Efficient Transport Research Articles

Enhanced efficiency, electron lifetime, and eco-friendliness of dye-sensitized solar cells using nanofibrous TiO2/ZnO composite photoanodes and natural anthocyanin sensitizer

Semiconductor is the main part of the photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this study, an evaluation was conducted on two different morphological shapes of TiO2/ZnO semiconductors, namely nanoparticles (NPs) and nanofibers (NFs), to enhance the efficiency of DSSCs. The nanofibrous semiconductors were fabricated using the electrospinning technique. Furthermore, a natural sensitizer, anthocyanin dye, was used to promote the environmental friendliness of the fabricated cells. These cells were then compared to those that used a synthetic dye known as N719 to determine their efficiencies. The UV-vis results confirmed the extraction of anthocyanin from black plum fruits (Syzygium cumini). The structural characteristics of the composites were examined using XRD, FE-SEM, and BET experiments. The XRD results revealed that the anatase phase of TiO2 was dominant in the crystal structure of the semiconductors, while the crystallite sizes of the composites were 25.04 nm and 12.24 nm in NPs and NFs forms, respectively. The FE-SEM analysis revealed the formation of quasi-spherical NPs with an average diameter of 48.26 ± 17.75 nm and NFs with an average diameter of 153.99 ± 26.18 nm. The BET results showed that the surface characteristics of the nanocomposite were enhanced by changing the shape from NPs to NFs. Photovoltaic studies showed that utilizing NFs semiconductors in the photoanodes of DSSCs resulted in increased conversion efficiency of light to electricity. The results of the sun simulator studies confirmed that the use of natural dye led to a decrease in the effectiveness of the DSSCs. This phenomenon can be attributed to the weaker binding of the natural dye to the photoanodes. Furthermore, the EIS investigations illustrated that the electron lifetime in the natural dye is more than twice that of N719, leading to a reduced rate of electron recombination in the Syzygium cumini extract. The TiO2/ZnO NFs photoanodes exhibited superior performance compared to their nanoparticle counterparts in DSSCs. Their high surface area promoted superior dye adsorption and light absorption. Moreover, the interconnected nanofiber network facilitated efficient electron transport, minimizing recombination losses. Increasing the binding strength of the chosen natural dye to the photoanode will also make the cells more environmentally friendly and improve their ability to produce electricity.

Exosomes Derived from Rejuvenated Stem Cells Inactivate NLRP3 Inflammasome and Pyroptosis of Nucleus Pulposus Cells via the Transfer of Antioxidants.

Accumulating evidence supports the potential of exosomes as a promising therapeutic approach for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Nevertheless, enhancing the efficiency of exosome treatment remains an urgent concern. This study investigated the impact of quercetin on the characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their released exosomes. Exosomes were obtained from quercetin pre-treated MSCs and quantified for the production based on nanoparticle tracking and western blot analysis. The molecules involved in the secretion and cargo sorting of exosomes were investigated using western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. Based on the in vitro biological analysis and in vivo histological analysis, the effects of exosomes derived from conventional or quercetin-treated MSCs on nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were compared. A significant enhancement in the production and transportation efficiency of exosomes was observed in quercetin-treated MSCs. Moreover, the exosomes derived from quercetin-treated MSCs exhibited a greater abundance of antioxidant proteins, specifically superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), which inhibit the activation of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in NP cells. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, it was elucidated that exosomes derived from quercetin-treated MSCs possessed enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Collectively, our research underscores an optimized therapeutic strategy for IDD utilizing MSC-derived exosomes, thereby augmenting the efficacy of exosomes in intervertebral disc regeneration.

Multimodal Signal Retiming Projects: A Survey-Based Exploration of Traffic Signal Professionals’ Practices and Challenges

In the realm of traffic signal operations, the Signal Timing Manual second edition (STM2) serves as a foundational guide for professionals engaged in multimodal signal retiming projects. However, it is acknowledged that the STM2 has its limitations, and real-world conditions often necessitate adaptations in the established procedures. Considering this context, this research endeavors to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive survey aimed at traffic signal professionals. This study presents the findings of a comprehensive survey conducted among traffic signal professionals to explore the methodologies, challenges, and practices involved in multimodal signal retiming projects. The survey aimed to obtain detailed insights into the current state of signal retiming, the types of data and tools utilized, and the adaptations necessary to address the complexities of multimodal urban transportation networks. The survey highlights and summarizes responses from 36 professionals across North America, providing insight into both the common strategies and unique challenges faced by those responsible for optimizing signal timings in diverse and dynamic urban environments. The survey results reveal a reliance on diverse tools and data types for signal optimization, highlighting the complexities of accommodating different transportation needs. The findings underscore the importance of tailored approaches and advanced technologies in enhancing signal retiming processes. The insights gained from this study will inform future strategies and enhance the effectiveness of signal retiming procedures in urban areas, thereby contributing to improved traffic management and multimodal transportation efficiency.

