Transport Strategies Research Articles

Magnetic-Actuated Jumping of Droplets on Superhydrophobic Grooved Surfaces: A Versatile Strategy for Three-Dimensional Droplet Transportation.

On-demand droplet transportation is of great significance for numerous applications. Although various strategies have been developed for droplet transportation, out-of-surface three-dimensional (3D) transportation of droplets remains challenging. Here, a versatile droplet transportation strategy based on magnetic-actuated jumping (MAJ) of droplets on superhydrophobic grooved surfaces (SHGSs) is presented, which enables 3D, remote, and precise manipulation of droplets even in enclosed narrow spaces. To trigger MAJ, an electromagnetic field is utilized to deform the droplet on the SHGS with the aid of an attached magnetic particle, thereby the droplet acquires excess surface energy. When the electromagnetic field is quickly removed, the excess surface energy is partly converted into kinetic energy, allowing the droplet to jump atop the surface. Through high-speed imaging and numerical simulation, the working mechanism and size matching effect of MAJ are unveiled. It is found that the MAJ behavior can only be observed if the sizes of the droplets and the superhydrophobic grooves are matched, otherwise unwanted entrapment or pinch-off effects would lead to failure of MAJ. A regime diagram which serves as a guideline to design SHGSs for MAJ is proposed. The droplet transportation capacities of MAJ, including in-surface and out-of-surface directional transportation, climbing stairs, and crossing obstacles, are also demonstrated. With the ability to remotely manipulate droplets in enclosed narrow spaces without using any mechanical moving parts, MAJ can be used to design miniaturized fluidic platforms, which exhibit great potential for applications in bioassays, microfluidics, droplet-based switches, and microreactions.

Transport fare and road traffic crashes in Nigeria: insights from a geographical analysis

Road traffic crashes (RTCs) are significantly high in Nigeria with serious social and health consequences. While existing studies on RTCs have mainly focused on the effect of socio-economic, environmental, human and mechanical factors to address the high rates, the relationship between road transport fares and RTCs has been glossed over in literature. Thus, this study examines the influence of road transport fares and other covariates on RTCs. Data on RTCs and the predictors between 2017 and 2022 were obtained from the records of the National Bureau of Statistics and the Federal Road Safety Corps. Spatial statistical techniques were used for the data analysis. RTCs vary across the country, and Northern Nigeria is the hot spot. Results from the spatial analysis show that road transport fares, population density, and illiteracy rate are significant predictors of RTCs. The study recommends striking a balance between fare affordability, the quality of service provided, and the implementation of effective transportation strategies.

Mitocytosis Mediated by an Enzyme-Activable Mitochondrion-Disturbing Polymer-Drug Conjugate Enhances Active Penetration in Glioblastoma Therapy.

The application of nanomedicines for glioblastoma (GBM) therapy is hampered by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the dense glioblastoma tissue. To achieve efficient BBB crossing and deep GBM penetration, this work demonstrates a strategy of active transcellular transport of a mitochondrion-disturbing nanomedicine, pGBEMA22-b-pSSPPT9 (GBEPPT), in the GBM tissue through mitocytosis. GBEPPT is computer-aided designed and prepared by self-assembling a conjugate of an amphiphilic block polymer and a drug podophyllotoxin (PPT). When GBEPPT is delivered to the tumor site, overexpressed γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) on the brain-blood endothelial cell, or the GBM cell triggered enzymatic hydrolysis of γ-glutamylamide on GBEPPT to reverse its negative charge to positive. Positively charged GBEPPT rapidly enter into the cell and target the mitochondria. These GBEPPT disturb the homeostasis of mitochondria, inducing mitocytosis-mediated extracellular transport of GBEPPT to the neighboring cells via mitosomes. This intracellular-to-intercellular delivery cycle allows GBEPPT to penetrate deeply into the GBM parenchyma, and exert sustainable action of PPT released from GBEPPT on the tumor cells along its penetration path at the tumor site, thus improving the anti-GBM effect. The process of mitocytosis mediated by the mitochondrion-disturbing nanomedicine may offer great potential in enhancing drug penetration through malignant tissues, especially poorly permeable solid tumors.

