Traffic Light Colors Research Articles

WP7.9 - Evaluation of outcomes of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute gallstone disease using Traffic Light Booking system

Abstract Introduction Delayed cholecystectomy leads to recurrent admissions with potential increased preoperative, operative, and postoperative complications. Aim To evaluate the outcomes of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy using traffic light booking system. Methods A quality improvement early gallbladder service was designed using the weighted scores of patients’ demographics, BMI, comorbidities, LFTs, imaging findings, confirmed diagnosis and associated gallstone complications. The scores were stratified into traffic light system colours of green (0-3), amber (4-6) and red (>7) to predict the operative difficulty and allocated operative time. Early cholecystectomy was performed within 6 weeks of the onset of symptoms. Operative difficulty grading use was by Nassar et al. Prospectively data was analysed using SPSS to present the outcomes. Results 207 patients had early cholecystectomy from February 2022 to January 2024. Median age was 50.5 years and 71.5% were females. Diagnoses were 60 biliary colic, 102 acute cholecystitis, 41 pancreatitis and 4 cholecystitis with biliary obstruction. Traffic light scores were 114 green, 76 amber and 17 red while operative difficulty grading was 44 mild, 73 moderate, 54 severe and 36 extreme difficulties. Median time to surgery was 21 (21-42) days and median operative time was 75 (25-205) minutes. 13.5% of the patients were operated at the index admission, 67.1% as day cases, 20.3% stayed overnight and 12.6% as inpatient stays. None were converted to open but four procedures were abandoned. Complication and readmission rates were 4.8% and 5.3% respectively with one patient returning to theatre. Conclusion Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy service can be safely delivered with the majority done as day cases.

A Novel Tool for the Rapid and Transparent Verification of Reference Intervals in Clinical Laboratories.

Background/Objectives: We present a software package called reflimR (Version 1.0.6), which enables rapid and transparent verification of reference intervals from routine laboratory measurements. Our method makes it easy to compare the results with specified target values and facilitates the interpretation of deviations using traffic light colors. Methods: The algorithm includes three procedural steps: (a) definition of an appropriate distribution model, based on Bowley's quartile skewness, (b) iterative truncation, based on a modified boxplot method to obtain the central 95% of presumably inconspicuous results, and (c) extrapolation of reference limits from a truncated normal quantile-quantile plot. Results: All algorithms have been combined into one consolidated library, which can be called in the R environment with a single command reflim (x). Using an example dataset included in the package, we demonstrate that our method can be applied to mixed data containing a substantial proportion of pathological values. It leads to similar results as the direct guideline approach as well as the more sophisticated indirect refineR software package. As compared to the latter, reflimR works much faster and needs smaller datasets for robust estimates. For the interpretation of the results, we present an intuitive color scheme based on tolerance ranges (permissible uncertainty of laboratory results). We show that a relatively high number of published reference limits require careful reevaluation. Conclusions: The reflimR package closes the gap between direct guideline methods and the more sophisticated indirect refineR method. We recommend reflimR for the rapid routine verification of large amounts of reference limits and refineR for a careful analysis of unclear or doubtful results from this check.

Improving consumer understanding of pesticide toxicity labels: experimental evidence

Consumers often inadvertently misperceive the health hazards associated with over-the-counter pesticides under the current textual labeling policy, potentially leading to improper use. We conducted an incentivized framed field experiment with eye tracking to evaluate the effectiveness of the current pesticide labels that convey risk using signal words (Caution, Warning, Danger) compared to two visually focused label alternatives: traffic light colors and skull intensity symbols. A total of 166 participants were randomly assigned to one of three label formats and asked to rank toxicity levels and make purchasing decisions within multiple price lists. Results show that signal words fail to adequately communicate toxicity levels. Specifically, participants’ correct assessment of toxicity level dramatically improves from 54% under the existing signal word label to 95% under the traffic light and 83% under the skull intensity symbol labels. We also find that participants are more likely to choose the less toxic alternatives under the new labels, suggesting the current labeling system may affect choice and have unintended adverse effects on human health.

