Evaluation of Louisiana Friction Rating Table by Field Measurements

This study aims to evaluate the current Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) friction rating table by field measurements and provide recommendations for the frictional mix design guidelines. The current friction rating table is based on the Polished Stone Value (PSV) of coarse aggregate as the only surface friction guideline in a wearing course mixture design, which is only one of many factors that affect the pavement surface friction. To achieve the objective, the pavement surface friction and texture properties were measured using Lock-Wheel Skid Trailer (LWST), Dynamic Friction Tester (DFT) and Circular Track Meter (CTM). Twenty two different asphalt p avement sections were selected across the Louisiana covering commonly used aggregate sources and four typical mixture types namely 12.5mm and 19mm Superpave, Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) and Open Graded Friction Course (OGFC). 1,000-ft. test section was marked to conduct the field tests. Three skid number measurements were taken at the beginning, the mid-point, and the end of each test section using both ribbed and smooth tire. Three DFT and three CTM tests were conducted within each segment that LWST took the skid number. In addition to field testing, multiyear field skid number data were retrieved from LADOTD Project Management System (PMS) database and included in the analysis of this study. Statistical analyses were performed on the collected data to develop correlations among different test devices and frictional properties. Subsequently, the analysis results led to the development of a procedure to predict the surface skid number at the end of design life based on design traffic, aggregate and mixture properties. The developed skid prediction procedure can be used to update the current DOTD friction rating table. An exemplary updated PSV table was also provided under different traffic level through selection of different mixture to achieve end of design life SN40S equals to 20. Similarly, a minimum DFT20 requirement table after 100,000 polishing cycles under Three Wheel Polishing Device (TWPD) was also developed for friction evaluation of new aggregate in mixture by comparing field DFT and CTM measurements with laboratory measurements (obtained from LTRC project 09-2B)

Challenges to Leave No One Behind in Nepal for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Leave No One Behind (LNOB) is a core tenet of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is an endeavor to reach those groups of people who are the “furthest behind” concerning all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Nepal has been at the forefront of its commitment to SDGs. While numerous challenges exist, there have also been opportunities to identify and better understand why different groups have been left behind. In this context, the authors examine Nepal’s overall progress in addressing the core principle of LNOB and its challenges in reaching those furthest behind the first. For this, existing literature and disaggregated data were analyzed. The findings highlight that women among the gender, rural areas among the place of residence, and mountain and Tarai among the ecological zones are left behind in Nepal. Out of the seven provinces, four provinces are left behind in one of the indicators. Overall, Nepal is making slow progress in achieving SDGs regarding LNOB. Mainly, there is a significant process for SDG 1, 7, 8, 10, and 15, a moderate process for SDG 4, 6, and 12, a slow progress for SDG 2, 3, 5, 16 and 17, and a regress for SDG 9 and 11. The authors also identify four gaps and challenges affecting the achievement of SDGs and hindering the progress on LNOB. They are varying levels of understanding and capacity for SDG implementation and monitoring, resource crunch, lack of quality and reliable data, and the COVID-19 pandemic adverse effects. If Nepal wishes to achieve and rescue SDGs, leaving no one behind, it could address these gaps and challenges

Challenges in the Caesarean Section of a Severely Kyphotic Parturient

Caesarean section in a severely kyphotic patient presents with unique challenges. We report a case of obstructed labor in case of a pregnant lady with severe kyphosis of spine that was managed by caesarean section. Lateral recumbent position with adequate assistance and paramedian or vertical skin incision was used and found to provide good exposure. Baby was delivered by lower segment uterine incision by reverse breech extraction. Postpartum hemorrhage was managed with uterotonics and bilateral uterine artery ligation. Tubal ligation though advised was refused by the patient. Prolonged catheterization was done in view of obstructed labor. Postoperative period was uneventful

Knowledge infrastructures, conflictual coproduction, and the politics of planning : A post-foundational approach to political capability in Nepal and Thailand

In an era of rapid urbanisation, understanding how marginalised groups shape and are shaped by planning has never been more urgent. Here, we focus on the political capability of marginalised groups, centring analysis on the control (or lack of control) that they have over their livelihoods and environment. Focused on the politics of participatory planning that surround the Kirtipur and Baan Mankong Housing Projects in Nepal and Thailand, we develop a post-foundational approach to explore how the political capabilities of informal settlers and their representatives are bound up in the realisation of conflict. Crucially, our analysis reveals the discourses, alliances, and expertise – referred to as knowledge infrastructures – that are mobilised by constituted and constituent forms of power to construct and contest urban development. Building upon this framework, we demonstrate how technocratic knowledge infrastructures support hegemonic encroachment discourses that, in turn, condition the emergence of insurgent knowledge infrastructures. In doing so, we show that the political capabilities of informal settlers are fundamentally tied to how these insurgent knowledge infrastructures support participatory planning processes conducive to political subjectivisation. Ultimately, we reveal how participatory planning generates struggles for equality and rights that shape the urban as an arena of conflictual coproduction