This study evaluates the distribution of travel-limiting disabilities across genders and geographic locations in the United States. This study aims to describe and compare the socioeconomic and demographic variables o...This study evaluates the distribution of travel-limiting disabilities across genders and geographic locations in the United States. This study aims to describe and compare the socioeconomic and demographic variables of the people with and without travel-limiting disabilities across geographic locations and gender. The study further evaluates the trip purpose and impact of Covid-19 fourth wave pandemic on the use of public transit and travel to physical workplace for the people with and without travel-limiting disabilities across gender and geographic locations. The study uses the 2022 weighted National Household Travel Survey dataset and employs descriptive statistics. Results reaffirm the findings from previous literature that there are more people with travel-limiting disabilities in urban areas and among women. Over 50 percent of people aged 65 and above have a form of travel-limiting disabilities. The most trip for people with travel-limiting disabilities is made for shopping and medical purposes. Across all categories, rural areas, urban areas, male and female for the people without travel-limiting disabilities, COVID-19 fourth wave did not change the pattern of trips made to physical workplace as pre-COVID-19 era. This pattern is also observable for the people with travel-limiting disabilities in rural and urban areas. Females with travel-limiting disabilities reported making less trips to physical workplaces while male reported doing the same as before COVID-19 era. The study concludes that the quantification of travel-limiting disabilities across geographic location and gender is vital in disability study and could drive policy implementation for improved accessibility for the vulnerable population.展开更多
BACKGROUND：On July 21, 2009, the Medical Council of India officially recognized the specialty of emergency medicine in India. The city of Chennai with over six and a half million people is the fourth largest on the s...BACKGROUND：On July 21, 2009, the Medical Council of India officially recognized the specialty of emergency medicine in India. The city of Chennai with over six and a half million people is the fourth largest on the subcontinent and has already been a prominent city of interest in the specialty＇s development. However, there is no standardization of the resources found in the city＇s emergency departments. This study was to survey the equipment, training, and certification of Chennai area emergency departments and their staff. METHODS：We conducted a cross-sectional survey of emergency department staff from 38 Chennai area hospitals. The survey instrument contained 44 questions pertaining to hospital demographics, staff training and certification, and ED equipment and supplies. The items on the survey were specifically chosen to represent only the most basic and common resources necessary to practise emergency medicine. RESULTS： The survey found a majority of hospitals are privately operated but there is a wide range in terms of size and volume of patients. A minority of both doctors and nurses are certified in BLS, ACLS, PALS, and ATLS. While almost all departments surveyed had the basic code medications, a number of basic equipment items were lacking from a large percentage of the EDs surveyed. CONCLUSION：The newly established EP community in Chennai will have the responsibility to establish standards for both training and resources so that the specialty may grow and provide a higher standard of emergency care moving into the future.展开更多
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity and this burden is borne largely by low and middle-income countries. As part of efforts to combat AMR, the W...Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity and this burden is borne largely by low and middle-income countries. As part of efforts to combat AMR, the World Health Organization has identified Antimicrobial Stewardship as one of the strategic objectives of its global action plan on antimicrobial resistance. This survey aimed to observe antimicrobial prescribing and usage patterns in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital with the purpose of identifying gaps to inform the specific antimicrobial stewardship interventions necessary to address our specific needs. Methodology: A point prevalence survey was conducted using the protocol and web-based automated data management system designed by the Global Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Consumption and Resistance, University of Antwerp, Belgium, in November 2021. Results: A total of 69 adult medical and surgical patients were surveyed;27 males and 18 females. Antimicrobial prevalence was 65.2%. Third generation cephalosporins (24.4%;33.3%), fluoroquinolones (17.8%;22.2%) and imidazole derivatives (20%;36.1%) were most prescribed on the medical and surgical wards. Antimicrobial guidelines were completely unavailable, most antimicrobials (93.8%) were prescribed empirically and 64.4% of these remained empirical after 72 hours of commencement. Conclusion: Antimicrobial stewardship interventions are necessary to minimize sub-optimal antimicrobial prescribing practices in our facility. Most critical are education on appropriate use of antimicrobials, support for development of antimicrobial guidelines, diagnostic stewardship, and the drive for improved use of the laboratory to guide antimicrobial prescriptions. The antimicrobial stewardship committee and team must drive this, having the requisite support from the management and prescribers, with the primary outcomes being reduced antimicrobial prevalence and improved antimicrobial prescription patterns.展开更多