Defining a Uterine Extraction Score based on a Volume/Access Ratio in Total Hysterectomy: a retrospective cohort study.

Regardless of the technique used, extraction of the uterus is a crucial step in hysterectomy. There is currently no scoring system to predict its feasibility. Our main objective was to determine a predictive score of uterine extraction feasibility to optimise surgical planning of total hysterectomy. As secondary objectives, we examined the correlation between uterine volume predicted by preoperative ultrasound and the final weight of the surgical specimen and analysed the impact of the uterine extraction modality on operative and hospitalisation times. We defined a Uterine Extraction Score (UES) based on the ratio between uterine sizes and vaginal access. This score was retrospectively applied to a cohort of 178 patients who were hysterectomised for benign conditions between January 2019 and December 2022. The UES allows identification of three groups of decreasing feasibility of vaginal extraction, symbolised by traffic light colours: green - vaginal extraction without morcellation, orange -vaginal extraction with morcellation, red - abdominal morcellation by mini-laparotomy or primary laparotomy. The results show that the UES--predicted, and the observed routes of extraction concord in 92% of cases. There is a strong correlation between estimated volume and final uterine weight. Uterine morcellation lengthens the operative time and the hospital stay. The UES seems to be a reliable tool to predict the route of uterine extraction in total hysterectomy. The development of a new scoring system empowers surgeons with decisive information to enhance perioperative outcomes.

Map-Based Ensemble Forecasts for Maritime Operations: An Interactive Usability Assessment with Decision Scenarios

Abstract Previous research indicates that forecast uncertainty can, in certain formats and decision contexts, provide actionable insights that help users in their decision-making. However, how to best disseminate forecast uncertainty, which factors affect successful uptake, and how forecast uncertainty transforms into better decision-making remains an ongoing topic for discussion in both academic and operational contexts. Interpreting and using visualizations of forecast uncertainty are not straightforward, and choosing how to represent uncertainty in forecast products should be dependent on the specific audience in mind. We present findings from an interactive stakeholder workshop that aimed to advance context-based insights on the usability of graphical representations of forecast uncertainty in the field of maritime operations. The workshop involved participants from various maritime sectors, including cruise tourism, fisheries, government, private forecast service providers, and research/academia. Geographically situated in Norway, the workshop employed sea spray icing as a use case for various decision scenario exercises, using both fixed probability and fixed threshold formats, supplemented with temporal ensemble diagrams. Accumulated operational expertise and characteristics of the forecast information itself, such as color coding and different forms of forecast uncertainty visualizations, were found to affect perceptions of decision-making quality. Findings can inform codesign processes of translating ensemble forecasts into usable and useful public and commercial forecast information services. The collaborative nature of the workshop facilitated knowledge sharing and coproduction between forecast providers and users. Overall, the study highlights the importance of incorporating methodological approaches that consider the complex and dynamic operational contexts of ensemble-based forecast provision, communication, and use. Significance Statement We wanted to understand how maps showing uncertainty in weather forecasts can help maritime users in their operational decisions. We organized a workshop with Norwegian maritime stakeholders and forecasters, who interpreted maps that combined layers of maritime operational activities and the likelihood of sea spray icing (an important hazard for ships operating on higher latitudes). The results show that contextual knowledge, and the use visual formats such as traffic light colors may help users to understand the maps. The results will help to better communicate weather forecasts to maritime users and gives suggestions about how to involve users in codesigning forecast products. Follow-up research could use our approach to investigate other hazardous conditions, such as wind, waves and sea ice.

