Main Mode Of Transport Research Articles

Flocs as vectors for microplastics in the aquatic environment

AbstractMicroplastics (MPs) are an important component of suspended particulate matter in aquatic environments with two main transport modes, that is, as individual entities or in flocs. Despite its importance to MP pollution management, understanding and predicting MP flocculation remains a challenge. In this Article, we combined a meta-analysis of published data (>2,000 measurements) with new experimental data (>4,000 measurements) to investigate which size fraction of MPs can be incorporated into and transported by flocs in the aquatic environment. The size relationship between MPs and flocs can be used to predict the flocculation of MPs in various aquatic environments, and we have proposed a mathematical model to show that small MPs (<162 µm) are predominantly transported as flocs, regardless of the physicochemical characteristics of the MPs or water body. This provides valuable information to predict the transport modes of MPs, presenting a critical insight for multiple environmental settings and future pollution control strategies.

Navigating the challenges of public transport and urban mobility in Thohoyandou, South Africa

Background: Transport systems are an essential feature of functional urban settlements. Yet, almost all of South Africa’s secondary cities and small towns lack a true public transportation system. Because of this, quasi-public, privately operated mini-bus taxis are the main form of transport for most urban residents. Thohoyandou, Limpopo, a town of over 70 000 people, is a typical South African town in this regard.Objectives: The purpose of this research was to understand passenger experiences of mini-bus taxis in Thohoyandou, Limpopo province, South Africa.Method: This study used semi-structured interviews to explore the mobility challenges faced by the residents of Thohoyandou.Results: This study revealed several negative aspects impacting passenger experiences. Passengers consistently reported concerns regarding driver’s behaviour that compromised safety and security. This included overloading of vehicles and disregard for traffic regulations. Passengers also highlighted the challenges posed by poor transport infrastructure and a lack of reliable service. Collectively, these factors contribute to limited mobility options, increased transportation costs and a reduced quality of life. Furthermore, the shortcomings of mini-bus taxi services disproportionately affect people with disability, who already face significant societal barriers, further marginalising them within the transportation system.Conclusion: The government should increase investment in transport infrastructure, the enforcement of traffic laws and better driver training. However, a strong government combined with much political will is required if passengers and safety are to be the main priorities of the mini-bus taxi industry.Contribution: This study highlights challenges faced by public transport users in Thohoyandou, where mini-bus taxis serve as the main mode of transport. The challenges experienced by transport users not only reduce their mobility but also contribute to marginalisation of vulnerable groups, especially people with disability.

Design for shared driverless vehicles of the future

On-demand shared transportation is a major new mobility innovation and potentially the main mode of transport in coming decades. Studies show that driverless vehicles have potential to accelerate uptake of shared vehicles at scale. People perceive sharing positively but do not necessarily translate perception into action, with desire for personal space a major reason for unwillingness to share vehicles. Design research is a powerful tool when creating methods and processes to anticipate future possibilities by visualising detailed features of proposed products. We present a set of design research methods engaging end users in a variety of empathy activities and a design process to translate their needs into visual concepts for future shared driverless vehicles that are attractive and more likely to be adopted.

Pengaruh Modifikasi Permukaan Piston terhadap Emisi Gas Buang Motor Bakar Kapasitas 100 cc

Technological advances in motorized transportation are progressing rapidly, making motorized vehicles the main mode of transportation. The increasing number of motorized vehicles in society results in a significant increase in exhaust emissions. Combustion in vehicle engines is not always perfect, producing exhaust gases containing compounds harmful to human health, such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). This study investigates the effect of variations in piston dome shape on exhaust emissions in a 100cc internal combustion engine using RON 90 fuel. The goal is to find the optimal compression ratio to produce cleaner exhaust emissions. The research data are presented in tabular form and analyzed using one-way ANOVA and graphs. The results showed a significant reduction in CO and HC emissions at all engine speeds (1000, 2000, 4000, and 5000 rpm) with variations in piston dome shape. The reduction in CO emissions ranged from 55.07% to 85.73%, while the reduction in HC emissions ranged from 54.14% to 86.10%. These results suggest that variations in piston dome shape can be an effective solution to minimize harmful exhaust emissions in internal combustion engines.

ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE OF FUNCTIONING OF COMMERCIAL PORTS OF UKRAINE

Thearticle presents the results of the study of the functioning of the ports of Ukraine through the prism of the impact of the war. A generalized analysis of the operation of Ukraine's ports from the first wave of blockade by the Russian Federation in 2022 to the current state is presented, including the actual throughput capacity of functioning ports and the nomenclature of cargo handling by Danube ports in 2023. In addition, the dynamics and structure of the supply of agricultural products by the main modes of transport are provided, where the importance of the ports of Ukraine as the main way of exporting agricultural products to ensure their arrival on international markets is highlighted; shows changes in grain and wheat prices between January 2021 and August 2023 based on International Grains Council indices. The role of the ports of the Danube region and the grain agreement for the export of cargo flows of agricultural andother products to African and Asian markets is singled out. The question of the potential for further development, development, modernization and renewal of the infrastructure of the ports of Izmail, Reni, and Ust-Dunaysk was revealed. The restoration of ship calls to the ports of Greater Odessa thanks to the formation of Ukraine's own humanitarian corridor was emphasized. The consequences of Russia's large-scale war against Ukraine in the field of port activity are grouped due to the consequences of direct and indirect influence. The risks of shipping among the countries of the Azov-Black Sea basin from the standpoint of security are summarized. It is concluded that the consequences of the protracted war scenario in Ukraine will have a negative impact not only on the port industry, but will also become a catalyst for an economic crisis in the developed economies of the world.

Kryteria projektowania sieci dróg rowerowych z wykorzystaniem GIS, niwelacji topograficznej i analizy przestrzennej

The current need for the creation of cycleways in traditional cities often presents problems. Converting existing roads into cycleways frequently creates serious traffic issues without leading to the expected increase in bicycle use. In order to overcome some of these problems, this paper presents a composite methodology using GIS, topographic levelling and spatial analysis. Upon application of this methodology in a case study in the city of Patras, Greece, problems with the city’s existing, recently-constructed cycleway are identified. After applying topographical, qualitative and population criteria, an alternative network of cycleways is proposed. This proposed new network does not create traffic congestion, as the basic criterion for selecting roads is their low traffic load. At the same time, topographic leveling is employed to select routes with a very low gradient (<2%), which is a determining factor in making the network attractive to users. Using spatial analysis, the network is spread in order to serve all areas of the city, making it available to the vast majority of residents. Finally, the findings of a social research poll (through the use of a questionnaire) indicate that the creation of such a network could increase bicycle use by a factor of up to18, which would make bicycles the main mode of transport for 22% of residents.

Research on Solidification Layer Detection in Coal Transportation Process Based on Improved YOLOv8 Algorithm

Railway transportation is one of the main modes of long-distance coal transportation, and it inevitably causes environmental pollution during the transportation process. In order to improve the environment along the railway and increase the utilization rate of coal resources, this paper proposes a detection algorithm for the scattered coal solidification layer during transportation based on the YOLOv8 model and designs an intelligent recognition model suitable for coal solidification layer detection devices by combining fluorescence detection methods. Through experimental analysis, we found that the model meets the requirements of practical detection and can play a crucial role in environmental protection, with high practical application value.

Implementing Prehospital Ultrasound at the Saudi Red Crescent Authority: Perceived Barriers and Training Needs.

This study examines the inherent barriers to implementing prehospital ultrasound within the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) in Saudi Arabia. A qualitative study was conducted to explore the perceived barriers, mode of transportation, ultrasound familiarity, and self-efficacy level of relevant stakeholders in implementing the prehospital ultrasound in SRCA. Data was collected via surveys and interviews with 24 SRCA paramedics/EMTs, 4 SRCA station administrators, and two hospital physicians to further examine the inherent barriers of implementing the prehospital ultrasound. Thematic analysis revealed the main barriers were costs of ultrasound equipment, environmental factors affecting image capture, and lack of training in ultrasound skills and interpretation. Administrators and physicians also noted concerns about machine portability and technical maintenance. Stakeholders agreed ultrasound could improve trauma diagnosis if barriers were addressed through extensive training and protocols. In prehospital care setting, the two main modes of transportation are "stay and play", involving on-scene interventions before transport, and "load and go", prioritizing rapid transport to the hospital, with the choice depending on various factors. An overwhelming 96% of paramedics/EMTs preferred a 'stay and play' approach to stabilize patients before transport, while 75% of administrators preferred 'load and go' for rapid transport to hospitals. 62.5% of paramedics were familiar with ultrasound, but only 20.8% had previously used it. This study provides important insights into stakeholder perspectives on the implementation of prehospital ultrasound within the Saudi Red Crescent Authority. The findings can guide efforts to implement appropriate ultrasound use through tailored training programs and enhanced coordination across groups, aimed at improving trauma outcomes.

