bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Compact Bow-Tie Slotted Antenna for Satellite Communication
Authors: A G Mamatha A , Hadalgi Pradeep M
Published: November 2023

A printed antenna using the slot-loading technique is adapted in the design to achieve multiband. A rectangular microstrip (printed) antenna with a Bow-Tie shape slot embedded on the radiating patch using a glass epoxy substrate with dimensions 3.34 x2.47 x 0.16 cms. The antenna is simulated using high-frequency structure simulator software and fabricated using a photolithography process. Experimental results are measured using a vector analyzer. the proposed antenna is resonating at three different frequencies 4.62 GHz, 8.14 GHz, and 12.41 GHz with a return loss of -20.00 dB, -25.09 dB, and -26.45 dB respectively. The antenna is resonating between 4.62 GHz to 12.41 GHz frequency which covers applications in the field of satellite (space to earth)5.441 and mobile communication 5.463.
Experimental Investigation of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Including Metakoline
Authors: Sethia Arpit . , Kumar Shashi R.
Published: November 2023

As construction is increasing day by day in last decade, it is concerned for processing of waste material with the help of recent technology. The current study investigated the effect of metakoline (MK) on mechanical properties of RAC. The current study presents the experimental results of Recycled aggregate (RA) with different percentage 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100% in concrete replaced by natural coarse aggregate. Casting of cube, beam, cylinder mould has been done. In addition to this replacement of cement partially with MK also has been introduced. The flexural strength, compressive tensile strength and split tensile strength of M-30 and M-25 have been determined and also there design mix has been prepared. The results show good effect up to 60% aggregate replacement but on further increases the replacement ratio of aggregate, strength decreases. Therefore sustainable concrete may be produced to make environment safe and eco-friendly.
On Certain Triple Integral Relations Involving Elementary Functions
Authors: Mishra Mithilesh K. , Shrivastava Rajeev , Dubey Anamika , Mishra Lakshmi N. , Tiwari S. K.
Published: November 2023

The aim of this paper is to establish three triple integral relations involving elementary functions. A number of triple integrals can be deduced by proper specialization of the unknown functions f and g occurring in these relations. For the sake of illustration, one of our integral relations is applied to evaluate a general triple integral involving Asgar, Gautam and Goyal multivariable A- function.Mathematics Subject Classification: 33C45, 33C60, 26D20
Failure Analysis and Field Repair of Urea reactor
Authors: Sivaraman Krishnan , Singh Ravinder , Singh Abhishek
Published: November 2023

The outer shell of a Multi-layered Urea reactor ruptured while the plant was in operation. The plant madean emergency shutdown, samples were collected, and an investigation carried out to establish the root cause of the failure. The paper explains the detailed analysis performed, corrective action implemented, and a health assessment for the equipment’s safe working. The paper also includes references to similar failures in old multi-layered urea reactors subsequently and the mitigation plans to avoid such failures.
Aseguramiento y control de la calidad de los datos en un estudio de cohorte en Colombia
Authors: Muñoz-González Simón , Zuleta-Tobón John Jairo
Published: November 2023

Introducción: la calidad de los datos facilita garantizar la fiabilidad de los estudios observacionales. Objetivo: describir el aseguramiento y el control de calidad para mantener la fiabilidad y la validez del dato en un estudio de cohorte. Métodos: presentar el manejo de datos implementado dentro de un seguimiento de enfermos renales crónicos cuya exposición fue un programa de protección renal comparado con el tratamiento convencional y su asociación con desenlaces clínicos. Se evaluó el cambio en la frecuencia de errores después de implementar el plan y la reproducibilidad del ingreso de registros a las bases de datos. Resultados: se documentó una disminución progresiva en los errores cometidos en la captación de datos. El valor de Kappa entre los recolectores de la información para las variables clínicas más importantes fue 0,960 para la depuración de creatinina < 60 mL/min; 0,942 para la alteración ecografía renal; 0,871 para la proteinuria > 150 mg/dL; 0,730 para la alteración del sedimento urinario; 0,956 para la asignación de estadio al ingreso. Los coeficientes de correlación intraclase para la identificación de las cifras de presión arterial sistólica fue 0,996; para la de presión arterial diastólica 0,993 y para los niveles de creatinina sérica al diagnóstico 0,995. Discusión: la calidad de los datos comienza con el reconocimiento de los retos y dificultades que implica su responsable captación, de ahí el aporte de la estandarización de los procesos y el personal que los lleve a cabo en forma idónea. Estudios evidencian que muchos procesos de mejora surgen en el desarrollo de la investigación sin protocolos preestablecidos. Conclusión: la reducción en la proporción y el tipo de error durante el proceso de captación de datos se debe a su identificación temprana y la corrección de instructivos, del instrumento de control de diligenciamiento y de la capacitación continua del personal. El análisis mostró una buena concordancia interevaluador.
Results of Remote Monitoring of Methane Concentration in the Air of Western Siberia Using the On-board Infrared Lidar Complex
Authors: Yakovlev S.V. , Sadovnikov S.A. , Romanovskii O.A.
Published: November 2023