An index to assess the level of vulnerability to crocodiles in coastal communities


 
 
 
 Human-wildlife negative interactions are a recurring phenomenon worldwide, originating from the shared habitats and resources between both. In several coastal communities, negative interactions occur due to the presence of the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). We have developed an index to assess the level of vulnerability of communities to this reptile. The construction of this index is based on the Approximate SustainabilityIndex developed by Gutiérrez-Espeleta in 1994. The Index of Vulnerability (IVU) is built upon several indicators across four parameters: social, biological-environmental, institutional, and spatial. These indicators are assessed using a performance scale and interpretation. The IVU assigns values to the vulnerability condition, which are presented in a color scale corresponding to defined intervals. For each indicator, reference categories and rating scales are represented with traffic light colors and numerical ratings. The IVU value obtained for a community can be visualized with a map and a corresponding figure, including a table of values for the assessed parameters.
 
 
 

The Effect of Information Provision and Color Coding in Product Labeling on the Preference for Meat Substitutes

For health, environmental, and animal welfare reasons, an increase in the consumption of meat in our diet is of great concern in today’s society. Meat substitutes have been advocated for a long time as a solution to these problems and are evolving continuously with technological advancements. Despite these efforts, it is remarkable that meat alternatives only account for a small portion of the global meat market. As a result, we examined the factors that affect Flemish consumers’ preferences for meat substitutes in Belgium using a discrete choice experiment. We also examined consumers’ preferences after providing additional information, as well as the impact of color-coding certain attribute levels on their preferences. The study was conducted using a sample size of 162 participants selected via convenience sampling. The findings show that it is important to keep the sensory properties of meat substitutes similar to those of actual meat. The results also indicate that additional information regarding the environmental and health impact of meat consumption can help to promote meat substitutes. The traffic light color coding of the levels of saturated fat and ecofootprint attributes increases the preference for healthy and environmentally friendly alternatives. Finally, we observed that individual-level variations in the utility attributed to meat substitutes are explained significantly by age, gender, education, current diet group, and attitudinal factors. Overall, we can conclude that the promotion of meat substitutes can be achieved via a combined strategy that focuses on improving the taste, appearance, and nutritional profile of meat substitutes, as well as raising consumers’ awareness of the environmental and health impact of meat consumption.

Consumer Interaction with Sustainability Labelling on Food Products: A Narrative Literature Review.

Sustainability labelling on food products can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and support the urgent transition to sustainable food systems. While there is a relatively robust body of evidence on health and nutrition labelling, less is known about the effectiveness of sustainability labelling in facilitating sustainable food choices. This paper investigates the impact of sustainability labelling on consumer understanding, attitudes, and behaviour to support a more nuanced, detailed, and holistic understanding of the evidence. Using a narrative literature review methodology, the paper assesses studies covering environmental, social, and/or animal welfare aspects of sustainability labelling on food products. We found that consumer understanding of sustainability information is often limited, which could hinder behaviour change. While sustainability labelling can influence consumer attitudes and purchasing behaviours, evidence from real consumer settings tends to show small effect sizes. Consumers are generally willing to pay more for sustainability-labelled products, and organic labelling often leads to the highest reported willingness to pay. The review emphasises the importance of trust, suggesting a preference for labelling backed by governments or public authorities. Sustainability labelling that uses intuitively understandable cues has an increased impact, with visual aids such as traffic light colours showing promise. We conclude that further research is needed in real-world settings, using representative populations and exploring the influence of demographic factors, values, and attitudes.

A VT-HMM-Based Framework for Countdown Timer Traffic Light State Estimation

Traffic lights are important components of traffic systems, and perceptual tasks on traffic lights are crucial for intelligent agents on the road. Auxiliary countdown timers, providing the remaining time of the current traffic phase, improve the safety and smoothness of the entire traffic system. This work proposes a state estimation framework for countdown timer traffic lights. Time-domain information is adequately integrated into a variable transition Hidden Markov Model (VT-HMM), and our system provides optimal estimates of traffic light colors and countdown numbers based on noisy detection inputs. A dynamic state transition matrix is designed based on a 1-step transition logic and a probability of the number of transitions related to the current state sojourn duration. A recursive decoding method based on the Viterbi algorithm is proposed to update all the state candidates and select the optimal state chain. Extensive experiments evaluate the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed work. The performance boundaries of this system are also found under various input noise levels. The source code is available here: https://github.com/ShuyangUni/countdown-timer-traffic-light-estimation

