Transport System Research Articles

Modeling with a municipality: Exploring robust policies to foster climate-neutral mobility

Many European cities are investigating how to transition to climate-neutral transport systems. Due to the transport system’s complexity and uncertainty about the future, identifying drivers and choosing effective policies to make the city more sustainable is challenging. Additionally, the chosen policies need to be supported by relevant actors. This study aims to support the municipality of The Hague in generating robust policies supported by and within the municipality. We build on participatory modeling and decision-making under deep uncertainty to create a novel approach to address this goal. In two workshops, the participants formulated goals and objectives, created Causal Loop diagrams, and identified potential interventions. Using a set of possible futures, the interventions were then stress-tested to evaluate their robustness. By explicitly linking, for the first time, participatory modeling and decision-making under deep uncertainty approaches, the participants could understand the system better and deal with uncertainty. Participants gained insight into systemic complexity and methods to deal with it, the inter-relatedness of interventions and their effects, and a shared understanding of the problem and its scope. This study demonstrates the potential of a novel approach to generate supported robust interventions to achieve the goal of a climate-neutral transport system.

Formulation, Design, Optimization, and Characterization of Novel Long-acting Injectable Dosage Form of Anti-psychotic Drug

Background: The current research aimed to create and analyze a new long-acting Brexpiprazole (BRX) injectable for successful anti-psychotic drug therapy in order to decrease dosage frequency and increase patient compliance. Systems for drug transport to particular body sites or regulating release rates with accuracy are known as drug delivery systems (DDS). By affixing the drug to a carrier particle like liposomes, nanoparticles, microspheres, etc., which modifies the drug's absorption and release properties, using carrier technology, drugs may be delivered in an intelligent manner. Methods: Utilizing Resomer RG 502 H and RESOMER® RG 752 H extended-release Polymer, Using a quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion, microspheres were made, and emulsification and solvent evaporation process. Results: The produced microspheres were assessed for stability tests, in vitro drug release, flow characteristics, and drug entrapment efficiency. FTIR experiments were used to establish how well the drug excipients worked together. The acarbose microspheres that were created had an 89.9 to 96.1 percent drug entrapment efficiency. The impact of factors like polymer content on medication release was studied. The Stability study of the formulation was carried out under different conditions, and data were established. Comparative pharmacokinetic studies between marketed oral formulation and Brexpirazole microsphere test formulations in Wistar/SD Rats were carried out and concluded. Conclusion: Brexpiprazole (BRX) novel long-acting injectable formulation, could be used effectively for the treatment of mentally challenged anti-psychotic patients worldwide.

Simulation-Based Stress Tests: Integrated Simulation Approach for Assessing Resilience of Transport Systems under Multiple Stressors

Simulation-Based Stress Tests: Integrated Simulation Approach for Assessing Resilience of Transport Systems under Multiple Stressors

The kinetics of droplet wetting gas hydrate surfaces regulated by anti-agglomerant monolayers: Insights from molecular dynamics study

Anti-agglomerants (AAs) have become a promising strategy for mitigating gas hydrate risks in hydrocarbon transport systems. However, a notable limitation of AAs is their diminished effectiveness in systems with high water content. The density of the AA monolayer is a critical factor influencing the coalescence and agglomeration of hydrate particles with water droplets, but the mechanisms driving these effects remain largely unknown. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to explore the anti-wetting performance and interaction properties of Cocamide Monoethanolamine (CMEA) monolayers at varying densities on hydrate surfaces. The results indicate that in systems with low-density monolayers, CMEA molecules exhibit high degrees of freedom and increased fluctuation frequencies, allowing the water molecules of droplet to penetrate the monolayer and rapidly wet the hydrate surface. In contrast, high-density monolayer configurations show properties that hinder droplet wetting on hydrate surfaces and inhibit hydrate growth. Further investigation into the adsorption behavior of CMEA molecules on hydrate surfaces highlights the substantial impact of the solution phase on adsorption free energy, with gas-phase environments enhancing the binding strength between CMEA molecules and hydrate surfaces. These molecular insights offer valuable observations regarding the structural adaptability of AA monolayers during droplet permeation and wetting processes, providing critical information for understanding the broader interactions between anti-agglomerant molecules and hydrates.