The description of the developed infrared on-board differential absorption lidar for measuring methane content in the air was presented. The lidar was installed on board of aircraft-laboratory Tu-134 "Optic". Flight tests of the developed lidar and experimental measurements of methane concentration along the vertical routing were carried out in the summer atmosphere of mid-latitudes. Lidar measurements of methane content in the air were analyzed. They were compared with local measurements from the gas analyser installed on board of aircraftlaboratory and the results of preliminary numerical modelling. It was concluded that the on-board lidar can measure methane concentration within background values in the mid-latitude summer atmosphere.
Study of the Toxicity of Welding Aqueous Suspensions Obtained by Hyperbaric Welding
Authors: Kirichenko K.Yu. , Chernousov V.A. , Vakhniuk I.A. , Leonov S.V. , Golokhvast K.S.
Published: November 2023

It was shown that water-diluted spray after hyperbaric welding area demonstrates pronounced bacteriological inhibition. It was found that water after hyperbaric welding, in addition to growth inhibition, also induces the synthesis of natural inhibitors of living organisms – biocins, which adversely affect the ecosystem. It was concluded that such properties are useful in the economy, in particular, for initiating an increased synthesis of biocines in bioreactors for the purpose of further isolation and inclusion in technologies as natural growth inhibitors.
The expression profile of genes associated with behavior, stress, and adult neurogenesis along the hippocampal dorsoventral axis in tame and aggressive foxes
Authors: Alexandrovich Yu. V. , Antonov E. V. , Shikhevich S. G. , Kharlamova A. V. , Meister L. V. , Makovka Y. V. , Shepeleva D. V. , Gulevich R. G. , Herbeck Yu. E.
Published: November 2023

The hippocampus plays the key role in stress response regulation, and stress response appears to be weakened in domesticated animals compared to their wild relatives. The hippocampus is functionally heterogeneous along its dorsoventral axis, with its ventral compartment being more closely involved in stress regulation. An earlier series of experiments was conducted with a unique breeding model of animal domestication, the farm silver fox (Vulpes vulpes), which included tame, aggressive, and unselected animals. A decrease in many indices of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal activity was observed in tame animals. Also, adult hippocampal neurogenesis was more intense in tame foxes, and this fact may relate to reduced stress levels in this experimental population of foxes. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the reduced stress response in tame animals remain obscure. In this study, serum cortisol levels and the mRNA levels of 13 genes in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus have been measured and compared in tame, aggressive, and unselected foxes. At the current stage of domestication, stress-induced cortisol levels in tame, aggressive, and unselected animals differ significantly from each other: tame foxes show the lowest levels, and aggressive ones, the highest. Twelve genes tested demonstrate significant gene expression differences between the dorsal and ventral hippocampi. These differences are mainly consistent with those found in rodents and humans. In tame foxes, significantly elevated mRNA levels were recorded for several genes: CYP26B1 for cytochrome P450 26B1 and ADRA1A for α1A adrenergic receptor in the dorsal hippocampus, whereas the level of NR3C2 mRNA for mineralocorticoid receptor was higher in the ventral. It is presumed that these genes constitute an important part of the mechanism reducing stress induced by contacts with humans and contribute to linking stress regulation with adult neurogenesis in tame foxes and domesticated animals in general.
Introducing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: Some Legal Issues
Authors: Van Der Heijden Rob , Van Wees Kiliaan
Published: November 2023

The introduction of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in road traffic induces many complex questions. One of them is whether or not present legislation frameworks are able to accommodate a smooth development and market implementation of ADAS. This is strongly related to the aspect of traffic safety. The various aspects related to this issue are categorised based on an exploration of the functionality and possible failure of ADAS. Next, some problem categories are more in-depth elaborated. In particular attention is paid to the need for establishing safety requirements to the design and marketing of ADAS as well as the issue of liability regulation. It is concluded that decision making on safety requirements mainly takes place at an international level. However, so far hardly any requirements regarding ADAS have been laid down in compulsory rules yet. It is further concluded that current legal frameworks in both the fields of vehicle safety standards and liability provide for (some) flexibility towards technical developments regarding ADAS, i.e. these frameworks do not contain many ‘hard rules’ obstructing the introduction of ADAS. Concerning the safety regulation of ADAS it is argued that the speed of technological developments and the innovative and specific nature of ADAS technology generate various tensions. These tensions should have consequences for the weight that is put on public and private intervention mechanisms and the relation between preventive safety standards and reactive regimes such as product liability and post-market controls.
An Application of the Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) Analysis to the Selection of a New Hub Airport
Authors: Janic Milan , Reggiani Aura
Published: November 2023