Survey studies have consistently shown strong public support for biodiversity conservation,even though conservation regulations often face strong local resistance when they are implemented.This seemingly contradictory...Survey studies have consistently shown strong public support for biodiversity conservation,even though conservation regulations often face strong local resistance when they are implemented.This seemingly contradictory phenomenon is due to the fact that previous polls have sought opinion only in the abstract,yet many conservation measures are implemented at the expense of local economic development,and policymakers often face a‘Conservation-Development Tradeoff’-a policy dilemma that remains understudied by social scientists.To fill this gap,this study conducts one of the first comparative surveys on public support for biodiversity conservation in China and the United States.I measure public support for conservation using two separate question versions online.The‘regular version’asks directly about individual support for biodiversity conservation,and the“tradeoff version”asks the same question but in the context of the policy tradeoff.The results show that both American and Chinese citizens are highly supportive of conservation in the abstract.But after they learn about the tradeoff effect,the aggregate support falls sharply,and the Chinese citizens show significantly less support compared to their American counterparts.The survey findings expanded on existing academic research on public attitudes toward conservation policies and can encourage future conservation policymakers to understand the significance of the tradeoff issue,as conventional wisdom may have overestimated public support for biodiversity conservation.Moreover,as China has become a crucial player in global conservation governance,understanding the Chinese public sentiment on the real-world policy dilemma can have important implications for conservation policymaking in the world.展开更多
Objective:This manuscript is inspired by the usage of traditional medicines i.e.,Ethnomedicines.It aims to collect the available data on Odisha’s native medicinal flora to provide a relatively updated,comprehensive,a...Objective:This manuscript is inspired by the usage of traditional medicines i.e.,Ethnomedicines.It aims to collect the available data on Odisha’s native medicinal flora to provide a relatively updated,comprehensive,and categorized idea on ethnomedicinal species with their therapeutic usage.This survey reveals about 264 medicinal plant species frequently used by different non-tribal and tribal communities of the study area in the prevention and treatment of 11 different urogenital disorders or related issues.Methods:The data from different published research and review articles confined to ethnomedicinal plants in different scientific databases like Google,ScienceDirect,Pubmed,etc were captured by specific keywords.Results:The relevant information regarding correct taxonomic identification with family,common locally assigned names,plant parts that are in use with the correct mode of administration concerning different health ailments about the urogenital system has been analyzed in this review.Conclusion:This paper presents a compilation of commonly used plant parts administered in different parts of Odisha,to treat various urogenital issues.This could provide great potential for the discovery of more potent bioactive compounds,which are produced as the secondary metabolites by the medicinal flora.Hence further phytochemical screening,antimicrobial studies on these plant parts need to be conducted to explore their potential as important medicinal plant species.展开更多
A double-dimensional big data assessment method on the characteristics of on-line taxi traffic operation is proposed to provide a scientific basis for carrying out the taxi industry reform and standardizing the on-lin...A double-dimensional big data assessment method on the characteristics of on-line taxi traffic operation is proposed to provide a scientific basis for carrying out the taxi industry reform and standardizing the on-line taxi hailing management work. Taking Shenzhen as an example, multi- source data such as on-line taxi license plate data, plate identification data and taxi （including on-line taxis） operation data are combined with the results of the stated preference （SP） survey on taxi operating characteristics to assess the overall operation characteristics of on-line taxis. The results show that the current on-line taxis in Shenzhen can be divided into three categories, that is, full-time on-line taxis, non- active on-line taxis and part-time on-line taxis, accounting for 4%, 