Evaluation of Pedestrians’ Level of Service (LOS) at Some Selected Sidewalks of Dhaka

As the population of Dhaka is growing very rapidly, the sustainable transport strategy of Dhaka should try to preserve and expand the modal share of pedestrians, which accounts for the majority of all short trips made however unfortunately pedestrian zones are probably the most neglected and underutilized in Dhaka transportation system. This study focuses on assessing pedestrian behaviour at crosswalks. The basic relationship between flow – energy – densities was analyzed and analyzed in Dhaka. A video recording technique was used at the four study sites to observe pedestrian characteristics such as flow and movement. These data were used to simulate mathematical models yielding the aforementioned relationships. A decision coefficient, R2, was calculated to obtain the best fit for each relationship. The results of this study were compared with those of other studies. Finally, Level of Service (LOS) restrictions for pedestrians on the sidewalks were defined. Our Study area was Notun Bazar, Badda, and Gulshan-1 & Gulshan-2. At each location, we collected data from 150 meters and divided it into 3 portions. In the Notun Bazar sidewalk, the width is 6 feet, and the total number of passing people in 60 minutes is 1870 nos. total obstacle is 5nos. On the Notun Bazar sidewalk, the width is 10 feet, total number of passing people in 60 minutes is 4570nos. In the Gulshan-2 sidewalk, the width is 19.5 feet, total number of passing people in 60min is 1112 nos. We obtained the Notun Bazar and Badda Link Road for the Pedestrian Level of Service categories. E. Gulshan- 2 the Pedestrian Level of Service D. Gulshan 1 the pedestrian level of service C. Badda & Notun Bazar has the worst scenario among our four selected locations. There are temporary shops and electric poles in the middle of the sidewalk. It reduces the speed of the pedestrians. So, Sidewalk should be free to increase LOS. Traffic management is one of the best things we can do to improve the LOS. Gulshan 01 is an example for us as it has an automated traffic management system. Gulshan 02 sidewalks have temporary bus counters which also reduce the speed of pedestrians.

Transport-land use systems of sustainable London city

<p>Transportation and land use are interrelated and should be investigated simultaneously for sustainable urban. This paper investigates the interaction between transport and land-use systems using TRANUS model, to support the sustainable development of the London city, provide implicative information for London Mayor’s Transport Strategy (MTS), and reduce transport energy use and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions. Three infrastructure improvements scenarios for 2025 for MTS are examined. Results show that the trips will increase from 2012 to 2025 by over 1 million. High-occupancy car, bike, rail and tube are still the main transit, and CrossRail will be increasingly recognized. The transport energy use in 2025 high scenario is the smallest compared to 2025 baseline and low scenario. The transport CO<sub>2</sub> emissions show difference for these three 2025 scenarios, with low and high scenarios having smaller transport CO<sub>2</sub> emissions than baseline. These have informative implications for UK national infrastructure plans, and suggest that accounting environmental benefits of infrastructures will contribute to reduce the underinvestment in infrastructure.</p>

Paving the Way for Climate Resilience through Sustainable Urbanization: A Comparative Study

This study explores the crucial role of sustainable urbanization in addressing the climate crisis and fostering socio-economic development. Rapid urban population growth presents cities with unprecedented challenges, including ecological degradation, public health issues, and escalating greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable urbanization emerges as a pivotal strategy to tackle these challenges by advocating for environmentally responsible practices, enhancing urban resilience, and fostering inclusive economic growth. The article conducts a comparative analysis of sustainable urbanization initiatives in diverse cities, with a focus on their approaches to reducing carbon footprints, enhancing disaster resilience, and improving overall quality of life. Examining case studies from Copenhagen, Curitiba, Singapore, Stockholm, and Melbourne, the research highlights innovative strategies in sustainable transport, renewable energy adoption, waste management, and green space integration. These cities serve as exemplars, showcasing successful solutions such as efficient public transportation systems, robust waste recycling programs, promotion of renewable energy, and prioritization of green spaces. The overarching message of this research underscores the critical need for coordinated, cross-sectoral efforts to unlock the full potential of sustainable urbanization. A holistic approach that integrates environmental, social, and economic dimensions is essential for creating urban environments that are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. This comprehensive strategy not only addresses the climate crisis but also contributes significantly to achieving global sustainability goals.

