The study developed an extended deep Q-network (EDQN)-incorporated context-based meta-RL model that can autonomously detect traffic states, classify regimes, and assign signal phases. The model outperformed existing algorithms in simulation experiments and showed adaptability to new tasks without adjusting parameters.
Researchers have demonstrated a power-efficient component for demultiplexing operation using silicon photonic MEMS, enabling efficient wavelength demultiplexing for fiber-optic communications. The compact footprint of the add-drop filter allows fast operation compared to established MEMS products.
A new research group aims to develop an interdisciplinary approach for secure operation of critical infrastructure systems using artificial intelligence. The goal is to create a 'hybrid architecture' that combines AI-based strategic development with rule-based systems, ensuring safe and reliable behavior.
Researchers from NC State University have developed a dynamic computational tool to help improve user access to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The technique accounts for factors such as charging time, cost, and wait times to provide users with the most convenient options.
Researchers developed UnlockedMaps to provide real-time accessibility information for urban rail transit stations, with a focus on elevators. The system shows accessible and inaccessible stations, allowing users to plan their trips accordingly.
A study found that online grocery shopping filled gaps for people with mobility limitations, quarantine, or sick with COVID. Despite technological limitations, many consumers predicted continued high usage of e-commerce in the food sector.
The CityAccessMap tool assesses urban infrastructure distribution and identifies areas for improvement, helping policymakers address socio-economic disparities. Disadvantaged communities face lower access to urban services, which can hinder social mobility and exacerbate inequalities.
A team of researchers has created an online dashboard to track equity requirements in 239 shared micromobility programs across the US. The dashboard provides city officials with valuable insights on best practices for expanding access to these programs, including technology access, reduced fare options, and adaptive vehicles.
A new hydrogel-based platform increases vaccine thermal stability, enabling distribution in diverse regions without strict temperature control. The technology has the potential to reduce economic costs and health risks associated with cold chain logistics.
The Active Transportation Return on Investment Study found positive effects on business activity in retail and food sectors, benefiting areas outside of downtown Portland. The research team evaluated 12 projects constructed between 2001 and 2016 and recommended investments for Metro's Regional Flexible Funding Allocations.
A study found that individual factors such as education level and health status are more influential on leisure-time physical activity than municipal resources. Commuting physical activity is also lower in rural municipalities due to longer distances and limited public transport.
A newly installed deep-water pipeline has led to a significant increase in the abundance and diversity of marine life on the Angolan coast. The study found that the pipeline provided shelter and trapped organic matter, which animals feed on, resulting in an immediate boost to sea-floor animals.
A new analysis suggests that Black and Hispanic Americans are disproportionately affected by traffic-related deaths, and that these disparities are larger than previous estimates show. The study found that travel distances vary among racial/ethnic groups when walking, cycling, or driving, and when these differences in activity levels a...
Researchers developed a computational model to determine optimal places for electric vehicle charging facilities and powerful stations without straining the local power grid. The model considers travel flow, user demand, and regional power infrastructure needs.
A recent SFU study found that 79% of Vancouver residents have access to a grocery store within a 15-minute walk, while 99% can reach one via cycling. However, there are inequities in access across populations and neighbourhoods, disproportionately affecting children, older adults, and racialized populations.
Researchers analyzed over 240,000 Google Street View images to find that streets with more visible sky, roadway, and signs have 48% more crashes than residential areas. The study highlights the dangers of 'open road' segments in urban areas, which drivers often perceive as highways, despite being near pedestrians and human activity.
Researchers documented traditional wooden boats in the Zanzibar Channel, showing continued use despite modern transportation developments. The study highlights innovations such as outboard engines and portable generators, which have transformed fishing methods.
Researchers developed a new decision-support tool to optimize ship channel dredging and disposal activities, considering factors like navigability condition deterioration and economic values. The algorithm weighs input from local professionals and projects costs with interest and inflation included.
A new study from the University of Utah examines the impacts of decentralizing homeless service locations in Salt Lake County, Utah. The research found that people using the relocated resource centers tended to travel less, with visits to community services declining by as much as 40%.