Research on Crude Oil Transportation Technology of Hu-Huan Pipeline in Huanqing Block

Abstract This study comprehensively analyzes the performance of the Hu-Huan-Huan Pipeline (Hu-Huan Pipeline) in the Huanqing Block under different crude oil transportation processes, especially the additive-modified transportation process and the blank oil transportation process. Through in-depth analysis of the properties of additive-modified crude oil, simulation tests, and hydraulic and thermal calculations, it aims to solve the transportation challenges of the Hu-Huan Pipeline under extreme environmental conditions and ensure the safety, efficiency, and economy of pipeline operations. Research results show that the additive-modified transportation process can significantly improve the fluidity of crude oil and enhance transportation capacity and safety. Adding an appropriate amount of additives can reduce the viscosity of crude oil, reduce internal friction in the pipeline, and improve fluid movement efficiency, thereby effectively reducing transmission pressure loss and increasing transportation stability. In contrast, although the blank oil delivery process is feasible under certain conditions, it has limitations under extreme conditions. The viscosity of blank oil is high and it is easy to form scaling on the inner walls of pipelines, which increases the frequency of pipeline cleaning and maintenance, and also increases operating costs and risks. By comparing and analyzing the performance of the two processes, the best transportation strategies and suggestions for Hu-ring pipelines are put forward. For the additive-modified transportation process, it is recommended to add additives appropriately and optimize transportation parameters to ensure stable transportation of crude oil and safe operation of the pipeline system. For the blank oil transportation process, it is recommended to clean and maintain the pipeline regularly to reduce the occurrence of scaling and blockage and improve the reliability and sustainability of the system. In summary, this study provides an important reference for the optimized operation of similar pipeline systems in the future. By fully considering the impact of crude oil performance and transportation technology, pipeline transportation efficiency can be effectively improved, operational risks can be reduced, and the safety and sustainability of energy transportation can be ensured.

A two-phase algorithm for the dynamic time-dependent green vehicle routing problem in decoration waste collection

Transportation activities associated with construction waste generate substantial carbon emissions, an issue that is attracting increasing environmental concern. To raise construction waste transportation efficiency and reduce carbon emission, we address the dynamic time-dependent green vehicle routing problem for decoration waste collection (DTDGVRP-DWC). In the existing literature, many deterministic approaches to the dynamic vehicle routing problem are myopic, as they only react to already arrived requests. In this paper, we propose a stochastic sampling method to tackle with uncertain customer request in the real world. The DTDGVRP-DWC is formulated as an 0-1 programming. In the new model, we consider urban traffic congestion and variable speeds over time, and factors that significantly influence both carbon emissions and fuel costs. To quickly solve the complicated optimization problem, we develop a two-phase algorithm. In the first phase, we embed a competitive simulated annealing algorithm to determine visitation schedules for anticipated and early-request customers. In the second phase, we propose an event-trigger mechanism to decompose the dynamic problem into a series of static sub-problems, and an effective heuristic to solve each sub-problem. Computational results show that as long as the prediction accuracy exceeds a threshold, the forecast routing method consistently performs better than reactive routing. A real-world case demonstrates that an early commitment waiting time strategy benefits timely service requirements, whereas a late or hybrid waiting time strategy takes overall efficiency and customer satisfaction into account.