A Distributed Optimization Approach for Collaborative Object Lifting Using Multiple Aerial Robots

In the past decade, multi-robot collaborative object transport has garnered significant attention, with the majority of research targeting transport strategies. This study recasts the collaborative object lifting challenge into an optimization problem framework. Within this setup, each robot leverages a local evaluation function to determine its lifting location. Collectively, these robots strive to optimize a unified evaluation function. An intertwined equation constraint is embedded within the optimization schema, ensuring that the system’s mass center remains stable throughout the lifting process. Furthermore, we impose local feasibility constraints, thereby delimiting the optimal lifting location to a specified region. This research introduces several algorithms, differentiated based on the constraints applied to robot velocity. By harnessing these algorithms, robots can autonomously pinpoint the most apt lifting location that aligns with predetermined criteria. This methodology necessitates a robot to engage in exchanges of auxiliary variables solely with its immediate peers. Noteworthily, parameters such as location, velocity, and mass are accessed in a localized manner, reinforcing data privacy and reducing communication burdens. The paper concludes with a robust mathematical validation that underscores asymptotic convergence to the exact optimal lifting location, underpinned by numerical simulations which attest to the potency of the proposed algorithms.

About the Main Directions of Transport Strategies of the State and Private Companies

The article discusses the main positive and negative factors that determine the volume of the cargo base of the east-west transboundary transport corridors passing through the territory of Georgia. The emphasis is placed on the problems of the development of rail transport to the Caspian Sea and water transport along the route of the Caspian and then the Black Sea. The new evolutionary concept for attracting additional cargo on Eurasian routes is proposed. In addition, the author discusses the global maritime container services, which are represented by transnational corporations that carry out significant assets in the world market, and own fleets of container ships, containers, container terminals in ports, dry ports, and land transport systems. Cargo shipping lines and a wide clientele were established. The article notes that business concentration processes continue in the market to ensure a continuous and efficient transport and logistics process, to reduce the cost of cargo delivery, to meet better the needs of customers, and to strengthen the competitive advantages compared to other maritime and land operators, trains. The work includes the examples of the world's largest companies in the field of container shipping: Maersk Lines (Denmark), Mediterranean Shipping Company (Switzerland), and CMA CGM (France), which have created a powerful alliance called the P3 Network, which includes the creation of Joint Vessel Traffic Operations Center. The alliance aims to provide the worthy European response to China's growing influence on the global transport sector. The article mentions Georgia's interest in integration into the European transport system. Keywords: Railway transport, transport corridors, containerization of cargo flows, transport engineering.

Reducing transport sector CO2 emissions patterns: Environmental technologies and renewable energy

The research explores the impact of environmental technologies and renewable energy on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the EU transportation sector (2007–2020). Utilizing panel corrected standard error and feasible generalized least squares methods, the study uncovers key drivers influencing declining CO2 emissions. The results reveal a significant and variable effect of environmental technologies and renewable energy on CO2 emissions in the EU transport sector, emphasizing the positive correlation between increased renewable energy adoption and emission reduction. This underscores the necessity for heightened EU investment in sustainable transport infrastructure and clean energy solutions, encompassing initiatives like electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and biofuels. The study further recommends promoting renewable energy sources for transport systems, aligning with the broader goals of the European Green Deal and the EU Climate Law. Additionally, the research provides essential insights into policy implications, emphasizing a multifaceted approach including comprehensive strategies for cleaner transportation, innovation, and education to accelerate the transition towards sustainable practices in the EU.

