Alternative Transport Research Articles

Estimation of light utilisation and antioxidative protection in an alpine plant species (Soldanella alpina L.) during the leaf life cycle at high elevation.

Photosynthesis, electron transport to carbon assimilation, photorespiration and alternative electron transport, light absorption of the two photosystems, antioxidative protection and pigment contents were investigated in S. alpina leaves. S. alpina is an alpine snow-bed plant which can be found with green leaves after snowmelt. At least 24% of the leaves were formed at the beginning of the vegetation period in the previous year and survived two consecutive vegetation periods under contrasting environmental conditions. In leaves still covered by snow (SNOW), the parameters of antioxidative protection and carbon assimilation were lower than in leaves from the previous vegetation period (NEW) or several weeks after snowmelt (OLD). Directly after snowmelt, antioxidative protection was strongly but transitionally increased. The senescence of leaves did not depend on antioxidative scavenging capacity. Lower carbon assimilation was not related to increases in alternative electron flow (ETRalt) in SNOW leaves. In the second vegetation period, light absorption by PSII decreases in favour of PSI in OLD leaves. This allows OLD leaves to keep the electron transport chain more oxidised and to support photorespiration with increased ATP synthesis by cyclic electron transport around PSI. This study describes how the leaves of a unique plant can cope with contrasting environmental conditions.

Public Acceptance of Smart and Green Mobility Hubs in Attica, Greece

Mobility hubs are meeting points for shared and active mobility within the existing public transport system. Despite an extensive public transportation network, private vehicle dependency remains high, indicating a critical need to enhance alternative transport modes. The aim of this study was to investigate public acceptance of smart and green mobility hubs, a crucial parameter for the successful transition from passenger cars to public transport. To achieve this objective, a stated preference survey was developed and distributed to a sample of 152 participants at two stations, namely Voula and Irakleio, that correspond to different public transport modes, tram and metro. Results indicated a generally positive attitude towards the development of green and smart mobility hubs. The survey revealed variations in commuter preferences between the two locations, with green spaces and smart charging benches being highly valued. Ultimately, this research illustrated that well-designed mobility hubs are instrumental in creating efficient, sustainable and livable urban environments, setting a new standard for future urban planning and development. The proposed interventions are expected to substantially contribute to the promotion of sustainable urban mobility in the respective areas and the broader city, enhancing quality of life and reducing the environmental footprint.

Electrophysiological Characterization of Monoolein-Fatty Acid Bilayers.

Understanding the evolution of protocells, primitive compartments that distinguish self from nonself, is crucial for exploring the origin of life. Fatty acids and monoglycerides have been proposed as key components of protocell membranes due to their ability to self-assemble into bilayers and vesicles capable of nutrient exchange. In this study, we investigate the electrophysiological properties of planar bilayers composed of monoglyceride and fatty acid mixtures, using a droplet interface bilayer system. Three fatty acids with varying hydrocarbon chain lengths─oleic acid (C18), palmitoleic acid (C16), and myristoleic acid (C14)─in combination with monoolein (C18) are examined to evaluate the influence of chain length and composition on bilayer stability, thickness, and ion permeability. The results show that pure monoolein bilayers exhibit enhanced ion permeability compared to phospholipid bilayers, which are characteristic of modern cellular membranes. Furthermore, the incorporation of fatty acids into monoolein bilayers destabilizes the membrane structure and further increases ion permeability. We consider that this increased permeability is likely driven by three molecular characteristics. First, the wedge-like shape of monoolein may disrupt bilayer packing and induce transient pore formation. Second, the rapid flip-flop of fatty acids between bilayer leaflets likely facilitates ion transport. Third, the chain-length mismatch between monoolein and myristoleic acid further destabilizes the bilayer, promoting the formation of structural defects. These findings suggest that compositional motifs in monoglyceride-fatty acid bilayers may provide an alternative ion transport mechanism, such as the flip-flop of amphiphilic molecules, in early protocell membranes before the evolution of protein-based transporters.

