Heavy Traffic Roads Research Articles

Traffic Intensity as a Factor Influencing Microplastic and Tire Wear Particle Pollution in Snow Accumulated on Urban Roads

Traffic-related roads are an underestimated source of synthetic particles in the environment. This study investigated the impact of traffic volume on microplastic (MP) and tire wear particle (TWP) pollution in road snow. An examination was conducted in a medium-sized city situated in northeastern Poland, known for being one of the cleanest regions in the country. MPs and TWPs were found at all 54 sites, regardless of the intensity of traffic. The average concentration for all samples was 354.72 pcs/L. Statistically significant differences were found between the average values of the particle concentration on low, medium, and heavy traffic roads, amounting to 62.32 pcs/L, 335.97 pcs/L, and 792.76 pcs/L, respectively. Within all three studied groups of roads, MPs and TWPs with the smallest size, ranging from 50 to 200 μm, were prevalent. In all of the studied groups of roads, four analyzed shapes of particles were found, with irregular fragments being the most abundant form (89.23%). The most frequently recorded color among the collected samples was black (99.85%), and the least frequently recorded color was blue, constituting only 0.01%. This study suggests that snow cover on the roads may act like a temporary storage of pollutants during winter particularly in the temperate climate zone and, after thawing can significantly increase the concentration of MPs and TWPs in surface waters. Possible measures to decrease the release of MPs and TWPs into the environment in the city may include reducing the traffic volume and speed, implementing street sweeping, utilizing filtration chambers, and installing stormwater bioretention systems or settling ponds.

A detailed investigation on assessing the introduction of hybrid fibres in Geopolymer composites for pavement application

ABSTRACT Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has been widely researched as an emerging sustainable construction material. As GPC possesses excellent mechanical and durability properties, it is highly recommended for the construction of rigid pavements. However, the brittle nature of GPC limits its utilisation in heavy traffic roads, reducing its fatigue life. This study aims to minimise the brittleness of Pavement quality GPC (PQGPC) by adding hybrid fibres (steel fibre + polypropylene fibre). Fresh, hardened and durability properties of hybrid fibre-reinforced pavement quality geopolymer concrete (HGPC) under ambient curing have been analysed. In addition, the experimental study also compared the flexural fatigue life of PQGPC with that of the best HGPC mix. Both fibres were added in the same % (by volume) up to a maximum dosage of 1.25% each. Results show that workability decreases with increased fibre addition, but compressive and flexural strength increases with an increment in the quantity of fibres up to 1%. It was observed that the abrasion resistance and shrinkage resistance also increase with the inclusion of hybrid fibres in HGPC. Fatigue results prove that the fatigue life of HGPC-3 (with 2% hybrid fibres addition) mix under medium and heavy loads is 40% and 28%, higher than PQGPC.

ANALISIS PENYEBAB KEMACETAN LALU LINTAS PADA JALAN KOLEKTOR PRIMER KABUPATEN BADUNG

The development of an area can be seen in the development of its transportation system. The Canggu village area is an area experiencing rapid development which has an impact on traffic density. The Canggu highway is one of the roads that serves the tourist area corridor, with heavy traffic flow poor road geometric conditions, and side obstacles that reduce road capacity. The purpose of this research is to analyze the perceptions of people who live along the Canggu highway corridor regarding the factors causing traffic congestion in the Canggu Village area. Primary data was obtained by observation and distributing questionnaires containing closed questions to 400 respondents. The data analysis method uses multiple linear regression statistics. The results of the analysis show that traffic flow, road geometrics, and side obstacles have a significant partial and simultaneous effect on traffic congestion on the Canggu highway section. Obtained Model Equation: Y=1.514+0.378X1+0.363X2+0.304X3+e, where traffic flow has the greatest influence compared to road geometry and side obstacles. The model's ability to predict is very strong as indicated by the coefficient value. determination (R2) was 89.1%.

