Transport Issues Research Articles

Barriers and facilitators to retention in care and treatment adherence among racially/ethnically diverse women with HIV in South Florida: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Women, particularly those from racial/ethnic minority groups, experience disparities in HIV care and treatment, and in achieving viral suppression. This study identified barriers and facilitators influencing retention in HIV care and treatment adherence among women belonging to racial/ethnic minority groups. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 74 African American, Hispanic/Latina and Haitian cisgender women receiving care from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program in Miami-Dade County, Florida in 2019. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. The most salient barriers faced by women were competing life priorities, mental health and substance use issues, medication-related concerns and treatment burden, negative experiences with HIV care services, transportation and parking issues and stigma and discrimination. Important facilitators identified by women included taking personal responsibility for health, social support, and patient-friendly and supportive HIV care services. Our findings suggest that HIV care could be enhanced for this population by understanding the non-HIV needs of the women in care, provide more flexible and relevant services in response to the totality of these needs, and simplify and expand access to care and supportive services.

Analysis of entropy generation in nonlinear convection flow of unsteady magneto-nanofluid configured by vertical stretching sheet with Ohmic heating

As a new kind of heat transfer liquid, nanofluids may be thought of as an efficient medium for increasing energy transmission. The concept of energy enhancement via nanofluids is covered in this study. Copper (Cu), copper oxide (CuO), aluminium oxide (Al2O3), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) are the forms of water-based nanofluids that are considered to examine the impact of entropy generation analysis on the unsteady nanofluid flow and heat transfer across a vertical plate with the influence of viscous dissipation. The nonlinear temperature density relation is implemented to address thermal transport issues. By appropriate similarity conversion, the leading equations are transformed into their dimensionless form. The successive linearisation (SL) technique plus the Chebyshev collocation method is employed to solve the dimensionless equations. Effects of emerging parameters are graphed on the profiles of skin friction, Nusselt number, entropy generation, temperature and velocity while the error plot is demonstrated to assess the method's quick convergence characteristics. The result shows that by adjusting the convection parameter, the skin drag fast declines for Cu-water-based nanofluid. However, the heat transfer rate increases in the absence of a convection parameter. Further, the entropy generation rate is boosted as the Reynolds number and volume fraction parameter.

The Limited Influence of Voluntary Environmental Partnerships on Increasing the Saliency of Freight Emissions in Corporate Sustainability Strategy

AbstractReducing greenhouse gas emissions in freight transportation is important for organizations. Transportation emissions are rapidly increasing in developing countries and are the second greatest source of emissions after electricity generation globally. Reducing freight transportation emissions is not a priority on the corporate sustainability agenda for many companies despite their significant impact on climate change. This research explores the paradox between the significant negative impact of freight transportation on climate change and its lack of saliency in corporate strategy using data from in-depth interviews with 12 organizations that are shipper members of SmartWay, a voluntary environmental partnership (VEP). Using mid-range theory (MRT) building beginning with legitimacy theory, this research explores how transportation functions and corporations measure and report freight transportation emissions reduction as part of the environmental sustainability agenda. The results provide insight into how an operationally focused VEP is challenged in gaining strategic organizational importance for its mission of freight emissions reduction and why the current approach of focusing on freight emission issues in transportation has limited traction.

Unfolding emotions for creating happiness and quality of life in Malaysia's low‐income community using text mining

AbstractDetermining the true reasons for happiness that exist in different social groups is important, especially in the case of those groups where poverty strongly dominates people's well‐being and happiness. To understand the factors that determine happiness among poor communities, this study collected data in the form of 1,793 responses from low‐income communities, who constitute 40% of Malaysia's workforce. To ascertain the feelings and emotional responses of the target group, primary source data were collected based on a questionnaire survey utilising the Lokman Emotion Importance Quadrant (LEIQ™) model. The data were analysed using text mining techniques based on R‐Language software. According to the findings, happiness in Malaysian low‐income communities is primarily shaped by concerns about family matters such as success, care issues, education and so on. Interestingly, government financial support, money, income and work matters are only fifth in importance, and lastly, the least emphasis was put on the public transportation issue. To ensure the true happiness and wellbeing of people who are struggling financially, policymakers must provide not only financial assistance but also ensure a better future for their families: better healthcare, better incomes, keeping a roof over their heads, etc. This study will be useful to the government, development agencies, NGOs, international organisations and other stakeholders wanting to realise the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Malaysia and similarly affected countries. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

