Transport Connectivity Research Articles

Cloudbursts Strike over Foothill Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India: A Case Study from Maldeota, Dehradun District

The present study highlights the cloudburst issues that occurred in Raipur area of Dehradun City. On the night of August 20, 2022, the Raipur area of Uttarakhand state capital Dehradun was lashed by excessive rainfall or cloudbursts resulting in the water level of sub-watersheds of the Song River rising enormously, particularly Bandal Nadi and Song river. Bhaiswar and Sarkhet villages came in limelight which are situated on the Bandal valley due to loss of human lives and property. 5 people were killed while 3 people were injured and 24 animals lost whereas about 8.25 ha of agricultural fields were damaged and 12 families became homeless in these incidences. The transport connectivity of the Sarkhet and adjoining areas was disrupted due to washing off the road in several places. A detailed investigation was carried out in the affected areas to ascertain the causes and impacts of the disaster and the feasibility of rehabilitation land. Geologically, the devastated area is observed to be fragile due to its proximity to Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and subsequent Fault as also lies to the Eastern fringe of the Mussoorie Syncline. It was also observed that untraditionally ways of habitation patterns in the region and economic opportunities due to increasing tourist inflow in the area are responsible for the enhanced devastating potential of disaster. This work mainly concentrates on future risk and suggestions for future risk mitigation within the area.

Локальные транспортные системы российской Арктики (на примере Приморского района Архангельской области)

The article discusses the concept of transport system with a focus on the local transport system, as well as its role in the socio-economic development of the Russian Arctic. The empirical study is based on the materials of expeditions that took place on the Summer and Winter shores of the Onega Peninsula, as well as on the island territories of the Primorskiy district of the Arkhangelsk Oblast. The local transport system was analyzed in terms of its elements: infrastructure, regulatory system, vehicles used, information support, informal institutional system of transport support regulation, etc. The materials obtained during the expedition were supplemented with data on the organization of transport communication, timetables, logistics, and official information on the methods of organizing navigation on the Northern Dvina River and in the White Sea. On the basis of the theory of multiscale and the analysis of empirical data, it is concluded that the local transport system is the main factor determining the scenarios of socio-economic development of municipalities in the Russian Arctic. Transport connectivity of the Arctic zone should start with transformations “from below”, from the local transport system, taking into account local knowledge and institutions. Proposals for the development of the local transport network of the Arctic region are presented.

Cargo volume prediction of logistics sorting center based on GCN-BiLSTM

Taking into account the transport network and average cargo volume of each sorting center, a directed weighted graph is constructed in this paper. Next, the GCN model is used to extract the spatial characteristics of the transport connection information of the sorting center and input it into the BiLSTM network. The BiLSTM network uses the two-way information flow to learn the temporal characteristics, and then uses the GCN-BILSTM model combined with the spatio-temporal characteristics of the sorting center to predict the daily cargo volume in the next 30 days. The integrated learning model based on ARIMA and BiLSTM is then used to predict the next 30 days of hourly cargo volume, and adjust and optimize. The results show that GCN-BiLSTM model and BiLSTM model improve the prediction performance.

Leveraging grants to coordinate land use and transportation planning for local governments: a review of national MPO programs

ABSTRACT Throughout the United States, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are increasingly attempting to shape local land use planning. Some MPOs have developed funding programs that redirect highway and road construction dollars to support less auto-centric community development - which we call Transportation and Land-Use Connection (TLC) programs. Based on a survey of 92 MPOs (out of 402 contacted) and a review of relevant documents, our paper aims to understand the scope and influence of these TLC programs on communities and how their impact is measured. We found that at least 24 MPOs had TLC programs. Our findings show that despite federal funding predominantly supporting these programs, state, county, local, and other regional agencies also provide support. Population size appears to be the most significant influence on an MPO’s participation in a TLC program. Most programs measure pre-implementation success through selection criteria reflecting program goals rather than direct impact measurement. For those that do measure after grants have been awarded, increased non-automobile shares tax revenue and jobs-housing balance were the most common ways success was measured. These findings can help MPOs with existing TLC programs improve formulation guidelines and assist MPOs without such programs in adopting them in their jurisdictions.

