Modeling pedestrian gap crossing index under mixed traffic condition

There are a variety of challenges faced by pedestrians when they walk along and attempt to cross a road, as the most recorded accidents occur during this time. Pedestrians of all types, including both sexes with numerous aging groups, are always subjected to risk and are characterized as the most exposed road users. The increased demand for better traffic management strategies to reduce the risks at intersections, improve quality traffic management, traffic volume, and longer cycle time has further increased concerns over the past decade.This paper aims to develop a sustainable pedestrian gap crossing index model based on traffic flow density. It focusses on the gaps accepted by pedestrians and their decision for street crossing, where (Log-Gap) logarithm of accepted gaps was used to optimize the result of a model for gap crossing behavior. Through a review of extant literature, 15 influential variables were extracted for further empirical analysis. Subsequently, data from the observation at an uncontrolled mid-block in Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was gathered and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Binary Logit Model (BLM) techniques were employed to analyze the results.From the results, different pedestrian behavioral characteristics were considered for a minimum gap size model, out of which only a few (four) variables could explain the pedestrian road crossing behavior while the remaining variables have an insignificant effect. Among the different variables, age, rolling gap, vehicle type, and crossing were the most influential variables. The study concludes that pedestrians’ decision to cross the street depends on the pedestrian age, rolling gap, vehicle type, and size of traffic gap before crossing.The inferences from these models will be useful to increase pedestrian safety and performance evaluation of uncontrolled midblock road crossings in developing countries

Salt marsh halophyte services to metal-metalloid remediation: assessment of the processes and underlying mechanisms

Salt marshes are widely distributed and most productive ecosystems in the temperate zones on the globe. These areas perform vital ecological functions and are populated mainly by halophytes—plants that are able to survive and reproduce in environments with exceptionally high salt concentrations. In salt marshes, in addition to tolerating high salt concentrations, salt marsh halophytes have to cope with damages caused by multiple anthropgenic pressures including metal and metalloid pollution. Extensive studies have been performed aiming at exploring naturally occurring endemic salt marsh halophytes with extraordinary potential for metals and metalloids remediation. However, a knowledge gap is perceptible on the basics of salt marsh halophyte adaptation/ tolerance to the joint action of damaging factors such as high concentration of salt and presence of metals–metalloids. In light of available literature, the current paper is critical in: (i) highlighting ecological significance of salt marsh halophytes and their use as bioindicators or biomonitors of metal–metalloid pollution; (ii) analyzing salt marsh halophyte significant contributions for metal- and metalloid-remediation processes; (iii) overviewing salt marsh halophytes–microbes interaction influence on metalphytoremediation processes; and (iv) cross-talking important physiological/ biochemical strategies adopted by salt marsh halophytes for salinity-, metal-, and metalloid-tolerance. Conclusively, the paper highlights important aspects so far less explored in the context of salt marsh halophyte services to metal–metalloid remediation and underlying mechanisms. The discussion will enable researchers and environmentalists to set further exhaustive studies aiming at efficient and sustainable management of rapidly mounting salt marshes metal–metalloid contamination issues