pathogen-free feed to production systems, but continued research in mitigation and mill decontamination will further protect the feed supply chain in the event of pathogen contamination.

STUDY OF FLOOD VULNERABILITY IN HIMALAYAN REGION: A CASE OF UTTRAKHAND

India's Himalayan area is well known for its magnificent scenery and abundant wildlife. However, because of its complicated geology, delicate ecosystems, and unpredictable climate, it is also extremely vulnerable to catastrophic calamities. The causes, effects, and mitigation techniques of the common natural catastrophes that affect India's Himalayan region—such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)—are briefly summarised in this summary. Because of the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, earthquakes are one of the most dangerous natural disasters in the Himalayan region. Major seismic events, like the one that struck Nepal in 2015, demonstrate how vulnerable the region's heavily inhabited areas are to devastating destruction and high fatality rates. Effective disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure are crucial for minimizing casualties and damage. Another common risk in the Himalayan region is landslides, which can be brought on by unstable slopes, strong rains, and seismic activity. The region's susceptibility is exacerbated by these occurrences, which represent a major threat to natural ecosystems, transportation networks, and towns, particularly during the monsoon season. In the Himalayan region, floods are a common occurrence that are exacerbated by glacial melt, heavy rainfall, and glacier lake outbursts. Flash floods, like the ones that occurred in Uttarakhand in 2013, highlight the terrible effects on infrastructure, communities, and the environment. Reducing flood risks and increasing resilience requires community-based adaptation strategies, early warning systems, and sustainable land use planning. A unique hazard in the Himalayan region, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are caused by the rapid melting of glaciers and the creation of unstable glacial lakes. The communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems downstream are seriously threatened by these catastrophes, which calls for careful observation and risk assessment techniques. One of the worst natural catastrophes to have hit the state in recent memory is the flash floods in Uttarakhand. Because to the state's distinctive geography, which is made up of small valleys and steep hills, heavy rainfall events have a greater effect, especially during the monsoon season. 2013's devastating flash floods, brought on by abnormally high rainfall, caused extensive environmental damage, infrastructure ruin, and a great deal of fatalities. The abrupt influx of water, rubble, and silt caused great destruction to isolated communities, tourist attractions, and places of worship, underscoring the precariousness of human habitation in the foothills of the Himalayas. The incident also brought attention to the relationship between unplanned development, environmental deterioration, and the likelihood of disasters, spurring calls for more land use planning, early warning systems, and sustainable development techniques future flash floods in Uttarakhand. In conclusion, the broad range of natural hazards that the Himalayan area of India faces calls for multifaceted methods to disaster risk reduction and management. In this dynamic and vulnerable setting, scientific research, community participation, and sustainable development practices are critical components of effective resilience-building efforts. Keywords: Hilly areas natural disaster, flash flood, Glacial lake outburst, flash flood in Uttarakhand

Assessment of global supply chain risk and mitigation strategies

This studies paper presents a comprehensive examination of global supply chain risk management, critical for navigating cutting-edge interconnected enterprise panorama. It explores diverse participants to deliver chain vulnerabilities, together with natural disasters, political instability, and economic fluctuations, highlighting the necessity for proactive chance mitigation techniques. Leveraging insights from scholarly literature and case research, the research underscores the importance of thorough understanding and evaluation of worldwide deliver chain dangers. It advocates for the adoption of progressive methodologies such as fuzzy common sense and Bayesian Belief Networks to beautify threat evaluation practices and prioritize mitigation efforts successfully. Moreover, the paper emphasizes the pivotal role of top management aid, strategic collaboration, and technological advancements in mitigating supply chain disruptions. Through the synthesis of various perspectives and strategies, the research advocates for a holistic technique to mitigate worldwide deliver chain dangers, making sure organizational resilience and sustainability. It underscores the necessity for continuous tracking, edition, and investment in chance management frameworks to navigate uncertainties and keep a competitive gain in an ever-evolving commercial enterprise surroundings. By offering practical insights and actionable tips, this paper equips groups with the expertise and gear essential to support their supply chains against disruptions, thereby improving operational performance and fostering long-time period achievement within the worldwide market. Keywords Supply chain risk management, Global supply chain,Risk mitigation strategies,Disruptions,Resilience

Design and Characterization of the Engineering Model of the Spectrometer Onboard LuSEE‐Night

AbstractThe Lunar Surface Electromagnetics Explorer—Night, LuSEE‐Night, is a low‐frequency radio astronomy experiment that will explore the cosmic Dark Ages signal on the radio‐quiet farside of the Moon. The LuSEE‐Night carries a radio frequency spectrometer consisting of a set of antennas, analog and digital processing electronics, and will be launched by NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services in 2025. The spectrometer is designed to observe the spectrum of the radio sky in the 0.5−50 MHz band. The engineering model (EM) of the four‐channel spectrometer has been developed. The EM has been characterized for linearity, gain, noise, and their temperature dependence, confirming that the EM meets all the requirements for LuSEE‐Night. Three mitigation techniques have been implemented and verified to suppress self‐induced electromagnetic interference. The flight model of the spectrometer is currently being developed and is scheduled to be shipped to the integration site in early 2024.