The paper illustrates the application of three Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods to the problem of the selection of a new hub airport for a hypothetical European Union (EU) airline assumed to operate within the EU liberalised air transport market. The three MCDM methods used are SAW (Simple Additive Weighting), TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution) and AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process), and they are applied to a preselected set of alternative airports. The attributes (criteria) are defined to express the performance of particular alternatives (airports) relevant for a Decision-Maker (DM), in this case the EU airline in question. In addition to illustrating the three methods, this application of three different MCDM methods is intended to lead to a preliminary judgment about their usefulness as supplementary decision-making tools for eventual practical use. The example in which seven preselected European airports are ranked according to nine performance criteria, indicates that all three methods, if applied to the same problem and using the same method for determining the importance of the different criteria, produce the same results
The Built Environment and Travel
Authors: Cervero Robert
Published: November 2023

Please refer to the paper
Port Pricing. Considerations on Economic Principles and Marginal Costs
Authors: Meersman H. , Van de Voorde E. , Vanelslander T.
Published: November 2023

Pricing by ports and operators within ports is considered quite a complex and untransparant matter, and as such it is sometimes perceived as archaic. This often results in debates about subsidies, captive markets and the dredging and deepening of maritime access routes, raising questions concerning potential distortion of competition and/or abuse of monopolistic power. This paper starts from the most important scientific literature on port pricing (and port competition), and adds new empirical results while calculating the marginal cost of a port call. A distinction is made between four elements of marginal costs in port operations, being costs for provision of infrastructure, costs associated with the use of the transport mode, costs for supplying port services, and external costs. This material may constitute the basis for a meaningful debate on the implementation of a pricing approach that is grounded on the marginal cost principle.
System analysis of train operations and track occupancy at railway stations
Authors: Nie Lei , Hansen Ingo A.
Published: November 2023

A system analysis approach is presented for investigation of train operations in railway stations based on network, timetable and train detection data. The estimated blocking times, buffer times and track occupancies are compared with real operations data recorded automatically by track circuits. Statistical analysis of train operations between two Dutch major railway stations in The Hague clearly reveals that the trains operate at lower than design speed and the capacity of the critical routes to/from the platform tracks via level crossings is occupied up to 80 %. Furthermore, the dwell times at platform tracks are systematically extended due to hinder by other trains and behaviour of railway personnel. The scheduled headway between arrival and departure of some pairs of trains at critical route nodes proves to be insufficient, because the scheduled dwell times at stations and running times at junctions are generally exceeded and often leads to route conflicts if the headway times are short. The quality of timetable design and train operations in stations would be improved significantly if the feasibility of the scheduled arrival and departure times at major transfer stations was proven by a detailed estimation of the blocking and buffer times based on observed running times and delays during operations. The buffer time at junctions and level crossings should reflect the distribution of real train speeds and blocking
times.
Opportunities of advanced driver assistance systems towards overtaking
Authors: Hegeman Geertje , Brookhuis Karel , Hoogendoorn Serge
Published: November 2023

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are available on the market whilst the development of existing systems and new systems continues. Improving safety is one of the key purposes of these systems. ADAS would therefore be welcome to support overtaking manoeuvres, since these cause many fatal accidents each year. Before an ADAS could be developed that can assist drivers with overtaking a thorough task analysis of overtaking is necessary and presented in this paper. The overtaking manoeuvre is divided in five phases, in which more than 20 subtasks are distinguished. Next, possibilities of ADAS towards overtaking are verified. Almost all subtasks of an overtaking manoeuvre can be assisted with existing ADAS functionalities, combined in a so-called active overtaking assistant. Unfortunately, for the more complex subtasks such as ‘judging the distance with the first opposing vehicle’ and ‘monitoring the deviations of the lead vehicle’ no ADAS functionality is available yet.
Does the car make elderly people happy and mobile? Settlement structures, car availability and leisure mobility of the elderly
Authors: Scheiner Joachim
Published: November 2023

