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Motorcycle is a complex machine, and its riding requires mental alertness along with mind and body coordination. On the road, motorcyclists are subjected to excessive level of noise (> 90 dBA). High noise exposure can impair the motor task functioning. The assessment of motor task (dexterity) of motorcyclists under noise exposure has not been examined formerly as well as their psychological health profiling. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate the effects of noise-induced motor task functioning among young motorcyclists (19 – 24 yrs.). The controlled laboratory experiment was conducted on undergraduate university motorcyclists ( n = 60; 30 males, 30 females). Two groups were formed experimental (Exp-G; n = 30) and a controlled (Con-G; n = 30). The Exp-G operated motor activity test under 85-90 dBA motorcycle noise exposure, while Con-G exposed to controlled noise (65 dBA) levels. The sound level was examined concurrently by calibrated (114 dBA) Sound Level Meter. Purdue Pegboard battery test was used to measure motor task functioning consisting four subtests (Dominant Hand; Non-Dominant Hand; Both Hands; Assembly). The Independent sample t -test was used across all subtests to examine the comparison effect of motor task function (dexterity) between Exp-G and Con-G, and amongst genders. Result showed that the Con-G had significantly good quality presentation ( p 0.05). Based on mean values, male participants of the Exp-G performed better under high noise levels than females, while among Con-G, females performed better. The results demonstrated significant effect of motorcycle noise on decreased motor task functioning of the participants (Exp-G). Therefore, it concludes that on-road excessive noise level exposure can hinder the motor task functioning and can contribute to impair the reaction time on excruciating hazardous position.

Coal desulfurization prior to usage is frequently subjected to preprocessing to achieve clean fuel and reduce environmental impacts. In this study, desulfurization of Mach coal of Balochistan was investigated with different leaching solvents. The solvents used are NaOH and HNO 3 . Effects of particle size and solvent weight% on sulfur removal were studied, whereas the leaching temperature and the agitation time were kept constant. Desulphurization experiments were carried out for 12 samples of different composition based on different particle size and solvent weight%. Significant reduction in Sulfur was attained when the coal particle size of 10 Mesh was used. The results indicated that Sulfur reduction was highest of 44.88% when HNO 3 was used as compare to NaOH which gave maximum Sulfur reduction of 24.72%. Sulfur recovery was found to increase with increasing solvent concentration. Decreased desulfurization was observed with larger coal particle size of 6 Mesh. Leaching process using variable solvent concentration was found effective and could be inexpensive for desulfurization of coal.

Noise is an environmental stressor, which leads to various ailments due to the physiological and psychological stresses it creates. It is essential to understand and evaluate the contributing factors of environmental noise, especially in densely polluted areas near major roads, railways and airports, for public health policy and planning. Noise level measurement permits precise and scientific analysis of noise annoyance, and therefore, this study aimed to determine the average noise levels of Quetta city. Seventy-three (73) location’s equivalent noise levels (L eq ) were measured at peak rush hours for three consecutive days. Selected areas for measurement included health care centres, educational centres, government offices, public places, residential and commercial areas. All the selected sites were located near to main roads, where the traffic noise was the most prominent noise source. Noise was measured through calibrated microprocessor sound level meter. The results were computed by taking the mean of the three readings. The results showed 74 dBA as average noise level of Quetta city. It has been found that 90% of the selected locations in Quetta city exceeded the 65dBA, while 10 % of the total locations ranged between 55 to 65 dBA. The average noise exposure of the Quetta city was greater than the permissible international noise standard. This study identified the main traffic hubs of Quetta city, which requires mitigation strategies by the policy makers specifically for Health care and Educational sectors. It also requires adequate updated plans for community noise survey and ordinance.