Effect of charge inversion on the electrokinetic transport of nanoconfined multivalent ionic solutions

Understanding the effects of phenomena occurring at electrically charged interfaces, such as charge inversion (CI), is crucial for enabling electroosmosis as an efficient transport mechanism in nanodevices. Here, we employ molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to systematically analyze the effect of CI on the electrokinetic transport of multivalent ionic solutions confined in amorphous silica nanochannels. We employ mixtures of monovalent and multivalent counterions while fixing the total ionic concentration to establish correlations between observed phenomena and the amount of multivalent ionic species in the electrolyte solution. The results show that the development of CI is related to a decrease in the mobility of the fluid layers adjacent to the charged surface. In addition, we observe that interfacial overcharging disrupts the water molecular orientation in the fluid layers adjacent to the channel walls. From the non-equilibrium MD simulations of electro-osmotic flow, we disclose the influence of phenomena related to the presence of CI. In particular, flow reversal occurs in scenarios involving CI due to increased local viscosity and a higher concentration of coions within the hydrodynamically mobile and electrokinetically active region of the charged interface. We also find that the magnitude of the wall zeta (ζ) potential displays a monotonic increase with the development of CI in the system. Moreover, we explain why positioning the wall ζ potential at an imaginary (slip) plane, which separates the hydrodynamically mobile and immobile fluid, is misleading.

General Design of Aligned-Channel Porous Carbon Electrodes for Efficient High-Current-Density Gas-Evolving Electrocatalysis.

Gas-evolving reactions (GERs) are important in many electrochemical energy conversion technologies and chemical industries. The operation of GERs at high current densities is critical for their industrial implementation but remains challenging as it poses stringent requirements on the electrodes in terms of reaction kinetics, mass transfer, and electron transport. Here the general and rational design of self-standing carbon electrodes with vertically aligned porous channels, appropriate pore size distribution, and high surface area as supports for loading a variety of catalytic species by facile electrodeposition are reported. These electrodes simultaneously possess high intrinsic activity, large numbers of active sites, and efficient transport highways for ions, gases, and electrons, resulting in significant performance improvements at high current densities in diverse GERs such as urea oxidation, hydrogen evolution, and oxygen evolution reactions, as well as overall urea/water electrolyzers. As an example, the carbon electrode decorated with Ni(OH)2 demonstrates a record-high current density of 1000mAcm-2 at 1.360V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode, largely outperforming the conventional nickel foam-based counterpart and the state-of-the-art electrodes.

Centrifugation-modulated uniform antibacterial paper with well-interconnected hierarchical pores for flexible high-sensitivity humidity monitoring

Humidity-sensitive electrode architecture with high uniformity and enriched open pores is essential and crucial to the high-performance humidity monitoring. However, challenges remain pertaining to manufacturing consistency, remarkable water trapping and superior electrical conductivity. Herein, we demonstrated a facile and controllable centrifugal casting strategy for consistently constructing flexible antibacterial graphene oxide (GO)-silver nanowire (AgNW) humidity sensor, with ample well-interconnected hierarchical pores built by uniformly-distributed AgNWs and orientated GO nanosheets. The unique architectural features facilitated highly efficient transport and high-level trapping of water molecules, and meanwhile guaranteed continuous conductive network for accelerating electrochemical reactions of water molecules trapped inside the device, thereby boasting impressive humidity-sensing capability with a wide sensing range (7.6–95.6 % relative humidity (RH)), a low detection limit (3.8 % RH), good long-time stability (more than 100 days), exceptional folding durability (up to 1000 times), superior selectivity and sensitive monitoring in actual scenes. This work opens a promising route for architecting advanced humidity sensor with prominent monitoring ability toward future uses.

Efficient Transportation Planning: A Case Study of Multi-Dimensional Solid Transportation Problem

Efficient Transportation Planning: A Case Study of Multi-Dimensional Solid Transportation Problem

Comparison of surface layers responses under heavy truck loadings on new and rehabilitated pavement with different interface bond conditions

The integrity and functionality of road pavements are vital for ensuring safe and efficient transportation networks. However, surface layers are prone to various forms of deterioration. This study investigates the responses of two pavement structures-one newly constructed and one rehabilitated-under traffic loading, through experimental tests conducted on an accelerated pavement testing facility (APT) and numerical simulations using the Viscoroute©2.0 software. Focus is placed on surface layer behavior, with an emphasis on understanding the behavior of interfaces between the asphalt layers. The findings show that the new pavement structure exhibits good bonding and continuous strain distribution, while the reinforced pavement structure exhibits partial sliding at the interface and strain discontinuity. For the new pavement structure, the strains are well predicted using a bonded interface, while for the rehabilitated pavement structure, the strains are predicted using a thin elastic interface layer with a low elastic modulus.