According to gerontological mobility research, appropriate settlement structures at the neighbourhood level and car availability are both playing a prominent role in the maintenance of mobility of elderly people. However, car availability is strongly connected to other individual attributes like age, health and gender. The paper presents empirical results from Germany, which support the thesis that car availability is not a cause for mobility, but rather a result of a specific life situation and way of life of elderly people, which is associated with a specific type of mobility. What is more, there is no evidence for a significant influence of settlement structures on mobility. The contribution is based on multiple regression analyses of leisure mobility of elderly people living in three different spatial contexts.
Comparison of Capital Costs per Route-Kilometre in Urban Rail
Authors: Flyvbjerg Bent , Bruzelius Nils , Wee Bert Van
Published: November 2023

Because of the prominent position of urban rail in reducing urban transport-related problems, such as congestion and air pollution, insights into the costs of possible new urban rail projects is very relevant for those involved with cost estimations, policy makers, costbenefit analysts, and other target groups. Knowledge of the differences in costs per kilometre, including explanations of differences and their breakdowns is currently lacking in the literature. This paper aims to provide a first stage insight into how cost per kilometre varies across urban rail projects. The methodology applied is a simple cost comparison across projects where the data collected are comparable. We conclude that capital costs per routekilometre of urban rail vary highly between projects. Looking at European projects and excluding outliers, the total capital costs per route-kilometre (including stations and rolling stock) lie mainly between US$50-100 million (2002 prices). Including US projects, the range is US$50-150 million. The main reasons for the high variation in the route-kilometre costs are differences between projects as regards the ratio of underground to above-ground construction, ground conditions, station spacing, type of rolling stock, environmental and safety constraints and labour costs. We warn, however, that the observations used to reach the conclusions are too few to obtain results with statistical significance. Our results must therefore be seen as a first step towards collecting more data so that a more succinct statistical analysis can be conducted. Another conclusion is therefore that this area has future research potential.
Transport Integration at European Ports: Measuring the Role and Position of Intermediaries
Authors: Ducruet César , Horst Martijn Van Der
Published: November 2023

The integration of ports within logistics and supply chains has become a major issue for both public and private players worldwide. Notably, the role of intermediaries in establishing efficient integration within transport chains in which ports are embedded is not well-known. International comparison is limited by the drastic lack of quantifiable information about inter-firm linkages and intermodal operations. Based on a European business database, this paper analyses the modal portfolio and employment distribution of about 8,000 transport firms, intermodal operators, and freight forwarders among 80 European ports. It allows measuring the degree to which different industries such as port activities, logistics, warehousing, road, sea, river, rail, and air transport, integrate within firms and within ports. Main results of the quantitative analysis show that transport integration and port performance have significant interdependence, but this is influenced by hinterland size, accessibility, and regional legacies differentiating Northern from Southern ports.
The Politics and Institutions of Project Approval - a Critical-Constructive Comment on the Theory of Strategic Misrepresentation
Authors: Osland Oddgeir , Strand Arvid
Published: November 2023

This article addresses theoretical and methodological explanations of miscalculations of costs and benefits in large infrastructure projects. In particular the focus is on the most influential theoretical contribution in this area, labeled ‘the theory of strategic misrepresentation’, a theory strongly associated with the work of Bent Flyvbjerg. The theory’s major explanation of cost overruns is that the registration and representation of data and the calculations of costs and benefits are made by planners in organisations that have economic interests in the results. They work in a context were they compete for scarce public resources, and in which lying pays off in the end. The result is, as Flyvbjerg expresses it, the ‘survival of the unfittest’. It is not the best projects that are built, but the most misrepresented ones. This theory, with its focus on the institutional context and incentive structures, represents a major step forward compared to the solely methodological explanations. However, it has several shortcomings both in theoretical and methodological terms. Methodologically, the research has not the design necessary for validating the conclusion of ‘the survival of the unfittest’. Theoretically, the framework does not offer any variation on the institutional variable nor when it comes to variation in planners (actors) motives and rationality. Hence, there is a need for a broader theoretical framework. We conclude our article by sketching such a framework, an institutional approach grounded in sociological theory, as well as applying it to Norwegian transport planning. The Norwegian research in this area does not support the thesis that project approval is a result of planners’ strategic actions. More often it is an outcome of institutions where politicians play a key role at all levels and stages of the planning process, often neglecting planners’ analyses and recommendations.
Digging through the Heart of Reunified Berlin: Unbundling the Decision-Making Process for the Tiergarten-Tunnel Mega-Project
Authors: Peters Deike
Published: November 2023