КРИТЕРІАЛЬНИЙ ВПЛИВ НА ВИБІР ВИДУ ТРАНСПОРТНОГО СПОЛУЧЕННЯ ПРИ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ ДОСТАВКИ ВАНТАЖІВ В УМОВАХ МІЖНАРОДНОЇ ІНТЕГРАЦІЇ

Introduction. The organisation of cargo delivery in various transport connection options requires the identification of the most optimal parameters of transportation by certain transport modes and the development of better transport connections. The systematisation of transport and logistics processes requires a comprehensive solution to the problems of organising the delivery of goods in international multimodal connections. The growing demands of the freight clientele are becoming a key factor in the competition between both carriers and logistics operators to serve more profitable cargo flows. Problem Statement. International integration processes involve interaction between all participants in international cargo delivery, and its reliability depends on the effectiveness of its organisation. Ensuring high-quality transport services for a particular cargo delivery is only possible if the criteria are correctly selected and adequately assessed. Purpose. To determine the criteria of influence on the choice of transport mode in the organisation of cargo delivery, taking into account the factor influence characterising the carrying capacity of each transport mode serving a particular order, as well as the synergy of their interaction.

Achieving thermoelectric properties of ultra-high-performance concrete using carbon nanotubes and fibers

The study investigated the impact of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon fibers (CFs), steel fibers, and varying water-to-binder (W/B) ratios on the thermoelectric and mechanical properties of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Flowability tests revealed reduced flow with decreased water content and the addition of CNTs or CFs, particularly pronounced at a lower W/B ratio. Thermal gravimetric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated differences in peak intensities and shifts in peaks related to the hydration products of the UHPC by the incorporation of the CNTs and CFs. The compressive strength and tensile performance increased with reduced W/B ratios and the inclusion of steel fibers, whereas the CNTs and CFs affected the strength differently based on their dispersion and interaction with other components that influenced porosity. The presence of steel fibers reduces the percolation threshold for CNTs and CFs, indicating a synergistic effect that enhances electron transport connectivity. The thermal conductivity increased with the addition of CNTs, CFs, and steel fibers, enhancing heat transfer within the UHPC. The thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) values highlighted the combined impact of CNTs, CFs, steel fibers, and W/B ratios on the thermoelectric efficiency of the UHPC, showing significant improvements with the inclusion of steel fibers and the interplay between the CNTs and W/B ratios. Ultimately, upon introducing 1.5 % steel fibers and 0.3 % CNTs, a substantial enhancement in the thermoelectric ZT was observed, surpassing the standard UHPC values by 12 orders of magnitude.

Vpliv gradnje južne železnice na demografski razvoj Laškega

At the beginning of the 19th century, Laško was a medium-sized market town with poor transport links, inhabited by artisans. Together with the road from Celje to Zidani Most, the railway connection that reached Laško in 1849 represented the first modern transport connection. The town’s improved transport connectivity stimulated its economic development. The present research, primarily based on the church registers of the Laško parish, focuses on the demographic analysis of the Laško population during the period when the southern railway was being constructed (1845–1848). The large number of construction workers building the southern railway brought plenty of unrest, new opportunities for the local population, and an epidemic of spotted typhus to the town. The latter broke out among the construction workers and spread among the local population.