Researchers studied cyclists in Tucson, AZ, revealing differences in behavior among commuters, recreational riders, and athletes. Infrastructure design can address these needs, such as separate paths and lanes for various types of cyclists.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that alternative delivery locations can help offset the negative impacts of increased home deliveries. The study suggests that these locations may be more appealing to underrepresented groups who don't receive many packages, increasing their willingness to use them.
The new NCHRP Guide updates pedestrian analysis methodologies to support safe and sustainable communities. The research team developed new products published in 2022, free to download from the National Academies Press.
A study by Jason Hickel reveals that the global North appropriates vast resources and labor from the global South through price differentials in international trade, resulting in a net drain of $10.8 trillion in 2015. This unsustainable practice perpetuates global inequality and ecological breakdown.
A new AI method accurately estimates timetable robustness within milliseconds, enabling efficient optimization. This improves balance between passenger needs and economic conditions.
Researchers analyzed user survey data and on-the-ground observations to understand e-scooter use and safety. The study found that older riders were less likely to experience crashes, while helmet use was lower in observed data compared to surveyed users.
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology analyzed 18 Tokyo Metropolitan Area railway lines to understand the impact of in-vehicle congestion on efficiency. They found that incorporating congestion rates into efficiency analysis can help develop better public transit strategies, leading to higher service levels and sustainability.
A Surrey study found that babies and children in bike trailers breathe in more polluted air than their parents, but using trailer covers can reduce exposure by half. The researchers also discovered a significant reduction in air pollution during lockdown periods.
A West Virginia University researcher is studying the American implementation of turbo roundabouts, designed to limit weaving and lane changing movements. The study aims to reduce conflict points and severity of crashes, with a focus on gauging motorists' responses via computerized driving simulations.
Research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute finds that over 90% of people who use online delivery services would likely revert back to their original way of shopping. Delivery service users access products in four categories: groceries, food, home goods, and other items, with grocery deliveries having the highest proportion of new ado...
Newcastle University researchers argue that cities can use local policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. The authors highlight the importance of balancing demand pull-ins with technology push-ins to overcome barriers and enablers. Cities' own fleets, procurement systems, and fiscal powers can also help s...
A new online tool tracks e-bike purchase incentive programs in the US and Canada, providing a point of reference for future policy development. The tracker reveals that most programs set incentive levels fairly arbitrarily, with little thought given to their potential impact on specific groups or income brackets.
A new report from Portland State University aims to improve mobility and quality of life for older adults by developing forms of assistance and educational strategies. The study found that low-income older adults faced significant barriers to transportation, including fear of public transit during the pandemic lockdowns.
Researchers have developed a high-resolution radar sensor that can reliably distinguish between cars and pedestrians, providing counts, speed, and direction of each moving target. The sensor outperforms cameras in low-visibility conditions and beats conventional radar by providing a richer picture.
A Berkeley Lab study shows how battery-electric trains can cut carbon dioxide emissions by over half, eliminating premature deaths and health costs associated with diesel freight trains. The analysis suggests that retrofitting diesel-electric trains with batteries is a cost-effective solution with multiple benefits.
A new study found that providing free green electricity and public transport can reduce home energy emissions by 13.4% and motor fuel emissions by 23.8%. This approach is more effective than redistributing carbon tax revenue among the population to address poverty.
A pilot program in Portland, OR, provides transportation incentives to low-income participants, reducing costs and travel time. The study finds that targeted information and incentives can empower underserved communities to access emerging mobility options.
The Gulf Coast is expected to experience more frequent sequential landfalls, with Louisiana and Florida being the most at risk. This will lead to intensified stresses on infrastructure, ecosystems, and people, as well as reduced recovery time between disasters.
A new study by Lancaster University identifies four major concerns that hinder the adoption of reusable packaging: affordability, digitalization challenges, regulatory hurdles, and data collection limitations. To address these concerns, researchers propose implementing a track and trace system using unique barcodes to enable businesses...
Researchers develop an algorithm to find optimal or near-optimal solutions in the space of 'infeasible solutions' to speed up search, alleviating traffic congestion and improving city living. A novel solution to a combinatorial optimization problem in bicycle sharing systems is proposed.
A study by Portland State University found that household car ownership correlates with better self-reported health, while bus or paratransit use is associated with poorer health. The researchers also discovered that having fewer vehicles per individual in the household increases the likelihood of reporting poor physical health.