Automation in the Maritime Transport System – A Framework for Planning Resilient Operations

Abstract Maritime transport systems (MTS) are becoming increasingly automated, integrated and complex. New technology, automation and autonomous systems will contribute to safer, greener, and more efficient transport systems. However, the advancements pose new challenges, and it is a need to understand and manage the potential brittleness and risks. Uncertainties and the unknown should be prepared for when planning the implementation of new technology. Hence, this paper presents a framework to support the planning for resilient operations when introducing autonomy in a MTS. The framework is based on a resilient approach and is the first draft of a framework being developed within the research project Maritime Resilience Management of an Integrated Transport system (MARMAN). The approach is intended to facilitate a process where MTS actors work systematically to identify challenges, clarify potential future measures, and prepares for integrating automation and autonomy in a system. The method emphasizes the needs for cooperation, coordination and integrated planning across different transport modalities, organizational boundaries and stakeholders. But also between humans and technology, focusing on the different levels of planning (i.e. strategic, tactical and operational), where the main objectives will be to increase resilience by coping with potential critical events. In addition, continuous learning and commitment between actors and how to use the new technology are crucial for enhancing resilience.

Design of innovative phase-change cold storage refrigerator and simulation analysis of discharging progress

At present, the field of cold chain logistics experiences significant growth, with refrigerator playing a pivotal role in cold chain transportation. An innovative compartmentalized phase-change cold storage refrigerator has been proposed in this study, designed to address the increasing demand for efficient and energy-saving solutions in the cold chain transportation industry. A conceptual module prototype is designed and built in this study, with an analysis of the system's charging and discharging processes under varying conditions. The cold storage refrigerator exhibits favorable matching characteristics, the charging process requires approximately 270 min, and the cooling effect sustains for about 23 h. A three-dimensional simulation model of the cold storage refrigerator is developed, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of the cooling effect and further optimization of the cold storage plate layout. The results indicate that the layout of the three-sided type cold plate significantly reduces the pre-cooling time. It is determined through simulation calculations in this study that setting the loading capacity to 50 % can strike a balance between efficient cooling and transportation efficiency. Additionally, under high-temperature conditions, the cold storage refrigerator maintains a low temperature for up to 10 h at a filling rate of 50 %.

Future pathways for green hydrogen: Analyzing the nexus of renewable energy consumption and hydrogen development in Chinese cities

Hydrogen energy offers a promising pathway for achieving zero-carbon urban energy consumption. This study quantitatively analyzes the patterns of hydrogen energy development and its linked to electricity consumption in China's urban areas. It investigates the spatial relationships between hydrogen energy expansion, the potential for green hydrogen production, and overall energy use. Utilizing a coupling coordination degree (CCD) model and a panel vector autoregressive (PVAR) model, the research explores the dynamic interactions between urban hydrogen energy development and the transition to renewable energy sources. In line with Chinese government policy, the study also conducts a scenario analysis of green hydrogen production by 2030, proposing a consumption strategy that balances environmental sustainability with economic growth. The key conclusions are as follows: (1) There is a spatial mismatch between the locations where hydrogen energy is being developed and where the potential for green hydrogen production is greatest. Cities with higher electricity consumption demonstrate stronger synergies in the coordinated development of hydrogen and renewable energy. (2) The development of hydrogen energy significantly accelerates the transition to renewable energy consumption in urban areas, with this impact being more substantial than that of the utilization capacity alone. (3) Hydrogen production in the Plan Scenario is significantly higher than in the Pessimistic Scenario, underscoring the critical importance of implementing renewable hydrogen projects in provinces with high production potential. Future trends in green hydrogen consumption at the provincial level indicate that addressing the challenges of efficient inter-provincial transportation of hydrogen energy remains essential.

Problems of Tourist Transport in Dhi Qar Governorate in 2023

This research aims to determine the efficiency of the road transport network and to highlight the major road problems, as they play a significant role in the development and enhancement of tourist sites in Dhi-Qar Governorate. It examines the impact on various types of vehicular transport, given that cars offer unique advantages, such as door-to-door transportation and meeting the requirements of tourism and recreational activities at the destination. Road transport represents the primary foundation for tourism and its growth; thus, discussing the development of the tourism sector is incomplete without an efficient and advanced transportation system.The study explores the functional relationship between the elements of the car transport system and tourism activities at all spatial levels—local, regional, and international. This relationship serves as the theoretical framework for the role of road transport in creating developmental spatial benefits through road routes leading to tourist sites. These routes act as transportation hubs within the regional composite of Dhi-Qar Governorate, capable of generating and attracting traffic using car transport. Therefore, the study focuses on the major issues faced by the road network leading to tourist sites in Dhi-Qar Governorate. Dhi-Qar Governorate is among the prominent areas with tourism potential due to its significant archaeological sites, environmental recreational areas like the marshes, and religious sites that hold importance for many people.