The Berlin Tiergarten tunnel project (VZB) consisted of a joint planning approval procedure for one road and several rail tunnels (inter-city, metro rail and city subway). The tunnels lead through the heart of re-unified Berlin, starting at the site of the new Central Railway Station, cutting underneath the River Spree and the new Federal government quarter, as well the Tiergarten Park and the new entertainment complexes at Potsdamer Platz. This paper traces the decision-making processes for this crucial post-Berlin Wall mega-project, and raises important questions regarding optimistic forecasts, cost overruns, the role of prestige in large infrastructure projects, and the limits of public review procedures. It provides particular insights into a complex case where multiple urban transport mega-projects were bundled together for joint approval and implementation.
What drives the Acceptability of Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA)?
Authors: Vlassenroot Sven , Molin Eric , Kavadias Dimokritos , Marchau Vincent , Brookhuis Karel , Witlox Frank
Published: November 2023

To have knowledge about the acceptability of Intelligent Transport systems (ITS) is most beneficial for the development of supported implementation strategies. So far, different theories and methods, also stemming from other domains, have been used to define and conceptualize the notion of acceptability. In a previous paper, we developed a theoretical concept to define acceptability of ISA based on different theories and methods used in ITS & ISA research. In the current paper we aim to find out which predefined indicators are relevant to define the acceptability of ISA. Background factors, contextual issues and ISA-device related factors are used as indicators to predict the level of acceptability. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is used to define the direct and indirect effects.
Local Authority Cooperation with Urban Freight Stakeholders: A Comparison of Partnership Approaches
Authors: Lindholm Maria , Browne Michael
Published: November 2023

Freight transport operations in urban areas are normally performed by private companies using public infrastructure and governed by regulations implemented by public authorities. Until recently there has been little involvement of private companies in local transport planning processes and as a result urban transport regulations and plans are frequently formulated with limited understanding of the impacts on freight transport operations. In the UK, freight partnerships have been developed to bring together public and private stakeholders often in an urban context and there are other examples elsewhere in Europe. Few of these partnerships have been assessed in order to compare their activities systematically. The paper compares several freight partnerships and considers their usefulness and possible shortcomings in terms of specific outcomes and projects as well as their input to and influence on policy formulation. Six partnerships are investigated by means of desk research, interviews and questionnaires and in two cases participation by the researchers. The freight partnerships are compared using an assessment framework derived from the literature review conducted. Results show that shortterm actions solving specific problems are valued but are not perceived as the sole benefit of the partnerships. Longer-term relationships and mutual understandings of each other’s problems and possibilities are considered equally important especially in respect of input to policy formulation by the local authorities. The results also show that one of the most important factors to support the on-going activities of a partnership is a core set of engaged and interested participants and several ways in which this can be achieved have been identified.
Simplified model of local transit services
Authors: Circella Giovanni , Hunt John Douglas , Stefan Kevin John , Brownlee Alan Thomas , McCoy Michael
Published: November 2023

This paper discusses the development of a simplified model to efficiently represent local public transportation services in a large-scale travel demand model. The California Statewide Travel Demand Model (CSTDM) is a comprehensive model system designed and developed for use in transportation policy analysis and travel demand forecasting, including representation of both long and short distance transportation covering the entire state of California. A novel hybrid system is used to represent the full range of rail and bus transit services that are available. Rail services – including all long-distance rail, commuter rail and light rail services – are represented in the standard manner, using explicit node and link networks; the relevant in-vehicle and out-ofvehicle service characteristics for journeys are determined as standard skims of these networks. On-street bus services are not represented using explicit networks; rather, the relevant in-vehicle and out-of-vehicle service characteristics are determined using functions of other transportation network variables, land use descriptors and relevant policy indicators. These functions are simplified econometric models estimated using observations of transit service obtained from Google Transit Data Feeds. The network and simplified components are integrated in order to allow transit paths with both rail and on-street bus components to be considered by the various travel choice models included in the modelling framework. This hybrid system provides a suitable representation of transit for an area of such size. This facilitates consideration of transit service policies, while obviating the need for extensive transit coding, a daunting task for a large area.
Impact of unimportant attributes in stated choice surveys
Authors: Hess Stephane
Published: November 2023

Despite growing interest in the notion that respondents in stated choice surveys may make their decisions on the basis of only a subset of the presented attributes, the impact of any unimportant attributes on the estimates of other valuations is somewhat unclear. This paper presents evidence from a two stage survey where the second stage eliminates attributes deemed unimportant in the first stage. Our analysis shows no evidence of systematic differences between the results of the two stages. This leads to the conclusion that, up to a point where respondent burden may become an issue, analysts should include all attributes that may be relevant, and allow the respondent to filter out those that play no role.
Optimizing performance-based mechanisms in road management: an agency theory approach
Authors: Sánchez Soliño Antonio
Published: November 2023

