scholarly journals Impact of secondary roads on wildlife of coastal center region Portugal and differences between before and post fire.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago Miguel Regateiro Cruz ◽  
Joana Lima ◽  
Ulisses Azeiteiro
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
Bufo Bufo ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Catastrophic Event ◽  
The Road ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Salamandra Salamandra ◽  
On The Road

Abstract • Context: Anthropogenic activities affect ecosystems creating stress regimes and new disturbances. Among these anthropogenic activities, we highlight roads that are main cause of habitat segmentation. On the other hand, as roads were built to accommodate traffic in rural areas, rate of vehicle-wildlife collisions has significantly expanded, thereby causing a direct decrease in population size. • Objectives: This study was conducted in Portugal (country's western central coast) and assessed impact of secondary roads on wildlife, as well as the influence that a catastrophic event, like a great fire, has on this wildlife. • Methods: Practical work was carried out during 15 months (from October 2016 to December 2017), two consecutive days per week, first day being used for "road cleaning", that is, collection of all animals found on road, followed of their identification, and second day for morning and afternoon collection and identification of dead animals found on same tracks. • Results: In Agricultural Zone, vertebrate deaths on the road covered 17 species. Birds were the most affected , followed by amphibians, mammals and reptiles. The most fragile species were Passer domesticus and Salamandra salamandra. Two hotspots were recognized, one on each road. In Forestral Zone, vertebrate deaths on road included 26 species. Mammals were most vulnerable in this area followed by birds, amphibians and reptiles. Bufo bufo and Salamandra salamandra were the most vulnerable species. • Conclusions: On the contrary, differences between roads composition were clear: there were only deaths on asphalted roads. Differences between before and after fire are evident. Mitigation measures were suggested.

scholarly journals Impact of secondary roads on wildlife of coastal center region Portugal and differences between before and post fire.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago Miguel Regateiro Cruz ◽  
Joana Lima ◽  
António Luis ◽  
Ulisses Miranda Azeiteiro
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
Bufo Bufo ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Catastrophic Event ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Salamandra Salamandra ◽  
On The Road ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Anthropogenic activities affect ecosystems creating stress and new disturbances. Among these anthropogenic activities, we highlight roads that are main cause of habitat segmentation. As roads were built to accommodate traffic in rural areas, rate of vehicle-wildlife collisions has significantly expanded, thereby causing a direct decrease in population size. This study was conducted in Portugal (country's western central coast) and assessed impact of secondary roads on wildlife, as well as the influence that a catastrophic event, like a great fire, has on this wildlife. Practical work was carried out during 15 months (from October 2016 to December 2017), two consecutive days per week, first day being used for "road cleaning", that is, collection of all animals found on road, followed of their identification, and second day for morning and afternoon collection and identification of dead animals found on same tracks. Results In Agricultural Zone, vertebrate deaths on the road covered 17 species. Birds were the most affected , followed by amphibians, mammals and reptiles. The most fragile species were Passer domesticus and Salamandra salamandra. Two hotspots were recognized, one on each road. In Forestral Zone, vertebrate deaths on road included 26 species. Mammals were most vulnerable in this area followed by birds, amphibians and reptiles. Bufo bufo and Salamandra salamandra were the most vulnerable species. On the contrary, differences between roads composition were clear: there were only deaths on asphalted roads. Differences between before and after fire are evident Conclusions In this study, it was concluded that different zones and therefore different habitats should be worked on separately and that mitigation measures should be implemented as a priority in so-called "hotspots". This work highlights importance of secondary roads as a source of mortality for wildlife, and these should not be ignored. As far as macadam roads are concerned, they are not a threat to vertebrate populations in municipality of Mira. In future, it would be important to improve this work by including volume of traffic on roads and recording kilometers at which animals were collected. Results before and after fire illustrate the impact of this catastrophic event on wildlife.