How Urban-Tolerant Are They? Testing Prey–Capture Behavior of Introduced Jorō Spiders (Trichonephila clavata) Next to Busy Roads

An invasive orb-weaving spider from east Asia is now spreading through the southeastern United States; Trichonephila clavata (the “jorō spider”) makes large, imposing webs seemingly everywhere, including in urban landscapes, and even next to busy roads. However, areas near roads come with frequent disturbances, including auditory and vibrational, which for many animals, leads to physiological or behavioral changes. Here we tested if varying levels of road traffic affect the prey–capture behavior of jorō spiders in northeast Georgia. We visited roadsides that ranged in traffic density and exposed nearby jorō spiders to a simulated prey (a tuning fork at 128 hz frequency, touched to the web), and recorded whether or not the spider attacked it. Out of 357 total trials across 20 different roads, jorō spiders attacked the simulated prey 59% of the time, but at the local scale, there was high variability in this rate; at some roadsides, over 80% of the spiders attacked, while at others, less than 30% did. When all roads were considered collectively, there was a small but significant (negative) correlation between daily road traffic and spider attack rates. Put another way, spiders near moderate- to heavy-traffic roads were slightly less likely to attack than those near low-traffic roads (51% vs. 65%). Jorō spiders appear to be able to live near roads, but this does come with a cost in terms of prey capture. However, spiders near busier roads did not weigh less than those in other sites, suggesting they may be able to compensate for the disturbance. These findings add to the accumulating evidence around this species that points to its ability to exist in human-dominated landscapes, which will likely aid its spread in the introduced range.

Determining Priorities for Handling Environmental Road Sections in Palu City (Case Study in West Palu District)

Palu City has numerous roads, including environmental road networks, where the function of many environmental roads has decreased due to heavy traffic and damaged road structures. The improvement of environmental road infrastructure is a complex issue that requires objective policymakers. Sometimes, the work carried out to address environmental issues on roads is not prioritized effectively. To tackle this problem, a research study was conducted to determine the priority order for handling environmental roads in the West Palu sub-district of Palu City. The study used a multi-criteria analysis approach to determine priorities, where the criteria were weighted based on input from respondents from government agencies related to road infrastructure. The criteria used to determine priorities in this research were road conditions, traffic volume, land use, and development planning deliberation proposals. The criteria for road conditions and traffic volume were given the highest priority weighting with weight values of 39.10% and 28.10%, respectively. This was followed by the development planning deliberation proposal criteria at 21.50% and land use criteria at 11.30%. By weighting criteria and scoring criteria based on operational criteria variables, the analysis obtained the top 5 priority orders for handling environmental road sections on Jl. Srikaya. Lr. Sirsak II Kel. Kamonji, Jl. Mas Mansyur Lr. Kel. Baru, Jl. Samudra II Lr. II Kel. Lere, Jl. Lasoso Lr I Kel. Lere and Jl. Durian Lr. Kel. Kamonji.

Separation and quantification of tire and road wear particles in road dust samples: Bonded-sulfur as a novel marker

Tire road wear particles (TRWPs) are a large source of microplastics in the environment, while the quantification of TRWPs is still challenging due to the complex interferences and the uncertainties and inconsistencies among different methods. This study developed a TRWPs quantification method using optimized pretreatments and bonded-sulfur as marker. Road dust samples (n = 48) were collected, pretreatments including density separation, digestion and extraction were optimized to remove interferences of the bonded-sulfur (minerals, sulfur-containing proteins, hydrosoluble/hydrophobic sulfur-containing substances). Presence of TRWPs in the samples was confirmed by microscopy and scanning electron microscopyenergy dispersive spectrometry. Bonded-sulfur in the samples were quantified by inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometry (ICPMS). Additionally, bonded-sulfur in tire wear particles (TWPs) abraded from tires of top 10 best-selling brands were measured to calculate conversion factor (1.1 ×104 μg/g) for the quantification of TRWPs in real samples. TRWPs contents were 5.40 × 104 μg/g11.02 × 104 μg/g and 2.36 × 104 μg/g5.30 × 104 μg/g in samples from heavy and light traffic roads, respectively. The method provided better recoveries (88–107%, n = 18) and repeatability (RSD=2.0–7.9%, n = 3) compared to methods using rubber, benzothiazole and organic zinc as markers. Furthermore, stability of the bonded-sulfur was validated by Raman and ICPMS. Thus, this accurate and stable quantification method could promote research on TRWPs.