This paper develops a model based on the agency theory to analyse road management systems that employ a mechanism of performance indicators to establish the payment for the contractor. The base assumption is the asymmetric information between a principal (Public Authorities) and an agent (contractor) and the risk aversion of the latter. It is assumed that the principal may only measure the agent’s performance indirectly and by means of certain performance indicators that may be verified by the authorities. In this model it is assumed there is a relation between the efforts made by the agent and the performance level measured by the corresponding indicators, although there may be dispersions between both variables that give rise to a certain degree of randomness in the contract. An analysis of the optimal mechanism was made on the basis of this model and in accordance with a series of parameters that characterize the economic environment and the particular conditions of road infrastructure. As a result of the analysis, the incentive mechanism should include a fixed component and a payment according to the obtained performance level. The higher the risk aversion of the agent and the greater the marginal cost of public funds, the lower the impact of this performance-based payment. By way of conclusion, the system of performance indicators should be as broad as possible but should avoid those indicators that encompass greater randomness in their results.
Border effects on the travel mode choice of resident and crossborder workers in Luxembourg
Authors: Schiebel Julien , Omrani Hichem , Gerber Philippe
Published: November 2023

We investigate the travel mode choice behaviour of both resident and cross-border workers in Luxembourg. Two categories of mode choice are considered: sustainable (public transport) and unsustainable (single occupancy car use), which both depend on a large set of spatial and sociodemographic variables. In particular, we determine whether and how the borders of the four countries involved (Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Germany) affect this choice. The results of a classical binary logistic regression model show that significant variables depend on the area of residence and that some border effects are relevant in the context of the studied cross-border areas. Moreover, the identification of these various border-effect variables does not require the use of big data processing techniques. Therefore the proposed method can be applied generally to other cross-border areas with an open border context to highlight the effects of border on functional integration. This study is helpful in terms of developing a better understanding of the determinants involved in the use of sustainable transport modes and in supporting decisionmaking to improve transport planning.
A new way of determining distance decay parameters in spatial interaction models with application to job accessibility analysis in Sweden
Authors: Östh John , Lyhagen Johan , Reggiani Aura
Published: November 2023

In this paper we explore and compare various techniques for the calculation of distance decay parameters which are estimated using statistical methods with half-life decay parameters which are derived mathematically. Half-life models appear to be a valid alternative to traditional spatial interaction models, especially in the presence of spatially highly disaggregate data. Our results indicate that Half-life models are more accurate for the construction of decay parameters than are unconstrained spatial interaction models in ‘medium’ sized datasets but not as accurate as doubly-constrained models. However, using highly detailed and disaggregate datasets Half-life models may be viable alternatives to doubly-constrained spatial interaction models as the latter will be difficult to estimate when the number of origins and destinations increase. In addition, Half-life models rise in accuracy with increasing degrees of disaggregation due to reductions of systematic errors between observed individual level commuting distance and modelled distances between origins and destinations. In sum, our findings are as follows. First, since unconstrained and doubly-constrained spatial interaction models become increasingly difficult to estimate and/or less accurate to use compared to Half-life models as the spatial disaggregation increases choice of decay parameter estimation model should be considered in relation to level of disaggregation. Secondly, Half-life models are not affected by the systematic errors observed in the statistically derived models. Finally, using Half-life models for the estimation of decay parameters is simple which may make it easy to employ among practitioners lacking skills or computer means for the estimation of more complex statistically derived models.
Revealing transition patterns between mono- and multimodal travel patterns over time: A mover-stayer model
Authors: Kroesen Maarten , Cranenburgh Sander Van
Published: November 2023

Recent empirical evidence suggests that travellers are becoming increasingly multimodal. Coinciding with this trend, a growing interest can be observed in the transport literature to study the concept of multimodality. Most studies, in this regard, have focused on assessing the determinants of multimodal travel behaviour. While it is interesting to know which factors, at a certain moment in time, affect the membership of mono/multimodal travel patterns, one general omission in the current literature relates to the questions how and why travellers switch between the mono/multimodal travel patterns over time. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap. To this end, a mixture latent Markov model is specified and estimated using data from the German mobility panel. Our mixture latent Markov models consist of latent travel patterns as well as latent mobility styles. To acquire insights on changes in travel behaviour various model specifications are tested. The travel data is best explained by a model consisting of five latent travel patterns and three mobility styles. The five travel patterns are can be conceived as (1) strict car users, (2) public transport and occasional car users, (3) car passengers, (4) car and bicycle users and (5) bicycle and occasional public transport users, and the three underlying mobility styles are identified as (1) habitual travellers, who stay in their respective pattern for three consecutive years, (2) car (in)dependent choice travellers, who switch within car and non-car patterns, and (3) car users with an alternative mode preference, who switch between car and noncar patterns. Overall, it is concluded that mixture latent Markov models are effective to reveal (heterogeneity in) transition patterns.
Peak-load pricing for the European Air Traffic Management system using modulation of en-route charges
Authors: Bolić Tatjana , Castelli Lorenzo , Rigonat Desirée
Published: November 2023

