Free Transport Research Articles

Accessibility and Affordability Impacts of Half Price Public Transport Fares in Aotearoa New Zealand

Transport costs can constitute a large proportion of household budgets and restrict travel. Reduced or free public transport fares are one strategy to address these affordability and accessibility challenges. We analyse data from a 2022 transport survey to investigate participants perspectives and experiences of half price public transport fares in Ōtautahi Christchurch, a city in Aotearoa New Zealand. We find that those experiencing transport poverty are likely to have benefitted in terms of widening access and reduced financial stress.

Electron effective mass in GaN revisited: New insights from terahertz and mid-infrared optical Hall effect

Electron effective mass is a fundamental material parameter defining the free charge carrier transport properties, but it is very challenging to be experimentally determined at high temperatures relevant to device operation. In this work, we obtain the electron effective mass parameters in a Si-doped GaN bulk substrate and epitaxial layers from terahertz (THz) and mid-infrared (MIR) optical Hall effect (OHE) measurements in the temperature range of 38–340 K. The OHE data are analyzed using the well-accepted Drude model to account for the free charge carrier contributions. A strong temperature dependence of the electron effective mass parameter in both bulk and epitaxial GaN with values ranging from (0.18 ± 0.02) m0 to (0.34 ± 0.01) m0 at a low temperature (38 K) and room temperature, respectively, is obtained from the THz OHE analysis. The observed effective mass enhancement with temperature is evaluated and discussed in view of conduction band nonparabolicity, polaron effect, strain, and deviations from the classical Drude behavior. On the other hand, the electron effective mass parameter determined by MIR OHE is found to be temperature independent with a value of (0.200 ± 0.002) m0. A possible explanation for the different findings from THz OHE and MIR OHE is proposed.

Self‐Regulating Interfacial Space Charge through Polyanion Repulsion Effect towards Dendrite‐Free Polymer Lithium‐Metal Batteries

AbstractUncontrolled transport of anions leads to many issues, including concentration polarization, excessive interface side reactions, and space charge‐induced lithium dendrites at the anode/electrolyte interface, which severely deteriorates the cycling stability of lithium metal batteries. Herein, an asymmetrical polymer electrolyte modified by a boron‐containing single‐ion conductor (LiPVAOB), is designed to inhibit the nonuniform aggregation of free anions in the vicinity of the lithium anode through the repulsion effect improving the lithium‐ion transference number to 0.63. This LiPVAOB exerts a repulsion interaction with free anions even at a long distance and a selective effect for free anions transport, which diminishes uneven aggregation of free anions at the interface and suppresses space charges‐induced lithium dendrites growth. Consequently, the assembled Li||Li cell delivers an ultra‐long cycle for over 5400 h. The Li||LiFePO4 cell exhibits outstanding cycle performance with a capacity retention of 93% over 4500 cycles. In particular, the assembled high‐voltage Li||Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 cell (charged to 4.8 V) exhibits good cycle stability with a high specific capacity of 245 mAh g−1. This designed polymer electrolyte provides a promising strategy for regulating ion transport to inhibit space charge‐induced lithium dendrite growth for high‐performance lithium metal batteries.

Dufour and thermal diffusion effects on time-dependent natural MHD convective transport over an inclined porous plate

In this research article, we examined the influences of thermal diffusion and Dufour on time-dependent free MHD convective transport flow through an inclined permeable plate numerically. The dimensionless ordinary differential equations are found from the dimensional governing non-linear partial differential equations through the use of similarity transformation. The transformed dimensionless ordinary differential equations are resolved by employing the finite difference method in the Shooting technique through MATLAB software. The numerical outcomes have been presented for the impact of several non-dimensional numbers or parameters to explore the fluid flow, and heat and mass transfer features. The fluid velocity diminishes for mounting amounts of the inclined angle. The values of f′(0) go up by about 75 % due to rising values of the inclined angle from 150 to 600. With other previously released research studies, a comparison has been performed. The present research reveals good agreement with the published study.