A North Carolina State University panel of experts assesses AV deployment risks and benefits, predicting substantial benefits if well-regulated. The study's findings suggest regulations could limit urban use of AVs and commercial fleet ownership, reducing risk and increasing benefits.
A recent study found that introducing new airline routes leads to a 7.3% increase in kidneys sent to transplant centers across the US, while also reducing the discard rate of kidneys. This improved transportation infrastructure facilitates broader organ sharing and can help match supply and demand.
Researchers at Portland State University propose a multiple-criteria approach to ensure equitable distribution of common carrier parcel lockers at transit facilities. The study evaluates accessibility and equity metrics, including ridership, mode of transportation, and sociodemographic profiles, to identify high-potential locations for...
SourceSAGE·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateAug 18, 2021
Researchers use high-frequency kinematic data and machine learning algorithms to identify risky behaviors, drivers, and conditions prior to crashes. The study aims to develop proactive countermeasures to improve safety and prevent crashes before they happen.
Researchers at Portland State University developed data-driven speed management strategies to improve safety and efficiency in multimodal transportation. They found that disabling speed feedback signs on conventional roadways resulted in reduced driver speeds and a lower likelihood of severe crashes.
A clean US hydrogen economy is achievable but requires a comprehensive strategy and infrastructure development. The US needs to consider the production, transport, storage, use, and economic viability of hydrogen to make it viable on a societal scale.
Hailin Li, a WVU engineer, will lead a project to develop a software platform that simulates heavy-duty diesel engines with advanced after-treatment systems. The goal is to improve engine efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions, which will help cut greenhouse gases and pollutants from the transportation sector.
The summit will discuss strategies for Biden's infrastructure programs, their implications on the Korean New Deal, and opportunities for grand economic collaboration. It will also feature talks on integration of US national infrastructure investment plans and Korea's Digital Green New Deal.
Shanjiang Zhu is developing an Android version of the InfraHub smartphone app to report bicycle and pedestrian facility issues. The project also includes social media outreach to encourage users to report facility issues.
The study reveals opportunities for improved green space monitoring and increased access to nature for citizens. However, advances in robotics and automation could generate new sources of waste and pollution, threatening urban nature.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health suggests that investing in cycling and walking infrastructure could save up to 770 lives per year across the Northeastern US, with a monetary value of $7.6 billion annually.
Lance Sherry conducts research to inform FAA policy deliberations on aeromedical and emergency aircraft activity. The study aims to better understand infrastructure needs at National Plan of Integrated Airport System (NPIAS) airports.
A University of Houston engineer is developing a system capable of supporting 5G infrastructure, enabling faster speeds and greater bandwidth. The $1.7 million grant-funded project aims to improve radio frequency communication capacity and advance power electronics to support the demands of 5G networks.
A new study suggests that individuals involved in grassroots sustainability initiatives tend to have lower carbon footprints and report greater lifestyle satisfaction. Members of climate initiatives cut their total emissions by 16% while reporting a 11-13% increase in positive life assessments compared to non-members.
The University of Arkansas has received a $4.6 million award to train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The program will provide education and job training for students, focusing on critical industries such as transportation and energy, and addressing a national shortage of skilled cybersecurity experts.
The 5TONIC Lab in Madrid is accelerating 5G network slice deployment by developing proof-of-concept demonstrations for vertical markets. The €8m EU-backed 5G-Transformer project enables standard technological frameworks for network slicing using NFV, SDN, and MEC.
A recent analysis suggests that investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure drive economic growth, while military spending has a negative impact. A budget maneuver could increase Russia's GDP by 25-35% in a single generation.
The 5G-CORAL project aims to deliver a convergent 5G multi-RAT access through an integrated virtualised edge and fog solution, enabling flexible, scalable, and interoperable connectivity. The project will be validated in three testbeds across Taiwan and Italy, with the goal of improving network performance.
Professor Jungho Im at UNIST has been honored with a commendation by the Korean Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. He is recognized for his work on establishing national spatial data infrastructure using remote sensing, GIS, and AI techniques.
A study by the University of Seville found that investing in cycling infrastructure yields a significant social return, with an average profitability rate of 130% on public investment. The research estimated a €550m profit for the city of Seville, outperforming traditional transport infrastructure investments.