scholarly journals Operational Evaluation of Part-Time Shoulder Use for Interstate 476 in the State of Pennsylvania

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Coffey ◽  
Seri Park
Keyword(s):  
Metropolitan Areas ◽  
The United States ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
The State ◽  
Traffic Density ◽  
Passenger Cars ◽  
Vehicle Type ◽  
Heavy Trucks ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Population Counts

Part-time shoulder use (PTSU) is a capacity-adding strategy that utilized the shoulder temporarily during the peak commuting period and is used sporadically throughout the United States of America (USA). This strategy aids in addressing a transportation-related issue for major metropolitan areas. Around major metropolitan areas, the land availability is limited due to high population counts, which makes widening roadways for growing populations complex and expensive. Many countries are looking at methods that better utilize the transportation infrastructure currently constructed before widening the roadway. PTSU provides a possible solution to this problem, and this research aims to evaluate the operational benefits of PTSU using a case study based in the state of Pennsylvania. Interstate 476 (I-476), in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, metropolitan area is a prime candidate for PTSU. This four-lane highway has peak directional volumes of around 4,700 vehicles per hour in particular sections during the morning commuting period. I-476 is a major commuting route for the region, and the additional capacity during the commuting periods would greatly improve the flow of the surrounding network. This analysis was completed using a Vissim model simulating the 7 AM to 9 AM commuting period. A variety of PTSU scenarios were analyzed including (1) general purpose PTSU lane, (2) passenger cars only PTSU lane, (3) heavy trucks only PTSU lane, and (4) general purpose PTSU lane where additional traffic is induced. Overall, this study determined that PTSU could significantly decrease the travel time on I-476, regardless of vehicle type restrictions, and could provide a more stable traffic density throughout the I-476 network. This research provides additional insight into the effects of vehicle type restrictions on the effectiveness of PTSU and further strengthens the understanding of the operational benefit of PTSU.

Effect of Changing a Traffic Control Device Color on Driver Behavior and Perception across Different Age Groups

2021 ◽  
pp. 036119812110111
Author(s):  
Hatem Abou-Senna ◽  
Mohamed El-Agroudy ◽  
Mustapha Mouloua ◽  
Essam Radwan
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Control ◽  
Traffic Management ◽  
Driving Simulator ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Traffic Density ◽  
Driving Conditions ◽  
And Performance

The use of express lanes (ELs) in freeway traffic management has seen increasing popularity throughout the United States, particularly in Florida. These lanes aim at making the most efficient transportation system management and operations tool to provide a more reliable trip. An important component of ELs is the channelizing devices used to delineate the separation between the ELs and the general-purpose lane. With the upcoming changes to the FHWA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, this study provided an opportunity to recommend changes affecting safety and efficiency on a nationwide level. It was important to understand the impacts on driver perception and performance in response to the color of the EL delineators. It was also valuable to understand the differences between demographics in responding to delineator colors under different driving conditions. The driving simulator was used to test the responses of several demographic groups to changes in marker color and driving conditions. Furthermore, participants were tested for several factors relevant to driving performance including visual and subjective responses to the changes in colors and driving conditions. Impacts on driver perception were observed via eye-tracking technology with changes to time of day, visibility, traffic density, roadway surface type, and, crucially, color of the delineating devices. The analyses concluded that white was the optimal and most significant color for notice of delineators across the majority of subjective and performance measures, followed by yellow, with black being the least desirable.

scholarly journals 1351. Pediatric Antibioitic Use in the North Carolina Medicaid Population

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S686-S686
Author(s):  
Rebecca R Young ◽  
Paul Lantos ◽  
Paul Lantos ◽  
Michael J Smith
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Metropolitan Areas ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
The State ◽  
Gis Mapping ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Race Ethnicity

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance is increasing in the United States, with antibiotic use as the main driver. The majority of antibiotic use occurs in the outpatient setting. 6 of the 7 highest prescribing states are located in the Appalachian region of the country. Overall, the state of North Carolina (NC) has prescribing rates that are at the national average, but the geographic, patient and provider-level characteristics associated with antibiotic prescribing within the state are unknown. Methods We used NC Medicaid claims from 2013-2018 to identify oral antibiotics prescribed to children, defined as individuals < 21 years. Antibiotics were identified using National Drug Codes. Overall rates of antibiotic prescribing were reported as the number of prescriptions per 1000 children overall and stratified by age, sex, race/ethnicity and residence in a metropolitan area. Provider characteristics and setting type were identified using existing variables in the Medicaid dataset. A geographic information system was used to graphically depict rates of antibiotic use by county. Results Rates of prescribing decreased from 724/1000 children in 2013 to 578/1000 children in 2018. Across all study years there were differences in prescribing rates by sex, race/ethnicity, age and residence in a metropolitan area. (Table) Prescriptions were more common in children who were younger (0-2), white non-Hispanic, female and living in non-metropolitan areas. Prescribing rates were geographically heterogeneous, with the highest rates in the western mountain region and declining across a west to east gradient. (Figure) Most (62%) antibiotic prescriptions were written in the primary care setting. Pediatricians prescribed 48% of all antibiotic courses. Antibiotic Prescriptions Per 1000 Children, by Demographic Group (2013-2018) Antibiotic Prescriptions per 1000 Children, by County (2013-2018) Conclusion Although NC is not a high-prescribing state in general, we found notable difference in prescribing based on key demographic characteristics. These results are consistent with prior reports from other Appalachian states including Kentucky, West Virginia and Tennessee. Rates of prescription were highest in non-metropolitan areas overall but GIS mapping revealed a marked west-east gradient. These data suggest that specific Appalachian characteristics, rather than rurality alone, may be associated with excessive antibiotic prescribing. Disclosures Michael J. Smith, MD, MSC.E, Kentucky Medicaid (Grant/Research Support)Merck (Grant/Research Support)