Transmission Structure Corrosion Due to Stray Currents and the Inspection and Mitigation Techniques: A Review

Transmission Structure Corrosion Due to Stray Currents and the Inspection and Mitigation Techniques: A Review

Analyzing Network Time Protocol (NTP) Based Amplification DDoS Attack and its Mitigation Techniques

Network Time Protocol amplification attack is a form of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack in which an attacker exploits or sends a request to a vulnerable NTP server by using their IP address to flood a targeted network or server with an overwhelming volume of User Datagram Protocol (UDP) traffic. In the past, the techniques that involved reflecting traffic off NTP servers to the victim, with the attacker hiding their identity by spoofing the source IP address were carried out using mainly Domain Name Server (DNS) servers but the use of vulnerable NTP servers as reflectors in DDoS attacks has gain lot of popularity since 2014, and this is as a result of the realization of high amplification scale that NTP servers can provide. This type of reflector attack maximized the use of the amplification factor of NTP servers to magnify the attack bandwidth, making it particularly disruptive and difficult to mitigate. Since NTP amplification is not a popularly known attack and there has not been much thorough research on it, this paper explores a holistic overview of NTP amplification attacks, how NTP is used for DDoS attacks, and the overall method that can be used to mitigate such attacks. Keywords: Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack, DNS servers, NTP servers

Analyzing Network Time Protocol (NTP) Based Amplification DDoS Attack and its Mitigation Techniques

Network Time Protocol amplification attack is a form of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack in which an attacker exploits or sends a request to a vulnerable NTP server by using their IP address to flood a targeted network or server with an overwhelming volume of User Datagram Protocol (UDP) traffic. In the past, the techniques that involved reflecting traffic off NTP servers to the victim, with the attacker hiding their identity by spoofing the source IP address were carried out using mainly Domain Name Server (DNS) servers but the use of vulnerable NTP servers as reflectors in DDoS attacks has gain lot of popularity since 2014, and this is as a result of the realization of high amplification scale that NTP servers can provide. This type of reflector attack maximized the use of the amplification factor of NTP servers to magnify the attack bandwidth, making it particularly disruptive and difficult to mitigate. Since NTP amplification is not a popularly known attack and there has not been much thorough research on it, this paper explores a holistic overview of NTP amplification attacks, how NTP is used for DDoS attacks, and the overall method that can be used to mitigate such attacks. Keywords: Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack, DNS servers, NTP servers

A novel cryogenic VUV spectrofluorometer for the characterization of wavelength shifters

We present a novel cryogenic VUV spectrofluorometer designed to characterize wavelength shifters (WLS) crucial for experiments based on liquid argon (LAr) scintillation light detection. Wavelength shifters like 1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-1,3-butadiene (TPB) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) are used in these experiments to shift the VUV scintillation light to the visible region. Precise knowledge of the optical properties of the WLS at liquid argon's temperature (87 K) and LAr scintillation wavelength (128 nm) is necessary to model and understand the detector response. The cryogenic VUV spectrofluorometer was commissioned to measure the emission spectra and relative wavelength shifting efficiency (WLSE) of samples between 300 K to 87 K for VUV (120 nm to 190 nm) and UV (310 nm) excitation. New mitigation techniques for surface effects on cold WLS were established. As part of this work, the TPB-based wavelength shifting reflector (WLSR) featured in the neutrinoless double-beta decay experiment LEGEND-200 was characterized. The WLSE was observed to increase by (54 ± 5) % from room temperature (RT) to 87 K. PEN installed in LEGEND-200 was also characterized, and a first measurement of the relative WLSE and emission spectrum at RT and 87 K is presented. The WLSE of amorphous PEN was found to be enhanced by at least (37 ± 4) % for excitation with 128 nm and by (52 ± 3) % for UV excitation at 87 K compared to RT.