Detour-Impact Index Method and Traffic Gathering Algorithm for Assessing Alternative Paths of Disrupted Roads

2021 ◽  
pp. 036119812110312
Author(s):  
Alessandro Pucci ◽  
Mario Lucio Puppio ◽  
Hélder Silva Sousa ◽  
Linda Giresini ◽  
José Campos Matos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Traffic Data ◽  
Index Method ◽  
The Road ◽  
Data Collection Process ◽  
Impact Index ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Information User ◽  
Traffic Composition ◽  
Operative Costs

Infrastructure plays a key role in society. Recent collapses of bridges have underlined their importance for road functionality, causing disruptions to commuters and emergency vehicles. Major issues arise on rural roads, where the lack of redundancy leads to the isolation of entire communities. Actual approaches to assess the resilience of countryside roads rely on the availability of specific datasets, limiting their practical application; this issue is typically related to traffic data. This research aims to propose innovative algorithms to assess the road network’s vulnerability in rural areas, including a novel traffic data collection process and its calibration. The aggregate metric is called Detour-Impact Index (DII) and compares user costs before and after a disruptive event. The method uses traditional network-impact metrics in combination with a new algorithm that allows us to gather quantitative traffic data starting from qualitative information. User travel time showed good agreement between the proposed procedure and traditional web-based methods. Furthermore, the paper provides user delay costs functions accounting for traffic composition, trip purposes, vehicle operative costs, nonlinear volume–capacity relation, and average daily traffic. A significant aspect is the adaptability of this framework, as it is designed to be coupled with existing approaches. The method is demonstrated on a case study in Tuscany (Italy).

scholarly journals Measures to optimize traffic and the environment. Calculations of environmental safety on a given section of the Rostov-on-Don road network

2020 ◽  
pp. 68-77
Author(s):  
R. S. Durov ◽  
◽  
E. V. Varnakova ◽  
K. O. Kobzev ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Road Network ◽  
Road Transport ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Nox Emissions ◽  
The Road ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Reduce Emissions ◽  
On The Road ◽  
State Of The Environment

Introduction. One of the most pressing socio-economic problems is the state of the environment, which affects the living conditions of many people. The article deals with the problem areas of the intersection of 20-ya Liniya street – Sholokhov Avenue in Rostov-on-Don. Problem Statement. The purpose of this paper is to improve environmental safety at the intersection of 20-ya Liniya street – Sholokhov Avenue in Rostov-on-Don by reducing emissions from road transport through the proposed measures to reorganize traffic on this section of the road network. Theoretical Part. The article provides an assessment of environmental and road safety on the road network section before applying the proposed measures. The measures are listed and justified that would help improve the conditions for road transport at the selected intersection and reduce emissions from road transport, which would improve environmental safety. The calculation of environmental indicators was made after the proposed measures to reduce NOx emissions by cars. Conclusion. The article analyzes the environmental indicators before and after the events, and then compares them. Based on the analysis and calculations, it is determined how much the proposed measures to optimize traffic will help reduce NOx emissions by cars.

Occurrence and Prevention of Changes in the Chemical Structure of Natural Rubber Tire Tread Vulcanizates during Service

1970 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 1215-1224 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. I. Cunneen ◽  
R. M. Russell
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Structure ◽  
Main Chain ◽  
Heavy Duty ◽  
Structural Alterations ◽  
The Road ◽  
Rubber Tire ◽  
Before And After ◽  
On The Road ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Made In

Abstract The chemical structure of the tread vulcanizate of heavy-duty tires has been investigated before and after service on the road, and after testing under conditions designed to induce tread-lift. Significant changes occurred. These included a marked reduction in the concentration of polysulfide crosslinks, and an increase in the amount of monosulfide crosslinks and main chain modification. Experiments with vulcanizates made in the laboratory indicated that the structural alterations in the tires were due to thermal anaerobic reactions caused by heat build-up, and that they resulted in a deterioration in some of the physical properties of the tread vulcanizate. The rate of desulfuration of ‘model’ polysulfides has been found to depend critically upon the nature of the vulcanization recipe. These novel findings point the way to improving the stability of vulcanizates used in the treads of tires and, consequently, tire performance.

Influence of Silica Sand Particles on Disc Brake Squeal Noise

2013 ◽  
Vol 471 ◽  
pp. 81-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Razimi Mat Lazim ◽  
Abd Rahim Abu Bakar ◽  
Mohd Kameil Abdul Hamid ◽  
Izzat Mohd Asri
Keyword(s):  
Surface Condition ◽  
Surface Characteristics ◽  
Silica Sand ◽  
Brake Pad ◽  
Brake Squeal ◽  
The Road ◽  
Film Distribution ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Sand Particles ◽  
On The Road

Researchers in recent years begin to explore on tribological behavior of automotive brake squeal phenomena which covers the morphology, chemical composition, friction and wear, phase composition and third body or friction film distribution. However less effort has been made to study the tribological on the influence of small particles on brake squeal. During braking condition, both rotor and pads are exposed to road environmental particle which may affect pads surface condition. In order to assess the influence of this particle on brake squeal a series of squeal tests were performed. Silica sand grit particles with a size range between 400 to 200 μm which most available on the road surface were used in this experiment. Brake pad and disc surface characteristics were analyzed before and after squealing condition using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The result shows that the silica sand particles had influence the squeal and surface behavior of the brake pad.