ENHANCING TRUCK FREIGHT MANAGEMENT VIA DIGITAL TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS ECOSYSTEMS

The Republic of Kazakhstan is prioritizing the digitalization of its transportation and logistics sector as a strategic approach to sustainable economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. Guided by the decrees and messages from the President of Kazakhstan, the nation is focusing on developing its transit potential and incorporating modern technologies to streamline transport and logistics processes. The emphasis is on increasing the efficiency of transportation activities, developing transit and multimodal potential, and ensuring the security and stability of transport connectivity. This initiative aims to raise the transportation and logistics sector's contribution to the GDP and establish Kazakhstan as a central transit hub in the region. Recent advancements in digital ecosystems, which include technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain, are set to revolutionize the truck freight transportation industry. These technologies promise enhanced efficiency, improved supply chain visibility, and reduced environmental impacts. Kazakhstan's efforts in digitalizing its transport and logistics complex, including recommendations for implementing digital transport corridors and developing an integrated information and logistics platform, signify a critical step toward realizing these benefits. This approach will not only enhance the transparency and efficiency of management processes but also reduce costs and improve service quality for end-users, contributing significantly to the nation's economic growth and regional integration.

Jute Trade in Colonial Goalpara of Assam

Jute is a significant fibre found in India, particularly grown in the provinces of Bengal and Assam. The increasing demand for jute fibre in international markets encouraged the peasants of Bengal to grow jute for commercial purposes. Therefore, Bengal became a centre for globally recognised jute production and supplied to European nations. The discussion of jute trade in India would be lacking without referring to the Goalpara district of Assam, which shares a close flank with Bengal, where a plethora of jute had been grown. The damp alluvial soil of the Goalpara district became favourable for growing extensive jute. The affordable and cheap price of high-quality jute attracted many traders from Bengal and Central India. Besides, the Goalpara district had access to waterways in every nook and cranny, and the district’s administrative centre had inland transportation connections to Bengal. The jute trade was extensively carried out in the Goalpara district, and all the jute fibre was transported to Bengal and then to European countries. The demand for jute in the international markets caused a huge number of peasants to migrate to Goalpara district from East Bengal to cultivate jute.

Enhancing Local Port Competitiveness: Strategies For Facing Challenges From Public Ports and Special Terminals

This research examines the role of local ports in addressing challenges from public ports and special terminals in their vicinity. It focuses on infrastructure, efficiency, connectivity, and competitiveness, using qualitative analysis and a Likert scale questionnaire. Findings reveal that while local ports excel in certain areas, improvements in infrastructure maintenance, operational efficiency, and transport connectivity are needed. Recommendations include investing in infrastructure, improving efficiency, enhancing marketing strategies, fostering collaborations, prioritising sustainability, and focusing on customer satisfaction. Implementing these recommendations can enhance local ports' competitiveness, strengthen their position in the maritime industry, and contribute to regional economic development.

Политические возможности и риски открытия Зангезурского коридора, его роль в повышении транспортной связанности на Южном Кавказе

This article assesses the potential of using the Zangezur corridor linking the main territory of Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (NAR) within the framework of the West-East international transport corridor projects. The key risks of implementing this project in the absence of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the incompleteness of the border delimitation process are highlighted. The positions of other parties interested in increasing transport connectivity in the South Caucasus – Turkey, Iran and Russia – are analyzed. It is stated that the main problem in the implementation of the Zangezur corridor is the lack of trust between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the risk that Azerbaijan’s control over traffic along the route could be used to distort the existing balance of power in the region. The solution to these problems is proposed through the creation of a platform for constructive dialogue between Armenia, Azerbaijan and stakeholders on general issues of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, including the corridor issue. The creation of an alternative route through Iran is also seen as an adequate solution in case Armenia is not ready for agreements.

Green gentrification: a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis of greened neighbourhoods in Berlin

To contribute to the understanding of green gentrification, this study aims to elucidate the factors that contribute to its occurrence or non-occurrence following urban greening, by considering necessary and sufficient factors. The investigation examines several potential characteristics, including the distribution, size, function, transportation connectivity, neighbourhoods’ centrality, and pre-existing availability of green spaces within neighbourhoods. The research employs an embedded case study approach, focusing on Berlin as the primary case. A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is conducted to analyse the notions of necessity and sufficiency. The analysis identifies several sufficient pathways to gentrification, indicating that the neighbourhood context, particularly the initial availability of green spaces in the neighbourhood, plays a crucial role in determining the occurrence of green gentrification. By contrast, no specific type of greening, such as scattered greening approach, park size, function, or transportation connectivity, consistently led to green gentrification.

