Sustainable Modes Research Articles

Attention rhythmically shapes sensory tuning.

Attention is key to perception and human behavior, and evidence shows that it periodically samples sensory information (<20Hz). However, this view has been recently challenged due to methodological concerns and gaps in our understanding of the function and mechanism of rhythmic attention. Here we used an intensive ∼22-hour psychophysical protocol combined with reverse correlation analyses to infer the neural representation underlying these rhythms. Participants (male/female) performed a task in which covert spatial (sustained and exploratory) attention was manipulated, and then probed at various delays. Our results show that sustained and exploratory attention periodically modulate perception via different neural computations. While sustained attention suppresses distracting stimulus features at the alpha (∼12Hz) frequency, exploratory attention increases the gain around task-relevant stimulus feature at the theta (∼6Hz) frequency. These findings reveal that both modes of rhythmic attention differentially shape sensory tuning, expanding the current understanding of the rhythmic sampling theory of attention.Significance statement For the past decade, low-frequency rhythms have been observed in attentional performance. Here, we go beyond description and assess the underlying neural computations in the sensory system. We used an intensive psychophysical protocol combined with reverse correlation analysis to infer the system's sensitivity to and selectivity for stimulus feature (orientation) across time, and for two attention modes, i.e., sustained and exploratory attention. Our results reveal that sustained and exploratory attention modes differentially shape the sensory tuning to stimulus features: respectively altering either noise suppression or signal enhancement rhythmically, leading to alternating periods of performance enhancement and decrement.

Analysis of the Effective Path of Home-School Cooperation in Special Education Based on the Background of “Internet+”

Under the background of “Internet Plus”, special education home-school cooperation is facing new challenges and opportunities. As an indispensable part of the education system, the importance of special education is self-evident. However, there are still many problems in home-school cooperation in terms of information transmission, interaction mode, personalized education needs and technology application. By analyzing these problems and exploring the application path of Internet technology in home-school cooperation, this paper proposes measures such as constructing an information sharing platform, innovating home-school interaction modes, developing personalized education programs, and strengthening technology application and training, aiming to provide an efficient and sustainable development mode for home-school cooperation in special education. These measures not only help to improve the overall quality of special education, but also effectively promote close cooperation between home and school, creating a better environment for the growth of children with special needs.

Advancing energy storing and producing potential with single source driven semiconducting BaS3: Cs2S: La2S3 chalcogenide prepared via sustainable mode

To ensure energy sustainability amid today's urbanized world, electrochemical storage of energy is required. For the first time, a unique and energy-effective semiconductor BaS3: Cs2S: La2S3 composite chalcogenide combination has...

Tabu Search for Multi-Objective Hub Location Planning: A Case Study of the Northern Rail Line, Thailand

Rail transport system is considered as one of the most sustainable transportation modes with low carbon emissions per kilometer and unit transported. However, investing in rail infrastructure comes with significant construction costs. Therefore, the design of a rail transport system must be carefully planned, taking into account many relevant factors. In this research, we determine the optimal location of transportation hubs in the rail transport network using a multi-objective mathematical model with objectives of minimizing the total cost of transportation and minimizing the maximum passenger travel time in transportation network. The model is tested and applied to a real-world case study in the rail transport system of Thailand. Because the complexity of the multi-objective mathematical model and the large-scale of real case study, we develop a metaheuristics algorithm to efficiently solve this problem. The algorithm is based on the Tabu Search method and is designed to explore non-dominated neighborhoods. This approach allows the model to handle large-scale problems within a reasonable time frame while generating Pareto fronts. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of multi-objective optimization in supporting rail hub location planning.

Research on the Development Path and Digital Transformation of Specialized, Refined, Unique and New "Little Giant" Enterprises

As China's economy gradually moves towards a stage of high-quality development, the traditional extensive development model is no longer suitable for this transformation demand, and there is an urgent need to shift towards a more intensive, efficient, and sustainable development mode. Innovation is not only the driving force for high-quality development but also the main means of balancing economic and social development. The development of specialized, refined, and innovative "little giant" enterprises can effectively promote technological self-reliance and support the inherent needs and practical paths for the high-quality development of the Chinese economy. Meanwhile, digital transformation is a necessary path for enterprises to adapt to market changes, improve operational efficiency, and innovate business models. Based on this, this article mainly analyzes the development path and digital transformation path design research of specialized and innovative "little giant" enterprises. After analysis, this article believes that the development of small and medium-sized enterprises can be divided into three stages: growth start-up, specialization and innovation, and the "little giant" stage. The three elements of efficiency change, innovation drive, and value co-creation are coordinated, and digital transformation is promoted in three stages. Suggestions are also made for the development of specialized, refined, and innovative "little giant" enterprises.

