Transport Factors Research Articles

Decoding plant-induced transcriptomic variability and consistency in two related polyphagous mites differing in host ranges.

The diet breadth of generalist herbivores when compared to specialists tends to be associated with greater transcriptional plasticity. Here, we consider whether it may also contribute to variation in host range among two generalists with different levels of polyphagy. We examined two related polyphagous spider mites with different host ranges, Tetranychus urticae (1200 plants) and Tetranychus truncatus (90 plants). Data from multiple populations of both species domesticated on common beans and transferred to new plant hosts (cotton, cucumber, eggplant) were used to investigate transcriptional plasticity relative to population-based variation in gene expression. Compared to T. truncatus, T. urticae exhibited much higher transcriptional plasticity. Populations of this species also showed much more variable expression regulation in response to a plant host, particularly for genes related to detoxification, transport, and transcriptional factors. In response to the different plant hosts, both polyphagous species showed enriched processes of drug/xenobiotics metabolism, with T. urticae orchestrating a relatively broader array of biological pathways. Through co-expression network analysis, we identified gene modules associated with host plant response, revealing shared hub genes primarily involved in detoxification metabolism when both mites fed on the same plants. After silencing a shared hub CYP gene related to eggplant exposure, the performance of both species on the original bean host improved, but the fecundity of T. truncatus decreased when feeding on eggplant. The extensive transcriptomic variation shown by T. urticae might serve as a potential compensatory mechanism for a deficiency of hub genes in this species. This research points to nuanced differences in transcriptomic variability between generalist herbivores.

What drives tourists’ sustainable mobility at city destinations? Insights from ten European capital cities

The growth in tourism has brought benefits but also pressured urban transportation systems, particularly in capitals where it intersects with business and local life. While urban sustainable mobility development typically centers on the transportation needs of the residents, it frequently neglects the unsustainable travel habits of tourists. This study focuses on the key elements influencing sustainable tourist transportation, stressing the imperative for city administrations to tackle this concern. Based on a study of ten European capital cities and 5220 individual tourists, unique perspectives on urban tourist transportation are provided. Initially, a DCSM index (Destination City’ Sustainable Mobility Index) was crafted to mirror the sustainability of urban transportation systems, integrating data on cities’ transportation modes and factors promoting sustainable transportation while deterring unsustainable options. This index was then embedded in an ordered logit model, with the sustainable transportation choices of tourists as the dependent variable. The findings show that the traits of the destination city and the transportation preferences from the tourist’s home location, combined with accommodation and trip details, considerably influence their transportation decisions at the destination. These insights underline the potential to mold sustainable tourist behaviors by advancing environmentally friendly transportation systems, enhancing urban planning, and optimally positioning hotels. However, it is vital to acknowledge that without influencing tourists’ routine behaviors at home through education, their travel choices might persist. This research underscores the need for holistic strategies that integrate both destination-specific actions and pre-trip educational initiatives to truly promote tourists’ sustainable transportation behavior.

A simulation-based approach to analysing delays in the transport of critically ill neonates

ABSTRACT Neonatal interfacility transport ensures that critically ill neonatal patients can receive higher levels of care when needed. Delays in the transport process impact the quality of care and increase the risk of medical complications. The objective of this study is to investigate the operations-related factors that contribute to transport delays and explore the role of discrete-event simulation in improving the transport process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders to understand the neonatal interfacility transport process. Analysis of historical call logs and transport data was performed to identify inputs to the discrete-event simulation model. Statistical tests were used to identify the effect of various factors on wait time and transport time in the simulation model. High patient volume and limited bed capacity at the receiving hospitals are identified as bottlenecks that lead to extended wait time and transportation time. Additionally, having more geographically distributed ambulance resources does not significantly help with the time delays when the receiving hospital capacity stays unchanged. Discrete-event simulation models can be used to investigate the effects of operations-related factors in the interfacility transport of critically ill neonates to support future process improvement.