Strategies in Teaching Academic Essay Writing, Level of Effectiveness, and Instructional Barriers: The Case of Filipino Learners

This study about academic essay writing strategies was conducted in order to propose teachers' lesson guide based on the effective strategies that were ascertained after the investigation. The study used the descriptive-quantitative method of research. The University-approved questionnaire was used to identify the frequency of use of the strategies utilized in students' essay writing activities. There were 126 students and 20 English teachers in Cebu City, Philippines, used as the respondents of the study. It was discovered that the three academic essay writing strategies investigated in the study were always used in both argumentative and informative essay writing, as perceived by the respondents. The first two strategies, traffic light color coding, and planning using informal outline, were found to be very effective in both writing the argumentative and informative essays, while the third strategy, framed paragraph, was also effective to use in both writing the two types of essays. The strategies used, and the students' performance showed a significant relationship. The top barriers in teaching academic essay writing were as follows: teaching essay writing to second language learners, lack of time for explicit instruction, no strategies in place for the part of the students, lack of parental support, and lack of essay structures on the part of the teachers. It was concluded that there were various effective pedagogical strategies that teachers could utilize in teaching academic essay writing. Based on the findings, this study further presents its recommendations.

Effects and interactions of labels’ color scheme and the individual difference variable lay rationalism on pro-environmental choices

Recent eco-labeling research suggests that labels that use traffic light colors to communicate an evaluation of product attributes are more effective in guiding consumer choices toward environmentally friendlier products than those that merely provide quantitative information. However, it remains unclear whether the effect of traffic light labels is attributable to the additional information provided by the colors or whether the colors themselves impact consumer choices. We investigated the influence of labels' color scheme on consumers' preferences for environmentally friendly electricity. In two experiments, participants chose between electricity products differing in price and carbon emissions. The products had labels based on either traffic light colors, grayscale colors, or text (Study 2) to classify carbon emissions as low, medium, or high. Furthermore, we used the lay rationalism scale to assess participants' tendency to base decisions on feelings versus reason. The two main findings were that traffic light labels increased the choice share of low-emission electricity relative to text-based labels but not relative to grayscale labels, and that there is an interaction effect between labeling format and lay rationalism. Another finding is that both emotional affinity toward nature and guilt proneness are strong predictors of preference for low-emission electricity. Our data underline the importance of examining different label formats and further suggest that labels should be designed according to a target group's decision-making style.

360° Diagnostic Tool to Personalize Lifestyle Advice in Primary Care for People With Type 2 Diabetes: Development and Usability Study.

Various multifaceted factors need to be addressed to improve the health and quality of life of people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Therefore, we developed a web-based decision support tool that comprises a more holistic diagnosis (including 4 domains: body, thinking and feeling, behavior, and environment) and personalized advice. This 360° diagnostic tool enables people with T2D and health care professionals at the general practice to obtain an overview of the most important T2D-related issues and, subsequently, determine the most suitable intervention for the person with T2D. This study aimed to describe the systematic and iterative development and evaluation of the web-based 360° diagnostic tool. We defined the requirements for the web-based 360° diagnostic tool based on previously developed tools, a literature review, and inputs from a multidisciplinary team of experts. As part of the conceptualization, we defined 3 requirements: diagnostics; feedback; and advice, consultation, and follow-up. Next, we developed and designed the content for each of these requirements. We evaluated the diagnostic part of the tool (ie, measurement instruments and visualization) with a qualitative design, in a usability study with a think-aloud strategy and interview questions, among 8 people with T2D at a Dutch general practice. For each of the 4 domains, specific parameters and underlying elements were selected, and measurement instruments (including clinical data and questionnaires) were chosen. Cutoff values were defined to identify high-, middle-, and low-ranking scores, and decision rules were developed and implemented using R scripts and algorithms. A traffic light color visual design was created (profile wheel) to provide an overview of the scores per domain. We mapped the interventions that could be added to the tool and developed a protocol designed as a card deck with motivational interview steps. Furthermore, the usability study showed that people with T2D perceived the tool as easy to use, useful, easy to understand, and insightful. Preliminary evaluation of the 360° diagnostic tool by experts, health care professionals, and people with T2D showed that the tool was considered relevant, clear, and practical. The iterative process provided insights into the areas of improvement, which were implemented. The strengths, shortcomings, future use, and challenges are also discussed.

