Lessons from the removal of lead from gasoline for controlling other environmental pollutants: A case study from New Zealand

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>It took over two decades to achieve the removal of leaded gasoline in this country. This was despite international evidence and original research conducted in New Zealand on the harm to child cognitive function and behaviour from lead exposure.</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>To identify lessons from the New Zealand experience of removing leaded gasoline that are potentially relevant to the control of other environmental pollutants.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>From the available documentation, we suggest a number of reasons for the slow policy response to the leaded gasoline hazard. These include: (1) industry power in the form of successful lobbying by the lead additive supplier, Associated Octel; (2) the absence of the precautionary principle as part of risk management policy; and (3) weak policymaking machinery that included: (a) the poor use of health research evidence (from both NZ and internationally), as well as limited use of expertise in academic and non-governmental organisations; (b) lack of personnel competent in addressing technically complex issues; and (c) diffusion of responsibility among government agencies.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>There is a need for a stronger precautionary approach by policymakers when considering environmental pollutants. Politicians, officials and health workers need to strengthen policymaking processes and effectively counter the industry tactics used to delay regulatory responses.</p

Sacred Spaces on Screen: Redefining African Shrines in Nollywood’s Global Narrative

This research paper delves into the portrayal of African shrines in Nollywood, Africa’s largest movie industry, with a focus on rectifying the incomplete representation of these sacred spaces. The paper emphasizes the profound role that shrines play in shaping the lives of Africans, predating the advent of foreign religions in Nigeria, a nation deeply rooted in religious consciousness. Recommendations are presented, urging a critical review by the federal government and regulatory bodies overseeing the Nigerian movie industry to ensure a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of African cultural heritage. Additionally, the creative industry is encouraged to use forums judiciously to maintain a genuine African identity, especially concerning shrines. Academic departments in theater arts and cultural studies are urged to champion authentic representation, empowering future creators to preserve African identity amidst evolving global cinematic trends. The paper concludes by underscoring the significant responsibility of Nollywood in shaping perceptions of African culture and advocating for a more accurate depiction of African shrines on the global stage, aligning with broader goals of promoting cultural appreciation and sustainable development

ANTARES upper limits on the multi-TeV neutrino emission from the GRBs detected by IACTs

The first gamma-ray burst detections by Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes have been recently announced: GRB 190114C, detected by MAGIC, GRB 180720B and GRB 190829A, observed by H.E.S.S. A dedicated search for neutrinos in space and time coincidence with the gamma-ray emission observed by IACTs has been performed using ANTARES data. The search covers both the prompt and afterglow phases, yielding no neutrinos in coincidence with the three GRBs studied. Upper limits on the energetics of the neutrino emission are inferred. The resulting upper limits are several orders of magnitude above the observed gamma-ray emission, and they do not allow to constrain the available models