55%, and 41%, respectively, of the total quantity. In terms of the characteristics of space-time operations, full-time on-line taxis have similar operating characteristics as those of traditional taxis; the operation of non-active on-line taxis and part-time on-line taxis coincides with commuting requirements during morning and evening peak hours. However, part-time on-line taxis operate for a much longer time period at night. Due to the convenient hailing and favorable price, on-line taxis have a significant impact on trip modes of citizens; and the substitution eflbct of on-line taxis on traditional buses and cruising taxis is obvious. It is beneficial for helping the government departments to objectively understand the development law of the on-line taxi industry and providing decision reference for the formulation of relevant management policies during the critical development stage of on-line taxi industry.展开更多
Traffic congestion has become a critical issue in developing countries,as it tends to increase social costs in terms of travel cost and time,energy consumption and environmental degradation.With limited resources,redu...Traffic congestion has become a critical issue in developing countries,as it tends to increase social costs in terms of travel cost and time,energy consumption and environmental degradation.With limited resources,reducing travel demand by influencing individuals’ travel behavior can be a better long-term solution.To achieve this objective,alternate travel options need to be provided so that people can commute comfortably and economically.This study aims to identify key motives and constraints in the consideration of carpooling policy with the help of stated preference questionnaire survey that was conducted in Lahore City.The designed questionnaire includes respondents’ socioeconomic demographics,and intentions and stated preferences on carpooling policy.Factor analysis was conducted on travelers’ responses,and a structural model was developed for carpooling.Survey and modeling results reveal that social,environmental and economic benefits,disincentives on car use,preferential parking treatment for carpooling,and comfort and convenience attributes are significant determinants in promoting carpooling.However,people with strong belief in personal privacy,security,freedom in traveling and carpooling service constraints would have less potential to use thecarpooling service.In addition,pro-auto and pro-carpooling attitudes,marital status,profession and travel purpose for carpooling are also underlying factors.The findings implicate that to promote carpooling policy it is required to consider appropriate incentives on this service and disincentives on use of private vehicle along with modification of people’s attitudes and intentions.展开更多
Northeastern India has high medicinal plant diversity due to variance in topography and physiognomy. We documented the uses of various medicinal plants by the Bengali people of West district and South district of Trip...Northeastern India has high medicinal plant diversity due to variance in topography and physiognomy. We documented the uses of various medicinal plants by the Bengali people of West district and South district of Tripura state for their own health care as well as for domesti-cated animals. Based on semi structured interviews, group discussions and information from local informants, a total of 93 species of medicinal plants of 52 families and 83 genera were documented. These plants were used to treat more than 55 different human diseases and 6 diseases of livestock. Sixty-eight plant species were used singly and the rest were used in combination with other species for therapeutic formulations of various diseases. Leaves of plants were most often used for most of the ethnobotanical preparations. Maximum consensus value of 96% was recorded for Chromolaena odorata （L.） King ＆amp;H. Rob., and the mini-mum was 15%for Bambusa balcooa Robx. Of the 93 plant species, 75 species showed pharmacological properties. Prospects for augmenting existing knowledge and enhancing the use of traditional medicinal plants are discussed.展开更多
The use of managed lanes to control and maximize freeway throughput is increasing. One way of encouraging more managed lane use is through the implementation of incentives. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a managed lan...The use of managed lanes to control and maximize freeway throughput is increasing. One way of encouraging more managed lane use is through the implementation of incentives. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a managed lane is being added to the I-30 (Tom Landry freeway) and incentives to maximize the use of this lane were planned. Since the managed lanes were not yet open and the incentives were hypothetical, a stated preference survey was used to gauge the potential impact of the incentives on traveler behavior. The stated preference questions were designed using Db-efficient and random adaptive designs. The incentives were chosen by looking at other programs around the country and through discussion with transportation experts. Once ready, the survey was administered online to travelers in the area and a total of 898 usable responses were gathered. From the responses, a mixed-logit model was developed to describe and predict traveler behavior. From the model, elasticities were calculated to predict the impact of the incentives on mode choice. The model found that incentives with discounts and free trips (a transit fare discount, express bus service to downtown, a free trip for every X number of paid trips, and a discount offered to select businesses) were more effective at encouraging managed lane use. The other incentives (gift card worth $5 for every X number of trips and $5 in credit for every X number of trips taken by transit) had less of an impact.展开更多