NBTI Effect Survey for Low Power Systems in Ultra-Nanoregime

Background: Electronic device scaling with the advancement of technology nodes maintains the performance of the logic circuits with area benefit. Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices are the fundamental blocks for building logic circuits. Area minimization with higher efficiency of the circuits motivates the researchers of very large-scale integration (VLSI) design. Moreover, the reliability of digital circuits is one of the biggest challenges in VLSI technology. A major issue in reliability is negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) degradation. NBTI affects the efficiency and reliability of electronic devices Methods: This paper presents a review of NBTI physical-based mechanisms. NBTI's impact on VLSI circuits and techniques has been studied to mitigate and compensate for the effect of NBTI. Results: This review paper presents an idea to relate the NBTI and leakage mitigation techniques. This study gives an overview of the efficiency, complexity, and overhead of NBTI mitigation techniques and methodologies. Conclusion: This survey provides a brief idea about NBTI degradation by using reliability simulation. Moreover, the extensive aging effect is discussed in the paper.

Management of eutrophication using combined the “flock & sink” mitigation technique and submerged plants restoration: a mesocosm study

Abstract Currently, the issue of eutrophication and cyanobacterial blooms persists in water bodies worldwide, prompting the exploration of various treatment methods. This study conducted a comparative analysis of eutrophic water bodies using ferric chloride-modified zeolite (FMZ) and calcium hydroxide-modified zeolite (CMZ) combined with Elodeanuttallii (E. nuttallii) for removal and purification effects. The results revealed that the addition of E. nuttallii had a sustained inhibitory effect on phosphorus release, maintaining stability with lower Turbidity(Tur) and stabilized pH within the range of 8.5-9. FMZ demonstrated rapid reduction in dissolved phosphorus concentration, achieving a removal rate of 96% within 3 days. The combined plant group of CMZ and FMZ exhibited synergistic effects with E. nuttallii, achieving an impressive total phosphorus (TP) removal rate of 80.13% and a total nitrogen (TN) removal rate of 48.77%. Additionally, chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration decreased from 100.74 ± 24.72 μg/L to 49.96 ± 2.08 μg/L. The phytoplankton community composition indicated that diatoms thrived in low temperatures and high NH4 conditions. Under the same low Total Nitrogen to Total Phosphorus (TN:TP) ratio, high TP concentrations were associated with cyanobacteria dominance, while green algae dominated in other scenarios. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the potential efficacy of CMZ and FMZ combined with E. nuttallii in addressing eutrophic water bodies and mitigating cyanobacterial blooms.

Analysis of Multipath Changes in the Polish Permanent GNSS Stations Network

This study examines the influence of multipath errors on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements collected at ASG-EUPOS reference stations between 2010 and 2021. Multipath occurs when GNSS signals reflect off surrounding objects before reaching the receiver antenna, leading to positioning errors. In the case of reference stations, all available mitigation techniques were used to minimize the impact of multipath. However, it is still detectable and affects the measurement results. For carrier phase differential positioning, it increases the ambiguous search space, which results in a decrease in determining rover—reference station vector accuracy. The study employs two linear combinations (Code-Minus-Carrier and Multipath Pseudorange Observable) to quantify the multipath effect on both pseudorange and carrier phase measurements. Based on the research, it was found that the multipath values changed depending on the change of the receiver and the terrain around the reference stations. The study observed a gradual decrease in multipath errors from 2010 to 2021, likely due to technological advancements in receiver design. No significant increase in multipath errors was observed due to environmental changes around the stations, suggesting a minimal influence from new reflecting objects nearby. Based on the analyses conducted, it is also recommended to perform periodic tests to detect incorrect receiver configuration or operation.

The danger of the spread of Ralstonia solanacearum on potato crops worldwide and potential mitigation options

Abstract Potato is a major crop that is consumed by over one billion people worldwide. However, production is hampered by diseases such as viral infections, late blight, and bacterial wilt. Bacterial wilt disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is the second most prevalent disease after blight, and its effects are exacerbated by both global trade and climate change. The extent of the disease devastation varies by country, with more serious consequences evident in major potato-producing countries. The Ralstonia species complex (RSSC) is a group of pathogenic strains that spread through the use of infected seed potato, soils, water run-offs, plant debris, or contaminated farm equipment and propagation material. The elements that contribute to the rapid spread of bacterial wilt disease in potato are discussed in this review article, and a disease-control strategy is proposed. Understanding how R. solanacearum spreads through international trade is critical for developing effective mitigation and management techniques to control and limit the spread of this damaging phytopathogen.