Determinants of shared e-scooter usage and their policy implications. findings from a survey in Braga, Portugal

Shared e-scooter systems have become an alternative for micromobility users in cities since 2017. The success of the shared e-scooter service can be related to the provision of more last-mile flexibility and convenience to users. They can also be seen as a replacement for private cars and on-demand ridesharing, especially in highly crowded urban environments. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to disclose the main characteristics that determine shared e-scooter usage and their policy implication in a medium-sized city in the North of Portugal. To meet this purpose, a survey was conducted, and statistical analyses were performed to correlate the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents with the willingness to use shared e-scooters. Results show that gender, origin of the trip, and the main mode of transport affect the usage of e-scooters, thus specific policies should be developed to decrease these inequalities. Special attention needs to be given to the creation and expansion of dedicated areas for e-scooter ridership, zoning, and some traffic calming measures to promote a safe, user-centric, and more pleasant environment for shared e-scooter riders.

Factor Affecting Customer Preference to Use Shuttle Bus over High-Speed Train in Indonesia

This paper investigates the factors affecting customer preference to choose a shuttle bus over a high-speed train (Whoosh) in Indonesia. The study is based on the theory of planned behavior and focuses on customer satisfaction, which is a primary determinant in the selection of public transport. The research collected data through interviews and surveys. The survey gathered information from 105 frequent travelers who choose shuttle bus as their main transportation mode and have experienced using high-speed trains. The findings showed that the factors affecting people to choose shuttle bus over high-speed train are availability, accessibility, duration, and comfort. The study provides insights into understanding customer preferences and helps build efficient strategies based on internal strengths and profitable opportunities.

Vehicular Motions Dominate the Ion Transport in Concentrated LiTFSI Aqueous Solutions?

Water-in-salt electrolytes (WiSEs) show great promise for applications in grid-scale energy storage. The design of high-performance WiSEs requires a comprehensive understanding of their microstructures and ion transport properties. In the present work, based on the CL&Pol force field, we have developed a polarizable force field (PFF) tailored for high-concentration LiTFSI aqueous solutions, which accurately reproduces the structural and dynamical properties. Unlike the literature, we do not observe the presence of bulk-like water in LiTFSI solutions exceeding 19 mol/kg. Furthermore, we find that the vast majority of Li(H20)n+ are short-lived, and thus, the structural motion rather than the vehicular motion is the main mode of ion transport. Our results have significant implications for understanding the ion dynamics in WiSEs. Additionally, further in-depth experimental analyses are imperative.

Design and Research on Humanized Innovative Design of Pedestrian Space in Rail Transit

Walking is the main mode of transportation used by people to take rail transit, and it is also the link between rail transit and other kinds of transportation. Ensuring the convenience, comfort and safety of walking in the rail station area is not only an effective way to realize the functional integration of the station, but also the key to promoting green travel and ensuring the sustainable development of the city. This paper studied the walking environment by literature review. This paper summarizes the differences of various walking environments, and finally puts forward suggestions on the improvement of walking environment in urban rail stations.

Accuracy of cumulonimbus cloud prediction using Rapidly Developing Cumulus Area (RDCA) products at Pattimura Ambon airport

Extreme weather conditions caused by cumulonimbus (Cb) clouds are closely related to the world of aviation, which is the main mode of transportation in Indonesia. Thus, the delivery of information regarding Cb predictions needs to be optimized to support flight safety and minimize the impact that can be caused. The RDCA product from the Himawari satellite can be a solution for predicting cumulus clouds that have the potential to become Cb within the next 1 hour. How accurate is the prediction of the RDCA, is considered important to be carried out in its application in the Ambon Pattimura airport area. This study focuses on the spatial and statistical analysis of categorical scores from dichotomous verification using weather radar data and surface observations, which were also verified using several parameters. Based on analysis in July and December 2021, RDCA verification results using weather radar aligned with surface observation data show that RDCA has a high accuracy value in predicting Cb in the next 10-60 minutes. Meanwhile, the results of research with several parameters have a proficient level of accuracy, although in certain cases, there are still quite a lot of false alarms and misses, indicating that the RDCA point cannot predict perfectly. The results of this research have led to progress in the development of techniques or ways to obtain the accuracy of RDCA products. The results of the accuracy of the application of RDCA can be used as a basis for nowcasting considerations as well as practical use from an operational perspective in aviation. In addition to using surface data or observations as one of the verification considerations, this paper is a initial step in assessing the accuracy of RDCA products in the tropics, especially in Ambon.