A Solution to Blockchain Smart Contract Based Parametric Transport and Logistics Insurance

Traditional insurance policies pay the insurer according to the actual loss or damage to a tangible object that is insured. Due to the numerous parties involved, the settlement procedure is usually highly drawn out. Comparatively, parametric insurance protects a policyholder from the occurrence of a particular event by disbursing a predetermined sum dependent on the severity of the event. In the transportation sector, supply chain disruptions caused by delays are precisely the kind of event that parametric insurance may be able to cover. Transportation delays can happen for several reasons. Events like adverse weather, heavy traffic, and poor road conditions can all slow down the logistics supply chain. An occurrence triggers parametric insurance claims. Unfavorable scenarios can be insured, and claims can be automatically processed depending on policy criteria and conditions. The standard centralized database technique can be utilized to build parametric insurance schemes; however, the data is open to manipulation. This paper examines how to create parametric transport insurance using blockchain. It discusses user journey, technology solutions, design and implementation problems, and parametric service insurance. The blueprint for transportation parametric insurance can be used in other fields including Agriculture (Crop Insurance) [22], Disaster Insurance [23], Aviation, Travel, and manufacturing industry.

ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF STONE MATRIX ASPHALT

Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) firstly developed in Germany in 1960. And it has been implemented by many countries for Flexible Pavement Road Construction. It is highly rut-resistant of bituminous coarse for heavy traffic roads. In April-2006 the indian road congress (IRC) decided for specifications be developed for SMA. The specification of SMA approved by the IRC council in 2007. Stone Matrix Asphalt has been proposed as a wearing course for the pavement. And carried out to meet the specification as recommended. The marshall method was adopted for design and analysis of mix as described in the Asphalt Institute Manual MS-2. The basic principle of Mix-Design is to arrive at Optimum Binder Content at the selected and mechanical properties desired. The suitable ingredient is the most important for the deign of SMA. To make an appropriate design with Aggregate, Filler, Bitumen, Cellulose Fiber and Additive. Stone Matrix Asphalt have a higher bitumen content which hold the aggregate with resistivity. Therefore rutting to be minimize and provide a higher rut resistant stability to the pavement under the heavy road traffic or heavy loaded vehicle. In this Mix-Design coarse aggregate proportion is high which can be optimize and prevent to the rutting. The temperature of mix material and all the individual material like, Aggregate, Bitumen, Cellulose Fiber are very sensitive as per actual, because required compaction will achieve when the temperature of all remain within specified.

