Articles tagged with Transportation
A new white paper from Portland State University explores how purchase incentive programs can expand the current e-bike market, identifying effective program structures and administration methods. The study examines impacts and statistics from around 75 e-bike incentive programs in North America.
A new method reduces computational complexity of traffic models, making them operate more efficiently. The modified algorithm breaks down complex forecasting questions into smaller problems that can be solved in parallel, significantly reducing run time. This approach also allows for a good enough solution within an error bar, rather t...
A flying intervention team deployment was significantly associated with shorter time to endovascular thrombectomy, supporting consideration for some stroke systems of care. The findings may need further research to confirm long-term clinical outcomes and applicability in other geographic settings.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science propose two new search strategies to reduce the computational cost of rebalancing in bicycle-sharing systems. The approaches focus on finding feasible solutions more efficiently and redefine the problem to minimize solving time.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a hybrid, data-driven approach to the Travelling Salesperson Problem that significantly outperforms current methods. The new approach converges to optimal solutions at a faster rate and produces high-quality solutions under restricted computation time.
A study using Ohio license data found that mandatory driver education, including behind-the-wheel training, reduces crash rates among novice drivers under 18. The research suggests reevaluating comprehensive licensing policies to keep young drivers safe.
Developed by Prof. Qing Shi's team, SQuRo can mimic the motion of actual rats and perform various motions like crouching-to-standing, walking, crawling, and turning. It successfully passed through an irregular narrow passage and demonstrated its potential application to inspection tasks inside narrow spaces.
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.
A recent UCLA study found that the injury rate for e-scooter riders in Los Angeles is higher than the national rates for motorcycle, bicycle, car, and pedestrian injuries. The study estimates 115 injuries per 1 million e-scooter rides, highlighting a growing risk as e-scooters proliferate globally.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science analyzed usage patterns of bicycles in four major US cities to improve bicycle sharing system efficiency. They found temporal patterns and similarities between weekdays and weekends, contradicting previous studies.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have released a dataset providing detailed information on COVID-19 vaccine shipments and wastage across the US. The data aims to inform modeling and decision-making to optimize vaccine supply chains.
Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology present a framework for comparing e-scooter safety, highlighting the importance of analyzing rider behavior and identifying strategies for improving traffic safety. The study found that braking performance is superior on bicycles, while e-scooters excel in steering maneuvers.
A new study finds that flame-retardants and plasticizers are present in the oceans, harming marine organisms and potentially affecting human health. The substances, which are widely used in everyday products, can be transported from inland sources to coastal environments through air masses and ocean currents.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a key reason for the performance decline of sodium-ion batteries, which are promising candidates for replacing lithium-ion materials. By adjusting synthesis conditions, they can fabricate far superior cathodes that will maintain performance with long-term cycling.
A new AI method accurately estimates timetable robustness within milliseconds, enabling efficient optimization. This improves balance between passenger needs and economic conditions.
Argonne scientists are developing new materials for batteries, researching sustainable fuels, and expanding carbon-free energy sources like nuclear power. They're also exploring ways to capture and utilize CO2, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing global warming.
Research from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found a significant drop in traffic accidents during the COVID-19 pandemic, with accidents involving males, nonwhite drivers, and individuals in the 25-64 age group showing smaller reductions.
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 new analysis reveals that socioeconomic status amplifies underlying differences in the spatial patterns of how men versus women travel within cities. Women tend to travel shorter distances than men, but socioeconomic factors play a bigger role in shaping their mobility patterns.
A vision for a net-zero Germany in 2050 emphasizes the need for rapid adaptation of the energy system to renewables, as well as technological measures for active CO2 removal and natural sink enhancement. Implementing these measures requires legal, political, economic, and social frameworks.
Yi-Ching Lee, a George Mason University Assistant Professor, has received funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation for his graduate fellowship in transportation-related disciplines. He will conduct research on vehicle-to-interface communication systems to improve the deployment and design of these systems.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a novel droplet manipulation method called WRAP, which can transport micro-sized droplets using electromagnets or programmable electromagnetic fields. The method overcomes challenges in traditional magnetic actuation, such as contamination from added magnetic particles.
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method to produce non-alcoholic beer that tastes like regular beer, improving its flavor and sustainability. The technique involves using micro-factories of yeast cells to release hop aroma molecules, eliminating the need for expensive aroma hops.
Researchers created three computer models to optimize housing and service provider locations, ensuring former offenders can access necessary services efficiently. The tool addresses limited public transportation options, a major barrier to successful reentry.
A study by Portland State University found that only 16 transit-oriented developments across the US were fully affordable to low- and moderate-income households. The research highlights the need for policies and regulations to promote affordable housing in TODs, such as requiring a share of affordable units in public property projects.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a novel electrochemical system that can capture 99% of carbon dioxide from air, effectively turning it into an environmentally friendly fuel cell technology. The technology uses hydrogen as power and has potential applications in various industries, including automotive, aerospac...
A new study by Cornell University found that moving professional conferences online reduces the global event industry's carbon footprint by 94%, and shifting to a hybrid model cuts it to 67%. The annual carbon footprint of the industry is comparable to the yearly greenhouse gas emissions of the entire US.
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 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.
A team of scientists used satellite images to track ammonia concentrations in the air above Los Angeles before and during the pandemic lockdown. They discovered that cars may produce up to 95% of this harmful pollutant throughout the city, significantly higher than previous estimates.
Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design found that adding carbon emission labels can influence online shoppers to choose more sustainable shipping options. The study showed that slow shipping options result in lower emissions but longer delivery times, with an 81% reduction in emissions possible.
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 case study evaluated the experience of a deafblind adult using three wayfinding support tools on an urban college campus. The tactile map proved to be the most successful tool, while the mobile application yielded the lowest performance and confidence. Simplifying wayfinding tools and tailoring information to individual preferences a...
Researchers at PSU and UT Arlington will assess how crowdsourced data can help establish pedestrian activity on streets. The study aims to provide a more accurate alternative to traditional counting methods, enabling safer studies and better urban planning.
China's space transportation systems have made significant leaps in recent decades, with advancements in launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and artificial intelligence. The country aims to become a powerful space nation by the mid-21st century, with plans for manned missions to the Moon and Mars.
Engineering researchers at Ohio State University developed a method to use Starlink satellite signals to accurately locate positions on Earth, similar to GPS. The accuracy of this technique is comparable to or even surpasses that of GPS, with the potential to be used as an alternative navigation system.
Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a record-breaking lithium-metal battery with an energy density of 560 Wh/kg, retaining 88% capacity after 1000 cycles. The battery features a nickel-rich cathode and a dual-anion ionic liquid electrolyte, which significantly improves stability.
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.
Researchers at Portland State University developed new survey methods to address the limitations of current household activity surveys. The study found that existing methods lack social, cultural, and linguistic applicability for marginalized groups, leading to inaccurate data. By improving data collection efforts, transportation profe...
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...
A multi-year study found that cashless fare systems can exclude lower-income riders due to lack of access to smartphones, internet, and banking services. Maintaining cash options can mitigate this issue, offering a more equitable solution for all riders.
A new article examines polycentric development in the Wasatch Front Region, Utah, finding that moderately compact urban design fosters trip generation through walking and biking. The study also highlights the importance of public transit connections to reduce vehicle miles traveled and combat urban sprawl.
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 new study uses machine-learning algorithms to predict the next phase of a traffic signal, giving bicyclists a smoother ride. The researchers achieved high accuracy with 85% prediction success rate, using LSTM and 1D CNN models.
Researchers investigate associations between ride-hail trips and on-street parking occupancy in Seattle, predicting decline if ride-hail demand exceeds 2.24 times the 2016 average. Flexible parking policies can manage changes driven by ride-hailing, but cities must plan ahead.
The study highlights the importance of urban sustainability observatories that leverage urban experimentation for effective policy-making. Researchers discuss challenges and potential partnerships between universities, communities, and industries to establish successful observatories.
Researchers found that new direct airline routes can significantly increase the number of kidneys shared between regions, with a potential increase of over 7%. The study also showed that this increase in kidney sharing does not come with a decrease in kidney quality.
Four North Philadelphia organizations, including Maternity Care Coalition and Oshun Family Center, receive $430,000 in funding to improve access to healthcare, food, and housing, as well as economic empowerment. The Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund aims to foster health equity and economic empowerment.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the IEEE reveals that high-frequency signals can be managed more effectively than previously thought, addressing key challenges in 6G technology. The research has significant implications for applications such as haptic internet, mobile edge computing, and holographic communication.
Aleksandar Stevanovic, University of Pittsburgh associate professor, receives Fulbright Specialist Program award to develop Intelligent Transportation Systems in Serbia. The project aims to reduce fossil fuel consumption and carbon footprint in urban networks.
The integration of mobile elements in terrestrial and underwater wireless sensor networks enhances communication between nodes. This leads to a decrease in energy consumption, improved energy efficiency, and extended network lifetimes.
Epidemiological studies confirm that transportation noise increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, leading to ischaemic heart disease. The authors review the effects of noise on vascular dysfunction, inflammation, and hypertension, highlighting the need for noise-mitigation efforts and legislation.
The University of Texas at Arlington is creating six open textbooks for a new postbaccalaureate certificate in transportation planning and policy. The project aims to eliminate textbook costs for students enrolled in certain courses and expand open educational resources for transportation planning programs.
Researchers at UT Austin will develop methods to validate the cost and scalability of autonomous cargo operations, leveraging machine learning and computational engineering. The team aims to address public concerns about noise pollution, safety, and emissions through mathematical models and terrain-based surface design.
A study published in Science Communication found that watching high-quality, engaging media programs on climate change can reduce political polarization among Democrats and Republicans. Participants who were most engaged with the program showed greater perceptions of climate change risk and efficacy in taking action.
The study found that transportation emissions decreased by 19.2% and aviation pollution plummeted by 37.4% due to reduced human mobility. The largest decline was seen in the US, with a 13% drop in CO2 emissions.
Kathleen Smits' innovative approach links environmental data with gas concentration readings to understand leak severity and migration. The research aims to examine reoccurrence of leaks, urbanization effects, and repaired leaks that continue to vent, providing critical insights for industry and regulators.
A study found that non-driving-related license suspensions are given to over 90% of drivers in New Jersey, affecting low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. These suspensions disproportionately limit access to employment and healthcare, with failure to pay fines being the most common reason.
A recent study published in Marketing Science reveals that travel site aggregators can be negatively impacted by regulatory scrutiny and lack of comprehensive data. The researchers found that nearly 52% of aggregator users browse only one airline, undermining the aggregator's market power.
A new study by Washington State University scientist Raven Weaver found that older adults living in very rural settings are less likely to receive available services compared to those in mostly rural areas. The study highlights the most vulnerable groups within the rural classification, emphasizing the need for proactive support.