Enhanced thermoelectric performance of graphene at room temperature by cut-off phonon frequency

Based on the full electron-phonon interactions and temperature-induced phonon renormalization, both electrical transport and thermal transport of graphene are systematically studied under different cut-off phonon frequencies. When the electron concentration is less than 1013 cm−2, the electrical transport properties increase with the cut-off phonon frequency. Otherwise, the electrical transport properties are nearly the same between 1013 cm−2 and 1015 cm−2, indicating that the contribution of cut-off phonon frequency decreases with the electron concentration. Considering the three-phonon, four-phonon, and phonon-electron scattering processes, the lattice thermal conductivity is studied, showing a value of 1357 W/mK at room temperature. At Van Hove singularity (5 × 1014 cm−2), the lattice thermal conductivity changes from 1357 W/mK to 557 W/mK. The effect of cut-off phonon frequency on thermal transport is nearly negligible. The electrical/phonon transport property accumulation concerning the mean free path shows the quantitative relationship between the mean free path and transport property, indicating a key mean free path of 186 nm. With a grain boundary of 186 nm, the ZT changes from 0.22 to 0.56 under a cut-off phonon frequency of 0 cm−1, while increasing from 0.64 to 1.23 under a cut-off phonon frequency of 30 cm−1. This work provides a strategy to enhance the thermoelectric property by regulating the electron-phonon coupling strength through cut-off phonon frequency.

Physiology of peritoneal dialysis; pathophysiology in long-term patients.

The microvascular wall of peritoneal tissues is the main barrier in solute and water transport in the initial phase of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Small solute transport is mainly by diffusion through inter-endothelial pores, as is hydrostatic fluid transport with dissolved solutes. Water is also transported through the intra-endothelial water channel aquaporin-1(AQP-1) by a glucose-induced crystalloid osmotic gradient (free water transport). In the current review the physiology of peritoneal transport will be discussed both during the first years of PD and after long-term treatment with emphasis on the peritoneal interstitial tissue and its role in free water transport. Attention will be paid to the role of glucose-induced pseudohypoxia causing both increased expression of fibrogenetic factors and of the glucose transporter GLUT-1. The former leads to peritoneal fibrosis, the latter to a reduced crystalloid osmotic gradient, explaining the decrease in free water transport as a cause of ultrafiltration failure. These phenomena strongly suggest that the extremely high dialysate glucose concentrations are the driving force of both morphologic and functional peritoneal alterations that may develop during long-term PD.

Effects of Variable Permeability and Viscous Dissipation on an Unsteady Mhd Free Convective Transport Over a Vertical Permeable Sheet

Effects of Variable Permeability and Viscous Dissipation on an Unsteady Mhd Free Convective Transport Over a Vertical Permeable Sheet

A machine learning approach for in silico prediction of the photovoltaic properties of perovskite solar cells based on dopant-free hole-transport materials

Machine learning approaches for building robust autoQSPR models for the prediction of the photovoltaic properties of PSCs based on dopant free hole transport materials.

Raising awareness for frailty in community dwelling elderly. First experiences of a frailty initiative by physical therapists in collaboration with municipal services.

