Search Results (36)

As cities globally prioritize sustainable transportation, understanding gender-differentiated responses to the urban built environment is critical for equitable mobility planning. This study combined the Social Ecological Model (SEM) with the theoretical perspective of Gendered Spatial Experience to explore the differentiated impacts of the Perceived Street Built Environment (PSBE) on the cycling behavior of men and women. Questionnaire data from 285 e-bike and traditional bicycle riders (236 e-bike riders and 49 traditional cyclists, 138 males and 147 females) from Gulou District, Nanjing, between May and October 2023, were used to investigate gender differences in cycling behavior and PSBE using the Mann–Whitney U-test and crossover analysis. Linear regression and logistic regression analyses examined the PSBE impact on gender differences in cycling probability and route choice. The cycling frequency of women was significantly higher than that of men, and their cycling behavior was obviously driven by family responsibilities. Greater gender differences were observed in the PSBE among e-bike riders. Women rated facility accessibility, road accessibility, sense of safety, and spatial comfort significantly lower than men. Clear traffic signals and zebra crossings positively influenced women’s cycling probability. Women were more sensitive to the width of bicycle lanes and street noise, while men’s detours were mainly driven by the convenience of bus connections. We recommend constructing a gender-inclusive cycling environment through intersection optimization, family-friendly routes, lane widening, and noise reduction. This study advances urban science by identifying gendered barriers in cycling infrastructure, providing actionable strategies for equitable transport planning and urban design. Full article

The degradation of deadwood is a vital ecological process for geochemical cycling and biodiversity conservation, with two main routes of fungal degradation: brown and white rot. Brown rot fungi cause severe destruction of wood cellulose and lead to brown and modified lignin residue. Fomitopsis pinicola is a typical brown rot fungus with a distinct host preference for coniferous trees. The mechanisms through which this fungus degrades coniferous and broadleaf wood remain poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, a 60-day cultivation experiment involving F. pinicola growing on deadwood strips of Pinus koraiensis and Betula platyphylla separately was performed. A comparative transcriptome analysis was carried out to explore the mechanisms underlying the differences in degradation, in terms of both physicochemical properties and transcriptomic data. The findings revealed that the host preference of F. pinicola resulted in the more efficient degradation of coniferous wood than broadleaf wood, accompanied by higher gene expression levels. GO enrichment analysis indicated that this preference was primarily associated with the hydrolytic enzyme family and processes related to the Fenton reaction, which is characteristic of brown rot fungi. Furthermore, the KEGG pathways showed that the DEGs were enriched in mainly included histidine metabolism, fatty acid degradation, and so on, indicating underlying carbohydrate and lipid metabolism processes. These results support P. pinicola’s strong ability to degrade the deadwood lignin of P. koraiensis, reflecting its adaptive evolution in host selection and choice of different ecological niches. Full article

Sanitary sewer pipelines frequently experience blockages, structural failures, and overflows, underscoring the dire state of U.S. wastewater infrastructure, which has been rated a D-, while America’s overall infrastructure scores only slightly better at C-. Traditional open-trench excavation methods or excavation technology (ET) for replacing deteriorated pipes are notoriously expensive and disruptive, requiring extensive processes like route planning, surveying, engineering, trench excavation, pipe installation, backfilling, and ground restoration. In contrast, trenchless technologies (TT) provide a less invasive and more cost-effective alternative. Among these, cured-in-place pipe technology (CIPPT), which involves inserting resin-impregnated fabric into damaged pipelines, is widely recognized for its efficiency. However, a comprehensive life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) directly comparing ET and TT, accounting for the net present value (NPV) across installation, maintenance, and rehabilitation costs, remains unexplored. This study aims to establish an LCCA framework for both CIPPT and ET, specifically for sanitary sewer pipes ranging from 8 to 42 inches in diameter. The framework incorporates construction, environmental, and social costs, providing a holistic evaluation. The key costs for ET involve pipe materials and subsurface investigations, whereas TT’s costs center around engineering and design. Social impacts, such as road and pavement damage, disruption to adjacent utilities, and noise, are pivotal, alongside environmental factors like material use, transportation, project duration, and equipment emissions. This comprehensive framework empowers decision makers to holistically assess economic and environmental impacts, enabling informed choices for sustainable sewer infrastructure renewal. Full article