Car-free not care-free – the social practices of parents without cars

Using data from interviews with 30 car-free parents in Sydney, Australia, this paper details the way parents confront social norms by raising children without private car ownership. Social practice theory is applied to fuse the influence of transport material structures with cultural expectations and emotions in a detailed examination of how parents live without cars. The paper exposes the way cultural scripts of good parenting are re-written by car-free parents, who have developed skills to take advantage of mixed-use and transit rich urban form, yet also accept having access to less. In doing so, a series of emotions are stirred, which parents absorb, as they forge an alternative transport lifestyle through a notoriously car dependent life-stage in a car-dependent city. This story sheds light on the barriers and enablers to less car-dependent parenting in the hope of informing realistic understandings of the influence of material transport structures on sustainable transport transitions. While alternative transport infrastructure is necessary for car-free living, a series of cultural and psycho-social elements must also be factored into our aspirations for less car dependent cities.

A Combined Multi-Criteria Decision-Making and Social Cost–Benefit Analysis Approach for Evaluating Sustainable City Logistics Initiatives

Decision making in city logistics (CL) is complex due to the numerous concepts and alternatives, as well as the intricate relationships between measures and effects. This study introduces a novel approach to evaluating urban freight transport (UFT) by combining multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) and social cost–benefit analysis (SCBA). This combination aims to improve decision making for sustainable CL concepts, particularly in reducing externalities in last-mile delivery. The model assesses various CL initiatives and urban consolidation center (UCC) concepts for their impact on UFT externalities. It uses the MCDM for ex ante scenarios assessment and prioritization. Input data were collected through a survey of experts from various sectors, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied in the case study of Novi Sad, Serbia. The prioritization highlighted the significance of implementing restrictive regulatory measures, alternative transport modes, and operational optimization within UCC concepts. By estimating capital, operational, and external costs, SCBA was applied to the prioritized UCC concepts, which were then further evaluated using the SCBA outputs. Sensitivity analysis was employed to assess the robustness of the proposed model. This paper offers valuable insights into the potential use of existing tools within a hybrid model to enhance decision making in CL.

Effect of increased gene expression of alternative external NADH dehydrogenase of mitochondria of Arabidopsis thaliana on the generation of reactive oxygen in Nicotiana tabacum tobacco leaves at low temperatures

Low temperature is an important factor limiting plant viability and productivity. Along with other stresses, low temperatures increase the generation of reactive oxygen species, which are signaling molecules that can damage cell components. As well as representing one of the main targets of oxidative damage during stress, mitochondria represent a significant source of reactive oxygen species. Plant mitochondria have a large number of enzymes providing alternative electron transport pathways, many of which are activated under stress. Our aim was to assess the effect of low positive temperatures and increased expression of the heterologous gene NDB2 (alternative external NADH dehydrogenase of mitochondria) on the generation of reactive oxygen species, which involve an alternative respiratory chain in mitochondria and the expression of stress proteins under lighting conditions in Nicotiana tabacum tobacco leaves. In the leaves of tobacco plants with increased expression of the Arabidopsis thaliana NDB2 (AtNDB2) gene, a decrease in reactive oxygen species production was observed under normal and low temperature conditions. The results indicate that the heterologous Arabidopsis thaliana NDB2 gene is involved in increasing the activity of the alternative electron transport chain in mitochondria, which reduces the level of reactive oxygen species generation and affects the content of stress proteins under normal and low-temperature exposure.

Mechanistic insights into HNRNPA2B1: A comprehensive pan-cancer analysis and functional characterization in lung cancer.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (HNRNPA2B1), a member of the A/B subfamily of hnRNPs, plays a critical role in tumorigenesis, yet its expression patterns, molecular mechanisms, and prognostic significance remain inadequately characterized. In this study, we performed a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis utilizing multiple public databases, revealing that HNRNPA2B1 is consistently overexpressed in most tumor types and correlates with poor prognosis across several malignancies. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted its involvement in RNA alternative splicing, transport, and stability, processes that contribute to tumor progression. Epigenetic analyses identified gene amplification and alternative splicing as potential mechanisms driving HNRNPA2B1 overexpression. Furthermore, elevated HNRNPA2B1 levels conferred resistance to multiple chemotherapeutics, including Dasatinib. Functional studies demonstrated that HNRNPA2B1 enhances lung cancer cell proliferation and migration by upregulating TARDBP and cell cycle-related genes, with m6A modification serving as a critical regulatory mechanism. Collectively, these findings establish HNRNPA2B1 as an oncogenic factor across multiple cancer types, underscoring its value as a prognostic marker and a promising therapeutic target, particularly in lung cancer, offering new insights for targeted therapeutic strategies.