Background: Falling in the elderly is a global health concern. A subgroup of elderly, i.e. those who are considered as frail, is at increased risk for falling. The prevention of falling is necessary to reduce its physical, psychosocial and socioeconomic impact. Health care providers in primary care are well positioned to reach this population. They can play an important role in informing and advising elderly and to raise awareness at an early or pre-frail stage. Pre-frail elderly, however, do not always visit care providers. Yet, they are the target group. To be able to reach them in a targeted way, the help of municipal services can be called in.
 Objective: To analyze how a frailty screening can be organised successfully by physical therapists and municipal services.
 Methods: Pre-frail community dwelling elderly (> 70 y old) in the community of Beveren, Antwerp, Belgium were invited for a frailty screening via the municipal information brochure and flyers. It was organised on two mornings between 9.00 h – 13.00 h. The screening consisted of the filling out of questionnaires (Short Falls Efficacy Scale-I, EuroQuality of life-5D, 1Minute-Osteoporosistest, Sarc-F(Strength, Assistance in walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, and Falls), Self-reported history of fall incidents and dizziness), supervised by a community nurse or psychologist. Next, five physical tests were performed, supervised by physical therapists: Short Physical Performance Battery, Hand Grip Strength, Functional Reach Test. Lastly, an audiogram was taken by an audiologist. At the end of the screening all test results were discussed in a one-to-one conversation. All participants received tips, tricks and advise based on their personal situation. Additionally, general information on staying healthy and active was available.
 To increase the number of participants, the tests were held in a public place and free public transport was provided for those in need of it. Other health care providers such as general practitioners, dietitians, healthcare promotors were informed about this screening initiative.
 Results: In the community of Beveren (49.000 inhabitants, spread over an aera of 150 km²) we reached in two screening-moments 20 and 38 community-dwelling elderly. Relatively healthy elderly were present. 4 used the free public transport. We were able to screen and inform 58 persons on 7 hours. All participants were positive about the initiative and were open to the provided information.

Feasibility Analysis of a Methanol Fuelled Bulk Carrier

Emissions restrictions are growing worldwide due to climate change concern. In the maritime sector different fuels are under scrutiny to identify the best option toward a carbon free transport. Methanol, the simplest alcohol, is one of the most discussed alternative fuels. This work aims at investigating the use of this chemical as fuel on board from different perspectives in order to provide a complete picture. A 34000 DWT bulk carrier has been used as case study including both the hypothesis of a retrofit and a newbuilding. From the technical point of view the attention has been focussed on the ship general arrangement finding space for methanol tanks and fuel systems, in agreement with the existing ABS rules. A carbon footprint emission assessment has been performed, taking into account both IMO’s and EU’s regulations. To have a more complete overview, a preliminary economic evaluation is also performed with the estimation of OpEx and CapEx related to the methanol system on board. Results showed the technical feasibility with respect to the ship conversion and some criticality related to safety measures and the energy content of methanol. From the polluting impact point of view, the study highlights the importance of a Well to Wake (WtW) approach instead of considering only Tank to Wake (TtW) emissions. From this perspective, with a global decrease in GHG emissions of about 85% with respect to HFO, green methanol appears to be the only viable ecological solution. The use of bio methanol on board significantly affects OpEx, with an estimate increase of more than 250%, due to the high costs of methanol produced from renewable feedstocks and its small production worldwide.

Synergetic effect of magnetic field location, strength and orientation on heat transfer characteristics of brine-based hybrid nanofluid in rectangular confinement

The hybrid nanofluid emergence is presently receiving untold research attention as an improved cooling medium. This paper presents an investigation into the free convection thermal transport performance of brine (ethylene glycol-deionized water (60:40 vol%)-based hybrid ferrofluid (Fe2O3-Al2O3) (BBHF) in a rectangular cavity under steady-state conditions with and without magnetic inducement. The synergetic effect of different magnetic field orientations and intensities imposed on the various walls of the confinement and their influence on the heat transfer characteristics of BBHF was examined. At volume concentrations of 0.05–0.40 %, the BBHF was formulated and characterised for its viscosity, stability, morphology, and thermal conductivity. Without a magnetic stimulus, the average Nusselt number, heat transfer rate, and coefficient of heat transfer of 0.05–0.2 vol% BBHF samples were improved relative to the brine. At a cavity temperature gradient of 35 °C using 0.05 vol% BBHF, a peak thermal transport enhancement of 10.09 % was observed when compared with the brine. With 0.05 vol% BBHF, the vertical positioning of the magnetic stimulus on the cavity side wall was noticed to yield maximum improvement of heat transfer (4.3 %). An increment in the strength of the magnetic stimulus from 4.89 mT to 13.00 mT enhanced thermal transport by >15 %, which subsequently deteriorated when increased to 21.95 mT for all the studied magnetic stimulus arrangements. In addition, correlations were proposed to predict the Nusselt number, thermal conductivity, and viscosity of the BBHFs. The employment of hybrid nanoparticles, magnetic stimulus, and different arrangements of the magnetic stimulus was observed to amplify the heat transfer of BBHFs in the cavity which is of practical and engineering benefit.

