Inadequate Road Infrastructure Research Articles

The complex web of land use planning, legislation and urban mobility in Maseru, Lesotho

Applying an exploratory case study design, the study analyses urban mobility along the Main North 1 Road. We argue that urban mobility in Maseru, Lesotho is compromised by a complex web of issues including inconsistent urban transport policies, inadequate road infrastructure, and land use activities along some roads. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources, including key informant interviews, direct observations, and a review of policy documents on urban mobility. We show that urban mobility along the Main North 1 Road is jeopardised by outdated land use planning schemes and legislation that are out of sync with local realities as they support vehicular movement while neglecting pedestrians’ needs, compromising their safety. The state of the infrastructure also contributes to urban mobility inefficiencies. The study concludes that the urban mobility system needs to be understood holistically to identify leverage points critical for interventions and planning for sustainable urban mobility.

Portrait of Child Labor in Small-Scale Oil Palm Plantations: Dillemma Between Education and Work.

Amid increasing economic prospects and government support for oil palm plantations, oil palm plantations still have many social problems. The emergence of child labor in small-scale oil palm plantations (smallholders) is a fact. This article analyzes the dilemma related to the child laborers’ choice of working or continuing education in small-scale oil palm plantations in Seberu Village, Silat Hilir District, Kapuas Hulu District, West Kalimantan Province. We use an ethnographic approach to describe activities, behaviors, actions, conversations, and interpersonal interactions within social communities and small-scale farming family units. We found three main reasons why children consider education irrelevant to their daily needs and choose to work on small-scale oil palm plantations. The first factor is access, which is related to the distance to schools and inadequate road infrastructure. The second factor is the need for more imagination about the importance of going to school for the future. The third factor is lifestyle fulfillment rather than family economic difficulties.

CHARACTERISTICS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON 4/2D ROAD TYPES ON THE SURABAYA - MOJOKERTO TOLL ROAD ( CASE STUDY: WARUGUNG - PENOMPO TOLL ROAD SECTION)

In developing road infrastructure, keeping pace with the transportation sector and the rapidly growing economy is vital. Inadequate road infrastructure conditions will cause problems on the road, namely traffic accidents and congestion, which results in a lack of driver comfort. PT Jasa Marga can undoubtedly find out the leading cause of the accident. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of traffic accidents on the 4/2d road type, precisely on the Surabaya - Mojokerto toll road on the Warugunung - Penompo toll road. The Surabaya–Mojokerto Toll Road or Sumo Toll Road is a 36.27-kilometer-long toll road that connects the City of Surabaya with the City of Mojokerto, East Java Province. This toll road is connected to the Kertosono-Mojokerto Toll Road to the west. The class of vehicles on this toll road, such as trucks and large-laden cars, can also be said to be one of the characteristics of traffic accidents. Location of accident-prone points (BlackSpot) on the Warugunung – Penompo toll road in 2021 on line A, namely at Km 3+000 – 4+000 of the Warugunung – Driyorejo section, because at that location there are road slopes and bends, so many motorists drive at high speed high and have to slow down when there is a descent and many riders do not anticipate it. In 2021, line B, namely at Km 5+000 - 6+000 on the Warugunung - penompo section, is not much different from line A.

Agricultural Produce Supply Chain Network of Capsicum: Empirical Evidence from India