Photonitration of pyrene adsorbed on silica gel with NO2

To examine the heterogeneous photonitration of pyrene with NO2 (approximately 0.2 ppm) on a heavy-traffic road, we studied the photonitration of pyrene adsorbed (pyreneads) on silica gel, which was used as SiO2 in particulate matter (PM), with NO2 (10.2, 2.0, and 0.20 ppm) under the atmospheric concentration ratio of pyreneads to NO2 and compared the results with those obtained in the dark. The effects of irradiation, wavelength, and oxygen concentration in a NO2 diluent on the photonitration were examined using a fluidized-bed column irradiated with simulated or real sunlight. Under the UV-light absorption of pyrene, the concentration of pyrene decreased exponentially in accordance with a pseudo-first-order reaction, while in the dark, it decreased sigmoidally in accordance with a H+-autocatalyzed reaction. The distribution and the yields of formed nitration products and their photooxidation products were affected by the light intensity, concentrations of NO2, and oxygen in the NO2 diluent. In the photonitration experiments using a high-pressure mercury lamp, formed 1-nitropyrene and minor dinitropyrenes were decreased by the transformation into their photooxidation products. Under 8-h exposure of pyrene to 10.2-ppm NO2, the yield of 1-nitropyrene was 42% in N2 and 28% in air. The oxygen inhibitory effect can be explained by the energy transfer from 1pyrene* to oxygen. Radical cation intermediate (pyrene•+-NO2−) was proposed for 1-nitropyrene formation. Under 24-h exposure of pyrene to 2.0-ppm NO2, the yields of 1-nitropyrene and the photooxidation products were 21.6% and 8.0%, respectively, in N2 and 4.9% and 3.8%, respectively, in air. Under 24-h exposure of pyrene to 0.20-ppm NO2, which is two times the 1-h NO2 standard in the USA and China, the yields of 1-nitropyrene and the photooxidation products were 2.3% and 3.4%, respectively, in N2 and 2.1% and 0.9%, respectively, in air. The significant decrease in the yields of 1-nitropyrene and the photooxidation products under the concentration of 0.20-ppm NO2 can be explained by their easy photodecomposition with the increase in the photolysis of pyrene. Under the concentration of 0.20-ppm NO2 in air, which is approximately the concentration on heavy-traffic roads, the decay rate of pyrene by the photonitration was increased by own photolysis, although the photonitration was inhibited by oxygen in air.

Container Based Nomadic Vehicular Cloud Using Cell Transmission Model

Nomadic Vehicular Cloud (NVC) is envisaged in this work. The predominant aspects of NVC is, it moves along with the vehicle that initiates it and functions only with the resources of moving vehicles on the heavy traffic road without relying on any of the static infrastructure and NVC decides the initiation time of container migration using cell transmission model (CTM). Containers are used in the place of Virtual Machines (VM), as containers’ features are very apt to NVC’s dynamic environment. The specifications of 5G NR V2X PC5 interface are applied to NVC, for the feature of not relying on the network coverage. Nowadays, the peak traffic on the road and the bottlenecks due to it are inevitable, which are seen here as the benefits for VC in terms of resource availability and residual in-network time. The speed range of high-end vehicles poses the issue of dis-connectivity among VC participants, that results the container migration failure. As the entire VC participants are on the move, to maintain proximity of the containers hosted by them, estimating their movements plays a vital role. To infer the vehicle movements on the road stretch and initiate the container migration prior enough to avoid the migration failure due to vehicles dynamicity, this paper proposes to apply the CTM to the container based and 5G NR V2X enabled NVC. The simulation results show that there is a significant increase in the success rate of vehicular cloud in terms of successful container migrations.

Investigation of usability of mineral fiber in stone mastic asphalt

Stone mastic asphalt (SMA) pavements were developed to prevent rutting, abrasion, and various pavement deteriorations and to increase the life of the superstructure. They certainly stand out with their high grain contact, stone-stone interlocking ability, and high bitumen ratio on heavy-traffic roads with heavy axle loads. This study aimed to investigate the effects of basalt fiber in different sizes, partly cellulose, and partly basalt fiber addition, on the drain down of the performance of bitumen and the changes in rutting performance as additives to stone mastic asphalt pavements. To determine the absorption performance of bitumen fiber additives, 19 mixtures were pre-pared and the Schellenberger drain down test was carried out. The results, including the witness mixture, showed that the Schellenberger test result was below the value specified in the motorway technical specification by a maximum of 0.3%. For the Hamburg wheel tracking test (HWTT) additive and witness mixtures were prepared at optimum bitumen ratios using a gyratory compactor. HWTT was applied to the mixtures numbered 1, 4, 10 and 14, which have the best the Schellenberger drain down performance, and the witness sample. As a result of the experiments, the highest rutting deformation was measured at the samples using 12mm basalt fiber at the rate of 0.2%. The lowest rut deformation was measured in samples containing 12mm basalt fiber at the rate of 0,3% and cellulose fiber at the rate of 0.2%. It was determined that the combined use of cellulose and basalt fiber mixture improved the resistance against rutting by 37%. As a result of the HWTT, it was determined that stone mastic asphalt mixtures with basalt and cellulose fiber additives were more resistant to rutting than the witness and basalt-only mixtures.