Simulation of range code tracking loop for multipath mitigation in NavIC receiver

Abstract The Operational Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) comprises seven satellites in the orbit, including three in geostationary orbit (GEO) and four in geosynchronous orbit (GSO). NavIC provides both Standard Positioning Service and Restricted Service, using L5 (1176.45 MHz) and S1 (2492.028 MHz) frequencies, with coverage extending 1500 km around the mainland of India. In an urban canyon, multipath interference severely reduces the precision and reliability of NavIC positioning. Many current multipath mitigation techniques often exhibit high computational requirements or reliance on external assistance. In this paper, a ranging code tracking loop is proposed that can sustain either a late or early branch in contrast to the Narrow-Spacing (NS) correlation technique for mitigating multipath for NavIC receiver. The design of proposed code tracking loop is based on steepest descent algorithm. The findings demonstrate that, in terms of calculation time and code multipath mitigation, the suggested technique performs better than both Multipath Estimated Delay Locked Loop (MEDL) and NS correlation. The proposed method produces less than 0.016 chips for the tracking error Standard Deviation (STD). In addition, the recommended method takes 24 % less computation time.

Digital quantum simulation of gravitational optomechanics with IBM quantum computers

We showcase the digital quantum simulation of the action of a Hamiltonian that governs the interaction between a quantum mechanical oscillator and an optical field, generating quantum entanglement between them via gravitational effects. This is achieved by making use of a boson-qubit mapping protocol and a digital gate decomposition that allow us to run the simulations in the quantum computers available in the IBM Quantum platform. We present the obtained results for the fidelity of the experiment in two different quantum computers, after applying error mitigation and post-selection techniques. The achieved results correspond to fidelities over 90%, which indicates that we were able to perform a faithful digital quantum simulation of the interaction and therefore of the generation of quantum entanglement by gravitational means in optomechanical systems.

Efficacy of hypothetical bias mitigation techniques: A cross-country comparison

Hypothetical Bias (HB) remains challenging for practitioners of stated preference approaches. One elusive idea is the extent to which country and culture may affect HB's magnitude and the efficacy of mitigation methods. This paper implements both real and hypothetical elicitation in the United States and China in the context of a field survey and experiment for battery recycling containers to establish the extent of HB. It compares multiple HB mitigation strategies, namely Cheap Talk, Ex Ante Consequentiality, and Certainty Follow-up in the two countries. Results show that a significant amount of actual HB exists. The ex ante methods are ineffective at reducing HB in both countries. The Certainty Follow-up method can be effective but can overcorrect, especially for the Chinese sample. Results also indicate that comparing the efficacy of different mitigation strategies based on only hypothetical scenarios (potential HB) across countries may lead to erroneous conclusions. This study calls for treating country and cultural differences more seriously when conducting international valuation work.

Site Diversity Mitigation Technique for Satellite Services for Ku and Ka-band in Tropical Region

The demand for satellite communication has increased which led to spectral congestion. Recently, the satellite services use Ku and Ka-band as additional spectrum for satellite communication services. Ku and Ka-band are categorized as high frequency range which is around 12 to 14 GHz and 20 to 30 GHz respectively. However, the higher frequency will affect the quality of services and lead to signal impairment. This is mainly caused by the atmosphere effect which is oxygen, liquid water, and precipitation. But among the list, rain causes most signal fading due to the scattering and depolarization. The aim of this research is to study the site diversity as mitigation techniques operating at Ku and Ka-band for enhancing the gain of the signal and calculating diversity gain. There are modelling of diversity gain that has been proposed by previous researchers namely Hodge, Panagopolous, ITU-R, X.Yeo and Semire models which were validated in different climate regions respectively. By using all previous modelling of diversity gain, it will also compare with the measured local diversity gain. Suitable modelling that can be used in this tropical region has been proposed by improving the mathematical model that will be suitable in the tropical regions. This is important for encouraging the finding of new theories for the future broadcasting systems to decrease the power loss during the rain fade.

Fade Duration Analysis on a Ka-Band Link Operating in the Tropical Region

Communication systems are rapidly shifting towards higher frequencies due to congestion experienced at lower frequencies and the growing demand for higher data transmission rates within the network. However, it has been observed that as frequency increases, the susceptibility of the system to weather-related factors, particularly adverse weather conditions like rain, becomes more pronounced. This has raised significant concerns regarding the dependability of satellite communication links. This research investigates the dynamic characteristics of signal degradation caused by atmospheric effects, specifically focusing on the impact of rain fade. The study involves an analysis of fading duration using a year's worth of data extracted from Measat-5, operating at a beacon frequency of 20.199 GHz and positioned at an elevation angle of 68.8°. Such data is useful when developing a fade mitigation technique (FMT) that mitigates the disruptive effects caused by heavy rainfall, ultimately leading to an enhancement in both signal quality and overall signal availability.