Taking into account the hierarchical structure of the data, through two-level analysis on infant mortality available under second round of National family Health Survey, the same group of authors recently reported det...Taking into account the hierarchical structure of the data, through two-level analysis on infant mortality available under second round of National family Health Survey, the same group of authors recently reported determinants of infant mortality while examining possible changes in results under traditional regression analysis that ignores hierarchical structure of data. They reported that the community (e.g., state) level characteristics still have a major role regarding infant mortality in India. For better epidemiological understanding, the present study is to assess determinants of infant mortality in rural India, where three level considerations were possible. The results indicate that even after consideration of these covariates, variation in infant mortality remains significant not only between States but also between Districts. Further, as an additional observation, the probability of infant mortality is still high in rural areas of districts having health facility beyond three kilometers than their counterparts.展开更多
Reductions in CO2 emissions have a significant effect on the transportation sector, and there is increasing interest in developing green cars such as electric cars. To prepare for the advent of the electric car era, i...Reductions in CO2 emissions have a significant effect on the transportation sector, and there is increasing interest in developing green cars such as electric cars. To prepare for the advent of the electric car era, it will be necessary to predict the increase in electricity demand owing to the spread of electric cars and determine the policy approaches. Therefore, the analysis was performed to promote the use of electric car that helps reduce CO2 emissions. This study establishes a mode choice model using the stated preference method. To improve the predictive power of the model, some revealed preference data were also examined to consider the characteristics of the commuters and the extent of current electric car technology to determine and verify the parameters of the mode choice models. This was used to estimate changes in CO2 emissions owing to the introduction of electric cars and present effective policy approaches to reduce CO2 emissions.展开更多
Maintenance and rehabilitation projects of interstate facilities typically mandate lane closures. Lane closures require merging maneuvers that often result in reduced speeds and traffic bottlenecks. Conventionally, bo...Maintenance and rehabilitation projects of interstate facilities typically mandate lane closures. Lane closures require merging maneuvers that often result in reduced speeds and traffic bottlenecks. Conventionally, bottleneck merge control plans are developed to address bottlenecks impacts. However, there is a need to better understand the various merge control options and their potential impacts on traffic operations and safety. This study reviewed available options and current practices of bottleneck merge control strategies at work zones, and summarized transportation agencies’ considerations to mitigate adverse impacts. An extensive literature review was performed and a questionnaire survey was developed and used to gather relevant information. Input was solicited from all US State Departments of Transportation. Responses from 27 States revealed that transportation agencies currently rely on experience when selecting a bottleneck merge control strategy and often do not consider influence on construction activities. Thus, a gap was identified between bottleneck merge control and construction plans. Another gap was identified regarding the lack of formal criteria or guidelines for selecting a bottleneck merge control strategy. These gaps need to be addressed through investigating the influence of bottleneck merge control strategies on construction activities, and the development of formal criteria for effective selection of such strategies.展开更多
During big events, non-local private car travelers can be divided into two types which were returning in one day and in several days. It was demonstrated that those two kinds of travelers have distinct behavior on par...During big events, non-local private car travelers can be divided into two types which were returning in one day and in several days. It was demonstrated that those two kinds of travelers have distinct behavior on park and ride （P＆R）, due to their different travel demand and behavior attributes. In this paper focusing on the travelers returning in several days, the travel attributes and requirements for P＆R were analyzed with stated preference survey. A P＆R choice behavior disaggregated logit model was established and calibrated based on random utility theory. The model concludes three variables, which were travel time, parking fee and comprehensive attractiveness index for suburban satellite towns comparing to urban district. The results revealed that for travelers returning in several days the primary key point is increasing the attractiveness of suburban satellite towns.展开更多