Identification of Cropping Pattern and Disposal Pattern of Selected Crops in Chhotaudepur, Panchmahals and Dahod District of Gujarat

The present study was conducted to achieve four main objectives: identifying cropping patterns, determining disposal patterns of selected crops, analysing the gap between recommended and actual package of practices, and identifying challenges faced by farmers in production and marketing. Data were collected from 150 farmers using a descriptive research design and purposive sampling, with a focus on chilli cultivation in Chhotaudepur and okra in Halol, and potato cultivation in Dahod. The study examined cropping patterns in Chhotaudepur, Halol, and Dahod regions, considering climate, soil, and market factors. Cultivation included crops such as paddy, maize, chilli, okra, wheat, cotton, tomatoes, potato, turmeric, and groundnut. While farmers generally followed recommended sowing time and sowing method for chilli, okra, and potato, deviations in seed treatment, seed rate, and spacing affected yields. Chilli and okra were mainly sold to local agents, while potato sales involved agents, contractors, APMCs, and FPOs. Challenges included high input costs, diseases, transportation issues, and storage limitations. Proposed solutions encompass quality seeds, improved storage, disease-resistant varieties, cost reduction measures, enhanced credit access, and knowledge sharing initiatives.

Experiences of Cultural Differences, Discrimination, and Healthcare Access of Displaced Syrians (DS) in Lebanon: A Qualitative Study.

The study aims to examine cultural differences and discrimination as difficulties encountered by DS when using the Lebanese healthcare system, and to evaluate the equity of DS access to health services in Lebanon. This is a qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews with DS and Lebanese healthcare professionals. The participants were selected by visiting two hospitals, one public Primary Healthcare Center, and three PHCs managed by Non-Governmental Organizations. The recruitment of participants was based on reasoned and targeted sampling. Thematic analysis was performed to identify common themes in participants' experiences of DS in accessing Lebanese healthcare. Twenty interviews took place with directors of health facilities (n = 5), health professionals (n = 9), and DS (n = 6) in six different Lebanese healthcare institutions. The results showed barriers of access to care related to transportation and financial issues. Healthcare services provided to the DS appear to be of poor quality due to inequitable access to the health system, attributable to the discriminatory behavior of healthcare providers. Among the several factors contributing to the presence of discrimination in the Lebanese healthcare system, the persisting fragility of the healthcare system-facing a humanitarian crisis-emerged as the major driver of such unequal treatment. The number of DS in Lebanon is roughly equal to a quarter of its citizens; there is an urging need to restore the Lebanese health system to ensure the equitable provision of health services for DS and appropriate working conditions for health professionals.

The silent impact of underground climate change on civil infrastructure

Urban areas increasingly suffer from subsurface heat islands: an underground climate change responsible for environmental, public health, and transportation issues. Soils, rocks, and construction materials deform under the influence of temperature variations and excessive deformations can affect the performance of civil infrastructure. Here I explore if ground deformations caused by subsurface heat islands might affect civil infrastructure. The Chicago Loop district is used as a case study. A 3-D computer model informed by data collected via a network of temperature sensors is used to characterize the ground temperature variations, deformations, and displacements caused by underground climate change. These deformations and displacements are significant and, on a case-by-case basis, may be incompatible with the operational requirements of civil structures. Therefore, the impact of underground climate change on civil infrastructure should be considered in future urban planning strategies to avoid possible structural damage and malfunction. Overall, this work suggests that underground climate change can represent a silent hazard for civil infrastructure in the Chicago Loop and other urban areas worldwide, but also an opportunity to reutilize or minimize waste heat in the ground.