Effects of crowding on route preferences and perceived safety of urban cyclists in the Netherlands

Bicycle use increases in many cities around the world. In the Netherlands, cycling is one of the main transport modes in cities and bicycle use is still growing. This leads to crowded cycling infrastructure in cities with high cycling shares, including in the four largest Dutch cities. Since few studies have been done to the effects of high crowding levels on cyclists’ route preferences and perceived safety, the present study aims to examine this for Dutch urban cyclists. Moreover, the relationship between perceived safety and route preferences is established. To investigate this, a questionnaire, including a route choice experiment, is completed by 1,329 cyclists from the four largest Dutch cities. The effects of varying crowding levels on route preferences and perceived safety are analysed with Mixed Logit models. Logistic regression is used to investigate the consistency between route preferences and perceived safety. The results show that crowding negatively affects route preferences as well as perceived safety, and that the impact is stronger for older cyclists and women. Furthermore, high crowding levels have a negative impact on the preference for and perception of safety of cycling infrastructure. Moreover, it is shown that all investigated route attributes have a significant effect on perceived safety, implying a more direct relationship between perceived safety and route preferences. In addition, the results show that most cyclists prefer routes they also perceive as safe. Concludingly, crowding seems an important issue for cyclists in large Dutch cities. Moreover, the perception of safety is likely to increase with the implementation of cycling infrastructure suitable for large flows of cyclists, leading to a safer cycling network for all types of cyclists.

Measuring acceptance of tradable credit scheme and its effect on behavioral intention through theory of planned behavior

Public support is crucial for the successful implementation of congestion charging schemes. The Tradable Credits Scheme (TCS), a novel concept built upon the cap-and-trade principle, is believed to possess qualities of effectiveness and fairness that should lead to greater public approval. This study investigates the level of acceptance of TCS among the public and its impact on the propensity to shift travel modes in the TCS framework. In this study, we used the Theory of Planned Behavior, encompassing components such as attitudes toward TCS, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control and assessed the perceived effectiveness and equity of TCS. Data were acquired through an online survey involving 544 participants in China. The findings indicate that public acceptance of TCS is significantly influenced by subjective norms and attitudes toward TCS. In turn, behavioral intention is indirectly shaped by these factors, with acceptance serving as a mediator. Perceived behavioral control exerts a direct influence on behavioral intention, while perceived effectiveness and equity positively impact both the acceptance of TCS and behavioral intention. Moreover, latent profile analysis was used to determine the influence of various factors on TCS acceptance, following which we categorized the participants into four distinct groups. The results show that age, city scale, income, holding a driving license or not, car ownership, necessity through congested areas, main transportation modes, and the frequency of using different travel modes all affect the distribution of individuals in support or rejection groups Notably, over one-third of participants express TCS acceptance, with most holding a neutral stance, indicative of TCS's potential for public acceptance with effective guidance and comprehensive explanation. In summary, this research provides novel insights into the multifaceted factors that influence individuals' acceptance of TCS and offers valuable assistance in promoting an innovative traffic demand management policy.

Robust optimisation for vertiport location problem considering travel mode choice behaviour in urban air mobility systems

With the rapid development of novel vehicle technologies, air taxis are becoming a new transport servicing model to achieve better urban air mobility (UAM) systems. The UAM system can mitigate severe traffic congestion problems on the ground in many metropolitan areas effectively. This research aims to design a robust UAM network to serve broader mobility needs in the future. In this study, we consider the two main competition transportation modes of air taxis (luxury ground taxis and ordinary ground taxis) and establish a travel mode choice behaviour model based on the multinomial logit choice approach to determine the aggregate air taxi demand flow. Furthermore, we account for the varying temporal preferences of different UAM passengers by incorporating different time values for heterogeneous passengers, such as leisure and business passengers, into the travel mode choice behaviour model. Additionally, to address uncertainties in user demand, we introduce a robust optimisation model for vertiport location under a budget uncertainty set. This model is then reformulated as a mixed-integer linear programming model to address computational challenges. Ultimately, we conduct a series of numerical experiments to showcase the effectiveness of our proposed mathematical model. The outcomes of this research offer valuable managerial insights and implications, aiding governments and UAM operators in scientifically designing UAM networks and making strategic decisions regarding infrastructure investments.