Vegetables are important for both nutritional and economic stability and contribute significantly to the agricultural landscape of India. The demand for vegetables is rising, driven by population growth and increased awareness of their benefits. This empirical study highlights the dynamics of agricultural production supply chain networks of capsicum crops in the northwestern Himalayan region, specifically Himachal Pradesh, India. The study employs the Acharya approach to analyse the various marketing channels utilized by farmers in the capsicum supply chain. This methodology sheds light on the economic nuances at each stage and examines marketing channels, costs, margins, price spread and marketing efficiency. Simultaneously, the Garrett ranking method is applied to discern and prioritize constraints faced by farmers. This comprehensive approach ensures a nuanced understanding of the economic and logistical intricacies of capsicum marketing. The analysis of marketing channels reveals five distinct pathways employed by farmers, with Channel-C (Producer–Commission Agent–Retailer–Consumer) standing out as the most dominant, representing 47.25% of the total quantity. Moreover, Channel-A (Producer–Consumer) proves to be the most cost-effective for producers and boasts the highest producer price, while Channel-C, involving commission agents, incurs higher costs. This suggests a preference for intermediaries, emphasizing factors like market access and negotiation skills, whereas Channel-D (Producer–Local Trader–Wholesaler–Retailer–Consumer) has the highest gross marketing margin, emphasizing the trade-offs between efficiency and transaction volume. The results indicate that while Channel-A is the most efficient, it is not the preferred choice due to the lower transaction quantity. Further, the absence of market consultation services, inadequate road infrastructure, high commission charges, nonremunerative prices and untimely availability of vehicles are the major constraints in marketing. The findings of the study call for targeted interventions to create a more robust and farmer-friendly marketing environment for capsicum crops in the region. The study proposes targeted recommendations, emphasizing collaborative efforts between stakeholders, government bodies and farmers. This research contributes to the academic discourse and also offers actionable insights for researchers and policymakers, fostering sustainability, profitability and equity within the capsicum supply chain.

Navigating the Road to Safer Travel in Pakistan: A Multi-Perspective Analysis of Road Safety Challenges and Solutions

With the growing global population, the demand for mobility and well-managed modes of transportation is increasing day by day. However, the rapid growth in motorization is a double-edged sword. On one side, it brings social and economic development; on the other, it results in severe consequences, such as road traffic crashes. Pakistan, a developing country, is also dealing with the same issue. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the road safety issues in Pakistan. The analysis is carried out from five perspectives: infrastructural, institutional, socio-economic, socio-cultural/behavioral, and educational. The study highlights that inadequate road infrastructure, lack of road safety institutions and policies, absence of a credible crash reporting system, poor and ineffective enforcement, road users’ aberrant behaviors, and lack of road safety awareness all contribute to road safety problems in Pakistan. To address these issues, the study proposes a set of key measures, such as expanding road infrastructure, establishing dedicated road safety institutions, centralizing data collection efforts, implementing comprehensive safety tests for vehicles, and organizing road safety seminars to educate the youth. These recommendations aim to enhance road safety, ultimately reducing fatalities and economic losses caused by road crashes in Pakistan.

The potential development of electric motorcycles in remote areas case study: Agats District, Asmat Regency, Indonesia

The Agats District, a remote region in Papua, Indonesia, faces the daunting challenge of developing sustainable and efficient transportation systems due to its unique geographical features, such as tidal areas and inadequate road infrastructure. As traditional fossil-fuelled vehicles prove impractical in this setting, adopting electric motorcycles has become paramount. This study delves into the extensive usage of electric motorcycles in Agats, where approximately 90% of the population relies on these eco-friendly vehicles. The importance of this research is underscored by its potential to inform policymakers and serve as a benchmark for promoting electric vehicle ecosystems in similarly remote regions worldwide. Employing in-depth interviews and comprehensive data analysis, the study explores the intricate interplay between supply and demand factors, analyzes the electric motorcycle ecosystem's development stages, and utilizes the Social Business Model Canvas (SBMC) approach to elucidate the adaptation process. The results reveal the critical role of income, government policies, production costs, and geographical factors in shaping electric motorcycle adoption while offering a holistic understanding of Agats' unique electric vehicle ecosystem.