Biodiversity is essential for the health and stability of our planet, contributing to ecosystem services like pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. However, it faces significant threats from human activities, including habitat destruction and pollution. Transportation infrastructure, if not carefully managed, can fragment habitats and disrupt wildlife migration, exacerbating biodiversity loss. Thus, incorporating environmental and biodiversity considerations into transport planning is crucial for promoting long-term sustainability. Accordingly, the goal of this paper is to define a framework for evaluating and ranking intermodal transport routes based on their impact on the environment and biodiversity. The study employs a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model, combining input from interactive GIS maps and stakeholders with a novel hybrid approach. The MCDM part of the model combines fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methods for obtaining the criteria weights and the Axial Distance-based Aggregated Measurement (ADAM) method for obtaining the final ranking of the routes. This methodology application on several Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) routes revealed that the Hamburg/Bremerhaven–Wurzburg–Verona route had the least environmental and biodiversity impact. The study identified the Rotterdam–Milano route as the optimal choice, balancing sustainability, ecological preservation, and transport efficiency. The route minimizes ecological disruption, protects biodiversity, and aligns with European Union strategies to reduce environmental impact in infrastructure projects. The study established a framework for evaluating intermodal transport routes based on environmental and biodiversity impacts, balancing efficiency with ecological responsibility. It makes significant contributions by integrating biodiversity criteria into transport planning and introducing a novel combination of GIS and MCDM techniques for route assessment. Full article

This study develops a progressive navigation and guidance model for the route selection of cyclists executed in a designated area. The route selection of cyclists is modeled as a Pareto multi-objective optimization problem which is solved with the NSGA-II algorithm. The study aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to create efficient and cyclist-friendly navigation tools to promote sustainable urban mobility. Data collection methods include GPS tracking, field measurements, and qualitative approaches to understand cyclists’ behavior and preferences. Nine objective functions are constructed based on criteria related to safety and comfort, incorporating decision variables related to cyclists riding on sidewalks, capturing the complexity of urban cycling infrastructure. Tests are performed in a defined area in the center of Athens, Greece. The NSGA-II algorithm is executed with modifications and the Pareto front is constructed, which consists of 28 alternative routes between two origin–destination points. The four routes that optimize the nine criteria of the objective functions are presented, with most routes passing through the Zappeion Gardens. The NSGA-II algorithm is proven to be a suitable approach for applications in networks with complex characteristics and for capturing cyclists’ choices when they face conflicting options. The study presents how a novel approach for the multi-objective optimization of cyclists’ route choice, which considers a wide range of cyclists’ needs and preferences, can be implemented in an urban environment with a lack of cycle infrastructure. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries, due to their high energy density, compact size, long lifetime, and low environmental impact, have achieved a dominant position in everyday life. These attributes have made them the preferred choice for powering portable devices such as laptops and smartphones, power tools, and electric vehicles. As technology advances rapidly, the demand for even more efficient energy storage devices continues to rise. In lithium-ion batteries, anodes play a crucial role, with lithium titanate oxide standing out as a highly promising material. This anode is favored for its exceptional cycle stability, safety features, and fast charging capabilities. The impressive cycle stability of lithium titanate oxide is largely due to its zero-strain nature, meaning it undergoes minimal volume changes during lithium-ion insertion and extraction. This stability enhances the anode’s durability, leading to longer battery life. In addition, the lithium titanate oxide anode operates at a voltage of approximately 1.55 V vs. Li⁺/Li, significantly reducing the risk of dendrite formation, a major safety concern that can cause short circuits and fires. The material’s spinel structure, with its large active surface area, further allows fast electron transfer and ion diffusion, facilitating fast charging. This review explores the characteristics of lithium titanate oxide, the various synthesis methods employed, and its integration with carbon materials to enhance cycle stability, coulombic efficiency, and safety. It also proposes strategies for optimizing lithium titanate oxide properties to create sustainable anodes with reduced environmental impact using eco-friendly routes. Full article

This paper presents a Decision Support System (DSS) designed to enhance cyclability and perceived bikeability in urban areas, with an application to the city of Milan, Italy, focusing on cycling toward the urban university campuses of Politecnico di Milano. Despite the increasing emphasis on sustainable urban mobility, research gaps remain in optimizing cycling infrastructure development based on both observable factors (e.g., availability and quality of cycleways) and latent factors (e.g., cyclists’ perceived safety and security). The objective of this study is to address these gaps by developing a DSS, based on a macroscopic multimodal transport simulation model, to facilitate an in-depth analysis and prioritization of cycling transport policies. Findings from the DSS simulations indicate that strategic enhancements to cycling infrastructure can shift user preferences toward safer and more dedicated cycling routes, despite potential increases in travel time and distance. This paper concludes that implementing a DSS not only supports more informed policymaking but also encourages sustainable urban development by improving the overall cycling experience in cities, highlighting the importance of addressing both tangible and intangible factors in the design and prioritization of cycling infrastructure projects. Full article