Race and sex differences in dropout from the STRRIDE trials.

To determine if race and sex differences exist in determinants and timing of dropout among individuals enrolled in an exercise and/or caloric restriction intervention. A total of 947 adults with dyslipidemia (STRRIDE I, STRRIDE AT/RT) or prediabetes (STRRIDE-PD) were randomized to either inactive control or to 1 of 10 exercise interventions, ranging from doses of 8-23 kcal/kg/week, intensities of 50%-75% peak, and durations of 6-8 months. Two groups included resistance training, and one included a dietary intervention (7% weight loss goal). Dropout was defined as an individual withdrawn from the study, with the reasons for dropout aggregated into determinant categories. Timing of dropout was defined as the last session attended and aggregated into phases (i.e., "ramp" period to allow gradual adaptation to exercise prescription). Utilizing descriptive statistics, percentages were generated according to categories of determinants and timing of dropout to describe the proportion of individuals who fell within each category. Black men and women were more likely to be lost to follow-up (Black men: 31.3% and Black women: 19.6%), or dropout due to work responsibilities (15.6% and 12.5%), "change of mind" (12.5% and 8.9%), transportation issues (6.3% and 3.6%), or reported lack of motivation (6.3% and 3.6%). Women in general noted lack of time more often than men as a reason for dropout (White women: 22.4% and Black women: 22.1%). Regardless of race and sex, most participants dropped out during the ramp period of the exercise intervention; with Black women (50%) and White men (37.1%) having the highest dropout rate during this period. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted retention strategies when aiming to address race and sex differences that exist in determinants and timing of dropout among individuals enrolled in an exercise and/or caloric restriction intervention.

Disparities in healthcare access and utilization among people living with HIV in China: A scoping review and meta-analysis.

This review aims to assess the status of healthcare disparities among people living with HIV (PLWH) in China and summarize the factors that drive them. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and China Wanfang for studies published in English or Chinese. Studies focusing on any disparities in healthcare services among PLWH in China and published between January 2000 and July 2022 were included. In all, 51 articles met the inclusion criteria, with 37 studies reporting HIV-focused care, and 14 reporting non-HIV-focused care. PLWH aged ≥45 years (vs. <45 years), female (vs. male), ethnic minority (vs. Han), and cases attributed to sexual transmission (vs. injecting drug use) were more likely to receive ART. Females living with HIV have higher ART adherence than males. Notably, 20% [95% confidence interval (CI): 9-43%, I2 = 96%] of PLWH reported any illness in the previous 2 weeks without medical consultation, and 30% (95% CI: 12-74%, I2 = 90%) refused hospitalization when needed in the previous year. Barriers to HIV-focused care included inadequate HIV/ART knowledge and treatment side effects at the individual level; and social discrimination and physician-patient relationships at the community/social level. Structural barriers included medical costs and transportation issues. The most frequently reported barriers to non-HIV-focused care were financial constraints and the perceived need for medical services at individual-level factors; and discrimination from physicians, and medical distrust at the community/social level. This review suggests disparities in access and utilization of healthcare among PLWH. Financial issues and social discrimination were prominent reasons. Creating a supportive social environment and expanding insurance policies could be considered to promote healthcare equity.

OPTIMIZATION OF ROAD SAFETY PARTNERSHIP ACTION (RSPA) IN HANDLING TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN THE JURISDICTION OF THE TANJUNG PRIOK PORT POLICE STATION