Analyzing The Ecotourism Impact Of The Mangrove Forest On The Welfare Of Kampung Nelayan In Langsa City

This Research analyzed the impact of mangrove forest ecotourism on the welfare of Kampung Nelayan in Langsa City, Indonesia. Mangrove forests provide ecological and economic benefits, making their preservation crucial. Ecotourism serves as an alternative for utilizing mangrove ecosystems, particularly in the Kuala Langsa Village area. Combining qualitative research and IPA analysis, the study examines the supportive and inhibiting factors in mangrove ecotourism development. Internal factors indicate strengths in sustainable conservation practices and support from the city government and relevant agencies. However, weaknesses such as inadequate tourism facilities and supervision hinder development. Opportunities lie in the availability of new tourist destinations, while threats include inadequate road infrastructure and competition within the tourism sector. Overall, the research highlights the importance of preserving mangrove ecosystems and emphasizes the need for sustainable conservation practices and support from local authorities. Addressing infrastructure challenges can enhance the success of mangrove ecotourism in Langsa City.

STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN TANAMAN NANAS (Ananas comosus) DI KELURAHAN BUKIT MERDEKA KECAMATAN SAMBOJA KABUPATEN KUTAI KARTANEGARA

Pineapple is a horticultural crop that has bright potential and prospects and is an activity to improve the agricultural sub-sector in Indonesia. Bukit Merdeka Village is one of the pineapple-producing areas in East Kalimantan. However, the development of pineapple in Bukit Merdeka Village was slightly disturbed by the development of government infrastructure. This research was conducted to determine the factors that influence the development and strategy of pineapple plant development in Bukit Merdeka Village. The research was carried out from April 2022 to July 2022 in Bukit Merdeka Village, Samboja District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency. The data used in this study are primary data and secondary data. The sampling method was carried out by simple random sampling with 36 respondents from a total farmer population of 250 pineapple farmers. The data of this study were analyzed using SWOT. Based on the SWOT analysis shows the results of the matrix calculation, the IFAS score is 1.58 and the EFAS score is -0.86, which means that the development strategy is in quadrant II, namely the ST strategy or supports the diversification strategy of a business that diversifies the types of businesses, which can be done to increase Production and profit for farmers is to maintain product quality and expand information to enter selective markets so that they can compete with other pineapple producers. The results showed that the internal factors in pineapple farming in Bukit Merdeka Village were land availability, product quality and availability, farming experience, capital, lack of technology, non-uniform production results, poor planning, and financial records, while external factors were product demand, easy to obtain seeds, pineapple producing centers, IKN buffer areas, pest and disease attacks, unpredictable weather, rising costs of pesticide fertilizers, inadequate road infrastructure, and fluctuating prices.

Diverse Uses of Multi-Purpose Cyclone Shelters In India

India employs a strategy to reduce the probability of tropical cyclones and ready for them through placing Multi-Purpose Cyclone Shelters across its coastline. These shelters are meant to safeguard vulnerable populations throughout storms and to function as school, community halls, etc. while not really in use. This describes in detail purpose of these multi-use cyclone shelters, which also include providing safe shelter for inhabitants of cyclone-affected areas in addition to individuals who are unable evacuate for a wide range of reasons, such like infrastructure problems. In India as well as other south Asian nations, like that as Bangladesh, a vulnerable region is evacuated by transferring at-risk populace into built specifically outdoor structures called as "cyclone shelters." This is frequently discovered in or adjacent to one's neighbourhood, though sometimes they may be a significant distance away. In short, it was initially created in Bangladesh, then adopted in India, and now we'll take a closer look at Odisha, which now has constructed these cyclone shelters for cyclone mitigation. A primary goal of the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project is to make sure that each and every home within 10 kilometres of the coastline has accessibility to a cyclone shelter that is no more than 2.5 kilometres away, and that total number of cyclone shelters matches to the area's in need of accommodation. The thought of a "horizontal evacuation" is hardly a possibility for nations with huge populations, inadequate road infrastructure, and lacking transportation services. Instead, it is considered essential to relocate to specifically constructed cyclone shelters located within the neighbourhood. The decision maker sees the particular strategy much more interesting since it takes less time for clearance or to finish an evacuation. In these circumstances, approval is essential because evacuation decisions are often postponed. Construction of the cyclone shelters was a wise move because it is entangled with other aspects, including the accuracy of meteorological forecasts, public willingness to cooperate with mandatory evacuations inside the lack of weather warnings, dissatisfaction in the event of a non-strike, etc.