Application of machine learning approaches to predict ammonium nitrogen transport in different soil types and evaluate the contribution of control factors

The loss of nitrogen in soil damages the environment. Clarifying the mechanism of ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) transport in soil and increasing the fixation of NH4+-N after N application are effective methods for improving N use efficiency. However, the main factors are not easily identified because of the complicated transport and retardation factors in different soils. This study employed machine learning (ML) to identify the main influencing factors that contribute to the retardation factor (Rf) of NH4+-N in soil. First, NH4+-N transport in the soil was investigated using column experiments and a transport model. The Rf (1.29 – 17.42) was calculated and used as a proxy for the efficacy of NH4+-N transport. Second, the physicochemical parameters of the soil were determined and screened using lasso and ridge regressions as inputs for the ML model. Third, six machine learning models were evaluated: Adaptive Boosting, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Regression, Multilayer Perceptron, and Support Vector Regression. The optimal ML model of the XGB model with a low mean absolute error (0.81), mean squared error (0.50), and high test r2 (0.97) was obtained by random sampling and five-fold cross-validation. Finally, SHapely Additive exPlanations, entropy-based feature importance, and permutation characteristic importance were used for global interpretation. The cation exchange capacity (CEC), total organic carbon (TOC), and Kaolin had the greatest effects on NH4+-N transport in the soil. The accumulated local effect offered a fundamental insight: When CEC > 6 cmol+ kg−1, and TOC > 40 g kg−1, the maximum resistance to NH4+-N transport within the soil was observed. This study provides a novel approach for predicting the impact of the soil environment on NH4+-N transport and guiding the establishment of an early-warning system of nutrient loss.

Mechanics and thermodynamics of multivalent-binding induced shrinkage of hydrogels

Understanding the fundamental mechanism of shrink hydrogel sensors necessitates a complete comprehension of analyte-centered multivalent binding that occurs within their salt-rich microenvironments. However, the mechanics and thermodynamics governing this phenomenon remain insufficiently understood. Here, we aim to derive a theoretical framework that examines the impact of temporary cross-link formation on the hydrogel shrinkage due to specific binding interaction between the fixed receptors and the multivalent analytes. As a highlight of our theory, we mathematically quantify the hydrogels’ permanent and temporary cross-links using statistical thermodynamics to describe the multivalent complexation with different binding degrees while accounting for molecular-level transport factors when predicting the sensor’s shrinking characteristics. Consequently, our theory unveils the upper bounds set by the external analyte concentration and analyte binding valency onto the actuation sensitivity of these sensors, whereby tuning the receptor density permits further modulation of their performances. These findings tightly correlate the microscopic properties of the analyte and hydrogel to the macroscopic behaviors of shrink sensors, facilitating a structured design regime for advanced biomedical applications.

Assessing the interactive effects of microplastics and acid rain on cadmium toxicity in rice seedlings: Insights from physiological and transcriptomic analyses

In heavy metal-contaminated areas, the simultaneous occurrence of increasing microplastic pollution and persistent acid rain poses a serious threat to food security. However, the mechanisms of combined exposure to microplastics (MP) and acid rain (AR) on the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) in rice seedlings remain unclear. Our study investigated the combined effects of exposure to polyvinyl chloride microplastics and AR (pH 4.0) on the toxicity of Cd (0.3, 3, and 10 mg/L) in rice seedlings. The results showed that at low Cd concentrations, the combined exposure had no significant effect, but at high Cd concentrations, it alleviated the effects of Cd stress. The combined application of MP and AR alleviated the inhibitory effects of Cd on seedling growth and chlorophyll content. Under high Cd concentrations (10 mg/L), the simultaneous addition of MP and AR significantly reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activity of the superoxide dismutase (SOD). Compared with AR or MP alone, the combination of MP and AR reduced root cell damage and Cd accumulation in rice seedlings. Transcriptomic analysis confirmed that under high Cd concentrations, the combination of MP and AR altered the expression levels of genes related to Cd transport, uptake, MAPK kinase, GSTs, MTs, and transcription factors, producing a synergistic effect on oxidative stress and glutathione metabolism. These results indicate that co-exposure to MP and AR affected the toxicity of Cd in rice seedlings and alleviated Cd toxicity under high Cd concentrations to some extent. These findings provide a theoretical basis for evaluating the toxicological effects of microplastic and acid rain pollution on crop growth in areas contaminated with heavy metals, and are important for safe agricultural production and ecological security.

