Latest news with #ECU
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Concerns mount over tampering of speed limiters in heavy vehicles
SAFETY concerns surrounding heavy vehicles have resurfaced as industry insiders warn that speed limiters, though mandated in new commercial buses and lorries, can be bypassed by trained technicians. This vulnerability has prompted calls for a more comprehensive approach to vehicle safety. According to NST, a technician from a local bus manufacturing firm stated that modern speed limiters are embedded within the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of heavy vehicles and rely on sensor inputs to regulate speed. However, the technician revealed that former service centre mechanics may still possess the software required to alter or deactivate the system and could offer such services discreetly through private workshops. Given this loophole, the technician stressed the critical role of global positioning systems (GPS). As a standard feature in newly registered vehicles under the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), GPS units are typically integrated with the speed limiter system. Unlike limiters, GPS-linked systems can accurately log and monitor a vehicle's speed and alert operators of any infractions, making tampering more detectable. Industry figures have also drawn attention to the broader technological framework within heavy vehicles. Thayalan Subramaniam, General Manager of MAN Truck and Bus Malaysia, noted that their vehicles' speed limiters are also embedded in the ECU and set in accordance with regulatory guidelines — 89km/h for lorries and 100km/h for buses. He assured that MAN uses advanced diagnostic tools with updated security patches to prevent unauthorised system modifications. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that tampering can only be detected during a formal vehicle inspection at authorised workshops. The issue gained urgency following a recent tragic bus crash in Gerik, which resulted in the deaths of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students. In response, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that a new policy mandating the use of speed limiters for heavy vehicles is currently being drafted. The policy is under review to ensure its robustness against exploitation or manipulation. Industry insiders have further emphasised the need to prioritise other safety systems, such as tyre pressure monitoring and retarder brakes, especially in older vehicle models that remain operational without these features. The technician added that many drivers lack familiarity with modern safety technologies and must be properly trained. Although Apad requires each operator to send one representative for safety training under its Industry Code of Practice, there are concerns that this knowledge may not be disseminated throughout the company workforce. Commenting on the Gerik accident, the technician observed that the vehicle involved was an outdated mid-range sightseeing bus not designed for regular long-distance travel. It likely lacked essential modern safety mechanisms. He pointed to stricter standards in high-risk areas such as Genting Highlands, where buses without retarder brakes are no longer allowed to operate due to the dangers of downhill travel. Thayalan echoed these safety concerns, recommending that all new heavy vehicles be equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), an electronic stability programme (ESP), and a retarder braking system. He highlighted that ESP, in particular, plays a crucial role in preventing vehicle rollovers. He further advocated for mandatory rollover testing for vehicle bodies during the approval process to ensure compliance with United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) safety standards. At MAN, advanced driver assistance systems are now a standard feature across its commercial vehicles, providing enhanced safety at a relatively low cost when installed in new models. However, Thayalan cautioned that retrofitting such systems in older buses remains a complex and often unreliable process due to challenges associated with aftermarket components, including installation and calibration issues. The growing focus on technological integrity and operator accountability underscores the urgent need for holistic reforms in the heavy vehicle sector to enhance road safety and prevent further tragedies.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Upstate city prepares for largest sewer project since 1980s: Replacing aging clay pipes
Easley Combined Utilities is planning a multi-phase sewer project with construction set to begin in late summer 2026. The project will address the Brushy Creek, 18 Mile Creek, and Middle Branch sewer interceptors. Easley Combined Utilities has developed its wastewater master plan, which involves key stakeholders, including the City of Easley, Pickens County, East Carolina University (ECU), and community representatives. The plan outlines long-term objectives and strategies for managing and improving wastewater infrastructure in Easley. The multi-phase sewer project will focus on replacing aging clay pipes to mitigate infiltration and inflow problems and increase capacity to handle wet weather events. Given Easley's current population of 28,620 residents and its rapid annual growth rate of 4.06%, it is crucial that wastewater infrastructure keeps pace with this expansion, according to officials. The sewer interceptor project plans include: Reduction of I&I (infiltration & inflow) from old, leaking clay pipes. Increased capacity to handle wet weather events. No addition of new service areas. No new service areas are included in the design as the focus is on maintaining and improving existing infrastructure. Tyler Morgan, operations engineer for Easley Combined Utilities, said this is the most significant sewer project the city has embarked on since the 1980s. "While this is a very exciting endeavor, we also want to ensure we communicate clearly with the community to make this the best possible experience for everyone involved, from project kickoff to final construction," he said. According to a press release, Easley Combined