An Updated Checklist of the Orchidaceae of Honduras

A comprehensive compilation of all currently recognized orchid species known from Honduras is presented. The checklist includes 604 taxa in 145 genera; 595 species, two subspecies and seven natural hybrids. Orchidaceae represents 7% of the flora of country and continues to be the plant family with the highest number of species in Honduras. The most species rich genera in the country are Epidendrum (76 species), Lepanthes (28), Stelis (26), Prosthechea (21), Habenaria (19), and Malaxis (17). Regarding the habit, 74% of the taxa are epiphytes, 20% are terrestrial, 1.5% are hemiepiphytes, 1.5% are lithophytes and 3% can be terrestrial and epiphytic. Most of the botanical collections in Honduras were made by foreign researchers between the 1920s and 1970s. Among the orchid specimens available for the current study, 44% were deposited in national herbaria and 46% in herbaria in the United States of America. The departments with more than 100 voucher specimens each are Atlántida, Comayagua, Cortés, Francisco Morazán, Lempira, and Santa Bárbara. Only 7% of Protected Natural Areas have more than 121 voucher specimens, 70% has less than 120 specimens, and remaining 23% have no available records at all. In some cases they have poor accessibility and inadequate road infrastructure. Honduras has 10 endemic orchid species, three distributed in the Mosquito province, four in the Chiapas Highlands province, and three shared by both provinces. The number of orchid taxa known to occur in Honduras may continue to increase as additional collection efforts are made. This further helps to fill in the knowledge gaps on the distribution patterns of orchids and other plant groups in Central America.

Quantifying the Lost Safety Benefits of ADAS Technologies Due to Inadequate Supporting Road Infrastructure

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) provide warnings to drivers and, if applicable, intervene to mitigate a collision if one is imminent. Autonomous emergency brakes (AEB) and lane keep assistance (LKA) systems are mandated in several new vehicles, given their predicted injury and fatality reduction benefits. These predicted benefits are based on the assumption that roads are always entirely supportive of ADAS technologies. Little research, however, has been conducted regarding the preparedness of the road network to support these technologies in Australia, given its vastly expansive terrain and varying road quality. The objective of this study was to estimate what proportion of crashes that are sensitive to AEB and LKA, would not be mitigated due to unsupportive road infrastructure, and therefore, the lost benefits of the technologies due to inadequate road infrastructure. To do this, previously identified technology effectiveness estimates and a published methodology for identifying ADAS-supportive infrastructure availability was applied to an estimated AEB and LKA-sensitive crash subset (using crash data from Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, 2013–2018 inclusive). Findings demonstrate that while the road networks across the three states appeared largely supportive of AEB technology, the lack of delineation across arterial and sub-arterial (or equivalent) roads is likely to have serious implications on road safety, given 13–23% of all fatal and serious injury (FSI) crashes that occurred on these road classes were LKA-sensitive. Based on historical crash data, over 37 fatalities and 357 serious injuries may not be avoided annually across the three Australian states based on the lack of satisfactory road delineation on arterial and sub-arterial (or equivalent) roads alone. Further, almost 24% of fatalities in Victoria, 24% of fatalities in Queensland and 21% of fatalities in South Australia (that are AEB- or LKA-sensitive) are unlikely to be prevented, given existing road infrastructure. These figures are conservative estimates of the lost benefits of the technologies as they only consider fatal and serious injury crashes and do not include minor injury or property damage crashes, the benefits of pedestrian-sensitive AEB crashes in high-speed zones or AEB fitted to heavy vehicles. It is timely for road investments to be considered, prioritised and allocated, given the anticipated penetration of the new technologies into the fleet, to ensure that the road infrastructure is capable of supporting the upcoming fleet safety improvements.