Mobile measurements with bicycles: a systematic review applied to the thermal environment of urban microclimates

This study concerns in to collect, via a systematic review, papers from international academic researches that employed bicycles only to collect primary data on environmental variables for research on microclimatic thermal problems in urban contexts and others. Three international article search platforms were used. After reading the titles, abstracts, and entire works, 13 articles were chosen that employed bicycles in their mobile transects between 2011 and 2023. The analytical methodologies connected them to the thermal environment employed by the research, such as the primary characterizers of urban morphology, were visible from this. It is worth emphasizing that, while the platforms offer outstanding results in terms of article discovery, it is know that there are additional publications that employed similar technique but did not appear in the platforms' results. Six more items were discovered that were absent from the chosen search engines. It is significant to observe that, after looking over the 19 articles, the most part of them were only released in the past 25 years, with the oldest being found in 1998. Research has indicated that the use of bicycles to collect environmental data is related to the possibility that bicycles are more accessible than cars and more safety than walking along cities, moreover, this approach is less expensive. Apart from the several benefits that studies utilizing this methodology observed, it is believed that bicycles would be a more environmentally responsible and sustainable mode of transportation than alternatives. In this manner, it is hoped that additional research utilizing the effective mobile measurement technique with bicycles would be carried out in the future.

A systematic review of the interrelations of urban form and mode choice in African cities

Rapid urbanization and informal urban development sweeping across African cities underscore a complex yet inadequately explored link between urban form and mode choice. Extensively studied in Western urban settings, these dynamics when applied to African cities remain a relatively unexplored realm, necessitating an extensive empirical review. This paper explores how various aspects of urban form correlate with mode choices in African urban contexts. A systematic review approach was used to filter journal papers published between 2000 and 2023 in Africa. The application of the (filtering) methodology identified 22 studies from the African region as most suitable for review. The review reveals that high-density and mixed-use areas in African cities significantly promote non-motorized transport and public transit. Infrastructure development and improved connectivity further enhance these sustainable modes. Socio-economic factors, governance policies, and cultural norms also play pivotal roles in shaping mode choices and urban mobility patterns. However, high-density cities like Abuja and Nairobi face unique challenges such as overcrowding in public transport and walking facilities. Sprawling cities like Lagos and Johannesburg struggle with inadequate public transport infrastructure, leading to a heavy reliance on private cars. Connectivity is crucial for supporting non-motorized and public transport, particularly for lower-income groups who rely more on these modes and para-transit services than higher-income groups. The findings highlight the need for tailored urban planning strategies to address these challenges and harness existing opportunities, promoting more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient urban transportation systems in African cities. Moreover, this study discloses existing research gaps that warrant further exploration.

A Lifestyle-Based Perspective on the Mobility Choices and Preferences of Urban Travelers

This study investigates how lifestyle factors influence mobility choices within the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki, which is the second largest city in Greece. The primary objective is to understand the interplay between lifestyle attitudes and preferences for sustainable mobility options. This research utilizes data from a comprehensive survey conducted among Thessaloniki’s inhabitants, identifying four distinct attitudinal clusters shaped by lifestyle characteristics and general attitudes toward recycling, energy conservation, social distancing, and other factors. A two-step clustering approach combining hierarchical and k-means methods as well as Chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests were employed to investigate whether life attitudes are correlated with revealed and stated mode choices as well as beliefs, perceptions, and feelings related to the current and future public transport systems and micromobility options in the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki. The findings reveal significant variations in mobility choices across the identified lifestyle segments with environmentally conscious segments showing a higher propensity for sustainable modes of transport. Additionally, differences are observed in perceptions and intentions regarding micromobility and the future mass transit system within the region, suggesting that when introducing a new metro system that is expected to promote a shift toward public transport, segment-specific approaches are necessary for raising awareness and increasing trust to the new mode.