Saturated fatty acids stimulate cytokine production in tanycytes via the PP2Ac-dependent signaling pathway

The hypothalamic tanycytes are crucial for free fatty acids (FFAs) detection, storage, and transport within the central nervous system. They have been shown to effectively respond to fluctuations in circulating FFAs, thereby regulating energy homeostasis. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which tanycytes modulate lipid utilization remain unclear. Here, we report that the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2Ac), a serine/threonine phosphatase, is expressed in tanycytes and its accumulation and activation occur in response to high-fat diet consumption. In vitro, tanycytic PP2Ac responds to palmitic acid (PA) exposure and accumulates and is activated at an early stage in an AMPK-dependent manner. Furthermore, activated PP2Ac boosts hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) accumulation, resulting in upregulation of an array of cytokines. Pretreatment with a PP2Ac inhibitor, LB100, prevented the PA-induced elevation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV or CD26). Our results disclose a mechanism of lipid metabolism in tanycytes that involves the activation of PP2Ac and highlight the physiological significance of PP2Ac in hypothalamic tanycytes in response to overnutrition and efficacious treatment of obesity.

Plasmonic Au nanoparticles sensitized ZnO/CuO heterostructure for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting

Hydrogen production via photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising route to convert solar energy into chemical fuel, reducing energy crises and boosting environmental health. Here, we report the fabrication of ternary ZnO/CuO/Au heterostructures by electrodeposition and chemical bath deposition methods. The heterojunction formed can enhance the optical absorption, and photogenerated electrons and holes can efficiently separate due to the built-in electric field, which reduces recombination losses. Au plasmons incorporated in ZnO/CuO heterojunction enhance the optical absorption and promote fast free charge carrier transport at the interface through the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect. The ZnO/CuO/Au photoanode exhibits a photocurrent density of 1.08 mA/cm2 at 1.6 V Vs RHE, two times higher than pristine ZnO. The ZnO/CuO/Au photoanode exhibits the lowest charge transfer resistance of 600 Ω from electrochemical impedance spectra(EIS). The Bode plot revealed that the most extended lifetime of 8.69 μs is observed for ZnO/CuO/Au photoanode, which is larger than pristine ZnO. The synthesized thin films showed good stability and reusability for the photooxidation of water.

Heat generation/absorption effect on natural convective heat transfer in a wavy triangular cavity filled with nanofluid

This study is numerically executed to investigate the influence of heat generation or absorption on free convective flow and temperature transport within a wavy triangular enclosure filled by the nanofluid taking the Brownian effect of nanoparticles. The water (H2O) is employed as base fluid and copper (Cu) as nanoparticles for making effective Cu–H2O nanofluids. The perpendicular sinusoidally wavy wall is cooled at low temperature while the horizontal bottom sidewall is heated non-uniformly (sinusoidal). The inclined wall of the enclosure is insulated. The governing dimensionless non-linear PDEs are executed numerically with the help of the Galerkin weighted residual type finite element technique. The numerically simulated results are displayed through average Nusselt number, isothermal contours, and streamlines for the various model parameters such as Hartmann number, Rayleigh number, heat generation or absorption parameter, nanoparticles volume fraction, and undulation parameter. The outcomes illustrate that the temperature transport rate augments significantly for the enhancement of Rayleigh number as well as nanoparticles volume fraction whereas reduces for the increment of Hartman number. The heat transfer is significantly influenced by the size, shape, and Brownian motion of the nanoparticles. The rate of heat transport increases by 20.43% considering the Brownian effect for 1% nanoparticle volume. The thermal performance increases by 8.66% for the blade shape instead of the spherical shape of nanoparticles. In addition, heat transfer is impacted by the small size of nanoparticles. The thermal transport rate increases by 35.87% when the size of the nanoparticles reduces from 100 to 10 nm. Moreover, the rate of heat transmission increases efficiently as the undulation parameter rises. It is also seen that a crucial factor in the flow of nanofluids and heat transmission is the heat generation/absorption parameter that influences temperature distribution, heat transfer rates, and overall thermal performance.