scholarly journals THE BITUMEN BATCHING SYSTEM'S MODERNIZATION AND ITS EFFECTIVE ANALYSIS AT THE ASPHALT MIXING PLANT

Transport ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justas Bražiūnas ◽  
Henrikas Sivilevičius
Keyword(s):  
Asphalt Concrete ◽  
Additive Model ◽  
Technological Parameters ◽  
Destructive Effect ◽  
The Road ◽  
Weighted Matrix ◽  
Bitumen Content ◽  
Before And After ◽  
On The Road ◽  
And Performance

Some particular aspects such as the improvement methods of technological parameters for hot bitu‐ men storage in a pipeline transport system, transportation and dosed supply to batch asphalt mixing plant (AMP) are evaluated in this paper. Bitumen in asphalt concrete binds together the material of mineral particles into a strong conglomerate of a complicated structure, capable of withstanding the destructive effect of vehicles and the factors on the road pavements. The optimal amount of bitumen determined by calculation and laboratory testing should be maintained in mix batches of hot‐mix asphalt (HMA) obtained from AMP mixer. In the periodic type of the asphalt concrete blender mass of the weighted matrix in the all merging batcher's tanks should correspond in percents equally in the HMA to the designed amount of the job‐mix formula (JMF). The bitumen batcher does not always weigh bitumen portions precisely. Their mass deviations from the amount determined by JMF and its variation impair HMA composition and performance. In addition,, an additive model for calculating the effect of factors causing the variance of bitumen content in the produced HMA mixture is presented in this current paper as well. The data on statistical evaluation of bitumen batcher's modernization performed at certain Lithuanian Enterprise are discussed. The differences in structures of reconstructed and not reconstructed bitumen batching systems (BBS) are analysed and methods of determining modernization effectiveness are presented. The effectiveness of BBS is analysed too, defining the deviations of bitumen content in subsamples, taken and extracted everyday for two seasons (before and after the batcher's modernization) of HMA mixture production from the value of JMF and comparing them to the values of tolerances. The analysis of column charts and histograms shows that the made modernization helped to increase the precision of supplying the required amount of bitumen to HMA mixture insignificantly. However, the control of BBS has been considerably increased.

Effects of Speed Bumps and Humps on Motorcycle Speed Profiles

2014 ◽  
Vol 931-932 ◽  
pp. 536-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wichuda Satiennam ◽  
Thaned Satiennam ◽  
Pornsiri Urapa ◽  
Tussawan Phacharoen
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Vehicle Speed ◽  
Passenger Car ◽  
The Road ◽  
Acceleration Rate ◽  
Major Mode ◽  
Before And After ◽  
On The Road ◽  
Speed Humps

In developed countries, the use of speed humps and bumps have evolved from extensive research and testing which been properly designed and standardized. On the contrary in developing countries, no systematic and scientific studies have been carried out on that environment, especially the study on the effects that the motorcyclists response to the humps and bumps. This study therefore reveals the riders behavior when negotiating their speed to the devices. A case study was conducted in the provincial cities of Thailand where the motorcycle was a major mode of transportation. Six locations with speed humps and bumps were selected. Vehicles passing times were simultaneously recorded at 12 points along each traffic calmed link. From these data, a speed profile for each individual vehicle and for a link could be derived. It is found that speed humps and bumps have critically different impacts on motorcycle rider and passenger car driver. The smaller size speed bumps could effectively control the rider speed but have diverse impacts on the driver. These speed differences could post more safety deficiency to the site. The effect of the device on riders behavior, however, is restricted to a short spatial range (about 20-30 m before and after the device). For the speed humps, the motorcycle speeds are quite varied depending mainly on the road terrain. It is found that the motorcyclists have significant lower acceleration rate on the upgrade terrain when compared to the passenger car. Therefore, it is important to take all these rider characteristics into considerations when design the road humps to control vehicle speed in the developing countries.

scholarly journals Urban Heat Island and Its Interaction with Heatwaves: A Review of Studies on Mesoscale

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 10923
Author(s):  
Jing Kong ◽  
Yongling Zhao ◽  
Jan Carmeliet ◽  
Chengwang Lei
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Urban Heat Islands ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Pollution Dispersion ◽  
Vegetation Fraction ◽  
Holistic Review ◽  
Urban Heat