Strategy of directional oil transport for splash lubrication systems

Supplying oil to bearings rapidly over long distances presents a challenge for splash lubrication systems in drive axle main reducers (DAMRs), mainly because of inadequate driving forces. To mitigate this issue, a novel strategy was introduced to control the splash oil flow via a shroud, which enabled directional oil transport. We developed a transient modeling framework to comprehensively investigate the temporal and spatial evolution mechanisms of splash oil. This framework, validated through empirical studies, navigates the uncertainties and multiscale properties of the multifaceted physics induced by the dynamic boundaries of a shrouded gear. Several operating scenarios were simulated to investigate the driving mechanism of directional oil transport within the shroud, as well as the effect of shroud design and rotational speed on splash lubrication performance. Results demonstrate that the pressure gradients inside and outside the shroud govern the directional transport of the splash oil flow. The bearings located distally on the sump receive a considerable volume of oil (maximum flow rate exceeding 11 L/min) from the upper passage. Concurrently, the churning losses in the DAMR are reduced by >30 % when the wheel is shrouded in comparison to an unshrouded scenario. Moreover, interactions involving friction and collision between the gear and fluid particles intensify with increasing speed and enhance shroud sealing. This study provides a valuable mechanism for investigating oil transport in splash-lubricated DAMRs.

STATE REGULATION OF RAILWAY FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN: ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

The purpose of the article is to develop theoretical and practical recommendations on improving the use of the development potential of the railway sector of the Republic of Kazakhstan, studying regulatory measures by the country and determining their development prospects.The methodology of this article was theoretical and empirical research methods: analysis of the state of the country's railway complex, its problems and ways to solve them, as well as the study of the railway transportation process and its regulation. Analysis of literature on the research problem, comparison and systematization of empirical and theoretical data, systemic approach to the studied problems of the article, method of qualitative comparison, statistical method.Originality/value of the research: Railway transport is one of the basic sectors of the economy of Kazakhstan, providing its internal and external transport and economic relations, and the transportation needs of the population, therefore it is important to improve the development strategy of the country's railway transport at the Government level. The state will be able to optimize the railway transport sector by obtaining useful information as a result of this article.Conclusion: In order to successfully develop the railway transport market in Kazakhstan, the state must play a more active role as a strategic consultant, which will take on issues of long-term planning, forecasting, analysis and preparation of recommendations to market participants. In this regard, we believe that Kazakhstan needs a separate program for the development of railway transport.

Unlocking osmotic energy harvesting potential in challenging real-world hypersaline environments through vermiculite-based hetero-nanochannels

Nanochannel membranes have demonstrated remarkable potential for osmotic energy harvesting; however, their efficiency in practical high-salinity systems is hindered by reduced ion selectivity. Here, we propose a dual-separation transport strategy by constructing a two-dimensional (2D) vermiculite (VMT)-based heterogeneous nanofluidic system via an eco-friendly and scalable method. The cations are initially separated and enriched in micropores of substrates during the transmembrane diffusion, followed by secondary precise sieving in ultra-thin VMT laminates with high ion flux. Resultantly, our nanofluidic system demonstrates efficient osmotic energy harvesting performance, especially in hypersaline environment. Notably, we achieve a maximum power density of 33.76 W m−2, a 6.2-fold improvement with a ten-fold increase in salinity gradient, surpassing state-of-the-art nanochannel membranes under challenging conditions. Additionally, we confirm practical hypersaline osmotic power generation using various natural salt-lake brines, achieving a power density of 25.9 W m−2. This work triggers the hopes for practical blue energy conversion using advanced nanoarchitecture.

Pathways to green urbanism: evaluating Jeddah’s environmental sustainability progress and prospects

Abstract This research provides a comprehensive analysis of environmental sustainability in Jeddah, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities it faces as a rapidly urbanizing city in an arid region. The study evaluates Jeddah’s performance across multiple environmental areas, including energy and carbon dioxide emissions, land and building use, transportation, waste management, water use, sanitation and air quality. A detailed SWOT analysis identifies the city’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in achieving sustainable urban development. The results reveal high per capita carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption and waste generation, along with challenges in managing water resources and maintaining air quality. The study highlights Jeddah’s efforts in renewable energy policies, urban mass transportation and waste management strategies. The conclusion provides a set of comprehensive recommendations for policy improvement, focusing on the need for sustainable urban planning, energy conservation, improved waste and water management and public engagement. This research contributes significantly to the understanding of urban sustainability in arid environments, providing a valuable framework for policymakers and urban planners.