Gas transport mechanisms during high-frequency ventilation

By virtue of applying small tidal volumes, high-frequency ventilation is advocated as a method of minimizing ventilator-induced lung injury. Lung protective benefits are established in infants, but not in other patient cohorts. Efforts to improve and extend the lung protection potential should consider how fundamental modes of gas transport can be exploited to minimize harmful tidal volumes while maintaining or improving ventilation.This research investigates different models of gas transport during high-frequency ventilation and discusses the extent to which the gas transport mechanisms are considered in each. The research focuses on the rationale for current ventilation protocols, how they were informed by these models, and investigates alternative protocols that may improve gas transport and lung protection. A review of high-frequency ventilation physiology and fluid mechanics literature was performed, and dimensional analyses were conducted showing the relationship between clinical data and the model outputs. We show that contemporary protocols have been informed by resistor-inductor-capacitor, or network, models of the airway-lung system that are formulated around a ventilation pressure cost framework. This framework leads to clinical protocol selection that ventilates patients at frequencies that excite a resonance in the lung. We extend on these models by considering frequencies that are much higher than resonance which further optimize gas transport in the airway via alternative gas transport mechanisms to bulk advection that operate for very low tidal volumes. Our findings suggest it is unlikely that gas transport is optimally exploited during current approaches to high-frequency ventilation and protocols that differ significantly from those currently in use could achieve ventilation while using very low tidal volumes.

Prioritizing port resilience drivers and strategies: a case study of Chilean ports

ABSTRACT Disruptive events increasingly challenge global port operations and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for robust resilience plans to maintain operational continuity during crises. Designing effective resilience strategies in port operations involves prioritizing key drivers and strategies by establishing a hierarchical structure and analyzing their systemic interactions. This paper proposes a methodology to prioritize resilience drivers with its strategies by considering multiple key port stakeholders. This approach aims to create a roadmap for implementing these drivers, providing ports with a comprehensive tool for planning and executing resilience strategies. The methodology integrates the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) with Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM). To illustrate its development, a case study focusing on two primary stakeholders, terminals and port authorities, in the Chilean port context is presented. The findings reveal that the main resilience strategies in Chilean ports include remote access to information by port authorities, alternative transport modes for port access and exit, rescheduling dispatches and cargo reception by port terminals, communication and call chains of the port authority, and remote access to information by port terminals. These results offer practical implications for port operations, providing clear guidance for implementing resilience strategies.

Disrupted intermodality: Examining adaptation strategies to public transport e-scooter bans in Barcelona

Electric scooters (e-scooters) have changed urban mobility by offering a dynamic solution to the critical “first and last mile” problem, connecting individuals from their homes to public transport and their final destinations. Despite their growing popularity, e-scooters navigate through a landscape of shifting legal frameworks, highlighting the urgency for policies that not only harness their potential but also address their inherent challenges. This study aims to shed light on the intermodal practices and demographics of e-scooters users in Barcelona, explores the potential impacts of regulatory changes on established transport habits, and assesses the adaptability of users to changing transportation options. Through a self-reported survey of 311 private e-scooter users, we find a notable prevalence of young men from lower socioeconomic backgrounds engaging in intermodal travel, primarily for employment purposes. To better understand how e-scooter riders integrate the device in their daily mobility strategies, we introduce the Intermodality Ratio (IR). A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) is then used to identify key demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic predictors of the IR, revealing place of residence as the most significant factor influencing intermodal behavior. Finally, we analyze participants’ anticipated behavioral shifts in response to the upcoming ban using a Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) model, which explores the sociodemographic factors affecting the likelihood of adopting alternative transport strategies. These findings contribute to the limited understanding of e-scooter utilization and intermodal practices, particularly within the context of public transit, offering insights into how transport policies can more effectively accommodate emerging mobility solutions.