FREE FARE PUBLIC TRANSPORT AS A DETERMINATE ON PUPILS TRAVEL BEHAVIOR AND PREFERENCES IN THEIR DAILY TRAVELS TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY – THE CASE OF GDYNIA (POLAND)

The concept of influencing changes in transport behavior towards sustainable mobility, which is gaining popularity in the 21st century, is free public transport (FFPT). It is estimated that the number of cities in which attempts were made to introduce FFPT exceeds 100. Most of them are located in Europe, especially in France and Poland. FFPT has mostly been restricted to specific city areas or market segments in the hope of increasing demand for public transport services. Because of this, a number of publications on free fare results refer to specific cases in cities. The main aim of this article is to examine the impact of free fares on the behavior and transport preferences of pupils in Gdynia, Poland. On the basis of the study of preferences and transport behavior of the inhabitants of Gdynia, carried out earlier by the team in 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2018, a preliminary description of the behavior and transport preferences of students was prepared. The research of the pupils was conducted twice: before and after the introduction of free travel entitlements. The results of the research carried out, and the data analysis, confirmed that FFPT had no impact on demand for public transport services or the travel behavior of pupils. According to the authors, the lack of positive effects of FFPT on travel behavior in the segment of students, or even more broadly, for achieving the purposes of sustainable mobility, results from the interaction of the following factors: specificity of students' travel behavior determined by the schedule of school activities, pupils' positive attitude to cars as urban transport means, not covering all means of public transport services of FFPT in Gdynia (the city rail is not covered by FFPT), short period of time since FFPT has been introduced. The results of the presented studies could not be verified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors emphasize that before introducing FFPT, politicians should rely on the analysis of anticipated changes in the behavior of residents and the impact of FFPT on the economy of public transport, sustainable mobility goals and political and social results. This article complements the current knowledge on the results related to the introduction of FFPT for a selected group of residents.

Social-ecological factors influencing loneliness and social isolation in older people: a scoping review

There are growing calls from researchers and policy makers to redefine loneliness and social isolation (SI) as public health issues, and to move towards a transdisciplinary, systems-based approach, due to their association with significant health risks, particularly in older people. Research about loneliness and SI in older people has typically adopted a narrow focus, evaluating effects of individual and inter-personal factors on these experiences. Less is known about the community and societal influences that may be used to inform public health interventions. We conducted a scoping review applying Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the social-ecological model framework in order to: i) identify the available evidence for the influence of the community and societal factors on loneliness and SI as experienced by older people; ii) examine how quantitative research about community- and societal-level factors of loneliness and SI in the older population is conducted; and iii) identify current knowledge gaps in relation to the use of the social-ecological model in this area. A total of 52 articles from 30 countries met the inclusion criteria, including 33 observational studies, primarily cross-sectional (88%), and 19 interventions, mostly (89%) pre-post evaluations. The majority of included articles measured loneliness only (n = 34, 65%), while 11 measured both loneliness and SI (21%). To measure these outcomes validated scales were frequently used. Eighteen community/societal factors were investigated in relation to loneliness and/or SI, most commonly neighbourhood safety, access to public third-places and cultural practices. Three societal-level interventions were found: two campaigns to reduce ageism and one which explored the impact of free public transport. Community-based interventions were either educational or enlisted volunteers to foster connections. There is a need for longitudinal studies to better understand the mechanisms through which community- and societal- level factors affect loneliness and SI, which in turn will guide interventions that utilise the social-ecological framework for these issues.