Regulation of yeast <i>RAD9</i> gene in energy charge, intracellular ROS, and cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage

In various environmental conditions, eukaryotic cells are exposed to many kinds of exogenous toxic agents as well as to endogenous agents like reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from oxidative metabolism that can all result in damage to DNA. To cope with these types of damage, yeast cells have evolved a number of mechanisms and specific response systems regulated by key control genes. One of which is RAD9 gene that regulates DNA damage and repair checkpoints, and cell cycle arrest. Thus, a series of methods, e.g. oxygen consumption monitoring, physicochemical analysis, and flow cytometry, were used in the present study to investigate the role of the RAD9 gene by using the BY4742 (wild type) and specific knock-out yeast strains (∆rad9) and elucidate the function of this gene in cellular defense mechanism and metabolic response to DNA damage triggered by methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) treatment. The results indicated that fully functional DNA damage repair and cell cycle checkpoint (RAD9, wild type) significantly enhanced mitochondrial activity and oxygen consumption, reduced intracellular ROS accumulation. Fully functional mitochondria attenuated ROS accumulation, enabled efficient mitochondrial electron transport chain (mtETC) and ATP synthesis, and stabilized cellular energy status. Also, high mitochondrial activity acted as a protective mechanism against oxidative stress. In contrast, deletion of the RAD9 (∆rad9) resulted in high ROS accumulation and damaged to mitochondrial DNA, leading to strong inhibition of mitochondrial activity and oxygen consumption. Furthermore, low mitochondrial activity in cells lacking RAD9 (∆rad9) led to the development of oxidative stress. Subsequently, high ROS accumulation in ∆rad9 cells caused a block of the mtETC, repression of ATP synthesis, fluctuation of cellular energy status, and induction of cell cycle arrest at S and G2/M phases.

Constraining the Excessive Aggregation of Non-Fullerene Acceptor Molecules Enables Organic Solar Modules with the Efficiency >16.

Translating high-performance organic solar cell (OSC) materials from spin-coating to scalable processing is imperative for advancing organic photovoltaics. For bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrialization, it is essential to understand the structural formation dynamics within the photoactive layer during printing processes. In this study, two typical printing-compatible solvents in the doctor-blading process are employed to explore the intricate mechanisms governing the thin-film formation in the state-of-the-art photovoltaic system PM6:L8-BO. Our findings highlight the synergistic influence of both the donor polymer PM6 and the solvent with a high boiling point on the structural dynamics of L8-BO within the photoactive layer, significantly influencing its morphological properties. The optimized processing strategy effectively suppresses the excessive aggregation of L8-BO during the slow drying process in doctor-blading, enhancing thin-film crystallization with preferential molecular orientation. These improvements facilitate more efficient charge transport, suppress thin-film defects and charge recombination, and finally enhance the upscaling potential. Consequently, the optimized PM6:L8-BO OSCs demonstrate power conversion efficiencies of 18.42% in small-area devices (0.064 cm2) and 16.02% in modules (11.70 cm2), respectively. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the interplay among thin-film formation kinetics, structure dynamics, and device performance in scalable processing.

LINEAR PROGRAMMING FOR ALLOCATING TRANSPORTATION CAPACITIES IN FREIGHT PLANNING

Effective allocation of transport capacities is vital for motor transport enterprises engaged in freight transportation. As the demand for goods transportation rises, optimizing resource utilization becomes essential for ensuring timely deliveries, minimizing costs, and enhancing overall operational efficiency. Linear programming, a powerful tool in mathematical optimization, plays a key role in facilitating the rational distribution of limited resources. By framing the allocation problem as a linear program, enterprises can systematically identify the optimal use of their transport capacities, taking into account critical factors such as vehicle availability, delivery schedules, and associated costs. In the realm of operational planning, linear programming offers a structured and analytical approach to addressing the complexities inherent in freight transportation. This study delves into both the theoretical underpinnings and the practical applications of linear programming, showcasing its potential to significantly improve resource allocation strategies, boost efficiency, and reduce operational costs. Through the analysis of real-world examples and empirical data, the study provides valuable insights that can aid practitioners and researchers alike in refining logistics optimization practices, ultimately contributing to more efficient and cost-effective freight transport operations. Keywords: linear programming, transportation capacities, operational planning, freight transportation, resource optimization.