Associations of perceived built environment characteristics using NEWS questionnaires with all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular diseases: The prospective urban rural epidemiology (PURE)-China study

BackgroundDespite increased literature focusing on the role of the built environment (BE) in health, few cohort studies have quantitatively analyzed neighborhood walkability environment in relation to the risk of death and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This longitudinal study aimed at evaluating the association between perceived BE attributeswith mortality and major CVD based on the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study in China (PURE-China). MethodsThe PURE-China study recruited 47,931 participants aged 35–70 years from 12 provinces of China between 2005 and 2009. The perceived BE information, including land use, street, aesthetics, and safety, was collected using the neighborhood environment walkability scale (NEWS) questionnaire, with higher scores indicating a more favorable rating. Two primary outcomes are all-cause mortality and major CVD event. The Cox frailty model with random intercepts was used to assess the association between the perceived total BE/subscales score and outcomes. ResultsOf 32,163 participants included in this study, 19,253 (59.9 %) were women, and the mean (SD) age was 51.0 (9.5) years. After a median follow-up period of 11.7 years (IQR 9.4 – 12.2), we observed that one standard deviation higher of combined BE scores was related to a lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.85; 95 %CI, 0.80–0.90), and major CVD events (HR = 0.95; 95 %CI, 0.90–0.99). The subscales of perceived BE were related to a lower risk, although a few were not significant. Land use mix-diversity and safety from crime were the two most significant subscales. Stronger risks were observed among urban and female participants. ConclusionFavorable perceived BE characteristics were linked with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and major CVD events in Chinese population, especially in urban areas and females. Our findings can be used by policymakers to take action to mitigate the adverse effect of poor community conditions on health, such as improving local amenities and transport connectivity, providing building paths for walking, running and cycling.

Interstate Highway Connections and Traced Gun Transfers Between the 48 Contiguous United States

Interstate gun flow has critical implications for gun violence prevention, as gun transfers across state lines can undermine local gun control policies. To identify possible gun trafficking routes along interstate highways in the US. This repeated-measures, ecological, cross-sectional study used data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019, to examine associations between interstate connections via 13 highways that each spanned at least 1000 miles and interstate traced gun transfer counts for the 48 contiguous United States. Analyses were completed in November 2023. Characteristics of the origin states and the transportation connections between the destination state and the origin states. The main outcome was the total count of guns used in crimes in each destination state per year that were originally purchased in the origin state. Bayesian conditional autoregressive Poisson models were used to examine associations between the count of guns used in crime traced to interstate purchases and interstate highway connections between origin and destination states. Between 2010 and 2019, 526 801 guns used in crimes in the contiguous 48 states were traced to interstate purchases. Northbound gun transfers along the Interstate 95 corridor were greater than expected to New Jersey (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 2.80; 95% credible interval [CrI], 1.01-7.68) and Maryland (IRR, 3.07; 95% CrI, 1.09-8.61); transfers were similarly greater along Interstate 15 southbound, Interstate 25 southbound, Interstate 35 southbound, Interstate 75 northbound and southbound, Interstate 10 westbound, and Interstate 20 eastbound and westbound. This repeated-measures, ecological, cross-sectional study identified that guns used in crimes traced to interstate purchases moved routinely between states along multiple major transportation routes. Interstate gun transfers are a major contributor to gun crime, injury, and death in the US. National policies and interstate cooperation are needed to address this issue.