Source Identification of Potentially Toxic Metals in Plants of Alpine Ecosystems of Mt. Madra by Positive Matrix Factorization.

In this study, the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in plants sampled from Mt. Madra were investigated. Furthermore, the distribution characteristics and source identification of potentially toxic metals were investigated with the application of Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) modelling. Samples of 26 different plant species were taken from Mt. Madra at elevations ranging from 177 to 1347m using the multi-point sampling approach. The metal quantities measured by ICP-OES are the following sequences (mean ± SD) (mg/kg): Fe (974.96 ± 29.6) > Mn (111.81 ± 2.6) > Zn (27.28 ± 0.2) > Ni (2.17 ± 0.03) > Pb (0.77 ± 0.01) > Cd (0.12 ± 0.01). According to the plant samples in which the highest values were determined, the metals are as follows: Cd (Lathyrus laxiflorus, 0.401mg/kg), Fe (Ajuga orientalis, 7621.207mg/kg), Mn (Castanea sativa, 724.927mg/kg), Ni (Prunella laciniata, 6.947mg/kg), Pb (Crataegus stevenii, 3.955mg/kg) and Zn (Prunella laciniata, 50.802mg/kg). The results of the PMF model showed that Cd had an atmospheric transport factor originated and transported from industrial activites, Ni had a substrate factor, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn were influenced by different anthropogenic factors.

BP Neural Network-Based Determination of Soil-Codonopsis under Different Sources Key Factors for Enrichment and Transport of Heavy Metal Elements in the System

BP Neural Network-Based Determination of Soil-Codonopsis under Different Sources Key Factors for Enrichment and Transport of Heavy Metal Elements in the System

Recent Development of Physical Hydrogen Storage: Insights into Global Outlook and Future Applications.

Transition of global energy market towards an environment-friendly sustainable society requires a profound transformation from fossil fuel to zero carbon emission fuel. To cope with this goal production ofrenewable energy is accelerating worldwide. Research in renewable energy from production and storage to practical utilization requires an organized approach. One of the best renewable energy carrier is the hydrogen, due to its clean combustion and abundance. Nonetheless, its storage is a critical challenge to its success. Hydrogen must be stored long after being produced and transported to a storage site. Physical hydrogen storage is vital among hydrogen storage modes, and its shortcoming needs to overcome for its successful and economic benefits. This review intends to discuss the techniques and applications of physical hydrogen storage in the state of compressed gas, liquefied hydrogen gas, and cold/cryo compressed gas concerning their working principle, chemical and physical properties, influencing factors for physical hydrogen storage, and transportation, economics, and global outlook. Insights of several probable physical hydrogen storage (PHS) systems are highlighted. The outcomes of this review envisioned that the PHS still necessitates technological advancements despite having remarkable success. The Liquid Hydrogen Gas storage marks better sustainability than Compressed and Cryo Compressed Gas. The physical hydrogen storage method can store hydrogen in tanks in any state (liquid or gas) under 20 K for the liquid state and ambient temperature for the gaseous state The Bibliographic analysis depicts that the research in hydrogen rising with time and mostly the research in conducted in USA with 231 articles. Prospects and challenges with lessons learned and the limitation opens the door to further research, which would be helpful for efficient and long-term physical hydrogen storage.

Comparative Studies of Major Sea Routes

A large amount of cargo is transported between European and Southeast Asian countries. Ships sometimes take different routes when sailing between ports due to the best commercial speed; navigational, economical, and hydrometeorological conditions; and political and military situations. Several routes are available for sailing between Europe and Southeast Asia: sailing the Suez Canal, sailing around the African continent, sailing the Panama Canal, as well as sailing the Northern Sea route. This article analyzes the possible sailing routes between Southeast Asia and Europe and presents a developed methodology for the evaluation of sailing routes. This sea route evaluation methodology is based on a comparative mathematical model that evaluates the main factors of cargo transportation by sea: transportation cost and time, possible maximum ship parameters, transportation energy (fuel) demand, and other possible factors, such as the probability of various restrictions. This paper presents a case study of cargo transportation between Rotterdam (The Netherlands) and Shanghai (China) using different possible sea routes. Assessments of various possible routes are presented; the main topics of discussion and conclusions are formulated.