The Tanjung Priok Port in Indonesia faces challenges in traffic management and road safety. To address these issues, the Tanjung Priok Port Police Traffic Unit has implemented Road Safety Partnership Action (RSPA) activities. This study aims to determine the implementation of Road Safety Partnership Action (RSPA) activities carried out by the Tanjung Priok Port Police Traffic Unit in handling traffic problems in the Tanjung Priok Port area. The study incorporates various theories, including Rosen's cooperation theory, Terry's management theory (including planning, organizing, implementing, and supervising), Dr. E Mulyana's competency theory, and problem-solving theory. A qualitative approach with descriptive analysis was employed. The findings revealed suboptimal implementation of the RSPA activities by the Tanjung Priok Port Police Traffic Unit in addressing traffic and road transportation issues. Furthermore, the competence of the Satlantas Polres Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok personnel in executing the RSPA activities was also deemed suboptimal. The active system and methodology employed in the RSPA activities have not been fully maximized. Therefore, optimization measures are required, including strengthening coordination and communication capabilities, empowering budget support and improving facilities and infrastructure in RSPA activities, enhancing the enforcement of traffic violations and management of traffic accidents, fostering personnel quality in executing the RSPA activities, implementing traffic engineering measures in anticipation of increased port activities related to transportation, encouraging community participation, and utilizing advancements in information technology, particularly in traffic engineering within the Tanjung Priok Port area.

Exploring stakeholders' response to travel needs of commuters with disability in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly

AbstractAccess to public transport increases vulnerable people's social mobility, facilitates economic integration and improves general well‐being. This is possible given the low vehicular acquisition and low cost required to enjoy public transport services. Unfortunately, the discourse on the responsiveness of public transport services to the disability community in the Global South has been viewed from users' perspectives, leaving out key stakeholders whose actions impact persons with disability (PWDs') mobility needs. This study seeks to fill the gap by exploring stakeholders' responses to the travel needs of commuters with disability in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. Employing an exploratory research design, this study purposively engaged five national stakeholders on transport and disability issues. All interviews and transcripts were transcribed using MaxQDA. The qualitative data analysis was iterative as the study adopted a thematic analytical approach to explore participants' opinions. From the data, all stakeholders did not have a disability‐inclined transport agenda or policy despite making various attempts to meet the travel needs of PWDs. Some attempts include the reliance on one's discretion as seen in the case of transport operators, while other stakeholders appeared to offer little support due to financial and administrative bottlenecks. Transport‐oriented stakeholders cared little about PWD while disability‐oriented stakeholders cared little about transport issues. This study recommends a consultative action framework to guide all stakeholders in ensuring the delivery of barrier‐free transport services to the disability community.

A Petri Nets-Based Simulation Methodology for Modular Modeling and Performance Evaluation of Car-Sharing Networks

In the field of urban and green mobility, electric car-sharing networks have recently emerged as one of the promising alternatives, dealing with both environmental and transportation issues. Despite the increasing success of the shared mobility concept over the world, the design and management of such urban mobility systems implies strategic, tactical and operational challenges. To support designers and operators, all these issues constitute an emerging and challenging research topic, aiming to develop techniques and tools for modeling, analysis and optimization of such complex systems. In this contribution, based on the modeling and analysis power of stochastic timed Petri nets, a discrete event simulation approach is developed, taking into account their dynamic behavior complexities due to their self-service mode and characteristics including capacities of the stations, energy availability, rebalancing and maintenance activities. A real-life application is presented, to demonstrate the applicability and the potential of the proposed modeling and simulation analysis approach. <i>Note to Practitioners</i>&#x2014;To support designers, providers and managers of shared mobility programs, performance and optimization models and decision-making tools are needed. In this contribution, we deals with a powerful and modular stochastic timed Petri net methodology suitable for performance modeling and simulation analysis of such complex dynamical systems. The authors believe that this discrete event dynamic approach has significant promise for the future and to influence economic viability and operational efficiency of such emerging urban transportation systems.

Factors disrupting supply chain management in manufacturing industries

This paper aims to explore the causes of supply chain management disruptions in the manufacturing sector. Supply chain disruptions have become a major concern for companies globally, posing significant risks to business operations, costs, earnings, and customer satisfaction. This review examines various factors contributing to these disruptions, including natural disasters, raw material unavailability, regulatory changes, technology breakdowns, labor shortages, transportation issues, and political instability. The review encompasses studies and research papers shedding light on the causes of disruptions in manufacturing supply chains. The findings highlight the importance of proactive measures in building resilient supply chains capable of effectively handling disruptions. These measures involve implementing robust risk management plans, strategic investments in technology, and developing collaborative relationships with customers and suppliers. Through these actions, manufacturing companies can enhance their supply chain's ability to withstand disruptions and ensure uninterrupted operations. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the critical importance of addressing supply chain disruptions in the manufacturing sector and advocates for a proactive and comprehensive approach to mitigating their impact. Effective risk management strategies, technology investments, and strong partnerships are key to enhancing the resilience of supply chains and minimizing the negative consequences of disruptions.