Will I cross when I see you crossing? Towards illegal pedestrian road crossing simulations

The temporal dimension (how long the pedestrian has been in a situation) and the social influence from the neighbor's behaviors are important factors in street crossing decisions. In this paper, we propose a preliminary agent-based model of the street crossing decisions at a pedestrian light without traffic based on three priors. First, a pedestrian agent is willing to wait a certain amount of time before crossing a street (we call it Accepted Waiting Time, AWT) and beyond that, it crosses even at a red light. The next two priors are based on Rosenbloom's work, who suggests that a pedestrian waiting at a red light may be influenced by those who are crossing or waiting. Combining these two priors mimics some aspect of social influence, and we assume this social influence modulates the AWT of the pedestrian agent. Thus, in our simulations, agents supposed to cross at the red light may wait for the green light, influenced by waiting neighbors. Conversely, the window of opportunity of the neighbors crossing at the red light influences the waiting agents to cross as well. These results mean that the crossing decision would be different if the agents were alone. Moreover, agents with similar characteristics (in terms of AWT) and perceiving the same situation (color of the pedestrian traffic light and number of neighbors) but arriving at the crossing location at different times, will take different decisions (cross/wait). Furthermore, the behaviors produced by our model are quite consistent with those reported in the literature, in terms of violation rate and waiting time. Further research is needed in order to include additional influence factors to this proof-of-concept model, and to take traffic into account, which is needed before using the proposed model in virtual reality applications dedicated to children learning to cross roads.

Setup of a Contamination Control Strategy Using the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Methodology.

A Contamination Control Strategy (CCS) is a document that focuses on how to prevent contaminations with microorganisms, particles, and pyrogens within sterile and/or aseptic and preferably also in nonsterile manufacturing facilities. This document determines to what extent measures and controls in place are efficient in preventing contamination. In order to efficiently evaluate and control all potential hazards associated with sources of contamination within a CCS, the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) methodology could be a useful tool to monitor all Critical Control Points (CCPs) related to various sources of contamination. This article describes a way to set up the CCS within a pharmaceutical sterile and aseptic manufacturing facility (GE HealthCare Pharmaceutical Diagnostics) by applying the HACCP methodology. In 2021, a global CCS procedure and a general HACCP template became effective for the GE HealthCare Pharmaceutical Diagnostics sites having sterile and/or aseptic manufacturing processes. This procedure guides the sites through the setup of the CCS by applying the HACCP methodology and helps each site to evaluate whether the CCS is still effective taking all (proactive and retrospective) data following the CCS into account. A summary of setting up a CCS using the HACCP methodology, specifically for the pharmaceutical company GE HealthCare Pharmaceutical Diagnostics Eindhoven site, is provided in this article. Use of the HACCP methodology enables a company to include proactive data within the CCS, making use of all identified sources of contamination, associated hazards, and/or control measures and CCPs. The constructed CCS allows the manufacturer to identify whether all included sources of contamination are under control and, if not, which mitigatory actions need to be performed. All current states are reflected by a traffic light color to reflect the level of residual risk, thereby providing a simple and clear visual representation of the current contamination control and microbial state of the manufacturing site.