Identifying the most sustainable beer packaging through a Life Cycle Assessment

The beer industry stands as a significant player in the global economy, and it is increasingly renowned not only for its diverse flavours, but also for its impact on the environment. Amidst its popularity, the beer sector faces mounting pressure to address environmental concerns, particularly related to packaging. As the world is increasingly embracing sustainability as a guiding principle, the beer industry's approach to packaging has come under scrutiny for its ecological footprint. This study aims to shed some light on the environmental footprint of beer production by applying a life cycle assessment, comparing different types of packaging. This study calculated the product environmental footprint of beer consumed in PET kegs, glass bottles and aluminium cans, and performed three sensitivity analyses on load factors of transport, waste transport distance and recycled content. The results identified draught beer in PET kegs as the most sustainable solution for beer consumption, with a footprint of around 90 % lower than the other types of packaging. However, the analysis showed that the biggest environmental impact is found in the cultivation, packaging and use phases, that account for a contribution of 60 %, 27 % and 11 % respectively. The results of this study highlighted the importance of the load factor in the distribution phase, of recyclability and of the use of secondary raw materials for packaging. This study stands as an original and valuable contribution, offering a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of beer packaging and of the beverage industry. Its insights can guide breweries, policymakers, and consumers towards sustainable choices, fostering a positive change within the sector. It also questions the sustainability of circular solutions by comparing recycling and reuse options. This study revealed also that a green supply chain management is key in the transition towards a circular economy and in the decarbonization process.

Local nonsimilar solution and heat analysis of mixed convective flow across whole spherical shape with nonisothermal surface temperature

This study investigates the behavior of a mixed convective boundary layer flowing around a rigid spherical shape with non-isothermal wall temperature. The fluid assumed in this examination exhibits both incompressibility and viscosity. The major purpose is to examine the impact of the non-uniform surface temperature on the flow patterns, including velocity outlines and temperature outlines. An examination is conducted on the modified conservation equations of the boundary layer flow utilizing the local non-similarity method. The MATLAB built-in code bvp4c is used to find computational solutions. The outcomes are then shown for both air and water, specifically at a temperature of 21°C. The influence of several factors, such as the mixed convective variable [Formula: see text] and the exponent [Formula: see text] in the wall temperature function [Formula: see text]), is shown in velocity and temperature profiles. In addition, the study computes the local frictional force factor and local wall heat transport factor and compares these values with results from earlier research. Significantly, the study expands upon data made around the lower stagnating point to include other sites within the sphere, thereby offering a thorough comprehension of the whole flowing field.

Exploring the train and airplane as transportation mode preferences among commuting students

<span id="docs-internal-guid-02f41037-7fff-1c57-9a0d-015e59ea3b77"><span>Transportation has significant role in urban life. Commuting students in universities in Semarang have several options in transportation modes. This study aimed to examine student preferences for train and airplane transportation modes and factors influencing it. Data of 110 students at several Semarang City Universities compiled by purposive sampling were then analyzed using descriptive statistics method. The results showed that most students prefer train transportation modes rather than airplanes. Regarding the level and quality of service, trains provide better services at cheaper, faster, and more practical prices. Meanwhile, based on the quality of service, aircraft transport offers better safety and comfort than Train transport. Although there are differences in the level and quality of comfort, students preferred to use train since the differences are not significant.</span></span>

Interactions between Hydrodynamic Forcing, Suspended Sediment Transport, and Morphology in a Microtidal Intermediate-Dissipative Beach

This study aims to investigate the hydrodynamic-morphological interactions on a microtidal intermediate-dissipative beach under low to moderate wave energy conditions using field measurements during two climatic seasons. The separate contributions of currents, sea-swell waves, and infragravity waves to high- and low-frequency sediment fluxes were analyzed. The infragravity wave energy was more relevant near the swash zone than in other areas. Although the currents are the primary suspended sediment transport mechanism, the results suggest that the waves are an important driver of sediment suspension from the seabed. The results indicate that Sea-Swell (SS) waves and cross-shore currents are the prevailing hydrodynamic factors in nearshore sediment transport, and the cross-shore suspended sediment transport rates are higher than those in alongshore transport. The submerged bar intensified during the wet season (1–4 November 2018) when the wave height intensities were lower, contrary to the dry season (24–25 March 2018). Significant accretion nearshore was identified (in the subaerial beach) during the wet season when the suspended sediments were greater, the SS-wave heights nearshore were lower, and sediment flux was directed onshore. A notorious erosion was distinguished during the dry season. The most representative volume changes occurred during the dry season (with high erosion), which is attributed to the high SS-wave energy.