In recent years, a growing number of foreign companies and individuals were involved in geodata violations in China. The Chinese government is facing greater pressure to protect confidential geodata within its territo...In recent years, a growing number of foreign companies and individuals were involved in geodata violations in China. The Chinese government is facing greater pressure to protect confidential geodata within its territory. Geodata violations occurred in the course of illegal mapping and surveying, geographical and geological data collection and transactions. Although China has reformed laws and regulations to refine some aspects of confidential geodata management, existing rules remain ambiguous and controversial. This article aims to address the liability concerns raised among foreign companies from geodata violations. After defining the three most significant concepts, geological data, mapping and surveying, and state secrets, this article reviews the status quo, reasons for and impacts of geodata violations in China, to find out how big the problem is and why it matters. It then explores the legislative framework of state secrets protection in the context of geodata management; special focus is put on liability issues and problems of the current system. As a response to existing arguments, possible ways to improve confidential geodata protection and some practical tips for foreign businesses are offered.展开更多
文摘This study evaluates the distribution of travel-limiting disabilities across genders and geographic locations in the United States. This study aims to describe and compare the socioeconomic and demographic variables of the people with and without travel-limiting disabilities across geographic locations and gender. The study further evaluates the trip purpose and impact of Covid-19 fourth wave pandemic on the use of public transit and travel to physical workplace for the people with and without travel-limiting disabilities across gender and geographic locations. The study uses the 2022 weighted National Household Travel Survey dataset and employs descriptive statistics. Results reaffirm the findings from previous literature that there are more people with travel-limiting disabilities in urban areas and among women. Over 50 percent of people aged 65 and above have a form of travel-limiting disabilities. The most trip for people with travel-limiting disabilities is made for shopping and medical purposes. Across all categories, rural areas, urban areas, male and female for the people without travel-limiting disabilities, COVID-19 fourth wave did not change the pattern of trips made to physical workplace as pre-COVID-19 era. This pattern is also observable for the people with travel-limiting disabilities in rural and urban areas. Females with travel-limiting disabilities reported making less trips to physical workplaces while male reported doing the same as before COVID-19 era. The study concludes that the quantification of travel-limiting disabilities across geographic location and gender is vital in disability study and could drive policy implementation for improved accessibility for the vulnerable population.
文摘BACKGROUND：On July 21, 2009, the Medical Council of India officially recognized the specialty of emergency medicine in India. The city of Chennai with over six and a half million people is the fourth largest on the subcontinent and has already been a prominent city of interest in the specialty＇s development. However, there is no standardization of the resources found in the city＇s emergency departments. This study was to survey the equipment, training, and certification of Chennai area emergency departments and their staff. METHODS：We conducted a cross-sectional survey of emergency department staff from 38 Chennai area hospitals. The survey instrument contained 44 questions pertaining to hospital demographics, staff training and certification, and ED equipment and supplies. The items on the survey were specifically chosen to represent only the most basic and common resources necessary to practise emergency medicine. RESULTS： The survey found a majority of hospitals are privately operated but there is a wide range in terms of size and volume of patients. A minority of both doctors and nurses are certified in BLS, ACLS, PALS, and ATLS. While almost all departments surveyed had the basic code medications, a number of basic equipment items were lacking from a large percentage of the EDs surveyed. CONCLUSION：The newly established EP community in Chennai will have the responsibility to establish standards for both training and resources so that the specialty may grow and provide a higher standard of emergency care moving into the future.