A qualitative study to understand the barriers and enablers of access to diabetic screening services in Nigeria

Nigeria in working to redefine its health care system's approach to diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening services needs to reduce obstacles and highlight the enablers to services provision. Due to the increased prevalence of diabetes, this has become increasingly necessary. A qualitative study examining the perceptions, practices, and experiences of Nigerian DR healthcare practitioners (HCPs) in relation to the facilitators and barriers of access to DR screening services. Mode of participant recruitment was on-line through e-mails by using snowballing method. In-depth interviews were used to acquire information from 6 DR HCPs (all ophthalmologists) at three eye centers in the three geo-political areas of Nigeria and at international center for eye health (ICEH) in London via on-line Microsoft teams. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis and all the steps applied to the data analysis process. Non-systematic screening, poverty, poor transport systems, insecurity, and poor motivation are key barriers to DR screening access in Nigeria while enablers include government participation through subsidized costs and remuneration of workers. Screening in communities, and using low-cost techniques are key to enable access. Other enablers include collaboration and integration between endocrinology and ocular units in terms of referrals, information sharing, use of intermediary carers, technology, man-power and health resource provision including low- cost services. A dearth of personnel, screening technologies, and resources, have an impact on the effectiveness of the DR screening services in Nigeria as well as social and individual factors, such as the cost of the services and national insecurity.

Golden Flower Tibetan Tea Polysaccharides Alleviate Constipation in Mice by Regulating Aquaporins-Mediated Water Transport System and Gut Microbiota

Golden Flower Tibetan Tea Polysaccharides Alleviate Constipation in Mice by Regulating Aquaporins-Mediated Water Transport System and Gut Microbiota

Emerging Roles of Exocyst Complex in Fungi: A Review

The exocyst complex, an evolutionarily conserved octameric protein assembly, plays a central role in the targeted binding and fusion of vesicles at the plasma membrane. In fungal cells, this transport system is essential for polarized growth, morphogenesis, cell wall maintenance and virulence. Recent advances have greatly improved our understanding of the role and regulation of the exocyst complex in fungi. This review synthesizes these developments and focuses on the intricate interplay between the exocyst complex, specific fungal cargos and regulatory proteins. Insights into thestructure of the exocyst and its functional dynamics have revealed new dimensions of its architecture and its interactions with the cellular environment. Furthermore, the regulation of exocyst activity involves complex signaling pathways and interactions with cytoskeletal elements that are crucial for its role in vesicle trafficking. By exploring these emerging themes, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted functions of the exocyst complex in fungal biology. Understanding these mechanisms offers potential avenues for novel therapeutic strategies against fungal pathogens and insights into the general principles of vesicle trafficking in eukaryotic cells. The review therefore highlights the importance of the exocyst complex in maintaining cellular functions and its broader implications in fungal pathogenicity and cell biology.

A review of machine learning approaches for electric vehicle energy consumption modelling in urban transportation

Global warming and carbon emissions have drawn attention to the need to decarbonize transport. Promoting electric vehicles (EVs) has become an important strategy towards this goal. Although EVs have significant advantages in emission reduction and energy saving, their wider adoption is limited by factors such as range and charging infrastructure. Accurate prediction and modeling of EV energy consumption is the key to solving these challenges. This review first summarizes traditional energy consumption estimation models and, thereafter explores the application of interpretable machine learning, emphasizing its importance in improving model transparency and practicality. The potential of neural networks to enhance prediction accuracy through feature extraction and pattern recognition is also discussed. This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the latest advances in EV energy consumption forecasting. It serves as a reference for researchers and practitioners to optimize and upgrade urban transport systems for sustainable development.