Effect calcium hydroxide (traditionally called slaked lime) to stabilization of laterite soil

Inadequate road infrastructure conditions make the airway a mainstay for the transportation of people and goods, including basic needs in several Papua areas. This study aims to determine the value of elastic modulus and poison ratio that has been stabilized with hydrated lime using curing water and air for 7 days. The method used in this research is experimental method in laboratory. The test object dimension used is cylinder 53 × 106 mm. The soil samples used in this soil stabilization study were taken from Tanah Merah Bovendigul District. Clay and lime soil mixtures are prepared by using moisture content of 35%. The results test shows that the average value of elastic modulus (vertical and horizontal) on curing of water and air is 122.82 MPa each; 92.23 MPa and 51.11 MPa; 424,43 MPa. While the average value of poison ratio is respectively of 0.2 and 0.1.

Penanganan Tindak Pidana Perkara Pelanggaran Lalulintas Di Satlantas Polres Pematangsiantar

Traffic violations have become a habit of the road user community, so that every time an orderly operation of the traffic on the road is carried out by the authorities, traffic violation cases are still occurring and these violations often cause traffic accidents. The research method used in this research is to use a normative and empirical approach. i.e. conducts library research by researching and collecting library materials that are specifically related to laws and regulations and books relating to law and traffic, as well as field research conducted by observing observations and direct interviews with related objects. The results showed that the forms of traffic violations that occurred were motorists breaking traffic signs, driving not using a complete safety system. Some acts and sanctions for violations which are categorized as traffic violations regulated by Law No. 22 of 2009. Factors handling obstacles to traffic violations in Siantar Traffic Police Station Siantar, namely the human factor (Human Error), the factor of inadequate road infrastructure and facilities causing traffic violations. Efforts to deal with traffic offenses at the Siantar Police Traffic Police Unit are preventive and repressive measures to take action by giving a letter of reprimand or verbally, taking action by giving a ticket.

A comparative study of community perceptions regarding the role of roads as a poverty alleviation strategy in rural areas

Abstract The history of Apartheid in South Africa presented the new democratic South Africa with numerous challenges such as poverty, inequality and inadequate access to basic services. These challenges are more prevalent in rural areas, leading to the need for rural development strategies aimed at poverty alleviation and the empowerment of rural societies. Limited access to social and economic opportunities is a common challenge faced by rural dwellers due to inadequate rural road infrastructure. Empirical evidence suggests that poverty is directly linked to isolation, inaccessibility and poor infrastructural development. Hence, the need for the development of adequate rural roads. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the perceptions of rural communities regarding the role of roads as a poverty alleviation strategy. This study explored the influence of rural roads on the socio-economic conditions of rural communities. In addition, the research examined the impacts associated with inadequate rural road infrastructure on the access needs of rural dwellers. Thus, the study attempts to analyse issues relating to rural road infrastructure and its impact on poverty alleviation. Research was undertaken in two rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal: Ntshaseni and Njane. The study employed a mixed-method approach, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research techniques. The findings from the study revealed that there was a relationship between the presence of adequate rural road infrastructure and improved access to basic services. The research findings revealed that there are differences in socio-economic conditions between a community with better access (Njane community) and a community that is isolated (Ntshasheni community) due to inadequate road infrastructure. In addition, research findings revealed that inadequate road infrastructure is an indication of the insufficient access the poor have to basic services such as healthcare and education.