This paper extends the use of peak-load pricing (PLP) to the context of the European Air Traffic Management system, as EU regulation No 391/2013 allows the modulation of en-route charges to avoid network capacity-demand imbalance in a specific area or on a specific route at specific times. In particular, we propose a centralised approach to PLP (CPLP) where a Central Planner (CP) is responsible for setting en-route charges on the network and Airspace Users (AUs) assess the routing of each flight. Set en-route charges should guarantee that air navigation service providers (ANSPs) are able to recover their operational costs, and that AUs perform their flights avoiding imbalances between demand and available airspace capacity. Like in the current charging system, in CPLP AUs react to en-route charges (which are imposed by CP instead of ANSPs) by choosing alternative and cheaper routes. Hence, we model this relationship between the CP and the AUs as a Stackelberg game where a leader (CP) makes his/her decision first, with complete knowledge on how the follower(s) (AUs) would react to it. The Stackelberg equilibrium is obtained by means of an optimisation problem formulated as a bilevel mixed-integer linear programming model, where the CP sets, for each ANSP, one peak and one off-peak en-route charge and the AUs make their routing choice. Preliminary results on real data instances on a regional scale are presented.
Booking limits and bid price based revenue management policies in rail freight transportation
Authors: Kapetanović Marko , Bojović Nebojša , Milenković Miloš
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the possibility and potential benefits of implementing discriminatory policies in rail freight transportation are analyzed, with the aim of revenue maximization. A regular, cyclic, single train service with fixed composition and capacity is studied. The problem is decomposed into discrete time periods. Transportation requests arise randomly over time, and the decision of either accept or reject a certain request has to be made. The problem is formulated via dynamic programming, and the deterministic approximations of the problem are used in order to formulate booking limits and bid price policies. Results obtained are compared with those of standard first come – first served policy, which is implemented by the Serbian railways. Although not acceptable in all contexts, the proposed aggressive policies demonstrated promising benefits.
Modelling bicycle route choice using data from a GPS-assisted household survey
Authors: Ghanayim Muhammad , Bekhor Shlomo
Published: November 2023

This paper considers bicycle route choice for commuter trips. Bicycle route preferences are analysed using a dataset from a GPS-assisted household travel survey conducted in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. Different choice set generation methods were applied to generate alternative routes for each observation, and the matching with the actual route is discussed. Model estimation is performed for different route choice sets to test the sensitivity of the parameter estimates. The results obtained are quite consistent, and indicate an expected tendency to ride in longer routes, but with separated bike lanes. In the absence of such lanes, riders prefer to use local streets and avoid riding on busy arterial streets and highways.
Logistics clusters, including inter-firm relations through community detection
Authors: Beckers Joris , Thomas Isabelle , Vanoutrive Thomas , Verhetsel Ann
Published: November 2023

This paper studies clusters in the logistics sector. Like traditional cluster research, indicators of concentration to detect co-location of employment are calculated. However, this approach is enhanced by including a quantitative analysis of the inter-firm relations between logistics companies through the use of a community detection algorithm on a microeconomic dataset of buyer-supplier relations. Combining both results in a typology of logistics clusters. Next to the big clusters characterized by employment concentration and many internal and external relations, spill-over and polycentric clusters are identified. This approach seems promising to detect in future research clusters in other sectors and places
Supplier selection based on multi-stakeholder Best- Worst Method
Authors: Fallah Lajimi Hamidreza , Seyed Haeri Seyed Amin , Jafari Sorouni Zahra , Salimi Negin
Published: November 2023

Supplier selection and supplier segmentation are two interdependent crucial steps of effective supplier relationship management. Supplier selection is formulated as a multi-criteria decision-making problem, in which evaluation criteria play a critical role in a realistic assessment of the suppliers. The evaluation criteria can be used to link supplier selection and segmentation steps to have a more efficient and effective supplier relationship management. A multi-stakeholder Best-Worst Method (BWM) is used for supplier selection. The proposed method is a proper tool to handle the optimal weights of the BWM, which are in the form of intervals. The proposed approach enables decision-makers to avoid information loss within their decision-making procedure resulting in more realistic decisions. A real-world case study is used to illustrate the proposed decision-making framework. The final results show the best suppliers based on both capabilities and willingness dimensions which can be selected by the case company.
Estimation of Heritability and Genetic Variability in Hexaploid Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Kaur Gagandeep , Kumar Ravindra
Published: November 2023

