A work zone is an area of roadway with construction, maintenance, or utility work activities. According to NHTSA, many traffic accidents and fatalities happen in work zones. Many traditional safety countermeasures have been utilized in work zones, including installing special signs and barriers and posting suitable speed limits. However, these measures have not fully solved the problem. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a powerful, globally accepted technology that has had great success in business management for decades and can be employed as an advisory device that communicates between vehicles and infrastructure in work zones. The purpose of this study was to develop an RFID-based driver smart assistance system (DSAS) to improve traffic safety and air quality in work zones. The RFID device enabled communication between the vehicle and the roadside on a real-time basis and was supplemented with GPS and other sensors for dynamic traffic management. Such an assistance system would provide suitable verbal and visual warning messages to drivers approaching a work zone. Road tests with the DSAS were conducted in Houston, Texas, with 20 drivers, and the system's impact on vehicle speeds, safety, and vehicle emissions was examined. Statistical results from the tests showed that the DSAS helped drivers take action earlier to decelerate and reduce speeds. All test subjects evaluated the system as satisfactory. This system can also help to reduce most types of vehicle emissions. Further testing and improving of this promising system is recommended in broader fields.

No abstract

PhD students’ poor mental health has been increasingly concerning. However, challenges among PhD students studying aboard are understudied. The Educational and Life Transitions (ELT) model postulates that international PhD students are subject to both academic and acculturative stressors; however, relevant research is limited in the Chinese context. We examined mainland Chinese PhD students’ study and living experiences in Hong Kong using a qualitative approach. Through purposive sampling, 37 mainland Chinese PhD students in different disciplines from public-funded universities in Hong Kong were recruited to participate in online focus group interviews (December 2020–February 2021). The interviews were analyzed using the framework analysis method. Ten themes of academic/acculturative stressors were identified. The academic stressors included: (1) high expectations from the supervisors; (2) emphasis on self-discipline as PhD students; (3) peer comparison in academia; (4) difficulties shifting research directions/academic disciplines; (5) uncertainties about future career. The acculturative stressors included: (1) differences in the political environment; (2) language barriers; (3) difficulties living in Hong Kong; (4) limited social interaction with others; (5) local people’s discriminatory behaviors. This study sheds light on the stressors experienced by mainland Chinese PhD students in Hong Kong. To better address those students’ academic and acculturative stressors, cross-cultural training and additional support from supervisors/the university could be provided.

No abstract