Quantification of Heavy Metal Deposition in Lichen Species of Kathmandu Valley

Heavy metal pollution in urban areas is the major concern of every rapidly growing nation. The main aim of this study was to determine the heavy metal concentration around Kathmandu valley using locally growing lichens species. The study was conducted by random sample collection method throughout Kathmandu, at the interval of 2km considering Tri- Chandra College as reference point in four geographical directions based on radial distribution pattern. In this study, we quantified Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Chromium (Cr) in Pyxine cocoes, Arthopyrenia sp, Caloplaca sp, and Hypotrachya revolute collected from Kathmandu valley. The samples were subjected to Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) for heavy metal determination. High concentrations of heavy metals were detected in areas that experience a high influx of vehicles like the Swayambhu area, Pepsicola area, and Lagankhel area. The areas further away from heavy traffic roads showed a significantly low amount of heavy metal concentration. The study provides an insight into the current state of heavy metals in Kathmandu valley, which in high concentration can be detrimental to the health of living organisms.

Comparative assessment of road traffic noise through 2D noise mapping: A case study of an urban area

Noise pollution has risen to a worrying degree in all zones of the city (residential, commercial, industrial, and silent) because of the rapid rise in urbanization, industrialization, and other connectivity of transport systems in all zones of the city. It has always been challenging to identify noise hotspots where immediate remedial measures are required. In addition to providing the propagation of noise in the X and Z direction, 2D noise mapping is an essential method for identifying regions where noise levels may reach a hazardous level. Thus, the comparative examination of all residential areas inside a city provides a clear picture of noise exposure. The main focus of this study is to carry out comparative analysis of noise exposure level of selected locations such as residential commercial, industrial and silent area of Delhi city using 2D noise maps. For noise monitoring, Sound Level Meter (SLM) Larson & Davis 831 in compliance with the standard procedure of CPCB is used for monitoring peak traffic hours of working day and night. After that, using sound PLAN (acoustic) and MapInfo Pro, 2-D (Desktop GIS) noise maps were developed, visualized, and analyzed. According to the findings, residential areas have been recorded as having the highest levels of noise, followed by commercial and silent zones, and industrial areas have been seen to have the lowest levels of noise. The high noise level in residential area may be due to heavy traffic volume and road surrounded by high rise buildings. Whereas minimum noise has been observed in industrial area because the industries along the major roads have been surrounded with parapets and trees. As a result, only a small amount of industrial noise entered major highways/roads. Additionally, 2D noise map revealed that the surrounding structures of road (high rise buildings, brick walls, grilled boundaries, trees etc.) significantly influence propagation of noise in all directions. These maps may also be utilized by decision makers in the process of formulating noise control strategies or implementing corrective measures.

Analysis of performance of asphalt pavements in Qatar using mechanistic-empirical approaches

Qatar roads are experiencing heavy traffic loads due to the rapid increase in the country’s population and construction projects over the past two decades. Considering the demand for high-performing, sustainable, and cost-efficient pavements, emphasis has been placed on using different asphalt modifiers and recycled materials in pavement layers. These modifiers/recycled materials change asphalt mixture properties, and consequently, influence pavement performance. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of pavement sections that incorporate various types of asphalt mixtures and are subjected to traffic levels that range from 5 to 200 million equivalent single axle loads (ESALs). The analysis of pavement performance was conducted via three methods: Australian pavement design method implemented in Circly software, perpetual pavement design using PerRoad software, and a simplified mechanistic-empirical pavement design method (MEPD) that utilizes performance models used in AASHTOWare. The outcome of these analyses was the selection of suitable combinations of asphalt mixtures as well as the optimization of pavement layer thicknesses for different traffic loads. The results highlighted that the use of a high-stiffness mixture incorporating modified asphalt (PG 82E-10) in the wearing course should be used with caution in high traffic load sections (≥100 million ESALs). These stiff layers could be susceptible to cracking when the underneath asphalt layers have much less stiffness (50–70% less stiffness). However, in the medium traffic level (10–50 million ESALs) sections, pavement performance improved by using a stiff mix incorporating a PG 82E-10 binder in the wearing course layer. In addition, the use of crumb rubber (CR) modified asphalt reduced the material cost of a pavement section relative to the use of polymer-modified binder. The results show that it is desirable to use French EME (Enrobés à Module Elevé) mix in the base course layer for heavy traffic roads as this mix help to reduce pavement layer thicknesses and overall material cost. The outcomes of the analysis showed that the rutting thresholds commonly used in MEPD method are too restrictive (low thresholds) for heavy-duty pavements in Qatar hot climate. It is recommended to increase the rutting thresholds for such pavements.