Regional Governance in the United States: For Whom?

1989 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
R L Morrill
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Metropolitan Areas ◽  
The United States ◽  
Real Income ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Regional Governance ◽  
American Cities ◽  
Jurisdictional Fragmentation

In response to problems of jurisdictional fragmentation in American metropolitan areas, many efforts at regional governance have been undertaken. Few are successful. In most areas, area-wide problems are dealt with by specialized functional entities. The universal avoidance of regional general-purpose governance is analyzed through consideration of the motivations and attitudes of the actors (businesses, governments, citizens) in particular American cities, including Seattle. It is argued that the strongest force against regionalization is the fear of redistribution of real income.

Varied Responses to Human-Induced Seismicity in the City of Azle, Texas

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sarmistha R. Majumdar
Keyword(s):  
State Government ◽  
Induced Seismicity ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
The United States ◽  
The State ◽  
Prior History ◽  
Small Community ◽  
Regulatory Policies ◽  
The Status

Fracking has helped to usher in an era of energy abundance in the United States. This advanced drilling procedure has helped the nation to attain the status of the largest producer of crude oil and natural gas in the world, but some of its negative externalities, such as human-induced seismicity, can no longer be ignored. The occurrence of earthquakes in communities located at proximity to disposal wells with no prior history of seismicity has shocked residents and have caused damages to properties. It has evoked individuals’ resentment against the practice of injection of fracking’s wastewater under pressure into underground disposal wells. Though the oil and gas companies have denied the existence of a link between such a practice and earthquakes and the local and state governments have delayed their responses to the unforeseen seismic events, the issue has gained in prominence among researchers, affected community residents, and the media. This case study has offered a glimpse into the varied responses of stakeholders to human-induced seismicity in a small city in the state of Texas. It is evident from this case study that although individuals’ complaints and protests from a small community may not be successful in bringing about statewide changes in regulatory policies on disposal of fracking’s wastewater, they can add to the public pressure on the state government to do something to address the problem in a state that supports fracking.

Is This the Care We Need?: An Examination of Childcare Policy in Pennsylvania

Commonwealth ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennie Sweet-Cushman ◽  
Ashley Harden
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Child Care ◽  
Current System ◽  
The United States ◽  
The State ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Women And Politics ◽  
Richard Nixon ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Childcare Policy

For many families across Pennsylvania, child care is an ever-present concern. Since the 1970s, when Richard Nixon vetoed a national childcare program, child care has received little time in the policy spotlight. Instead, funding for child care in the United States now comes from a mixture of federal, state, and local programs that do not help all families. This article explores childcare options available to families in the state of Pennsylvania and highlights gaps in the current system. Specifically, we examine the state of child care available to families in the Commonwealth in terms of quality, accessibility, flexibility, and affordability. We also incorporate survey data from a nonrepresentative sample of registered Pennsylvania voters conducted by the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics. As these results support the need for improvements in the current childcare system, we discuss recommendations for the future.

Development of the Concepts for Providing Close Air Support

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-74
Author(s):  
Hristov Manush
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Air Force ◽  
The United States ◽  
Second World War ◽  
The State ◽  
World War ◽  
Present Stage ◽  
Combat Experience ◽  
Second World

AbstractThe main objective of the study is to trace the perceptions of the task of an aviation component to provide direct aviation support to both ground and naval forces. Part of the study is devoted to tracing the combat experience gained during the assignment by the Bulgarian Air Force in the final combat operations against the Wehrmacht during the Second World War 1944-1945. The state of the conceptions at the present stage regarding the accomplishment of the task in conducting defensive and offensive battles and operations is also considered. Emphasis is also placed on the development of the perceptions of the task in the armies of the United States and Russia.

TAX FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYED: PROS AND CONS

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.S. Hasanova ◽  
R.R. Hatueva ◽  
A.L. Arsaev
Keyword(s):  
Income Tax ◽  
The State ◽  
The Self ◽  
State Budget ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
Time Work ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Crisis Conditions ◽  
Part Time Work

This article discusses the pros and cons of applying professional income tax. Professional income tax is not mandatory, but an alternative way to pay 2 taxes on self-employment or part-time work. The introduction of this tax can mediate an increase in revenues to the state budget, which is of particular importance for the country in post-crisis conditions.

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