Cultivating Campus Mobility: An In-Depth Analysis of Student Perspectives on the Bulldog Transit System at Alabama A&M University

This research provides an overview of the transportation system at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) and discusses the Bulldog Transit System (BTS), which operates on campus to facilitate student and staff mobility. The study is being conducted to assess the perspective of AAMU students regarding the performance of the BTS on campus and how it affects their transportation experience. The research questions aim to understand the main transport mode of students, how students perceive the efficiency and effectiveness of the BTS operations, what service(s) students need the BTS to improve in its operation, and the relationship between students' BTS efficiency rating and drivers' behaviors/conducts. The study reviewed literature on the importance of public transport, factors that positively influence mode of choice, and the decrease in public transport ridership and a significant shift to private transport and other transport modes. The researcher employed quantitative research methods to collect and analyze data. Simple random sampling was used to distribute questionnaires to undergraduate and graduate students of a university.

Bacterial nucleoid is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.

Bacterial chromosome, the nucleoid, is traditionally modeled as a rosette of DNA mega-loops, organized around proteinaceous central scaffold by nucleoid-associated proteins (NAPs), and mixed with the cytoplasm by transcription and translation. Electron microscopy of fixed cells confirms dispersal of the cloud-like nucleoid within the ribosome-filled cytoplasm. Here, I discuss evidence that the nucleoid in live cells forms DNA phase separate from riboprotein phase, the "riboid." I argue that the nucleoid-riboid interphase, where DNA interacts with NAPs, transcribing RNA polymerases, nascent transcripts, and ssRNA chaperones, forms the transcription zone. An active part of phase separation, transcription zone enforces segregation of the centrally positioned information phase (the nucleoid) from the surrounding action phase (the riboid), where translation happens, protein accumulates, and metabolism occurs. I speculate that HU NAP mostly tiles up the nucleoid periphery-facilitating DNA mobility but also supporting transcription in the interphase. Besides extruding plectonemically supercoiled DNA mega-loops, condensins could compact them into solenoids of uniform rings, while HU could support rigidity and rotation of these DNA rings. The two-phase cytoplasm arrangement allows the bacterial cell to organize the central dogma activities, where (from the cell center to its periphery) DNA replicates and segregates, DNA is transcribed, nascent mRNA is handed over to ribosomes, mRNA is translated into proteins, and finally, the used mRNA is recycled into nucleotides at the inner membrane. The resulting information-action conveyor, with one activity naturally leading to the next one, explains the efficiency of prokaryotic cell design-even though its main intracellular transportation mode is free diffusion.

ТРАНСПОРТНЕ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ УКРАЇНСЬКОГО ЗЕРНОВОГО ЕКСПОРТУ

The article provides an overview of the current state of the domestic marine transport infrastructure as such, which provides transport services for cargo flows of export grain products. The provided analysis covers both the pre-war period and the wartime. The main mode of transport, which implements foreign trade deliveries of grain products, is maritime, which currently works with adjacent modes of transport that provide transportation of grain to sea ports – rail and road, their participation in grain transportation is analyzed. The volumes and dynamics of handling of export grain by sea ports of Ukraine are presented. The main "grain" ports of Ukraine were identified, which in pre-war times loaded up to 90 % of the total sea grain export to sea vessels. The most powerful grain terminals are located in Mykolaiv, Chornomorsk, Pivdenny and Odesa ports, which contributes to the acquisition and maintenance of leading positions by these ports in the market of handling of grain export. Changes in the transportation of grain export caused by the war, which were the result of the blockade of Ukrainian seaports, were emphasized. Partial restoration of the work of some ports became possible in June 2022 with the signing of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Currently, from the very beginning of the fullscale invasion, the ports of Ukraine located on the Danube, remained unblocked – the main cargo flows of export grain fell to the port of Reni, Ust-Dunaisk and Izmail during the period when the ports of Big Odesa were not working, and their cargo turnover tripled. Today, grain is exported through the ports of Big Odesa (outside the Black Sea Grain Initiative); carriages through the Danube ports remains an alternative route – it is interesting and attractive for grain exporters who invest in technical and technological development and improvement of these ports. Publicly available statistics allow you to operate with indicators for the period until 2022; official statistical data were not made public during the war years.

Transport Accessibility of Regional Centres as a Tool for Sustainable Mobility

The uneven distribution of the population in the territory has many common denominators. The Czech Republic is no exception, where, in addition to geographical factors, the degree of development of the transport network also plays an important role. There are significant differences in transport accessibility between regions. It must have a good transport infrastructure to make public transport more competitive and sustainable with individual car transport. This paper maps the development of transport networks in the Czech Republic and compares commuting times between the different regional cities of the Czech Republic. Individual car transport, rail transport, and bus transport were chosen as the main transport modes.