Emotional and behavioral attitudes of Tunisian youth towards childhood leukemia: health education and primary prevention in perspective

BackgroundGiven the increasing blood cancer incidence in Tunisia and recent discoveries proving the involvement of environmental factors, this study examined the environmental health literacy (EHL) of Tunisian secondary school students concerning not only this disease, but also their emotional and behavioral attitudes towards leukemia risks.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among Tunisian youths (N = 372, 16–20 years; 68% females, 32% males). Data collection took place in four representative public secondary schools in the North, Center, and South of Tunisia. Students completed a paper and pencil questionnaire and described their EHL level of blood cancer, as well as their attitudes and interests in this disease. The statistical software (SPSS, v.25.0) was used to analyze the data collected.ResultsThe results indicated low EHL levels of leukemia. Most youths failed to identify all the leukemogenic (except tobacco and pollution) and non- leukemogenic risk factors. Pesticide use and exposure to low frequency electromagnetic radiation were not considered risk factors. Proximity to heavy-traffic roads and benzene exposure were not perceived by youth as risk factors. Despite these low levels, most participants were interested in having more information about leukemia and cancers in general.ConclusionThis investigation shows a lack of knowledge about leukemia. Low EHL levels will incite educational actors and curriculum designers to optimize content and innovate ICT adapted to this environmental health challenge.

Comparison of Rubber Asphalt with Polymer Asphalt under Long-Term Aging Conditions in Michigan

The objective of this study is to compare the long-term aging performance of dry-processed rubber-modified asphalt mixture with styrene–butadiene–styrene polymer-modified asphalt mixture on heavy traffic volume roads in the wet-freeze environment of Michigan. The rutting performance was evaluated using the Hamburg wheel track device. The disc-shaped compact tension test was used to assess the fracture energy. The dynamic modulus experiment was used to estimate the load and displacement relationship. The asphalt binder properties were evaluated using multiple stress creep recovery and the linear amplitude sweep test. The pavement distresses were evaluated using the pavement mechanistic–empirical design. All three types of asphalt mixture show excellent rutting resistance after long-term aging conditions, while the fracture energy of the rubber mix is 17.1% to 30.5% higher than that of the control mix and 6.8% to 9.1% higher than that of the polymer mix. The rubber and polymer incorporated with the asphalt binder improved the resistance to permanent deformation and improved the fatigue life of the asphalt binder. In summary, the rubberized asphalt technology using the dry process shows better cracking resistance and fatigue life. Therefore, rubberized asphalt using the dry process will exhibit adequate performance when used for high-volume roads in the wet-freeze environment of Michigan.

Mix design of large-stone asphalt mixtures for heavy-traffic roads

Heavy traffic and high temperatures are a common cause of rutting in paved areas, which reduces the time needed between pavement maintenance interventions. Large-stone asphalt mixtures (LSAMs) can reduce rutting when used as intermediate layers in pavement rehabilitation. LSAM is asphalt concrete with a nominal maximum aggregate size of at least 25 mm. In this study, we provide a brief literature review of the historical use of LSAMs, as well as the relevant characteristics of LSAM design. Three LSAMs were designed using different compaction methods: (i) Marshall compaction; (ii) rolling compaction; and (iii) Superpave gyratory compaction (SGC) by varying the compaction energy in 75, 100, and 125 gyrations. Depending on the mix design method used, the designed asphalt content ranged from 3.0 to 4.3%. The locking point from the SGC was evaluated at different gyratory compaction energies, which were related to the porosity of the dominant aggregate size range. These parameters are considered to be of great value when evaluating the LSAM design.