The determination of the appropriate traffic signal timing plans for no-notice evacuations in densely populated areas is a noteworthy challenge. The objective of this study was to evaluate alternatives that could optimize evacuee traffic flow in a no-notice evacuation of areas near an oil refinery. This simulation case study focused on a residential area in the City of Wood River, Illinois, and used Synchro 8.0 and VISSIM 7.0. This case study was different from existing evacuation literature because of the high left-turn demand from evacuating traffic. The study methods were unique because of the application of dynamic traffic assignment, a left-turn movement on the evacuation route, and the simulation of fully-actuated traffic signals. These scenarios evaluated the following: (1) existing traffic infrastructure; (2) flexible shelter choice; and (3) optimized traffic signal timing with flexible shelter choice. The results suggested that optimizing the signal timing and allowing drivers’ flexibility in choosing evacuation routes achieved the fastest evacuation. These findings indicated that a longer cycle length and an extended left-turn phase were important factors in reducing traffic delay in the network. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of operating intersections efficiently during no-notice evacuations. Full article

Specific environmental characteristics can encourage active leisure travel and increase physical activity. However, existing environment-travel studies tend to ignore the differences in environmental characteristics associated with route choice and travel distance, of which the latter could be more important for health benefits, since longer trips are associated with increased exercise. Additionally, the most recent studies focus on leisure walking and leisure cycling, and activities such as hiking, climbing, and running are examined less frequently. This study, therefore, compares the similarities and differences of the environmental factors associated with route selection and travel distance through non-parametric tests and Cox proportional hazard models. The results show that two intersecting sets of environmental elements relate to both the route chosen and the distance traveled. Land use diversity and varied topography are appealing for both leisure trips and trip length. In addition, the differences in environmental characteristics among specific leisure travels may be attributed to variations in physical activity requirements, preferences for landscape viewing, and/or sensitivity to crowding. Therefore, conclusions drawn without considering the different types of leisure travel could be skewed. Whether particular surroundings may effectively increase physical activity remains uncertain. A more holistic perspective could be beneficial when studying the connection between the environment, active travel, and health. Full article

There is clear evidence of the effects of air pollution on health. In this paper, we present an innovative application designed to assess Air Quality (AQ) exposure based on the World Health Organization’s AQ Guidelines, analysing pollutants and their concentrations independently. Our aim is to provide this information to citizens based on their health profile (medical history or requirements) before and during outdoor trips of their choice, both walking and cycling, empowering them to proactively make informed personal decisions about their route choices and identifying potentially unhealthy travel environments. For this purpose, we have access to official data from AQ monitoring stations that are updated periodically every 10 min. Then, by using spatial interpolation techniques (with Ordinary Kriging), we estimate each pollutant over a grid superimposed on the city map. Once the pollutants have been mapped on each route, they are analysed in order to consider the different alternatives for deciding and planning changes in speed or trajectory. We evaluated the application in the city of Valencia (Spain) as a use case under different scenarios, and showed the results to assess exposure to pollution on the routes of citizens. Full article

Due to an increase in population, urban centers are currently seeing an increase in traffic, resulting in negative consequences such as pollution and congestion. Efforts have been made to promote a modal shift towards the use of more sustainable means of transport, such as walking and cycling, but several deterrents influence the citizens’ perceptions of safety, security and comfort, discouraging their choice of active modes of transport. This study focuses on the importance of providing meaningful information to vulnerable road users (VRUs) to support their perceptions and objectives while moving within urban spaces through a novel concept of route planning. A broad survey of the needs and concerns of VRUs through interviews, focus groups and questionnaires, applied to the Portuguese population of the Metropolitan Area of Porto, led to the development of a new concept of route planners that show personalized routes according to the individual perceptions of each user. This concept is materialized in a route planner prototype that has been extensively tested by potential users. Subjective evaluation and feedback showed the usefulness of the concept and added value to a familiar product, leading to a satisfying experience for participants. This study shows that there is an opportunity to improve these tools to provide a higher degree of power and customization to users on route planning, which includes addressing mobility restrictions and personal perceptions of safety, security and comfort. The ultimate goal of this new approach is to persuade citizens to switch to more sustainable means of transport. Full article