Terahertz optical Hall effect determination of carrier concentrations in component layers within low bandgap tin–lead halide perovskite photovoltaics and device simulation

Carrier concentration (N) of indium tin oxide (ITO), poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), and low bandgap perovskite (FASnI3)0.6(MAPbI3)0.4 in the photovoltaic device configuration are determined using terahertz (THz) spectral range optical Hall effect measurements and analysis. Unlike direct electrical Hall effect, this technique is non-invasive as it does not need any direct electrical contacts and is able to probe free carrier transport properties of individual films inside the device stack. A modified Drude model is implemented to address the dominating free carrier absorption in the THz spectral range. N of the ITO, PEDOT:PSS, and (FASnI3)0.6(MAPbI3)0.4 are determined to be (2.8 ± 0.6) × 1020 cm-3, (2.6 ± 0.8) × 1022 cm-3, and (1.5 ± 0.1) × 1018 cm-3, respectively. PV device performance is simulated with SCAPS employing the findings from optical Hall measurements. Open circuit voltage (VOC), short circuit current (JSC), fill factor (FF), power conversion efficiency (PCE) are found to be 0.865 V, 29.2 mAcm-2, 66.7%, and 16.8% respectively which are within 3% of corresponding experimentally measured values. These optically measured N serve as essential parameters for device modeling to understand its physics in device performance and to optimize PCE; consistency between simulated and experimental device performance parameters using these values supports optical Hall effect as a reliable technique to extract electronic transport properties.

Optimal region for the transport problem to the boundary

We consider a region Ω⊂R2 where a mass f is transported to the boundary and the aim is to find an optimal free transport region E that minimizes the total cost outside E of this transport problem plus a penalization term on E. First, we study the regularity of the transport density σ in this transport problem to the boundary. Then, we show existence of an optimal set E for this shape optimization problem and, we prove regularity on this optimal set E in the case where the penalization term on E is given by the perimeter (or the fractional perimeter) of E.

The Youth Justice Commute (or the Institutional Construction of Youth Transport Poverty)

Youth justice commuting problems need better recognition due to the complex dispersal of practice sites and prevalence of characteristics associated with journey barriers. Applying a transport poverty framework to the youth justice population develops adult-focused research and establishes youth transport poverty for the first time. Data from 28 young people and 33 practitioners in two high-deprivation, post-industrial English towns suggests that free transport offers a partial solution. Recommendations indicate that inclusive communication and established education sector policies could support youth justice accessibility, help understand connections between over-representation and commuting problems, and support other contexts like education to employment transitions.

Multifaceted action of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease associated with metabolic syndrome. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are essential signaling mediators containing functional biomolecules. EVs are secreted from various cell types, and recent studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs have therapeutic potential against immune and metabolic diseases. In this study, we investigated whether EVs from induced mesenchymal stem cells (iMSC-EVs) regulate AMPK signaling and lipid metabolism using cell-based studies and two different mouse models of NASH (methionine/choline-deficient diet-induced and ob/ob mice). Protein analysis revealed that iMSC-EVs carry cargo proteins with the potential to regulate lipid metabolism. iMSC-EVs inhibited free fatty acid release from adipose tissues by downregulating the activity of lipolytic genes in NASH. In addition, iMSC-EVs improved hepatic steatosis by modulating AMPK signaling, which plays essential role in metabolic homeostasis in the liver. Moreover, iMSC-EVs reduced CD36 expression, contributing to the blockade of free fatty acid transport to the liver of NASH mice. Finally, iMSC-EVs reduced inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis while promoting hepatic regeneration of the NASH liver. In conclusion, iMSC-EVs can potentially serve as cell-free therapeutics for NASH owing to their multifaceted modality.