Utilities will share information about the process and next steps via their social media channels (primarily Facebook and Instagram), a quarterly digital newsletter, and their website. A designated meeting for property owners and the public is planned for early fall 2025. For questions or concerns regarding the project, contact Tyler Morgan at 864-644-8169 or tmorgan@ According to a press release, the project involves associated pipes with diameters ranging from 16 to 36 inches, requiring a large construction area. Easley Combined Utilities will use its existing easements where feasible. However, it will also seek approximately 70 additional construction and/or permanent easements from property owners. Impacted property owners will be contacted starting in November 2025 to discuss easement requirements. Design contract approval: May 2025 Begin contract easement process: November 2025 Construction begins: Late summer 2026 Funding for the project will be provided through a state revolving loan fund. According to a press release, the sewer revolving fund program provides low-interest loans specifically for the repair and improvement of water and wastewater plants and distribution systems, such as those managed by ECU. Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@ This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What to know about Easley's largest sewer project since 1980s
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
ECU's Norby, Burress named to Perfect Game All-America Teams
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Two ECU baseball players were named to All-American Teams through Perfect Game Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Freshman Braden Burress and sophomore pitcher Ethan Norby earned the honors as Norby made the Third Team All-America and Burress the Second Team Freshman All-America. Both are set to return next year for the Pirates. Norby went 8-5 with a 3.80 ERA and 119 strikeouts with only 22 walks in 90 innings of work. Burress was named the Most Outstanding Player of the American Athletic Conference Tournament. He had 26 multi-hit and nine multi-RBI games. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
ECU's Burress named to Freshman All-American Team
DALLAS, Texas (WNCT) — ECU's freshman outfielder Braden Burress has been selected to the 2025 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association First Team Monday, June 9, 2025. Burress is the 23rd freshman All-American honoree in program history and seventh since 2020. Burress, from Snow Hill, led all freshmen nationally in batting average (.389) and 31st among all NCAA Division I players heading into the College World Series. He also is 55th nationally in on-base percentage (.488) and total hits (82). Burress helped lead the Pirates to their fourth American Athletic Conference Tournament championship. He was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player after hitting .450 (9-for-20) with six runs scored, a double, two home runs and five RBI in four games. Burress was also recognized on the All-AAC Second Team and All-Freshman Team just prior to the tournament in Clearwater. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Tea, berries, dark chocolate, apples can lead to longer life span: Study says
New research has found that those who consume a diverse range of foods rich in flavonoids, such as tea, berries, dark chocolate, and apples, could lower their risk of developing serious health conditions and have the potential to live longer. Also read | Longevity foods: What to eat for living a longer and healthier life The study was led by a team of researchers from Queen's University Belfast, Edith Cowan University Perth (ECU), and the Medical University of Vienna and Universitat Wien. The findings reveal that increasing the diversity of flavonoids within your diet could help prevent the development of health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and neurological disease. Flavonoids are found in plant foods like tea, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, apples, grapes, and even red wine and dark chocolate. Published in Nature Food, the study tracked over 120,000 participants aging from 40 to 70 years old for over a decade. It is the first study of its kind to suggest that there is a benefit to consuming a wide range of flavonoids beyond that of simply consuming a high quantity. ECU Research Fellow, first author and co-lead of the study Dr Benjamin Parmenter, made the initial discovery that a flavonoid-diverse diet is good for health. Also read | Study reveals tea with dark chocolate naturally lowers high blood pressure like medicine "Flavonoid intakes of around 500 mg a day was associated with a 16% lower risk of all-cause mortality, as well as a ~10% lower risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory disease. That's roughly the amount of flavonoids that you would consume in two cups of tea," said Dr Parmenter. Dr Parmenter added, however, that those who consumed the widest diversity of flavonoids, had an even lower risk of these diseases, even when consuming the same total amount. For example, instead of just drinking tea, it's better to eat a range of flavonoid-rich foods to make up your intake, because different flavonoids come from different foods. "We have known for some time that higher intakes of dietary flavonoids, powerful bioactives naturally present in many foods and drinks, can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and neurological conditions like Parkinson's," study co-lead Professor Aedin Cassidy from the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and Institute for Global Food Security at Queen's said. "We also know from lab data and clinical studies that different flavonoids work in different ways, some improve blood pressure, others help with cholesterol levels and decrease inflammation. This study is significant as the results indicate that consuming a higher quantity and wider diversity has the potential to lead to a greater reduction in ill health than just a single source," added Cassidy. Also read | Live long and healthy: Follow these simple diet tips Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
