The outbreak of infectious diseases affects people’s lifestyles significantly, as they undertake fewer outdoor activities as a protective measure and to follow government orders of restricted movements. This paper reviewed the scientific literature related to transport and infectious diseases to gain insights into managing such circumstances. The outcomes indicate that the transport sector has a two-fold role during the outbreak of infectious diseases: controlling the spread of infection and assessing the impact of reduced outdoor activities on the transport sector. It was found that local and international travel restrictions, if applied at the initial stages, are effective in controlling the spread of infectious disease; at a later stage, behavioral changes become prominent in limiting the spread. Further, the outbreaks resulted in a significant reduction in mobility, altering traffic patterns with lower peaks and improving traffic safety. The public transport mode share reduced considerably and people preferred cars and active modes. These changes also showed positive impacts on air pollution and water pollution. Further, the air transport and tourism sector were noted to be the hardest hit and will recover slowly. The outcomes from the review will be useful for planners and administrators in managing future emergency conditions better.

Polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride have been being used as a modifier of bitumen (asphalt cement), whereas application of waste polyethylene (WPE) and waste polyvinyl chloride (WPVC) are quite introductory in the field of bituminous pavement. This research studied the effects of soaking periods on the compressive strength of compacted modified bituminous mixes with WPE and WPVC. 11% WPE and 8% WPVC, the optimum modifier contents, were utilised in modifying the bitumen, which was found from an investigation of Marshall properties. Index of retained strength (IRS) of Mix-I, Mix-II, and Mix-III satisfied the standard limit of 75%, until 62.4, 84, and 67.2 h of soaking periods, respectively. WPE and WPVC showed excellent performance in submergence, encouraging the use of modified bitumen in the flood-prone region. WPE is suitable in cold climate as well as the warmer region, while WPVC is recommended only for the warmer climate. Utilisation of WPE and WPVC resulted in saving asphalt cement of 0.11 and 0.08 kg/kg, respectively, and reduce environmental pollution.

Global climate change is growing threat to lives and livelihoods on earth where the developing countries are highly exposed to climatic variations. Due to a unique geographical location Bangladesh is one of the worst affected countries by climate induced hazards. Coastal region of the country experiences numerous adverse pressures resulting from these natural phenomenon. Long term changes in climatic parameters such as temperature, rainfall, humidity creates extra pressure of climate change impact. Agriculture of coastal area is one of the most vulnerable sectors to climatic hazards. The current study was conducted to assess the major climatic hazards and impacts on cropping pattern at Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali District of Bangladesh. The study was designed mainly to identify the latest sustainable change gradually adopted by local farmers in their cropping pattern as the coping strategy. Methodology followed was the consideration of farmers’ perception and field based data collection including Questionnaire Survey, Focus Group Discussion and personal observation. Major climatic hazards including sea level rise, salinity intrusion, cyclone with storm surge, tidal surge, coastal inundation, erratic rainfall and riverbank erosion were found predominant in the study area. However farmers identified salinity intrusion, cyclone, storm surge, tidal surge and erratic rainfall as most common and severe constrains to crop production practices. Previously practiced cropping pattern and season has been changed responding towards climatic variations. Cultivation of some crops has been increased while some other has been decreased. Some varieties of crops including jute, sesame, and sugarcane are going to be extinct because of salinization. Farmers need technical and logistic support to minimize the impact of climatic hazards impact to protect the loss of crop production. Dissemination of salinity tolerant varieties, some structural and non-structural mitigation and adaptation measures can be the part of most suitable risk reduction action plan to reduce the climate change vulnerability in crop agriculture.