Smart Bicycle-Sharing System Design for the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul

The paper presents a smart bike sharing system proposal with intent to promote cycling for tourists as a sightseeing trip in the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul, where high population, inadequate road infrastructure and traffic congestion make the mobility difficult. Cycling offers an alternative sustainable transportation mode to overcome these mobility challenges; it presents low cots and active mobility to the individuals, and also improves the spatial experience with urban environment. The aim of the study is to promote the use of bikes for improving visitors' (tourists) perception of the urban environment by considering bicycle demand. The research concentrates on (1) how to perform more effective bike sharing system, which is able to respond to traffic condition, and (2) adjust the bike capacity according to in user demand. The smart bike sharing system, presented in this study, consists of; 1) bike route, 2) bike use mobile application and 3) bike sharing model stages. In bike-sharing modeling process, we employ agent based modeling as decision support system. In the scope of the study, the model is evaluated through a test case that is designed by randomly selected bike park spots and terminal locations.  The results showed that there is an association between bicycle demand and the number and location of biycyle facilities (bike park spots and terminals). The presented bike sharing system offers a navigation map for the visitors unfamiliar with the area and a dynamic model proposal that responds flexibly to user needs. The developed dynamic bicycle system is expected to increase the user satisfaction and thus the use of bicycles by reducing the bicycle waiting time of the users.

Road Transportation In Sustainable Rural Development Of Akutupa-Kiri, Kogi State Nigeria

Rural road transportation has being a topical issue in most developing counties of the world. Despite the fact that rural area play a dominant role in the production of food and fiber; its economic activities had been hindered as a result of poor road transportation system. To this end, this paper examines road transportation in sustainable rural development of Akutupa-Kiri, Nigeria. Structured and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a total of 188 (one hundred and eighty eight) households head representing 2% of the entire population in the study using systematic sampling technique. The data were presented using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency counts and percentages and Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis. Findings revealed that Akutupa- Kiri is characterized by inadequate road infrastructure; there is high cost of transport due to the poor condition of road and frequent armed robbery attack on the road.. Results also indicate strong correlation (0.91) between cost and time of movement in the area. Also, the Department of Works in kabba-Bunu Local Government is not effective pertaining to road development matter in the study area. The study recommends provision of road infrastructures, establishment of road maintenance department at the local government level to facilitate rural development and increase agricultural production of the area. In addition, anti- robbery security personnel should be deployed to Akutupa-Kiri road to counter robbery attacks in the area. Key Words: Road transportation, Rural area, Sustainable rural development, Akutupa-Kiri, Nigeria

Review on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Mechanisms in Ethiopia

Climate  change  is  the  burning  issue  of  the  current  world because  it  is  considered  to  be  one  of  the  most  serious  threats  to sustainable  development,  with  adverse  impacts  expected  on  the environment,  human  health,  food  security,  economic  activity,  natural resources and physical infrastructure. Climate change, biodiversity and forest loss are issues inextricably interlinked and need to be addressed simultaneously. Climate is the fundamental factor that determines different stages of the organism life-cycle, such as plant germination and flowering. Causes for vulnerability of Ethiopia to climate variability and change include very high dependence on rain fed agriculture which is very sensitive to climate variability and change, under-development of water resources, low health service coverage, high population growth rate, low economic development level, low adaptive capacity, inadequate road infrastructure in drought prone areas, weak institutions, lack of awareness, etc. The  objective  of  this paper is  to  examine  the  social, economic and environmental impacts of climate change based on their degree of existence  and trends the impacts, to identify the adaptation strategies  and  mitigation  measures  and  to  find  out  the  challenges  to the adoption of those coping mechanisms. The effects of the changing climate are imposing impacts upon the  social,  economic  and  environmental  conditions  of  the human beings by  affecting  their  livelihoods  causing  poor  living, housing,  and health conditions, by reducing the number at the same time of the production of livestock. Traditional and contemporary coping mechanisms to climate variability and extreme in Ethiopia include changes in cropping and planting practices, reduction of consumption levels, collection of wild foods, use of inter-household transfers and loans, increased petty commodity production, temporary and permanent migration in search of employment, grain storage, sale of assets such as livestock and agricultural tools, mortgaging of land, credit from merchants and money lenders, use of early warning system, food appeal/aid, etc. Keywords : climate change, coping mechanism, and impacts of climate change