THE COMPETITION INFRINGEMENTS iN LINER MARITIME TRANSPORT: ANANALYSIS BASED ON THE EU AND TURKEY*

This article aims ta reveal the competition issues in maritime transport and the harmonization of the arrangements between the EU and Turkey. The harmonization process is examined by comparing the relevant provisions in competition law, namely Article 101 and 102 in Treaty on the Functioning ofthe European Union (TFEU) and in Article 4 and 6 in the Law on the Protection of Competition Na. 4054. The impacts of cartel infringement and abuse of a dominant position in the !iner maritime transport is evaluated.

Russian-Asian trade caravans of the 18th–19th centuries: features of organization and everyday life on the road

The study covers transport issues of economic relations between Russia and Asian states in the 18th19th centuries. The paper attempts to systematize the accumulated information about the mechanism of the trade caravan as an important element of the everyday work of merchants engaged in international trade in the period under study. The article describes the key tasks of entrepreneurs in organizing a caravan. Being the main customers of the caravan services, the merchants tried to take into account all the nuances of preparing goods for shipment, from the selection of management and working personnel to the purchase of fastening gear. Emphasis is placed on the elements of everyday life of the caravan personnel, such as the rules for placing cargo on pack animals and caring for them, the gastronomic arsenal of caravaners, recreation conditions, replenishment of water and provisions during the movement. The article describes the principles of selection of caravan masters, their functions and powers. In the course of the study, a number of differences between Russian and Asian caravans were discovered, which existed mainly in the status of caravan masters, the way the owners of the goods travelled and how meals were organized. The source base of the study, formed by unpublished archival materials, narratives of merchants and travelers who traveled in the 18th19th centuries on pack animals across the Asian steppes and deserts and participated in the everyday camp life, made it possible to recreate the microenvironment of the caravan travel as a unique logistical phenomenon.

The Effect of Flow Field Design Parameters on the Performance of PEMFC: A Review

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell is essentially utilized to generate energy with zero emission. There are many drawbacks in PEMFC, such as the mal-distribution of reactants, water management between the catalyst layer and the GDL, and the mass transport issue of reactants. Flow field design parameters can overcome these problems to improve cell performance. Where the flow field is an essential element of the fuel cell, and it is designed to provide the required amount of both hydrogen and oxygen with the lowest possible pressure drop on the anode and cathode sides, respectively. In this paper, the cell performance with different flow field design parameters, such as conventional flow field configuration, nature-inspired flow field configuration, and geometric parameters, as well as their modifications, is reviewed in detail. It has been demonstrated through the current review paper that the flow field design parameters can significantly affect the overall behavior of PEMFC, and each design parameter has advantages and disadvantages that make the flow fields suitable for specific applications.

Elucidating the alloying effect of PdAg/CNT catalysts on formic acid dehydrogenation with kinetic isotope effect

Formic acid has emerged as a promising liquid hydrogen carrier for addressing the transport and storage issues of hydrogen, owing to its high hydrogen density (4.4 wt.%) and easy-handling liquid phase. Therefore, the conversion of formic acid into hydrogen and vice versa is a significant technique. Despite the development of various metal alloy catalysts for efficient production of hydrogen from formic acid, it remains unclear how the metal alloy affects formic acid dehydrogenation from the mechanistic perspective. This study addresses this gap by investigating the alloy effect of Pd and Ag on formic acid dehydrogenation, using PdAg alloy nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotube catalysts. The PdAg alloy, analyzed using multiple characterization methods, demonstrated enhanced catalytic activity, which was maximized at a Pd:Ag molar ratio of 7:3. More importantly, temperature-dependent and kinetic isotope effect experiments demonstrated that the electronic modification of Pd by Ag improved its activity by promoting the cleavage of the CH bond of formic acid. The results suggest that the kinetic isotope effect would be a potent technique for elucidating the alloying effect, as well as providing a deeper understanding of the mechanism.