Tap Water Consumption Is Associated with Schoolchildren's Cognitive Deficits in Afghanistan.

Environmental influence on intelligence quotient (IQ) is poorly understood in developing countries. We conducted the first cross-sectional investigation to assess the role of socio-economic and environmental factors on schoolchildren’s IQ in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. A representative sample of 245 schoolchildren aged 7–15 was randomly selected in five schools. Children’s records included: non-verbal IQ TONI-1 scale, body mass index, socio-economic status, and further environmental indicators (water supply, proximity to a heavy-traffic road, use of surma traditional cosmetics). The mean age of the children was 11.7 years old (±2.0 years), and 70.2% and 29.8% were male and female, respectively. The children’s mean IQ was 83.8 (±12.6). In total, 37 (14.9%) of the children were overweight, 78 (31.5%) were living below the USD 1.25 poverty line, 133 (53.6%) used tap water supply, 76 (30.6%) used surma, and 166 (66.9%) were exposed to heavy road traffic. The children’s IQ was significantly and independently lowered by tap water use (−3.9; 95% CI [−7.1; −0.6]) and by aging (−1.4; 95% CI [−2.2; −0.6]), as revealed in multivariate analysis, independently of gender, socio-economic status, exposure to heavy road traffic, overweight status, and surma use. Lower IQ among older children is possibly attributed to chronic stress experienced by adolescents due to living conditions in Afghanistan. While using tap water prevents fecal peril, it may expose children to toxic elements such as lead which is known to lower their intellectual development.

Report on Automatic Vehicle Control System Using IR Technology

Abstract: The purpose of this idea is to control the speed of vehicles in relation to the different areas in which they are operating. Areas are generally classified into three types, namely, local narrow roads in a city, heavy traffic wide roads, and outlying roads. The speed limit of vehicles varies depending on the area. By setting special types of transmitters at a frequency of 38 kHz, which are mounted in each area, the speed control task is accomplished. An Infrared Signal (IR) receiving unit is set up in the vehicle which gets activated once it comes into the radiation zone of the transmitters that continuously radiate IR coded signals. The vehicle receives IR radiation whenever the vehicle's speed is not within the prescribed speed range and then the speed is controlled either by a control unit or manually. Speed is maintained until the vehicle receives another IR signal. This idea has the potential to be very useful in preventing vehicular accidents. It can also protect pedestrians from overspeed vehicles in slowmoving areas as they cross the road. Consequently, it can be implemented to monitor and control the speed of vehicles in various areas.

Implementation of Palm Oil Waste Nano Technology to Increase the Durability of Road Pavement Materials: Proposed Research Roadmap

Many road pavements using asphalt mixtures in Indonesia are found to be not durable, especially heavy traffic roads. Even road damage often occurs early before the service life is reached. Many efforts have been made to improve the strength and durability of the mixture, but have not been effectively. For example, the use of fillers can increase the strength and durability of the mixture significantly, but its performance at low temperatures has an impact on the risk of hardening and cracking. The research objective is to propose the idea of implementing nanotechnology for palm oil waste materials to increase the durability of road pavement materials based on the research roadmap developed. The method used is through five approaches, namely: (i) review of research results on the durability of road pavement materials, (ii) review of research results on the implementation of nanotechnology in road pavement materials, (iii) research gaps, (iv) research ideas, and, (v) proposed research roadmap. A research roadmap for the implementation of nanotechnology to improve the durability of road pavement materials has been prepared. The substance of the research roadmap proposes three ideas, namely maximizing the function of nanomaterials as: (i) anti-aging agent, (ii) protecting water infiltration into the body of the asphalt mixture, and (iii) bonding agent between asphalt-aggregate.