Designing an E-Bike City: An automated process for network-wide multimodal road space reallocation

Effective and timely decarbonization of urban mobility requires systemic changes to transportation systems. High-quality cycling networks are seen as one of such measures and multiple scholars have developed automated approaches for a quick generation of such interventions. However, a common shortcoming is that they mostly ignore the tradeoffs and dependencies in allocating scarce road space to different modes. In this paper, we introduce an automated process for generating alternative multimodal transport networks within the boundaries of existing road space. Based on the user’s configuration, the resulting networks can prioritize separated cycling infrastructure, dedicated lanes for public transport, or a dense provision of on-street parking spaces. Also, the prioritization and the resulting designs can follow a variety of design principles, such as one-way streets, or impermeable superblocks. The outputs can be visualized on a map and used in common transport simulation toolkits. A case study in Zurich is used to demonstrate the process on a real-world network and discuss the results. The underlying software package SNMan (Street Network Manipulator) is available as open-source software and can be utilized by researchers and planners to envision alternative urban mobility futures in any place in the world.

An augmented lead-free Perovskite solar cell based on FASnI3 using V2O5 as HTL

The study involved the design and analysis of FASnI3-based perovskite solar cells to determine their power conversion efficiency (PCE) under varying AB-layer thicknesses and temperatures. Despite recent advancements, organic and inorganic lead-based perovskite solar cells have faced challenges due to health hazards and device instability, hindering commercial manufacturing progress. To address this, we explored alternative charge transport materials, such as FASnI3 cells, through numerical simulation using the 1D-SCAPS software. Our investigation focused on optimizing charge transport layers and adjusting acceptor and donor concentrations to achieve high-efficiency, lead-free PSCs. Furthermore, we evaluated the performance and impact of different parameters on simulated cell devices. Through multiple simulation iterations, we achieved the best performance of the FASnI3 PS-cell, delivering a voltage of 1.04 V, current density of 29.40 mA cm−2, and Fill factor of 85.24%, resulting in an overall PCE of 24.45%.

Influence of Individualism or Communitarianism of Actors on Opportunism in a Coopetition

This paper attempts to show that opportunism in a coopetitive market can be influenced not only by the individualism of the actors but also by communitarianism. Our theoretical anchor is the contract theory to explain the opportunism of the actors by communitarianism or individualism. We adopted a mixed methodology (quali-quanti). The data used are primary, from the administration of a questionnaire to 207 clandos in a coopetitive market in the alternative transport sector in Gabon. The multivariate qualitative comparative analysis technique (mvQCA) was used. The results indicate that opportunistic behavior in a coopetitive market is explained mainly by national communitarianism (Gabonese), then transnational communitarianism (natives of Central Africa except nationals and natives of West Africa), under conditions specific to each community; Opportunism is subsidiarily explained by the individualism of the actors who paradoxically trust each other in a competitive coopetition but these dishonest actors are paradoxically not sanctioned.

Numerical investigation of graphene derivatives as HTL in PBDB-T:NCBDT bulk heterojunction organic solar cell

The damaging effects of the most widely used PEDOT:PSS have led researchers to search for an alternative hole transport layer (HTL) in non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) based bulk heterojunction organic solar cells (BHJOSC’s). This work highlights the numerical simulation study of possible new approach of utilizing graphene, graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and p type doped graphene (p-graphene), as an alternative to PEDOT:PSS in non-fullerene acceptor based bulk heterojunction organic solar cell (NFABHJOSC) with PBDB-T as donor and NCBDT as acceptor using SCAPS1D. NCBDT is an emerging small-molecule non-fullerene acceptor (SM-NFA) whose bandgap can be tuned and reduced, making it a better option as an acceptor. Validation of the software is done by matching simulation results with experimental results. Diverse electron transport layers (ETL’s), including PDINO, ZnO, IGZO, TiO2, TiO2:gr (20%) composite, and TiO2:gr (10%) composite, are introduced, and device performance of various configurations is analysed. Optimization of the best device configuration ITO (4.8 eV)/rGO/PBDB-T:NCBDT/PDINO/Al gave an improved efficiency of 17.47%, fill factor (FF) of 77.45%, short circuit current density (Jsc) of 25.407 mA/cm2, and an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.8878 V.