Using only parts of the maximum capacity of silicon microparticles in a lithium-ion battery (LIB) anode represents a promising material concept. The high capacity, better rate capability compared with graphite and accessibility on an industrial scale, as well as its attractive cost make microsilicon an ideal choice for the next generation anode material. However, currently the cycle life of LIBs using silicon particles in the anode is limited due to drastic volume change of Si during lithiation and delithiation. Continuous formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and the associated lithium loss are the main failure mechanisms, while particle decoupling from the conductive network plays a role mainly during operation at low discharge voltages. The present study discusses approaches on the material- and cell-level to enhance cycle performance of partially lithiated silicon microparticle-based full cells by addressing the previously described failure mechanisms. Reducing the surface area of the silicon particles and coating their surface with carbon to improve the electronic contact, as well as prelithiation to compensate for lithium losses have proven to be the most promising approaches. The advantageous combination of these routes resulted in a significant increase in cycling stability exceeding 600 cycles with 80% capacity retention at an initial capacity of about 1000 mAh g⁻¹ at anode level, compared to only about 250 cycles for the non-optimized full cell. Full article

The Outer Tracker of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS), one of the large experiments at the CERN Large Hadron Collider, will consist of about 13,200 modules, each built up of two silicon sensors. The modules and support structures include thousands of parts that contribute to positioning and cooling the sensors during operation at −30 °C. These parts should be low mass while featuring high thermal conductivity, stiffness and strength. Their thermal expansion coefficient should match that of silicon to avoid deformations during cooling cycles. Due to their unique thermal and mechanical properties, aluminium-carbon fibre (Al/C_f) Metal Matrix Composites are the material of choice to produce such light and stable thermal management components for High Energy Physics detectors. For the CMS Outer Tracker, about 500,000 cm³ of Al/C_f raw material will be required to be produced through a reliable process to guarantee consistent properties throughout parts manufacturing. Two Al/C_f production routes are currently considered: liquid casting by gas-pressure infiltration and a powder metallurgy process based on continuous semi-liquid phase sintering. The dimensional stability of the resulting material is of paramount importance. Irreversible change of shape may be induced by moisture adsorption and the onset of galvanic corrosion at the discontinuous interfaces between C_f and Al. This paper presents the results of an extensive investigation through Computed Microtomography, direct microscopical investigations, analysis of the interfaces and metrology measurements aimed at comparing and interpreting the response to different environments of the respective products. The results obtained confirm the suitability of the two investigated Al/Cf MMCs for application to components of the CMS Outer Tracker, requiring tight geometrical control and microstructural stability over time. However, for PM parts sintered through the semi-liquid phase process, a multilayered protective noble metal coating is necessary the make them impervious to moisture, allowing dimensional stability to be guaranteed and the onset of corrosion phenomena to be avoided, while the product obtained by gas-pressure infiltration has shown less sensitive even to extreme temperature-humidity cycles and may be used uncoated. Full article

Students’ exposure to air pollution during active commuting between home and school has been linked with numerous adverse health outcomes. An accurate assessment of cycling students’ dose of air pollution during commutes could help mitigate the adverse health effect of exposure. However, up to date, it is still challenging to fill this research gap. In this study, we proposed a modeling framework to estimate cycling students’ terrain-based dosage of ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) during home-school commutes for the very first time. The approach was further applied to compare the benefit and costs of different route choices and examine exposure justice issues during students’ cycling from home to school in Auckland, New Zealand. Results show that most of the cycling students could find an alternative lowest-dose route, and for around 25% of them, a 1% increase in route length was associated with a more than 1% decrease in NO₂ dosage. Evidence demonstrates that exposure inequalities existed to some extent during students’ cycling commutes. This study could deepen our understanding of cyclists’ exposure, and some recommendations were also provided to optimize students’ daily active commute routes. Full article

For too long, many refined transportation models have focused solely on private and public transportation, assuming that bicycles only require simple models, such as bird flight distance or trips on horizontal tracks at a constant speed. This paper aims to study the impact of the road characteristics, such as road gradient, type of road and pavement surface of the road, on cyclists’ behavior using dedicated modules of MATSim. For that, we compare two approaches: a standard approach which does not consider the road characteristics, and a second approach that uses MATSim bicycle extension of Ziemke et al. The two approaches are analyzed over a sub-regional area around a district, focusing on a suburban city with an undulating relief made of average-to-steep hills. The focus is on the bicycle transportation model because the catchment area has a particularly challenging altitude profile and a large variety of roads, whether in type—from residential to national highway—or in pavement surface due to the number of green areas, such as parks and forests. This area is defined as a rather large 7 × 12 km, including five suburban cities in the South of Paris, France. A synthetic population of 126,000 agents was generated at a regional scale, with chains of activity made of work, education, shopping, leisure, restaurant and kindergarten, with activity-time choice, location choice and modal choice. We wanted to know how accurately a standard model of bicycle travels can be made with a 2D flat Earth assumption by comparing it to an algorithm extension that explicitly considers road characteristics in cyclists’ route choices. Our finding is that the MATSim bicycle extension model impacts mainly the long trips. Otherwise, the differences are minimal between the two models in terms of travel time and travel distance. Full article