Method of Evaluation of the TETRA Standard Data Transmission Channel for Ensuring Information Security of the Railway Transport System

Method of Evaluation of the TETRA Standard Data Transmission Channel for Ensuring Information Security of the Railway Transport System

Impact of wheat processing on growth, serum biochemistry, and ruminal microbiota in sheep (Ovis aries)

This study investigated the impact of wheat processing methods (wheat flour vs wheat pellets) on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, and rumen microbiome composition in sheep. Results indicated that feeding of wheat flour resulted in significantly higher terminal weight and average daily gain (P < 0.05) and lower cholesterol and ALP04 levels (P < 0.05) in sheep compared to those fed wheat pellets. Analysis of 16s rDNA high-throughput sequencing data revealed significantly higher microbial richness (Chao1 index) in the rumen of sheep fed wheat flour (P < 0.05), even though the phylum-level composition dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria was similar in both groups of sheep. Notably, sheep fed wheat flour were found to have a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (P < 0.05). At the genus level, Succinivibrionaceae_UCG-001 and Prevotella_1 were significantly more abundant in the rumen of sheep fed wheat flour (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis identified that both terminal weight and average daily gain were positively correlated with ruminal abundance of Bacteroidetes and Prevotella_1, while ALP04 was negatively correlated with the abundance of these taxa. Functional prediction using PICRUSt2 indicated enrichment of pathways related to the ABC-type glycerol-3-phosphate transport system, and periplasmic components in both wheat flour and pellet fed sheep. Overall, these findings suggest that dietary wheat flour modulates rumen microbiota composition, and improves growth performance in sheep.

Topological Anderson phases in heat transport

Topological Anderson phases (TAPs) offer intriguing transitions from ordered to disordered systems in photonics and acoustics. However, achieving these transitions often involves cumbersome structural modifications to introduce disorders in parameters, leading to limitations in flexible tuning of topological properties and real-space control of TAPs. Here, we exploit disordered convective perturbations in a fixed heat transport system. Continuously tunable disorder-topology interactions are enabled in thermal dissipation through irregular convective lattices. In the presence of a weak convective disorder, the trivial diffusive system undergos TAP transition, characterized by the emergence of topologically protected corner modes. Further increasing the strength of convective perturbations, a second phase transition occurs converting from TAP to Anderson phase. Our work elucidates the pivotal role of disorders in topological heat transport and provides a novel recipe for manipulating thermal behaviors in diverse topological platforms.

Analysis of subcellular energy metabolism in five Lacertidae lizards across varied environmental conditions

Aerobic respiration is the main energy source for most eukaryotes, and efficient mitochondrial energy transfer greatly influences organismal fitness. To survive environmental changes, cells have evolved to adjust their biochemistry. Thus, measuring energy metabolism at the subcellular level can enhance our understanding of individual performance, population dynamics, and species distribution ranges. We investigated three important metabolic traits at the subcellular level in five lacertid lizard species sampled from different elevations, from sea level up to 2000 m. We examined hemoglobin concentration, two markers of oxidative stress (catalase activity and carbonyl concentration) and maximum rate of metabolic respiration at the subcellular level (potential metabolic activity at the electron transport system). The traits were analysed in laboratory acclimated adult male lizards to investigate the adaptive metabolic responses to the variable environmental conditions at the local sampling sites. Potential metabolic activity at the cellular level was measured at four temperatures – 28 °C, 30 °C, 32 °C and 34 °C – covering the range of preferred body temperatures of the species studied. Hemoglobin content, carbonyl concentration and potential metabolic activity did not differ significantly among species. Interspecific differences were found in the catalase activity, Potential metabolic activity increased with temperature in parallel in all five species. The highest response of the metabolic rate with temperature (Q10) and Arrhenius activation energy (Ea) was recorded in the high-mountain species Iberolacerta monticola.

Multiomics insights into the TNT degradation mechanism by Pantoea sp. BJ2 isolated from an ammunition destruction site

Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a highly toxic organic pollutant, and its biodegradation process and mechanism remain unclear. In this study, five TNT-degrading bacteria were isolated and identified, among which Pantoea sp. BJ2 showed the best TNT degradation potential; it could degrade 97.85 % of 100 mg L−1 TNT within 24 h. Further, five genes (three nemA, one nfsA and one nfnB) directly related to TNT metabolism were identified in Pantoea sp. BJ2. During the degradation of TNT by Pantoea sp. BJ2, N-ethylmaleimide reductase, nitrate reductase and ATP-binding protein of the nitrate/nitrite transport system were found to be significantly upregulated, and five metabolites, including 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene, were also identified. Based on the multiomics analysis, the mechanism of TNT degradation by Pantoea sp. BJ2 was proposed, indicating that the degradation of TNT by Pantoea sp. BJ2 was achieved under the joint action of various functional genes and proteins, including material transport, energy supply and exogenous material metabolism. The findings offer reliable theoretical underpinnings and technical support for a safe remediation of TNT-contaminated sites, providing new insights into the microbial degradation mechanisms of TNT from a multiomics perspective.