Function of the alternative electron transport chain in the Cryptosporidium parvum mitosome.

Cryptosporidiosis is the leading cause of diarrhea in young children and immunocompromised individuals, particularly AIDS/HIV patients. The only FDA approved drug against cryptosporidiosis, nitazoxanide, has limited effectivity in immunocompromised patients and is not approved for usage in children under 1 year old. Genomic analysis and previous studies proposed an alternative respiration pathway involving alternative oxidase (AOX) and type II NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH2), which are thought to generate the mitosome membrane potential in C. parvum. Additionally, AOX and NDH2 were nominated as potential drug targets, based on their absence in mammalian hosts and sensitivity of parasite growth to known inhibitors of AOX. However, our study demonstrated that NDH2 is not localized in mitosome, AOX non-essential for parasite growth, and knockout lines lacking this enzyme are equally sensitive to AOX inhibitors. These findings indicate that AOX and NDH2 are not ideal candidates for future drug development against cryptosporidiosis and force a re-evaluation for models of how the mitosome generate its membrane potential.

Prospects for further development of logistics and trade in Central Asian Countries

This paper examines the conditions of foreign trade of the Central Asian countries and their impact on economic growth. Currently, the transport corridors of Central Asia are at the peak of their demand. The current positive changes and achievements of the region are considered. Attention is drawn to the geopolitical trends that create conditions for the development of alternative transport corridors and infrastructure projects. Special attention is paid to improving transport connectivity. It is proposed to develop transit and transport potential and increase the production of finished products. The comprehensive analysis carried out in this work allows us to take a broader look at the potential of the region and propose measures for its full development. Due to the growing role of Central Asia in the international arena, this paper also examines the impact of foreign policy on the development of the region’s economy. The strategic location of Central Asia between China, Russia, Iran and other countries makes the region an important partner in international trade and transport links. The paper analyses the current positive developments in the region, such as the creation of new transport corridors, the development of logistics infrastructure and the strengthening of trade relations with other countries. Special attention is paid to projects for the development of regional integration and economic unions, which contribute to improving competitiveness and economic stability in Central Asia.

A complex and dynamic redox network regulates oxygen reduction at photosystem I in Arabidopsis.

Thiol-dependent redox regulation of enzyme activities plays a central role in regulating photosynthesis. Besides the regulation of metabolic pathways, alternative electron transport is subjected to thiol-dependent regulation. We investigated the regulation of O2 reduction at photosystem I. The level of O2 reduction in leaves and isolated thylakoid membranes depends on the photoperiod in which plants are grown. We used a set of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutant plants affected in the stromal, membrane, and lumenal thiol network to study the redox protein partners involved in regulating O2 reduction. Light-dependent O2 reduction was determined in leaves and thylakoids of plants grown in short-day and long-day conditions using a spin-trapping electron paramagnetic resonance assay. In wild-type samples from short-day conditions, reactive oxygen species generation was double that of samples from long-day conditions, while this difference was abolished in several redoxin mutants. An in vitro reconstitution assay showed that thioredoxin m, NADPH-thioredoxin reductase C, and NADPH are required for high O2-reduction levels in thylakoids from plants grown in long-day conditions. Using isolated photosystem I, we also showed that reduction of a photosystem I protein is responsible for the increase in O2 reduction. Furthermore, differences in the membrane localization of m-type thioredoxins and 2-Cys peroxiredoxin were detected between thylakoids of short-day and long-day plants. Overall, we propose a model of redox regulation of O2 reduction according to the reduction power of the stroma and the ability of different thiol-containing proteins to form a network of redox interactions.