Composites with Synergistically Enhanced Thermodynamic and Mechanical Properties for Geothermal Heat Exchangers

Geothermal energy, derived from the radioactive decay of elements within the Earth's core, is a renewable and clean energy source. The extraction of geothermal energy primarily depends on ground heat exchangers. To address the issue of incompatibility between corrosion resistance, high thermal conductivity, and mechanical performance in current ground heat exchangers, this study develops composites (PEPOE/SCA@SiC) composed of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) modified with toughener polyethylene‐octene copolymer elastomer (POE) and silicon carbide (SiC) crystals modified with γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (SCA). HDPE offers excellent corrosion resistance, SiC crystals provide efficient phonon transport, and SCA improves the interface compatibility of the composite. The thermal conductivity of PEPOE/SCA@SiC reaches 3.83 W m−1K−1, with a maximum tensile strength of 20.3 MPa, a tensile elastic modulus of up to 498 MPa, and a maximum bending stress of 22.2 MPa with a bending elastic modulus of 561 MPa. Corrosion resistance tests indicate no signs of corrosion in PEPOE/SCA@SiC when exposed to geothermal simulation fluids at 90 °C for 30 days. This study demonstrates that PEPOE/SCA@SiC composites have substantial potential for application in ground heat exchangers, offering promising prospects for advancing sustainable use of geothermal energy and environmental protection.

Short-term Traffic Flow Prediction Based on KELM Optimized By Improved Slime Mould Algorithm

Traffic flow prediction plays a crucial role in improving transportation efficiency and enhancing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). However, the temporal, spatial, and nonlinear nature of traffic flow data presents challenges for accurate short-term prediction. We propose a short-term traffic flow prediction model based on Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (KELM) optimized by the improved Slime Mould Algorithm (SMA). KELM is an improved version of Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) that incorporates kernel functions for improved generalization and stability. SMA is a meta-heuristic algorithm inspired by the behavior of slime mould in foraging, known for its strong global searching ability. For better performance, three strategies are introduced: the Good Point Set method for optimizing the initial population, the combination of Opposition Based Learning (OBL) and Differential Evolution (DE) to improve the slime mould generation mechanism, and the use of adaptive t distribution mutation to enhance convergence speed. After comparing the performance of these improved SMAs on twelve test functions, the ISMA improved by integrating three strategies as mentioned above is best. Then the ISMA is applied to search for the optimal parameters of KELM model. Finally, the optimized KELM with optimal parameters is applied to predict the short-term traffic flow on given traffic data set. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model, KELM optimized by ISMA namely ISMA-KELM, outperforms existing models such as Random Forest (RF), Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LSSVM), KELM optimized by Tuna Swarm Optimization Algorithm (TSO-KELM), and KELM optimized by SMA (SMA-KELM) in terms of traffic flow prediction accuracy. The proposed model ISMA-KELM provides a promising approach for addressing the challenges of traffic flow prediction, offering improved accuracy and efficiency in real-time traffic management systems.

THE ROLE OF TRANSPORT CORRIDORS IN STRENGTHENING IRANIAN REGIONAL COOPERATION IN CENTRAL ASIA

The role of transport corridors in strengthening regional cooperation in Centra l Asia is critical, especially in the context of Iran's evolving foreign policy. Amidst the backdrop of the Russian-Ukrainian confrontation and the expansion of major infrastructure projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Iran's strategic initiatives in Central Asia have gained prominence. This article aims to explore how transport corridors can enhance Iran's regional influence and cooperation with Central Asian countries. The main question addressed is: how do these transport corridors contribute to regiona l stability and economic integration? The hypothesis is that Iran's active participation in developing these corridors, particularly through key projects like the Chabahar Port, not only boosts trade and connectivity but also counters geopolitica l isolation and fosters long-term regional cooperation. The research utilizes the theory of regional integration and interdependence, supported by qualitative content analysis of documents, texts, and expert interviews related to regional transport strategies.The findings indicate that efficient transport infrastructure is fundamental for economic development and political stability in Central Asia. Iran's collaboration with Russia and China further amplifies the benefits of these corridors, providing a strategic counterbalance to Western influence. Ultimately, the study highlights that Iran's role in Central Asia is pivotal for broader regional integration and sustainable development.