Oxidative stress mediates nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of KPNA2 via AKT1-CDK1 axis-regulated S62 phosphorylation.

Karyopherin α 2 (KPNA2, importin α1), a transport factor shuttling between the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments, is involved in the nuclear import of proteins and participates in cellular processes such as cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and transcriptional regulation. However, it is still unclear which signaling regulates the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of KPNA2 in response to cellular stress. In this study, we report that oxidative stress increases nuclear retention of KPNA2 through alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1)-mediated reduction of serine 62 (S62) phosphorylation. We first found that AKT1 activation was required for H2O2-induced nuclear accumulation of KPNA2. Immunoprecipitation and quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that the phosphorylation of KPNA2 at S62 was decreased under H2O2-induced oxidative stress. We showed that cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), a kinase responsible for KPNA2 S62 phosphorylation, contributes to the localization of KPNA2 in the cytoplasm. AKT1 knockdown increased KPNA2 S62 phosphorylation and inhibited CDK1 activation. Furthermore, H2O2-induced AKT1 activation promoted nuclear KPNA2 interaction with nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), resulting in attenuation of NPM1-mediated cyclin D1 gene transcription. Thus, we infer that the AKT1-CDK1 axis regulates the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and function of KPNA2 through spatiotemporal regulation of KPNA2 S62 phosphorylation under oxidative stress conditions.

AIRS and MODIS Satellite-Based Assessment of Air Pollution in Southwestern China: Impact of Stratospheric Intrusions and Cross-Border Transport of Biomass Burning

The exacerbation of air pollution during spring in Yunnan province, China, has attracted widespread attention. However, many studies have focused solely on the impacts of anthropogenic emissions while ignoring the role of natural processes. This study used satellite data spanning 21 years from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) to reveal two natural processes closely related to springtime ozone (O3) and PM2.5 pollution: stratospheric intrusions (SIs) and cross-border transport of biomass burning (BB). We aimed to assess the mechanisms through which SIs and cross-border BB transport influence O3 and PM2.5 pollution in Southwestern China during the spring. The unique geographical conditions and prevalent southwest winds are considered the key driving factors for SIs and cross-border BB transport. Frequent tropopause folding provides favorable dynamic conditions for SIs in the upper troposphere. In the lower troposphere, the distribution patterns of O3 and stratospheric O3 tracer (O3S) are similar to the terrain, indicating that O3 is more likely to reach the surface with increasing altitude. Using stratospheric tracer tagging methods, we quantified the contributions of SIs to surface O3, ranging from 6 to 31 ppbv and accounting for 10–38% of surface O3 levels. Additionally, as Yunnan is located downwind of Myanmar and has complex terrain, it provides favorable conditions for PM2.5 and O3 generation from cross-border BB transport. The decreasing terrain distribution from north to south in Yunnan facilitates PM2.5 transport to lower-elevation border cities, whereas higher-elevation cities hinder PM2.5 transport, leading to spatial heterogeneity in PM2.5. This study provides scientific support for elucidating the two key processes governing springtime PM2.5 and O3 pollution in Yunnan, SIs and cross-border BB transport, and can assist policymakers in formulating optimal emission reduction strategies.

Local augmentation of phonon transport at GaInN/GaN heterointerface by introducing a graded variation of InN mole fraction

The pump and probe technique in Raman spectroscopy of the E2 (high) mode is exploited to uncover the enhancing factor of the phonon transport across Ga1−xInxN/GaN interfaces. Two samples are investigated: one with a uniform x of 0.09 and another one with a graded variation in x from 0.17 to 0 along the depth direction. Lateral phonon transport is obtained by scanning the 532-nm probing laser from the irradiation position of the 325-nm heating laser. No difference in the lateral diffusion length is observed between the two samples, while the transport probability across the interface is higher for the sample with the graded variation in x than the sample with the uniform x of 0.09. The microscopic images of the decrease in the mode energy or the increase in temperature of the GaN layer reveal that the local phonon transport across the heterointerface is enhanced in regions with low differences in the phonon mode energy between the GaN and GaInN rather than the difference in crystal quality.