文摘Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity and this burden is borne largely by low and middle-income countries. As part of efforts to combat AMR, the World Health Organization has identified Antimicrobial Stewardship as one of the strategic objectives of its global action plan on antimicrobial resistance. This survey aimed to observe antimicrobial prescribing and usage patterns in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital with the purpose of identifying gaps to inform the specific antimicrobial stewardship interventions necessary to address our specific needs. Methodology: A point prevalence survey was conducted using the protocol and web-based automated data management system designed by the Global Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Consumption and Resistance, University of Antwerp, Belgium, in November 2021. Results: A total of 69 adult medical and surgical patients were surveyed;27 males and 18 females. Antimicrobial prevalence was 65.2%. Third generation cephalosporins (24.4%;33.3%), fluoroquinolones (17.8%;22.2%) and imidazole derivatives (20%;36.1%) were most prescribed on the medical and surgical wards. Antimicrobial guidelines were completely unavailable, most antimicrobials (93.8%) were prescribed empirically and 64.4% of these remained empirical after 72 hours of commencement. Conclusion: Antimicrobial stewardship interventions are necessary to minimize sub-optimal antimicrobial prescribing practices in our facility. Most critical are education on appropriate use of antimicrobials, support for development of antimicrobial guidelines, diagnostic stewardship, and the drive for improved use of the laboratory to guide antimicrobial prescriptions. The antimicrobial stewardship committee and team must drive this, having the requisite support from the management and prescribers, with the primary outcomes being reduced antimicrobial prevalence and improved antimicrobial prescription patterns.
文摘Survey studies have consistently shown strong public support for biodiversity conservation,even though conservation regulations often face strong local resistance when they are implemented.This seemingly contradictory phenomenon is due to the fact that previous polls have sought opinion only in the abstract,yet many conservation measures are implemented at the expense of local economic development,and policymakers often face a‘Conservation-Development Tradeoff’-a policy dilemma that remains understudied by social scientists.To fill this gap,this study conducts one of the first comparative surveys on public support for biodiversity conservation in China and the United States.I measure public support for conservation using two separate question versions online.The‘regular version’asks directly about individual support for biodiversity conservation,and the“tradeoff version”asks the same question but in the context of the policy tradeoff.The results show that both American and Chinese citizens are highly supportive of conservation in the abstract.But after they learn about the tradeoff effect,the aggregate support falls sharply,and the Chinese citizens show significantly less support compared to their American counterparts.The survey findings expanded on existing academic research on public attitudes toward conservation policies and can encourage future conservation policymakers to understand the significance of the tradeoff issue,as conventional wisdom may have overestimated public support for biodiversity conservation.Moreover,as China has become a crucial player in global conservation governance,understanding the Chinese public sentiment on the real-world policy dilemma can have important implications for conservation policymaking in the world.
基金thank Mr.Preetam Narayan for his constant technical support for this work.
文摘Objective:This manuscript is inspired by the usage of traditional medicines i.e.,Ethnomedicines.It aims to collect the available data on Odisha’s native medicinal flora to provide a relatively updated,comprehensive,and categorized idea on ethnomedicinal species with their therapeutic usage.This survey reveals about 264 medicinal plant species frequently used by different non-tribal and tribal communities of the study area in the prevention and treatment of 11 different urogenital disorders or related issues.Methods:The data from different published research and review articles confined to ethnomedicinal plants in different scientific databases like Google,ScienceDirect,Pubmed,etc were captured by specific keywords.Results:The relevant information regarding correct taxonomic identification with family,common locally assigned names,plant parts that are in use with the correct mode of administration concerning different health ailments about the urogenital system has been analyzed in this review.Conclusion:This paper presents a compilation of commonly used plant parts administered in different parts of Odisha,to treat various urogenital issues.This could provide great potential for the discovery of more potent bioactive compounds,which are produced as the secondary metabolites by the medicinal flora.Hence further phytochemical screening,antimicrobial studies on these plant parts need to be conducted to explore their potential as important medicinal plant species.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.71641005)
文摘A double-dimensional big data assessment method on the characteristics of on-line taxi traffic operation is proposed to provide a scientific basis for carrying out the taxi industry reform and standardizing the on-line taxi hailing management work. Taking Shenzhen as an example, multi- source data such as on-line taxi license plate data, plate identification data and taxi （including on-line taxis） operation data are combined with the results of the stated preference （SP） survey on taxi operating characteristics to assess the overall operation characteristics of on-line taxis. The results show that the current on-line taxis in Shenzhen can be divided into three categories, that is, full-time on-line taxis, non- active on-line taxis and part-time on-line taxis, accounting for 4%, 55%, and 41%, respectively, of the total quantity. In terms of the characteristics of space-time operations, full-time on-line taxis have similar operating characteristics as those of traditional taxis; the operation of non-active on-line taxis and part-time on-line taxis coincides with commuting requirements during morning and evening peak hours. However, part-time on-line taxis operate for a much longer time period at night. Due to the convenient hailing and favorable price, on-line taxis have a significant impact on trip modes of citizens; and the substitution eflbct of on-line taxis on traditional buses and cruising taxis is obvious. It is beneficial for helping the government departments to objectively understand the development law of the on-line taxi industry and providing decision reference for the formulation of relevant management policies during the critical development stage of on-line taxi industry.