Analysis of urban cyclists’ behaviour using GSR: a scoping review

ABSTRACT There is a global consensus on the urgent need to promote sustainable modes of mobility such as the bicycle. This realisation is accompanied by an increased promotion of the research on bicyclists’ behaviour to plan bicycle-friendly road infrastructure effectively. Some of the commonly used methods of data collection in this research include surveys and interviews, which help in capturing the cyclists’ perceptions and conscious behaviour. However, these data collection methods are susceptible to reporting and hypothetical biases. Hence, recent studies have started exploring the use of physiological measures, such as the Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), as the objective measures of cyclists’ subconscious behaviour. The GSR potentially captures the perceived stress of the cyclists and can be easily recorded using sensor-based wearables. For the processing and analysis of the data thus collected, it is necessary to identify the appropriate statistical tools. Previous studies have discussed the merits, demerits, scope, and limitations of using GSR in urban cyclists’ behaviour analysis at length. However, methodological advancements expected in future studies in this domain need a comprehensive understanding of the currently used statistical methods and tools to build upon. This review facilitates them by providing an overview of these methods and tools, and by categorising existing studies based on their purpose (Methodological Exploration or Stimuli Response Analysis), methodological approach (Inductive or Deductive), method of data processing (splitting GSR signal, counting GSR peaks, measuring GSR peaks, taking Log of GSR, or curve fitting), and method of data analysis (map matching, descriptive analysis, hypothesis testing or Generalized Linear Modelling). The review further concludes that future studies need to find the correct balance between the granularity of GSR data to be preserved (given higher granularity ensures a higher level of detail in the analysis) and the resource consumption owing to its procedural and computational complexity.

Cargo consolidation in port-hinterland container transport: A spatial economic assessment for inland waterways

Inland waterway transport (IWT) stands out as one of the most sustainable modes of freight transport for port-hinterland connections. However, the full potential of IWT remains underutilized in Europe due to logistical inefficiencies. Specifically, the low loading factors of vessels and containers result in the need for more services to transport the same level of cargo, leading to increased costs and travel time, thereby diminishing market competitiveness. The aim of this paper is to develop a spatial-economic assessment of a cargo consolidation strategy for IWT, leveraging a discrete event simulation model that accounts for network characteristics, modal competition with road and rail services, travel time, and costs. It employs an evaluation framework that focuses on cost savings per TEU of different implementation scenarios. A case study on container flows in the Rhine-Alpine Corridor was conducted, evaluating three strategic locations for deploying a container freight station. Compared to the baseline scenario, only one implementation location resulted in positive cost savings, contingent on the annual proportion of less-than-container-load units eligible for consolidation. The study offers insights for infrastructure planning decision-making by identifying a convenient location for the container freight station and determining the necessary conditions of container flows that would enable the policy to be beneficial.

The challenge of making EVs just affordable enough: Assessing the impact of subsidies on equity and emission reduction in Ireland

Governments support the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) through subsidies and other incentives, as this is expected to help meet climate targets. This research examines the affordability of EVs for Irish households, focusing on equity implications and the impact of affordability on achieving decarbonisation goals. Affordability is estimated for eight scenarios, considering both current and reduced EV prices, and assessed across Ireland. The research finds that flat-rate subsidies do not adequately support lower-income households, impede EV adoption, and could jeopardise the achievement of emission reduction targets. Need-based subsidies would ensure more inclusive EV uptake. If current prices are considered, the target for the number of EVs on the road by 2030 can be met only with the purchase of small-sized EVs. This suggests that achieving EV targets is unlikely without promoting smaller vehicles. The current €3500 EV grant may be insufficient for many households without extended loan terms. Therefore, differentiated subsidies based on income and household size are recommended to increase EV adoption. Households in remote rural areas, where forced car ownership is high, require higher subsidies. In contrast, urban areas could receive lower subsidies to promote the use of more sustainable transport modes, such as cycling, shared mobility, and public transport.

Involving Infrastructure as a Latent Variable in Active Transportation Mode Choice: The Case Study of Baghdad City

Infrastructural developments have been implemented with the objective of promoting active transportation as a sustainable transportation mode, including the construction of cycling and walking routes and the improvement of existing infrastructure. The impact of this factor on ridership has been a subject of research, and the incorporation of this variable into mode choice models has also been contemplated. Nevertheless, road users’ perception regarding the utilization of these infrastructures has yet to be investigated. Accordingly, this research aims to examine the role of infrastructure provision for walking and cycling as a Latent Variable (LV) in the transport mode choice of high school students in Baghdad City, where this subject has not been previously addressed. A self-designed questionnaire was employed to collect the requisite data. The Integrated Choice and Latent Variable (ICLV) models have been designed and the results demonstrate that the time and cost of trips have a significant impact on the choice of transportation mode. Furthermore, the provision of walking and cycling infrastructure has a notable effect on the choice of walking and cycling for transport. The sub-models indicate that the provision of cycling fences and pedestrian bridges are the most significant variables. Consequently, it is recommended that these results be considered in the provision and improvement of cycling and walking infrastructures to promote active transportation.

ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND URBAN DENSITY ON MODE CHOICE IN THE GREATER BRISBANE AREA

Understanding the influence of demographic factors and urban density on transportation mode choice is crucial for promoting sustainable mobility in urban areas. This study examines these influences in the Greater Brisbane Area using data from the Queensland Household Travel Survey (QHTS) collected between 2018 and 2023. We apply binomial logistic regression models to analyze how age, gender, employment status, presence of children, and urban density at origin and destination locations affect the likelihood of choosing transportation modes, including car, walking, bicycling, public transport, and Mobility as a Service (MaaS). The results indicate that higher urban density is significantly associated with reduced car usage and increased use of sustainable modes such as walking, public transport, and bicycling. Older individuals are more likely to use cars and less likely to choose active modes, while males have a higher propensity to bicycle compared to females. Employment status also influences mode choice, with employed individuals more likely to drive or use public transport and less likely to walk. Although the number of MaaS users in the dataset is limited, preliminary findings suggest potential higher adoption in high-density areas and among older individuals. These insights provide empirical evidence from Brisbane and have practical implications for urban planners and policymakers. Enhancing infrastructure for sustainable transportation in densely populated areas and considering demographic factors can promote sustainable mobility patterns. Future research should include additional variables such as transportation supply factors and use longitudinal data to explore causal relationships. Investigating the barriers to MaaS adoption in Brisbane would also be valuable for shaping future urban mobility strategies.

TRENDS OF MODE CHOICE AND PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION IN MEGA CITY OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A CASE STUDY FOR KARACHI

The aim of this research is to explore the current urban transportation system of a megacity, Karachi. It was done by analyzing the Public Transport (PT) route network and commuter’s mode choice along with mode share. Four major arterials were selected for the study. Data was collected through field surveys and questionnaire-based survey. PT system of Karachi mainly consists of buses and minibuses. It was found that PT has 16% share in mode choice of Karachi’s travelers, which is less than most of the metropolitan cities in the world, and it has been decreasing constantly over the years. Most of the private vehicle users consider PT to be inefficient and uncomfortable. However, there is a willingness to use PT modes if they can provide at affordable prices. The current PT users are captive and women riders, which are bound economically or culturally to use these modes. Other sustainable modes of transport such as car-sharing and walking do not have significant share in mode share as well. Focused awareness campaigns for promotion of these modes should also be initiated.

Sustainable Urban mobility: Lessons from European Cities

The rising urgency of climate change and rapid urbanization has compelled cities worldwide to prioritize sustainable urban mobility. This article explores the innovative strategies implemented by leading European cities—such as Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Vienna—in fostering sustainable transport solutions, including dedicated cycling infrastructure, car-free zones, and integrated public transport systems. By examining these cities' comprehensive approaches to urban planning, policy frameworks, and public engagement, this article highlights the key factors contributing to their success in reducing emissions, enhancing urban liveability, and shifting public behaviour toward sustainable modes of transport. Through a comparative analysis of these cities’ approaches, the study aims to offer actionable insights for global cities seeking to adopt similar sustainable mobility practices. In conclusion, the article discusses the critical role of policy support, infrastructure investment, and community involvement in making urban mobility more sustainable, equitable, and accessible, emphasizing the scalability of European models for cities around the world.

Urban dynamics and Gen-Z mobility: The influence of land use diversity and density on daily trip patterns in Indonesia

This study aims to assess the impact of land use—specifically land diversity and density—on the trip patterns of Gen-Z in developing cities like Indonesia, where public transport infrastructure is limited. Using travel history data from GMaps Timeline, the movements of 1,057 individuals were analyzed over 150 days on a 24-hour continuous basis, with 65.56% representing Gen-Z and the remainder older generations as a comparison group. Of the 579,360 trips observed, the findings indicate that density and land use diversity significantly influence the number of daily trips and daily mileage per trip. The study also identifies differences in mobility patterns between Gen-Z and older generations and highlights the role of gender in shaping trip patterns in urban areas. The practical implications of the findings emphasize the importance of urban planning strategies that integrate high-density, mixed-use areas to reduce reliance on private vehicles and promote sustainable transportation options. Enhancing the diversity of land use and developing pedestrian-friendly environments enables cities to address the mobility preferences of Gen-Z, which tend to favor sustainable transport modes. Furthermore, this research underscores the critical role of appropriate infrastructure development in fostering sustainable mobility for younger generations. Without such infrastructure and supportive urban planning, the potential to optimize sustainable transport preferences among Gen-Z remains limited. This highlights the urgency for policymakers to prioritize investments in public transport systems and land use policies that promote accessible, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility.