Child pedestrian safety knowledge, behaviour and road injury in Cape Town, South Africa

Pedestrian injuries are a leading cause of death among South African children, and young children residing in low-income communities are more at risk, due to various factors such as inadequate road infrastructure, exposure to traffic due to reliance on walking as a means of transport, and lack of supervision. This study used a cross-sectional, non-randomized self-report survey to assess pedestrian safety knowledge, road-crossing behaviour and pedestrian injuries of primary school children in selected low-income settings in Cape Town. The survey focused on three primary schools that had joined the Safe Kids Worldwide Model School Zone Project and was administered to 536 children aged 6–15 years, in their home language of isiXhosa. Descriptive and bivariate analyses as well as multivariate regression analyses were conducted to investigate potential predictor variables for pedestrian collision severity and unsafe road-crossing behaviour. Walking was the sole form of travel for 81% of the children, with a large proportion regularly walking unsupervised. Children who walk to or from school alone were younger and reported riskier road-crossing behaviour, although children who walk accompanied tended to have higher pedestrian collision severity. “Negligent Behaviour” related to road-crossing was significantly associated with higher pedestrian collision severity, with predictors of “Negligent Behaviour” including the lack of pedestrian safety knowledge and greater exposure to traffic in terms of time spent walking. More than half of the reported pedestrian collisions involved a bicycle, and older boys (10–15 years) were most at risk of experiencing a severe pedestrian injury. The findings substantiate emerging evidence that children in low-income settings are at greater risk for child pedestrian injury, and emphasise the need for evidence-based safety promotion and injury prevention interventions in these settings.

The Differential Impact of User-Fee Exemption Compared to Conditional Cash Transfers on Safe Deliveries in Nepal.

To assess the differential impact of a copayment exemption compared to a cash incentive on increasing skilled birth attendance (i.e., birth attended by a skilled health worker) in Nepal. This study used data on 8,785 children born between July 2005 and December 2008, obtained from the nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys, 2006 and 2011. Twenty-five districts received both the policy interventions, and the remaining 50 control districts received only the cash incentive. We employed a difference-in-differences model to compare children born in districts with both interventions to those in districts with conditional cash transfers only. Average marginal effects of the difference-in-difference coefficient on skilled birth attendance measures are estimated. Skilled birth attendance in districts with both interventions was no higher on average than in districts with only the cash incentive. In areas with adequate road networks, however, significantly higher skilled birth attendance was observed in districts with both interventions compared to those with only the cash incentive. The added incentive of the user-fee exemption did not significantly increase skilled birth attendance relative to the presence of the cash incentive. User-fee exemptions may not be effective in areas with inadequate road infrastructure.

Traffic Congestion in Bangladesh- Causes and Solutions: A study of Chittagong Metropolitan City

One of the most challenging and complicated issues in city management in the present decade for Bangladesh is the traffic problem. It is a very common phenomenon in almost all the cities of Bangladesh. Presently, traffic congestion problem in Bangladesh are increasing at an alarming rate. The traffic problem has become to a very dangerous arena and has already implicit agonizing extent in the cities of Bangladesh. This type of study has been conducted in Dhaka but not in Chittagong city. Traffic management in Chittagong is not well organized as Dhaka so that the problem is becoming more complicated as the number of people in Chittagong is increasing and it is getting the priority after Dhaka. This article is dedicated to determine the current condition of traffic management in Chittagong City. This article explore the causes involved in traffic congestion  including heavy concentration of vehicles, absence of adequate public transport, inadequate road infrastructure, faulty signaling equipment and   poor  enforcement of traffic rules. At the end of the paper the researchers tried to identify the solution of traffic jam in Chittagong Metropolitan City. JELclassfication: M10, M14