PH and potential-controlled multi-modal mass transport in block copolymer nanochannel membranes

Inspired by the hydrophobic gating for achieving fast and selective ion/molecular transport in cell membranes, wetting/dewetting transition in solid-state nanopores controlled by external stimuli such as voltage, pH, electrostatics, and light have attracted increasing attention. For an accurate and better understanding, a single nanopore or low-density array of nanopores was preferred to investigate the wetting and dewetting transitions owing to their well-defined chemical functions and physical structures. However, high-density nanochannel membranes capable of processing high-throughput and multi-modal mass transport are more beneficial with the aim of practical use. In this regard, pH- and potential-responsive nanochannel membranes consisting of a polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) block copolymer (BCP) are prepared to demonstrate a multi-modal transport system with high-throughput capability. At pH < pKa(P4VP) (pKa ∼ 4.8), the cylindrical P4VP nanodomains are hydrophilic and positively charged, acting as an anion-exchange membrane. In contrast, at pH > pKa(P4VP), the P4VP domains switch to be charge-neutral and hydrophobic, naturally blocking the mass transport through the nanochannels. Applying a sufficiently positive potential to a BCP membrane-coated electrode may induce oxidative wetting in the hydrophobic nanochannels to facilitate mass transport across the membrane with no charge-selectivity. Releasing the bias makes the hydrophobic nanochannel membranes retrieve the original dewetted state, blocking the transport again. In addition, direct observation of the wetting-dewetting transition dynamics in the hydrophobic nanochannels is investigated by monitoring potential-correlated electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signals arising from Ru(bpy)32+ and co-reactant tripropylamine (TPA) under potential modulations. ECL signals tend to decrease with increasing membrane thickness ranging from 0 nm to 820 nm because it requires higher potentials to induce wetting in the nanochannels due to elongated hydrophobic nanochannels. The multi-modal transport system developed in the present work will be useful for applications such as water treatment, biosensors, and smart valve systems like controlled drug release/delivery.

A worldwide review of formal national street classification plans enhanced via an analytical hierarchy process: Street classification as a tool for more sustainable cities

For cities to utilise their maximum liveability potential, their transport infrastructure and overall service provision need to function seamlessly. To this end, urban street eco-systems should be characterised, organised and utilised effectively. But is this happening on a mass scale across the globe? Are our urban street classification schemes forward-thinking and ready to respond to the emerging sustainability and resilience challenges cities face nowadays? This paper aims to answer these questions by examining and decoding the prevailing “formal street classification scheme model” through conducting a detailed worldwide review of formal national street classification plans. Out of 196 countries investigated, 128 official street classification plans were identified, analysed and evaluated. We also used an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) with 20 experts coming from different fields (i.e., academics, policymakers, practitioners) to enhance our results and contribute to developing an index evaluating urban street classification under the prism of sustainability. The outcomes of our work signify that conventional pro-automobile approaches still prevail, thus shaping car-centric conditions, which undermine the role of sustainable modes and reduce the ability of cities to innovate and succeed. It is demonstrated that the road to achieve sustainability and completeness in urban transport systems, considering these car-led plans, is still uphill. Based on that, multi-dimensional classification systems prioritising public and active transport, while appreciating street's urban aspect should be promoted in the future.