Influence of 3D Barriers on Walkability for the Elderly in a German City

Walking is a sustainable, safe, and active mode of transportation. The benefits that the elderly in particular gain from outdoor walking are manifold, be it free andindependent access to stores and services of all kinds or the opportunity to socialize, enjoy parks, et cetera. This article depicts one particular factor that affects outdoor walkability,namely the gradient of walking paths. Steep slopes can be a serious obstacle to walkability, primarily for older people. The evaluation of available geospatial data sources formedthe basis for a geospatial analysis of walkability in the larger city of Kaiserslautern, located in southwest Germany. The concept of Walk Score was used to quantify the resultsobtained. The results demonstrate that the Walk Score can be refined to better address the mobility needs of older adults. The methodology was implemented for the German cityof Kaiserslautern by integrating volunteered geographic information with high-quality official datasets.

Wanshou(万寿） Palace at Nanchang : Reproduction of the Past and Consuming history in Modern China

This paper discusses the past reproduction and consuming historical phenomenon of Wanshou(万寿） Palace historical and cultural Block in Nanchang under the background of modern China. Wanshou(万寿）Palace, bearing a historical precipitation of more than 1700 years, is a symbolic cultural landscape of Nanchang. Its restoration and block protection are not only the material reproduction of buildings and blocks, but also the continuation of the cultural and spiritual aspects of Wanshou(万寿） Palace. The research uses the qualitative analysis method to deeply analyze the development process of the Tiezhu Wanshou（铁柱万寿） Palace, the architectural art characteristics and the concept and practice of modern China heritage protection. It is found that the Wanshou(万寿） Palace historical and cultural block, through the mutual support and cooperation of the Nanchang municipal government, scholars and the community, has profound practical significance for the reproduction of the past history and consuming history. Effectively combine Wanshou(万寿） Palace culture with modern consumption to provide an immersive cultural experience for citizens and tourists. However, the behavior of consuming history in the process of cultural heritage protection has a two-sided nature. People need to pay attention to the authenticity of culture in the process of protecting historical heritage and inheriting cultural value. This study provides practical planning suggestions and impact assessment for the historical and cultural construction and the sustainable development mode of cultural tourism in Nanchang, and provides valuable classics for the protection of historical heritage and the integration of historical reproduction and modern consumption in other cities.

Expected environmental implications of hydrogen fuel cell buses in Australia

ABSTRACT Developing more sustainable public transportation modes has become one of the key elements for mitigating the energy and environmental issues that are related to the global transportation sector, especially high capacity public transportation modes such as bus and subway systems. In this study, the expected environmental implications of Fuel Cell Electric Buses (FCEBs) in Australia during the next 25 years were determined. For this purpose, ARIMA and Exponential Smoothing models were developed to predict the expected GHG emissions and the annual kilometres that will be travelled by buses in 2050. The expected Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions produced by buses were determined, based on different scenarios (0% FCEBs penetration, 50% FCEBs penetration, 100% FCEBs penetration). The results of the study concluded that a slight increase in the annual travelled distance by buses in Australia is expected over the next 25 years, with a total increase of 6.9% during the period 2022–2050. Moreover, over time, the environmental implications of FCEBs will become more significant, due to the acceleration in the development of more eco-friendly hydrogen production methods, which could lead to a substantial decrease of up to 89% in GHG emissions, with a 100% transition to FCEBs by 2050 compared to 2022.

Sustainable Operation Mode Choices for Second-Hand Inspection Platforms

The sale of second-hand goods has formed a complete industrial chain, and second-hand product testing is a crucial part of it. Second-hand inspection platforms (SIPs) have achieved remarkable commercial success by providing inspection services that alleviate consumers’ quality concerns. Different SIPs typically adopt various operation modes, such as consignment, resale, or hybrid modes. Appropriate operation modes not only benefit SIPs in maintaining profitability but also contribute to the sustainable development of the sharing economy. In order to realize the sustainable operation of second-hand inspection platforms, we construct a platform-dominated Stackelberg model to explore the motivations behind SIPs’ choices of different operation modes and investigate the impacts of changes in the inspection service level on the platform’s optimal decisions and market performance. System data analysis results show that the cost of guarantee significantly influences SIPs’ choices of operation modes, specifically; SIPs are inclined to adopt consignment mode or resale mode when the cost of guarantee is relatively high or low, respectively, and choose hybrid mode when the cost of guarantee is moderate. Furthermore, in the presence of inter-channel competition, if the inspection failure loss is relatively high, SIPs may lower the prices of used products as the inspection service level increases. Additionally, although inspection service can disclose the true quality of used products, a higher inspection service level may attract more low-quality sellers into the market when the inspection failure loss is substantial. Finally, under the resale mode, consumer surplus and social welfare will decrease with the inspection service level. Conversely, under the consignment or hybrid mode, both consumer surplus and social welfare will increase with the inspection service level when the inspection failure loss is relatively low.