With rapid urbanization, population growth and anthropogenic activities, an increasing number of major cities across the globe are facing severe urban heat islands (UHI). UHI can cause complex impacts on the urban environment and human health, and it may bring more severe effects under heatwave (HW) conditions. In this paper, a holistic review is conducted to articulate the findings of the synergies between UHI and HW and corresponding mitigation measures proposed by the research community. It is worth pointing out that most studies show that urban areas are more vulnerable than rural areas during HWs, but the opposite is also observed in some studies. Changes in urban energy budget and major drivers are discussed and compared to explain such discrepancies. Recent studies also indicate that increasing albedo, vegetation fraction and irrigation can lower the urban temperature during HWs. Research gaps in this topic necessitate more studies concerning vulnerable cities in developing countries. Moreover, multidisciplinary studies considering factors such as UHI, HW, human comfort, pollution dispersion and the efficacy of mitigation measures should be conducted to provide more accurate and explicit guidance to urban planners and policymakers.

Pituitary-gonadal response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation is enhanced in men after strenuous physical exercise

1993 ◽  
Vol 129 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tommi J Vasankari ◽  
Urho M Kujala ◽  
Simo Taimela ◽  
Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Response Curves ◽  
Releasing Hormone ◽  
The Road ◽  
Strenuous Physical Exercise ◽  
Before And After ◽  
On The Road

The effects of strenuous physical exercise were studied on the pituitary-testicular response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation and on growth hormone (GH) and cortisol secretion. Eight healthy adult males were injected twice intravenously with 0.1 mg of GnRH at intervals of 21 days. At the time of the first injection (exercise trial) the subjects had been bicycling for 4 h on the road, and at the time of the second injection (rest trial) they had been resting in a sitting position for 4 h. Blood samples were taken before and after the 4-h period and 30, 60 and 120 min after the GnRH injection. Both testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) decreased during the exercise by 18% (p=0.037) and 29% (p=0.0028), respectively, but increased after the GnRH injection by 1.4- and 12.9-fold (p=0.0001 for both). The areas under the testosterone and LH response curves after GnRH were significantly larger in the exercise trial than in the rest trial, threefold (p = 0.013) and 1.3-fold (p=0.0007), respectively. Growth hormone and cortisol increased during the exercise trial. In the rest trial, the GnRH injection increased serum GH concentrations (p = 0.02 7). In conclusion, the diminished hypothalamic GnRH secretion seems to be the major cause of the post-exercise decrease in LH and testosterone, but altered sensitivity of the pituitary to GnRH also may be involved. Apparently, the build-up of pituitary LH stores during exercise explains the enhanced LH and testosterone response to GnRH challenge after exercise in comparison to control GnRH challenge.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Safe Routes to Transit Program in California

2015 ◽  
Vol 2534 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-100
Author(s):  
David Weinzimmer ◽  
Rebecca L. Sanders ◽  
Heidi Dittrich ◽  
Jill F. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
San Francisco Bay ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
The Road ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Perceptions Of Safety ◽  
Food And Drink ◽  
On The Road ◽  
And Control

This paper elaborates on findings from an evaluation of the San Francisco Bay Area's Safe Routes to Transit (SR2T) program in California. This program funded enhancements to increase walking and cycling to regional transit stations. To understand how the program influenced travel choices, behavior, and perceptions of safety and local air quality, the study surveyed transit users and observed driver, pedestrian, and bicyclist behavior in the periods before and after the enhancements were made at multiple transit stations. Data from the treatment and control stations suggested that the streetscape and roadway improvements made through the SR2T program positively influenced the propensity to walk, bicycle, and take the bus to transit stations, as reported through surveys. In particular, the results showed that walking and bicycling increased by 3% at treatment sites compared with control sites. Bicycling also increased at control sites; this factor indicated a general societal shift. Furthermore, driving decreased 2.5% at treatment sites. Perceived air quality, in general, improved in the posttime period. When asked about perceived traffic risk, bicyclists more than pedestrians reported feeling safer on the road, with 10% of the bicyclists, on average, feeling safer after the improvements. There were also economic benefits from this project—pedestrians and bicyclists were overrepresented in those who stopped en route to transit for food and drink. The evidence suggested that the SR2T program positively affected the decision to walk and bicycle to access transit. The program is recommended for expansion to additional sites.

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