Public Transport Accessibility Policy for Disabled Batam City in the Concept of Sustainable Transportation

This study evaluates sustainable transportation development in Batam City, focusing on the accessibility of public transportation for persons with disabilities as a sustainability indicator. Utilizing qualitative research methods, primary data were collected through interviews, complemented by secondary data from various sources such as Department of Transportation reports, Batam City Government documents, and online media. Data analysis employed triangulation, supported by Vosviewer Tools for processing secondary data. Findings reveal inadequate transportation accessibility services for people with disabilities in Batam City. Effectiveness, efficiency, adequacy, and equality for this demographic remain suboptimal, indicating a lack of sustainable and inclusive approaches. Regional regulations concerning disabilities are not fully implemented, and there's a lack of management strategies for transportation or Transport Demand Management tailored to assist people with disabilities. The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system's ineffectiveness hampers transportation connectivity, exacerbating access challenges. Essential disability facilities like ramps and bell signals are unevenly provided, while the limited number of special seats creates difficulties in prioritizing pregnant women and the elderly. Consequently, the current serviceability access falls short of meeting the standard needs of people with disabilities, as envisioned in Sustainable Transportation frameworks.

Topological analysis of roadway and railway networks of the Ukrainian-Polish borderlands (on the example of Lviv Oblast and Subcarpathian Voivodeship)


 
 
 The paper presents an analysis of functioning of roadway and railway networks in the context of logistics flows. The interaction of road vehicles and railroad cars within the given territories was characterized. The provided spatiotemporal modelling allows comparing the configuration of roadways and railways from the peripheral settlements to the regional capitals. The points that form transport links with the administrative centres of each studied territory were identified. A comparative topological analysis of the given lines of roadway and railway transport within the Ukrainian-Polish borderland employed quantitative (distance, time) and qualitative (curvature, travel speed) modelling parameters, characterizing the relationship of the borderland territories in two neighbouring countries of Eastern Europe. Relative indicators, which include curvature and speed, were estimated. A database of settlements based on accessibility to the city by road and rail transport was created, taking into account the top-10 centres of territorial communities, or hromadas, in Lviv Oblast and Subcarpathian Voivodeship. Alternative modes of transport for travelling from a centre of territorial community to the regional centre in Ukraine and Poland were highlighted. The study compared the settlements with low transport accessibility to the regional capital (oblast, voivodeship), taking into account the functioning of the roadway and railway networks. Social-geographical problems of the given territories were identified based on the analysis of topological indicators of each transport connections. I found that the network system of transport infrastructure in Subcarpathian Voivodeship is low-dense, especially in mountainous areas. Also, there was analyzed high accessibility of suburban settlements to the city of Rzeszów. In Lviv, connection between the suburbs and the city centre can be called problematic. Within the studied borderland areas, there were also found cases of disuse of the existing railway stations for passenger traffic. Variants that would promote the development of public transport in the Lviv Oblast have been proposed, based on the example of the transport model in Subcarpathian Voivodeship. Applied developments include the need to build the Opillia-Roztocze highway, assignement of high-speed electric trains from remote areas to the regional capital.
 
 

Understanding rural pharmacists' perspectives: lived experiences and insights associated with rural recruitment and retention.