Spatial difference of salt dynamics within burrows in high salinity zone (high intertidal zone & supratidal zone) of mudflat

Surface evaporation and seawater concentration in the tidal flat have been demonstrated as sources of salt for phreatic brine layers. However, the mechanisms of salt replenishment in such layers remain unclear. Here, the transport processes and factors influencing surface salt in mudflat under the influence of bioturbation were examined in the high salinity zone (high intertidal zone & supratidal zone) along the southern coast of Laizhou Bay, China. In this study, the laboratory model and numerical model of salt transport in the mudflat brine distribution area under the influence of crab burrows were constructed through in-situ investigation to simulate the salt transport process in the mudflat brine distribution area under different tidal amplitudes and different beach salinity, and the influence of the diameter and density of crab burrows on the water-salt exchange process was analyzed. The results indicate that in the salt-crust-free region, the salinity change in burrow-dense area (BDA) lags behind that of independent burrow (IB). At the same time, the salinity increase of IB is at most 17 ppt higher than that of BDA, and the salinity decrease of IB is at most 9 ppt lower than that of BDA, which made BDA promoting more salt accumulation and facilitating the salt transport to deeper layers. In the salt-crust-bearing region, due to the high salt content on the beach surface and the weak tidal amplitude, salt is continuously released and accumulated in the surface during multiple tidal cycles, but the ability to transport to the deep layer is weak. In this case, burrows characterized by larger diameters become the preferential paths for salt transport. In addition, crab burrows affect the evaporation of sediments. In this study, the surface salinity of sediments under the influence of burrows is around 10–45 ppt higher than that without burrows.

An Analysis of the Development Factors of Rail Freight Transport in Thailand: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

The railway infrastructure projects in Thailand aim to shift transportation from roads to railways. This is crucial for transporting goods in emerging economies and increasing the demand for rail freight transport. However, several dynamic uncertainties hinder sustainable rail freight transport in Thailand. This study aims to identify the key factors and validate their effects on the success of the modal shift from roads to railways in Thailand. A total of 200 participants filled out a questionnaire delivered online and via postal service. The key factors were categorized into the following categories: the rail freight transport system, demand, and development factors in Thailand. The inter-relationship and connection of these factors were analyzed using SEM (structural equation modeling). The SEM results showed that all causal factors in the model had a positive influence on rail freight development in Thailand, which explained 98.3% of the variance in the factors influencing development. This study’s findings underscore the influential significance of rail performance, rail infrastructure, the legal framework, pricing, mode choice, and technology on the expansion of rail freight transport in Thailand. The rail freight transport system, rail performance, rail infrastructure, and Thailand’s rail infrastructure development strategy were significant direct predictors of rail freight expansion. An expansion of the rail freight transport system also leads to rail freight demand. The results of this study have positive implications for the government, railway practitioners, and policymakers to prioritize their focus on achieving rail freight transport as the national target.

A method to derive nitrogen transport factors for New Zealand's agricultural lands

Risk index tools have the potential to assist farmers in making strategic decisions regarding their farm design to manage losses of nutrients. Such tools require a vulnerability framework, and these are often based on scores or rankings. These frameworks struggle to take account of interactions between elements of the physical environment. Process-based simulation models inherently take account of interactions and may be a viable alternative to score-based methods. We describe the method to populate a database of transport factors that covers the agricultural lands of New Zealand that is designed for usage as the susceptibility framework within a risk index tool. The method gives both leaching and runoff transport factors and gives values by month. The simulation model used had already been validated for simulating water and nitrogen balances and the generated spatial patterns of the transport factors was validated via expert assessment. These features allow good representation of the risks posed across a wide range of farming activities.•Use of a simulation model to quantify transport factors.•Captures the interactions between soil and weather factors in the physical environment.•Produces a country-wide database intended as a susceptibility framework for a risk index tool.