Magnetic fluid film enables almost complete drag reduction across laminar and turbulent flow regimes

In the race to curb energy and oil consumption, zeroing of wall frictional forces is highly desirable. The turbulent skin friction drag at the solid/liquid interface is responsible for substantial energy losses when conveying liquids through hydraulic networks, contributing approximately 10% to the global electric energy consumption. Despite extensive research, efficient drag reduction strategies effectively applicable in different flow regimes are still unavailable. Here, we use a wall-attached magnetic fluid film to achieve a wall drag reduction of up to 90% in channel flow. Using optical measurements supported by modelling, we find that the strong damping of wall friction emerges from the co-existence of slip and waviness at the coating interface, and the latter is a key factor to obtain almost complete wall drag reduction across laminar and turbulent flow regimes. Our magnetic fluid film is promising and ready to be applied in energy-saving and antifouling strategies in fluid transport and medical devices.

Does it matter if you like it? exploring the relationship between travel mode choice, preference, and satisfaction

Understanding the level of dissonance between travel mode and preference and its relationship with satisfaction can help develop transport strategies that encourage the use of sustainable modes. We study the difference in satisfaction levels for work and school trips of consonant travellers and dissonant travellers. The research uses a large-scale (N = 1,865) travel survey administered in Montreal, Canada. A binary logistic regression model reveals that both consonant and dissonant commuters have a high probability of satisfaction with their commute, except for dissonant car users. We find that consonant pedestrians have the highest probability of satisfaction when compared to all other groups, and that dissonant car users have the lowest probability of satisfaction. We further investigate the reasons preventing the use of preferred modes for dissonant car and transit users. Findings from this research help inform researchers and practitioners aiming to make sustainable mode choices the preferred one among travellers.

Mammalian orthoreovirus can exit cells in extracellular vesicles.

Several egress pathways have been defined for many viruses. Among these pathways, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to function as vehicles of non-lytic viral egress. EVs are heterogenous populations of membrane-bound structures released from cells as a form of intercellular communication. EV-mediated viral egress may enable immune evasion and collective viral transport. Strains of nonenveloped mammalian orthoreovirus (reovirus) differ in cell lysis phenotypes, with T3D disrupting cell membranes more efficiently than T1L. However, mechanisms of reovirus egress and the influence of transport strategy on infection are only partially understood. To elucidate reovirus egress mechanisms, we infected murine fibroblasts (L cells) and non-polarized human colon epithelial (Caco-2) cells with T1L or T3D reovirus and enriched cell culture supernatants for large EVs, medium EVs, small EVs, and free reovirus. We found that both reovirus strains exit cells in association with large and medium EVs and as free virus particles, and that EV-enriched fractions are infectious. While reovirus visually associates with large and medium EVs, only medium EVs offer protection from antibody-mediated neutralization. EV-mediated protection from neutralization is virus strain- and cell type-specific, as medium EVs enriched from L cell supernatants protect T1L and T3D, while medium EVs enriched from Caco-2 cell supernatants largely fail to protect T3D and only protect T1L efficiently. Using genetically barcoded reovirus, we provide evidence that large and medium EVs can convey multiple particles to recipient cells. Finally, T1L or T3D infection increases the release of all EV sizes from L cells. Together, these findings suggest that in addition to exiting cells as free particles, reovirus promotes egress from distinct cell types in association with large and medium EVs during lytic or non-lytic infection, a mode of exit that can mediate multiparticle infection and, in some cases, protection from antibody neutralization.

Electric-Field-Induced Selective Directed Transport of Diverse Droplets.