基金conducted at University of Engineering and Technology Lahore with support of Department of Transportation Engineering and Management Department
文摘Traffic congestion has become a critical issue in developing countries,as it tends to increase social costs in terms of travel cost and time,energy consumption and environmental degradation.With limited resources,reducing travel demand by influencing individuals’ travel behavior can be a better long-term solution.To achieve this objective,alternate travel options need to be provided so that people can commute comfortably and economically.This study aims to identify key motives and constraints in the consideration of carpooling policy with the help of stated preference questionnaire survey that was conducted in Lahore City.The designed questionnaire includes respondents’ socioeconomic demographics,and intentions and stated preferences on carpooling policy.Factor analysis was conducted on travelers’ responses,and a structural model was developed for carpooling.Survey and modeling results reveal that social,environmental and economic benefits,disincentives on car use,preferential parking treatment for carpooling,and comfort and convenience attributes are significant determinants in promoting carpooling.However,people with strong belief in personal privacy,security,freedom in traveling and carpooling service constraints would have less potential to use thecarpooling service.In addition,pro-auto and pro-carpooling attitudes,marital status,profession and travel purpose for carpooling are also underlying factors.The findings implicate that to promote carpooling policy it is required to consider appropriate incentives on this service and disincentives on use of private vehicle along with modification of people’s attitudes and intentions.
文摘Northeastern India has high medicinal plant diversity due to variance in topography and physiognomy. We documented the uses of various medicinal plants by the Bengali people of West district and South district of Tripura state for their own health care as well as for domesti-cated animals. Based on semi structured interviews, group discussions and information from local informants, a total of 93 species of medicinal plants of 52 families and 83 genera were documented. These plants were used to treat more than 55 different human diseases and 6 diseases of livestock. Sixty-eight plant species were used singly and the rest were used in combination with other species for therapeutic formulations of various diseases. Leaves of plants were most often used for most of the ethnobotanical preparations. Maximum consensus value of 96% was recorded for Chromolaena odorata （L.） King ＆amp;H. Rob., and the mini-mum was 15%for Bambusa balcooa Robx. Of the 93 plant species, 75 species showed pharmacological properties. Prospects for augmenting existing knowledge and enhancing the use of traditional medicinal plants are discussed.
文摘The use of managed lanes to control and maximize freeway throughput is increasing. One way of encouraging more managed lane use is through the implementation of incentives. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a managed lane is being added to the I-30 (Tom Landry freeway) and incentives to maximize the use of this lane were planned. Since the managed lanes were not yet open and the incentives were hypothetical, a stated preference survey was used to gauge the potential impact of the incentives on traveler behavior. The stated preference questions were designed using Db-efficient and random adaptive designs. The incentives were chosen by looking at other programs around the country and through discussion with transportation experts. Once ready, the survey was administered online to travelers in the area and a total of 898 usable responses were gathered. From the responses, a mixed-logit model was developed to describe and predict traveler behavior. From the model, elasticities were calculated to predict the impact of the incentives on mode choice. The model found that incentives with discounts and free trips (a transit fare discount, express bus service to downtown, a free trip for every X number of paid trips, and a discount offered to select businesses) were more effective at encouraging managed lane use. The other incentives (gift card worth $5 for every X number of trips and $5 in credit for every X number of trips taken by transit) had less of an impact.