Mathematical modeling of a competitive transportation-location arc routing problem

Depots are the centers where a supply chain can receive products, prepare them, and transfer them. Meeting the demands of depots located between suppliers and customers is essential. Here, the issue of transportation is dealt with in this research. Integrating these problems with vehicle routing can be very important in a distribution system, mainly when demand is defined on arcs. This paper addresses a competitive transportation-location-arc routing problem with a leader and a follower by developing mixed-integer linear programming models. The competition is formed with the objective of profit maximization. We propose a competition logic and apply it by considering a step-function profit sharing mechanism. A two-phase heuristic algorithm is developed for the competitive problem to solve these models. Then, two meta-heuristics (i.e., hill-climbing and late acceptance hill-climbing) are used to improve their results. The numerical results prove that the models perform well, and the heuristics provide acceptable answers. Also, a numerical example is generated inspired by actual conditions, solved, and examined. It helps the decision makers (both leaders and followers) to have a suitable view of their environments. Finally, the work is summarized along with suggestions for future research.

Loading and Transportation Issues in Horses

Abstract Refusal to load into a trailer or horsebox is a commonly seen behaviour in equines and one which is experienced by laypersons and professionals alike. Transportation of equines is highlighted as a prevalent welfare problem facing UK equines during a recent study. Problems with loading and travelling may occur in any equine at any life stage and may appear as significant issues from the first performance or develop gradually over time, increasing in frequency and intensity of their performance. These issues are likely to be maintained or worsened by repeated exposure to the travelling process and the use of inappropriate methods to attempt to resolve them. Behaviourally these problems present in a variety of ways including signs of stress, displacement and high levels of negative arousal. To fully understand the motivation for the behaviours identified, it is important that social, biological, psychological and functional analyses of the behavioural performance should be considered. Within this, there is also the element of learning, which is a constant aspect of the antecedent, behaviour and consequence continuum. Treatment protocols for travelling related issues should be holistic in nature to address the environmental, social, biological and psychological elements of the behavioural response. Information © The Author 2023

Computational evaluation of lithium functionalized Penta-BN2 as promising reversible hydrogen storage

Finding advanced hydrogen storage materials with high capacity and high efficiency is a key issue for hydrogen transportation and application. In this study, the first-principles calculation method is used to examine the potential of 2D pentagonal BN2 (Penta-BN2) as an excellent hydrogen storage material. The results indicate that Penta-BN2 has superior metallic and structural stable properties. The pristine Penta-BN2 is found to have weak adsorption energy for H2 molecules, which cannot meet the requirements of hydrogen storage. However, the Li-functionalized Penta-BN2 substrate is found to be relatively excellent to adsorb H2 molecules. A Li atom is bound closely to Penta-BN2 with large adsorption energy reaching more than 3.79 eV, and the 2 × 2 × 1 Penta-BN2 supercell can be suitably accommodated 4 Li atoms. 4Li-functionalized Penta-BN2 stores up to 16H2 molecules with a hydrogen gravimetric density of 8.70 wt%. The adsorption and desorption capacity of the system for H2 molecules under practical temperature and pressure conditions are investigated with semi-empirical calculations. The maximum reversible hydrogen storage capacity is up to 7.92 wt% between the practical condition of 30 atm/233 K for adsorption to 3 atm/358 K for desorption, which is better than other 2D pentagonal materials and boron-nitrogen compounds. The proposed investigations of this work illustrate that Li-functionalized Penta-BN2 is a promising hydrogen storage material with high efficiency, reversibility, and high-capacity characteristics.