Expression of Manganese Transporters ZIP8, ZIP14, and ZnT10 in Brain Barrier Tissues.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace mineral for brain function, but excessive accumulation can cause irreversible nervous system damage, highlighting the need for proper Mn balance. ZIP14, ZnT10, and ZIP8 are key transporters involved in maintaining Mn homeostasis, particularly in the absorption and excretion of Mn in the intestine and liver. However, their roles in the brain are less understood. The blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier and the blood-brain barrier, formed by the choroid plexus and brain blood vessels, respectively, are critical for brain protection and brain metal homeostasis. This study identified ZIP14 on the choroid plexus epithelium, and ZIP8 and ZnT10 in brain microvascular tissue. We show that despite significant Mn accumulation in the CSF of Znt10 knockout mice, ZIP14 expression levels in the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier remain unchanged, indicating that ZIP14 does not have a compensatory mechanism for regulating Mn uptake in the brain in vivo. Additionally, Mn still enters the CSF without ZIP14 when systemic levels rise. This indicates that alternative transport mechanisms or compensatory pathways ensure Mn balance in the CSF, shedding light on potential strategies for managing Mn-related disorders.

Differential FeS cluster photodamage plays a critical role in regulating excess electron flow through photosystem I.

The photosynthetic electron flux from photosystem I (PSI) is mainly directed to NADP+ and CO2 fixation, but a fraction is always shared between alternative and cyclic electron transport. Although the electron transfer from P700 to ferredoxin, via phylloquinone and the FeSX, FeSB and FeSA clusters, is well characterized, the regulatory role of these redox intermediates in the delivery of electrons from PSI to NADP+, alternative and cyclic electron transport under environmental stress remains elusive. Here we provide evidence for sequential damage to PSI FeS clusters under high light and subsequent slow recovery under low light in Arabidopsis thaliana. Wild-type plants showed 10-35% photodamage to their FeSA/B clusters with increasing high-light duration, without much effect on P700 oxidation capacity, FeSX function or CO2 fixation rate, and without additional oxygen consumption (O2 photoreduction). Parallel FeSA/B cluster damage in the pgr5 mutant was more pronounced at 50-85%, probably due to weak photosynthetic control and low non-photochemical quenching. Such severe electron pressure on PSI was also shown to damage the FeSX clusters, with a concomitant decrease in P700 oxidation capacity and a decrease in thylakoid-bound ferredoxin in the pgr5 mutant. The results from wild-type and pgr5 plants reveal controlled damage of PSI FeS clusters under high light. In wild-type plants, this favours electron transport to linear over alternative pathways by intact PSI centres, thereby preventing reactive oxygen species production and probably promoting harmless charge recombination between P700+ and FeSX- as long as the majority of FeSA/B clusters remain functional.

Global Sensitivity Analysis via Optimal Transport

We examine the construction of variable importance measures for multivariate responses using the theory of optimal transport. We start with the classical optimal transport formulation. We show that the resulting sensitivity indices are well-defined under input dependence, are equal to zero under statistical independence, and are maximal under fully functional dependence. Also, they satisfy a continuity property for information refinements. We show that the new indices encompass Wagner’s variance-based sensitivity measures. Moreover, they provide deeper insights into the effect of an input’s uncertainty, quantifying its impact on the output mean, variance, and higher-order moments. We then consider the entropic formulation of the optimal transport problem and show that the resulting global sensitivity measures satisfy the same properties, with the exception that, under statistical independence, they are minimal, but not necessarily equal to zero. We prove the consistency of a given-data estimation strategy and test the feasibility of algorithmic implementations based on alternative optimal transport solvers. Application to the assemble-to-order simulator reveals a significant difference in the key drivers of uncertainty between the case in which the quantity of interest is profit (univariate) or inventory (multivariate). The new importance measures contribute to meeting the increasing demand for methods that make black-box models more transparent to analysts and decision makers. This paper was accepted by Baris Ata, stochastic models and simulation. Funding: A. Figalli acknowledges the support of the ERC [Grant 721675] “Regularity and Stability in Partial Differential Equations (RSPDE)” and of the Lagrange Mathematics and Computation Research Center. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.01796 .