Pharmacists serve an important role in rural communities, and in some cases they may be the only health professional available. Their recruitment and retention is a major concern for rural communities and health services; however, a deeper understanding regarding the advantages and challenges of sustaining a rural pharmacy workforce is somewhat limited. The aim of this study was to develop a deeper understanding of pharmacists' perspectives about factors influencing pharmacist recruitment and retention to rural and remote communities. The exploratory study, carried out in rural Tasmania and rural Western Victoria, used a qualitative descriptive design. Structured interviews, lasting between 30-60 minutes, were conducted by a single researcher using the Pharmacist Community Apgar Questionnaire via face-to-face, telephone or videoconferencing technology. Data were analysed thematically using verbatim transcription, extraction of significant statements and identification of similarities in formulated meanings, grouping the similar meanings and significant statements that pertained to the phenomena of interest. Specifically, qualitative data were used to provide a deeper understanding of factors identified as key assets, capabilities, or those most challenging for pharmacist recruitment and retention. The advantages and disadvantages rural communities face in recruiting and retaining pharmacists are presented. These insights are linked to the advantages of financial income, incentives and moving allowance. Further advantages include the degree of practice autonomy, breadth of tasks, the perception of the community, loyalty to the pharmacy and its pharmacists, along with community recognition. Challenges associated with the recruitment and retention of pharmacists centred on the need for spousal or partner employment opportunities, having greater proximity to schools, access to social or cultural opportunities, along with good transport connections. Further challenges included housing, the cost of schooling for children, having adequate locum or peer coverage and opportunities to host interns. The study provides a deeper exploration of the meaning and experiences of factors that previous research has shown are considered advantageous or challenging to the recruitment and retention of pharmacists in rural areas. Through the voices of pharmacists living and working in a rural area, the findings further enlighten our understanding regarding how the multifaceted and complex nature of health workforce planning may be addressed. As such, greater pharmacist recruitment and retention is enabled through adequate financial compensation and incentives, along with additional tax incentives for business and health services. Further, innovation is required to enhance economic sustainability. Locum coverage and intern opportunities also require innovative approaches to address concerns among potential candidates. Lastly, efforts to enable and support social connections such as schooling and spousal employment, while building community connection and a sense of rural community belonging, remain essential to recruit and retain pharmacists. Rural pharmacist recruitment and retention is complex, requiring a multi-pronged approach to implement practical solutions. Given this complexity and the unique features of each rural community, solutions require whole-of-community ownership to create innovative solutions. Recognition of specific advantages and challenges can address key driving factors for pharmacist recruitment and retention in rural communities.

Strategies to Improve Intermodal Transportation Connectivity Services in North Maluku

Sea transport is one of the modes of transport providing great benefits such as a wide range, tariffs that are affordable to the public, safe and comfortable. To support the integration of the implementation of intermodal transport, it is necessary to integrate the service network, and the transportation infrastructure network. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of intermodal transportation services at Kupal Port, Bacan Island, South Halmahera Regency and the analysis method used was the Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method and the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI). The results of the study obtained the average satisfaction index value of Kupal Feeder Port service users on 16 (sixteen) service factors or attributes of 78.97 percent in the satisfied criteria.

Nepal and the Middle East: Nonalignment and Economic Interests

Abstract: Nepal is a poor, nonaligned, landlocked country surrounded by India and China that has had good relations with both Israel and the Arab states due in large part to a foreign policy conducted on the basis of Panchasheel , composed of five principles: (1) mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, (2) noninterference in each other’s internal affairs, (3) respect for mutual equality, (4) nonaggression and peaceful settlements of disputes, and (5) cooperation for mutual benefit. This outlook has also motivated Nepal’s participation in many United Nations peacekeeping operations. Originally the object of a rivalry between Egypt and Israel, Nepal has attracted the attention of a number of other Middle Eastern states, particularly those in the Arab Gulf region, as witnessed by increasing diplomatic interactions and transportation connections with Nepal and/or its officials especially in recent years, while Nepalis provide much-needed labor for many of those same countries. Despite numbers of cases of worker abuse in the Middle East, Nepali laborers there provide remittances essential for families dealing with difficult living conditions in Nepal as well as a source of foreign revenue for that country.

Digital Marketing Strategy for Mangrove Ecotourism towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8.3: Case Study on Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park, Southeast Sulawesi

The purpose of this research is to analyze the external and internal environment, including opportunities, challenges, strengths, and weaknesses, regarding the Digital Marketing Strategy for Mangrove Ecotourism towards SDG 8.3 at Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park. This research method utilizes a qualitative approach with SWOT analysis. Findings reveal that the Park supports various training and capacity-building activities for local entrepreneurs around the Park, reflecting the local community's enthusiasm for entrepreneurship, thus establishing a connection between SDG 8.3 and the Park. Weaknesses include the need for improvement in the quantity of tourism facilities, transportation, public infrastructure, and internet connectivity. Opportunities arise from leveraging social media for optimal promotion of tourism locations to attract tourists. Threats stem from competition with similar tourist destinations, potentially reducing visitor numbers. Additionally, climate change and threats to species diversity in the park necessitate better management planning.