The field experiment was carried out during Rabi season in 2019-20, 2020-21 at Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib’s Experimental Farm,Department of Agriculture. Experimental materials comprising 15 F1s using half diallel mating design involving six parents were grownin randomized block design. High heritability estimates involving broad sense along with high genetic advance as a percent of meanwas observed for number of grain plant-1, harvest index (%), plant height (cm) and grain yield plant-1 (g). The high genotype coefficientof variation (GCV) and phenotype coefficient of variation (PCV) were observed for grain yield/plant and test weight whereas, moderatevalues for PCV and GCV was recorded for no. of spikelets spike-1, no. of grain spike-1, and spike length (cm) indicating prevalence ofgenetic variability, which can successfully be used for improvement of seed yield genetically in wheat.
Wolbachia: It’s Role In Pest Management
Authors: Jan Ulfat , Sheir Amir H. , Gull Audil , N Janardhan H.
Published: November 2023

Wolbachia is a microorganism that infects and replicates inside host cells and is mainly present in reproductive tissues of animals withjoint feet and roundworms. In arthropods, it is found in insects, mites, spiders, terrestrial isopods, springtails etc. A survey that wasrecently conducted showed that Wolbachia is present in above 65% of insect species making this microorganism as one of the mostintracellular bacterial genus so far discovered. Wolbachia controls their hosts’ reproduction through unique mechanisms that incorporatecytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), parthenogenesis induction (PI), male-killing and feminization of genetic males. Recently, this bacteriahas been used as a bio-control agent for controlling insect pests. Different arthropods which were laboratory-reared and field-collected,have been screened against this bacteria to see whether this bacteria can be used as a bio-control agent
Planar Rectangular Slide-In Reciprocal Frame System Using Salvaged Timber and Wooden Nails
Authors: Ruan Gengmu , Filz Günther H. , Fink Gerhard
Published: November 2023

Inspired by the traditional notched planar reciprocal frame (RF) that uses short elements to build load-bearing structures with a span longer than individual elements, we search for an innovative way of using salvaged timber for building RFs specifically connected with wooden nails.
A planar rectangular slide-in RF system is proposed as a possible solution for salvaging timber in new applications and therefore also for minimising timber waste. The paper explores the potential of the proposed slide-in system considering aspects related to structure, architecture, fabrication,
and assembly. Experimental and analytical investigations were carried out to understand the structural behaviour of the individual elements as well as the entire system. The feasibility of assembling was explored, and the resulting patterns and architectural spaces were illustrated. Based
on the structural and architectural explorations, two design cases were physically realised. The benefits and limits are analysed, where the low-tech concept, the flexibility in layout, the predictivity of load-bearing capacity, and the ability of disassembly are highlighted, together with
its limitations in load-bearing capacity and ductility.
Microbiome-Mediated Protection against Pathogens in Woody Plants
Authors: Xiong Qin , Yang Jun , Ni Siyi
Published: November 2023

Pathogens, especially invasive species, have caused significant global ecological, economic, and social losses in forests. Plant disease research has traditionally focused on direct interactions between plants and pathogens in an appropriate environment. However, recent research indicates that the microbiome can interact with the plant host and pathogens to modulate plant resistance or pathogen pathogenicity, thereby altering the outcome of plant–pathogen interactions. Thus, this presents new opportunities for studying the microbial management of forest diseases. Compared to parallel studies on human and crop microbiomes, research into the forest tree microbiome and its critical role in forest disease progression has lagged. The rapid development of microbiome sequencing and analysis technologies has resulted in the rapid accumulation of a large body of evidence regarding the association between forest microbiomes and diseases. These data will aid the development of innovative, effective, and environmentally sustainable methods for the microbial management of forest diseases. Herein, we summarize the most recent findings on the dynamic structure and composition of forest tree microbiomes in belowground and aboveground plant tissues (i.e., rhizosphere, endosphere, and phyllosphere), as well as their pleiotropic impact on plant immunity and pathogen pathogenicity, highlighting representative examples of biological control agents used to modulate relevant tree microbiomes. Lastly, we discuss the potential application of forest tree microbiomes in disease control as well as their future prospects and challenges.