Droplet directional transport is one of the central topics in microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip applications. Selective transport of diverse droplets, particularly in another liquid phase environment with controlled directions, is still challenging. In this work, we propose an electric-field gradient-driven droplet directional transport platform facilitated by a robust lubricant surface. On the platform, we clearly demonstrated a liquid-inherent critical frequency-dominated selective transport of diverse droplets and a driving mechanism transition from electrowetting to liquid dielectrophoresis. Enlightened by the Kelvin-Helmholtz theory, we first realize the directional droplet transport in another liquid phase whenever a permittivity difference exists. Co-transport of multiple droplets and various combinations of droplet types, as well as multifunctional droplet transport modes, are realized based on the presented powerful electric-field gradient-driven platform, overcoming the limitations of the surrounding environment, liquid conductivity, and intrinsic solid-liquid wetting property existing in traditional droplet transport strategies. This work may inspire new applications in liquid separation, multiphase microfluidic manipulation, chemical reagent selection, and so on.

Participatory Policy Packaging for Transport Backcasting: A Pathway for Reducing CO2 Emissions from Transport in Malta

Significant emission reductions are needed in the transport sector to reach climate change mitigation objectives. Backcasting, a type of scenario-analysis approach, is a useful tool for the analysis of possible alternative transport futures and strategies to arrive at these futures when the business-as-usual projection is no longer sustainable. The backcasting approach consists of establishing desirable futures and examining the pathways by which those futures can be reached. This paper focuses on the policy packaging phase of a transport backcasting study carried out in the context of Malta as a case study. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the existing literature on transport and climate change using the case of Malta, which presents a context of high dependency on private cars and difficulty in transitioning to sustainable mobility. This paper tests the usefulness of a practice-based approach to transport backcasting. The results of this backcasting framework are a set of climate policies that target different elements of mobility practices and suggest that interventions for sustainable mobility should go beyond transport and target other spheres of social life. Collaboration between stakeholders and participation of citizens during the backcasting process was key to making the policy design process more participatory. Results of this study show how new approaches can open possibilities for a transition towards more sustainable mobility and contribute to widening the knowledge in the field of transport backcasting studies.

"Bubble-Diode" Breathable Electrodes for Fast Gas Transport.

Bubbles arising from wild gas evolution commonly exist in electrochemical systems, particularly in water electrolysis and rechargeable aqueous batteries (e. g., Zn-air batteries). Substantial energy dissipation occurs due to the obstruction of active sites and ion-conducting pathways by evolving bubbles. Efforts are made to elucidate effective strategies for fast gas transport, most of which focus on minimizing bubble size and facilitating their timely detachment through complex techniques such as constructing super-hydrophilic nano-structure electrodes, flowing electrolytes, and ultrasonic oscillation. Recently, an innovative, facile, and highly efficient method utilizing a breathable electrode design to promote gaseous molecules to the external environment emerges as a promising approach since it avoids remarkable bubble accumulation while remaining free of additional accessories. This paper highlights the origin and evolution of this promising design. Starting with introducing the basic concept of traditional breathable electrodes based on hydrophobic polymer networks and discussing the current progress made in underlying mechanisms, a detailed description of the advanced design inspired by a "bubble-diode" concept with superior breathability follows. This Concept aims to contribute to a deep understanding of this technology and paves the way for further advancements in this renewable energy era.

Development of an algorithm for the operation of railway station infrastructure in unconventional situations

The expansion of intelligent transport systems is a notable trend in the current stage of transport infrastructure development. The use of intelligent transport systems will enhance the quality of transport process management and ensure strict compliance with safety requirements in the transportation process. The Russian Federation’s transport strategy up to 2030 envisages the development of intelligent transport systems, which is one of the directions for forming a unified transport space in Russia based on balanced development of an efficient transport infrastructure. The introduction of innovative informational and educational technologies is one of the promising and relevant issues in the context of the digital transformation of the transport complex. The situational information and training model developed in this study will enable operational management personnel to minimize the time required to find the necessary route, prepare it, and reduce or completely avoid train delays at entry signals, thereby enhancing train traffic safety. This article presents an algorithm of measures that will enable the development of specific practical solutions for improving the technology of railway station operations in the event of failures in existing railway automation and telemechanics systems. The use of a situational information and training model “Management of switches in the route” in conjunction with the developed “Route Tables” adapted for various extra-class railway stations will allow eliminating errors made by station duty officers when preparing routes and reducing the time spent on these operations..