Glass Containing Eu2O3, Tb2O3, Sm2O3, ZnO as a Color Filter Used in the Automotive Industry

Over the next few years, LEDs are likely to be responsible for all of the vehicle's exterior lighting func-tions. Everything is focused on maximum security. For this reason, there are more and more automatic color detection systems in the car. Proper color separation is the key to optimal operation and proper evaluation of these automatic systems. An example is the correct detection of traffic light colors. The automotive industry is dependent on consistency and predictability. Classification is an important func-tion for automated control and requires the correct color resolution of the signals captured by the camer-as. We propose to use glass containing various colored active substances such as Eu2O3, Tb2O3 and Sm2O3 as color filters for LED diodes. LED source from one visible light area to another visible light area. This study is devoted to the production of photoactive glass. Subsequently, the photosensitivity of molten photoactive glasses is tested. Both the absorption and excitation spectra of selected photosensi-tive glasses are measured.

How Early Can We Predict the Need for VPI Surgery?

This retrospective study reviewed documentation of children with moderate-to-severe VPI at age 3 years who did not undergo VPI surgery until age 5 years. Based on the national cleft register, 959 patients with syndromic and nonsyndromic CP were treated by the craniofacial team at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland between 2000 and 2014. Eighty-six patients fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. The speech pathologist evaluated velopharyngeal function at age 3, 5, and 8 years. Of the 86 children presenting with moderate-to-severe VPI at age 3 years, 94% still had moderate-to-severe VPI at age 5 years, even though speech therapy was offered to 77%. Of those whose velopharyngeal function improved by age 5 years, function regressed to incompetent over time. Overall, 93% underwent VPI surgery and 82% underwent VPI surgery between ages 5 and 8 years. Only 23% at age 8 years still had moderate-to-severe VPI. Speech therapy alone did not improve VPI speech characteristics. Moderate-to-severe VPI did not improve from 3 to 5 years or improved but subsequently relapsed. This suggests that the decision for VPI surgery can be made for children aged 3 years with moderate-to-severe VPI.

Process Risk Index (PRI) – A methodology to analyze the design and operational hazards in the processing facility

Process safety assists in improving the operational, economic, and environmental performance of processing facilities. This study addresses the critical process safety challenges at the process design and operation stage through an effective risk minimization strategy. The process risk index (PRI), a heuristic-based approach, is used to map risk and explore the effect of process deviations on process safety. The PRI method is explained using the blue hydrogen process - steam methane reforming (SMR) process. A risk map of the entire facility uses traffic-light colors as risk indicators is developed. The synergistic effects and parameters are analyzed using process simulation tools and converted into risk values. The risk map identifies the reforming, the water-gas shift, and the separator units as the highest risk units for given deviations in the operational parameters. We have benchmarked the PRI with the fire and explosion damage index (FEDI) and observed that the PRI is more sensitive to finding process deviations and hazards. This method can detect root causes of process safety issues at a unit-specific level better than the FEDI. Additionally, the PRI provides updated risk maps once risk minimization strategies are implemented. The PRI serves as a tool for process safety analysis of hazardous operations such as hydrogen production processes with better sensitivity and flexibility in scaling.

Colours and maps for communicating natural hazards to users with and without colour vision deficiency

Natural hazards are often communicated visually using colours and maps. However, users' ability to read and understand these products may be hampered by e.g., colour vision deficiency, potentially rendering the products less effective or even counter effective. To study these effects, we conducted two web-based surveys and analysed how to improve visual communication of avalanches, floods, landslides, and dangerous weather hazards. In survey 1 (n = 79), we tested four traffic light colour palettes, three map legends, and three map patterns used for communicating danger levels on the Norwegian website Varsom.no, to improve accessibility for individuals with and without colour vision deficiency (CVD). In survey 2 (n = 960), we tested four versions of traffic light colour palettes on a larger and international population. Survey 2 also tested six versions of Avalanche terrain exposure scale (ATES) maps on individuals with and without CVD varying in nationality, avalanche education and familiarity with ATES. Results suggest that the colours, legends, and maps used on Varsom should be improved, and that danger levels are best communicated with the colour palette used by Meteoalarm.info – in combination with symbols to help users with CVD. This study found that the colour scheme used for ski run difficulty in Europe was efficient for use with ATES maps for participants with and without CVD and is recommended as a worldwide standard for ATES. Further studies and testing of users’ understanding are recommended to improve clarity of danger level maps and to improve visualization of ATES classes 0 and 1 on maps. Our studies show the hidden potential for efficient and inclusive communication of natural hazards and highlights the importance of including the needs of CVD users in standardisation efforts.