文摘Taking into account the hierarchical structure of the data, through two-level analysis on infant mortality available under second round of National family Health Survey, the same group of authors recently reported determinants of infant mortality while examining possible changes in results under traditional regression analysis that ignores hierarchical structure of data. They reported that the community (e.g., state) level characteristics still have a major role regarding infant mortality in India. For better epidemiological understanding, the present study is to assess determinants of infant mortality in rural India, where three level considerations were possible. The results indicate that even after consideration of these covariates, variation in infant mortality remains significant not only between States but also between Districts. Further, as an additional observation, the probability of infant mortality is still high in rural areas of districts having health facility beyond three kilometers than their counterparts.
文摘Reductions in CO2 emissions have a significant effect on the transportation sector, and there is increasing interest in developing green cars such as electric cars. To prepare for the advent of the electric car era, it will be necessary to predict the increase in electricity demand owing to the spread of electric cars and determine the policy approaches. Therefore, the analysis was performed to promote the use of electric car that helps reduce CO2 emissions. This study establishes a mode choice model using the stated preference method. To improve the predictive power of the model, some revealed preference data were also examined to consider the characteristics of the commuters and the extent of current electric car technology to determine and verify the parameters of the mode choice models. This was used to estimate changes in CO2 emissions owing to the introduction of electric cars and present effective policy approaches to reduce CO2 emissions.
文摘Maintenance and rehabilitation projects of interstate facilities typically mandate lane closures. Lane closures require merging maneuvers that often result in reduced speeds and traffic bottlenecks. Conventionally, bottleneck merge control plans are developed to address bottlenecks impacts. However, there is a need to better understand the various merge control options and their potential impacts on traffic operations and safety. This study reviewed available options and current practices of bottleneck merge control strategies at work zones, and summarized transportation agencies’ considerations to mitigate adverse impacts. An extensive literature review was performed and a questionnaire survey was developed and used to gather relevant information. Input was solicited from all US State Departments of Transportation. Responses from 27 States revealed that transportation agencies currently rely on experience when selecting a bottleneck merge control strategy and often do not consider influence on construction activities. Thus, a gap was identified between bottleneck merge control and construction plans. Another gap was identified regarding the lack of formal criteria or guidelines for selecting a bottleneck merge control strategy. These gaps need to be addressed through investigating the influence of bottleneck merge control strategies on construction activities, and the development of formal criteria for effective selection of such strategies.
文摘During big events, non-local private car travelers can be divided into two types which were returning in one day and in several days. It was demonstrated that those two kinds of travelers have distinct behavior on park and ride （P＆R）, due to their different travel demand and behavior attributes. In this paper focusing on the travelers returning in several days, the travel attributes and requirements for P＆R were analyzed with stated preference survey. A P＆R choice behavior disaggregated logit model was established and calibrated based on random utility theory. The model concludes three variables, which were travel time, parking fee and comprehensive attractiveness index for suburban satellite towns comparing to urban district. The results revealed that for travelers returning in several days the primary key point is increasing the attractiveness of suburban satellite towns.
文摘In recent years, a growing number of foreign companies and individuals were involved in geodata violations in China. The Chinese government is facing greater pressure to protect confidential geodata within its territory. Geodata violations occurred in the course of illegal mapping and surveying, geographical and geological data collection and transactions. Although China has reformed laws and regulations to refine some aspects of confidential geodata management, existing rules remain ambiguous and controversial. This article aims to address the liability concerns raised among foreign companies from geodata violations. After defining the three most significant concepts, geological data, mapping and surveying, and state secrets, this article reviews the status quo, reasons for and impacts of geodata violations in China, to find out how big the problem is and why it matters. It then explores the legislative framework of state secrets protection in the context of geodata management; special focus is put on liability issues and problems of the current system. As a response to existing arguments, possible ways to improve confidential geodata protection and some practical tips for foreign businesses are offered.