Blood transport without solid walls

In this paper, a blood microfluidic transport system without solid pipe wall is introduced, and the transport process of the microfluidic transport system is simulated by using the transient simulation of unidirectional flow of blood non-Newtonian fluid, two-phase flow of blood-magneto-fluid. The microfluidic transport system is verified to reach a flow rate of 40 ml/min by comparing the parameter flow rate, drag reduction factor (DR), velocity, and drop pressure with those of a conventional microfluidic system, and it also proves that the magneto-fluidic liquid pipe wall not only improves the transport efficiency of the blood, but also can better control the speed and flow rate size. At the same time, it reduces the loss of the blood in the process of delivery and guarantees the quality of the transported blood.

A hybrid approach based on magnitude-based fuzzy analytic hierarchy process for estimating sustainable urban transport solutions

Transport systems are pivotal in sustainable development, profoundly impacting social, environmental, and economic sustainability in urban settings. Integrating decision support systems becomes imperative to underscore the necessity for change and facilitate informed policy decisions based on current conditions. This study evaluates Budapest, Hungary's urban public transport system to foster sustainability. Experts in the transportation field in Budapest were engaged as evaluators. The study employs the newly developed Magnitude Based Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process, chosen for its accuracy and computational efficiency compared to existing methods. The obtained results align with those from the Modified Fuzzy Logarithmic Least Squares method, affirming its reliability. Comparative and sensitivity analyses validate, ensure consistency, and test the robustness of the proposed model findings. The study concludes that introducing new buses emerges as the most viable solution for enhancing the service quality of the existing transport system. The adopted results on a real dataset, its application in transportation evaluation, and the recommendation of new buses as an optimal solution offer insights into sustainable urban transport development.

Location, Location, Location: Establishing Design Principles for New Antibacterials from Ferric Siderophore Transport Systems.

This review strives to assemble a set of molecular design principles that enables the delivery of antibiotic warheads to Gram-negative bacterial targets (ESKAPE pathogens) using iron-chelating siderophores, known as the Trojan Horse strategy for antibiotic development. Principles are derived along two main lines. First, archetypical siderophores and their conjugates are used as case studies for native iron transport. They enable the consideration of the correspondence of iron transport and antibacterial target location. The second line of study charts the rationale behind the clinical antibiotic cefiderocol. It illustrates the potential versatility for the design of new Trojan Horse-based antibiotics. Themes such as matching the warhead to a location where the siderophore delivers its cargo (i.e., periplasm vs. cytoplasm), whether or not a cleavable linker is required, and the relevance of cheaters to the effectiveness and selectivity of new conjugates will be explored. The effort to articulate rules has identified gaps in the current understanding of iron transport pathways and suggests directions for new investigations.

The Use of Hydrogen as Fuel Gives Rise to Emerging Environmental Concerns

Given the urgent global warming situation and the need to decrease carbon emissions, this research project is essential for examining alternative energy sources, like hydrogen, for sustainable transportation and power production. The increasing urbanization and enhanced urban mobility emphasize the significance of building energy-efficient transport systems, such as Light Rail Transport, to offset environmental consequences. This study seeks to enhance the current discussion on moving towards a more sustainable and ecologically aware energy model by examining the practicality and advantages of these developing energy alternatives.

The Questionnaire on the Use of Public Transportation and Well-Being (QUPTW): A national survey and validation in Paraguay

IntroductionThe impact of public transportation on the human emotional well-being is certainly under-studied, especially in the developing countries. This study proposes and validates a questionnaire aimed to assess the emotional well-being in the context of public transportation use in Paraguay (as in any other Spanish country). MethodsWe conducted an observational cross-sectional study using an online survey to address the relationship between the transport systems and mental health. The newly developed Questionnaire on the Use of Public Transportation and Well-Being (QUPTW) was evaluated for content and construct validity, criterion validity, and reliability. ResultsFindings from 918 respondents have shown that the QUPTW reports strong psychometric properties, including validity and reliability. Participants, primarily young, university-educated women residing in Greater Asunción, reported dissatisfaction with the public transportation services. Long commute times, discomfort, and poor hygiene and safety conditions are significant contributors leading to emotional distress. These findings underscore the potential impact of the inadequate public transportation systems on mental well-being, suggesting the need for policy interventions to enhance accessibility, comfort, and safety. ConclusionsThis study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between the public transportation use and the emotional well-being and provides a valuable tool for further research and policy development.