Front-of-pack health imagery on both ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ foods leads people to misremember seeing health claims: Two memory experiments

Front-of-pack health imagery can shape people's inferences about food products' health benefits, even leading people to falsely remember reading health claims they never saw. However, research has typically examined these effects in situations where participants have little contextual information to guide their inferences about a product. The present research aimed to replicate the finding that front-of-pack health imagery leads participants to falsely remember reading health claims. It also extends that finding, by exploring whether this effect is moderated by the presence of contextual information signaling the product's actual ‘healthiness’. In two pre-registered experiments, participants saw images of fictitious food products accompanied by written nutrition claims. Some of the products contained a health-related image whereas others did not. The supposed ‘healthiness’ of each product was manipulated by altering the color of the products' multiple traffic light (MTL) label (Experiment 1), or with an explicit healthiness statement (Experiment 2). Participants then attempted to remember the written claims that had appeared on each product's packaging. Health-related images increased participants' tendency to falsely remember reading health claims. But this was true regardless of whether or not participants saw contextual cues about the products' healthiness, either indirectly (Experiment 1) or directly (Experiment 2). These findings suggest that the presence of health imagery on a food product's package can lead consumers to infer health benefits, even when other, more direct cues indicate that the product is unhealthy. This research informs debates on safeguarding consumers from potentially misleading health claims, through the regulation of imagery in food marketing.

MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF ADAPTIVE CONTROL OF THE FUNCTIONING OF A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT THE CROSSROADS OF A URBAN TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

The subject of the research is the process of modeling the functioning of a traffic light, providing adaptive control of vehicles at the intersectionsof the city transport network. In the process of functioning of urban transport networks, such phenomena as traffic jams occur, which lead tosignificant economic losses, environmental degradation, frustration of road users and other types of negative impacts. Traffic jams often occur at thenodes of the urban transport network, which are intersections - the places of intersection, abutment or branching of roads of the urban network of thesame level. One of the causes of congestion is the ineffective management of traffic flows at intersections, which is provided by such an element of theintersection as a traffic light. Within the framework of the existing transport network, traffic lights that implement adaptive control with the help ofappropriate local controllers, and more complex system controllers created on their basis, ensuring that the situation in the external environment istaken into account, which is represented by several interconnected intersections, is currently one of the most important directions for solving theproblem of traffic jams. The traffic light flow control function is implemented using a microprocessor controller, which, according to a given algorithm, switches the traffic light colors corresponding to the phases of allowing and prohibiting the movement of the vehicle in the directions of theintersection roads.The article proposes a mathematical model for building an algorithm for the functioning of a microprocessor traffic light controller, whichprovides a prompt and adequate display of situations at intersections. The main features of the model include responsiveness to changes in situations atan intersection by changing the duration of the permissive phase of movement in each cycle of traffic light operation in proportion to the length of thequeue of vehicles in the corresponding direction of travel; adequate display of the external environment by several expressions of Poisson’s law,differing in different values of the parameter, each of which corresponds to a certain daily interval of traffic light functioning; the dynamics of changesin the traffic situation due to a decrease in the number of vehicles in the queue due to the passage of the intersection by vehicles during the green phaseof the traffic light is determined on the basis of expressions that determine the movement of bodies with uniformly accelerated and uniform movement,as well as on the basis of the differential equation of the dynamics of movement of vehicles in one row taking into account the delay caused by thereaction of drivers.