Search Results (165)

The increasing demand for food is the driving force behind the search for novel, more selective, and less hazardous agrochemicals. Natural products are gaining prominence recently due to the promise of being green agrochemicals, but many natural products are poorly soluble in water, which reduces their applicability. In this work, we successfully formulated a water-insoluble Saussurea lappa root extract into a stable aqueous suspension using xanthan gum. The colloidal suspension was characterized by rheology, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential. The results demonstrated that the suspension is a stable, sprayable, shear-thinning viscoelastic system (weak gel). A series of S. lappa solutions with xanthan gum were prepared and tested against five plant species, observing the inhibitory effect on the shoots and roots. The results were also compared with the commercial herbicide Dual. The S. lappa extract presented results comparable to or even greater than Dual for Lactuca sativa, Cucumis sativus, Brachiaria decumbens, and Bidens pilosa. However, it showed low inhibitory activity for Sorghum bicolor, highlighting its potential for selective weed control. This work illustrates xanthan gum as an effective vehicle for formulating insoluble natural products and demonstrates that S. lappa extract is a promising candidate for developing novel herbicides. Full article

The dynamic development of electromobility and tightening emissions regulations are making electric light commercial vehicles an increasingly important element of modern urban transport. The purpose of this article is to analyze and compare selected models of electric light commercial vehicles available on the market in terms of four key operational parameters: range, charging time, payload, and energy consumption. These parameters directly impact the efficiency of vehicle operation in real-world conditions, especially in last-mile transport. The study employed a multi-criteria decision method (MCDM), which evaluated 10 alternatives and objectively assigned criterion weights using the CRITIC method, which takes into account data variability and correlations between criteria. The article presents the interdependencies between these factors, emphasizing the need to find a compromise between maximum range and usable payload, as well as the impact of charging time on vehicle operational availability. The analysis aims to identify design and technological solutions that contribute most to improving the efficiency of electric light commercial vehicles in urban and suburban applications. Full article

Coastal monitoring requires a synthesis of accuracy, temporal and context flexibility. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensors are a valuable option, made more widespread by the commercialization of consumer-grade systems, although they often limit user control over data processing. This work quantifies the impact of the base station type (temporary, permanent, or virtual) and its distance from the survey site on UAV-LiDAR direct georeferencing accuracy. The comparison is carried out, in a specific coastal study site, on both the estimated trajectories and the final outputs, using novel QGIS tools (PT2DEM, DEM2DEM, T2T). While temporary base stations are affected by uncertainties of the base coordinates, virtual reference stations are affected by a wider range of errors, compromising the relative model reconstruction. In contrast, permanent stations may avoid base-coordinate uncertainties, but if their distance from the site exceeds the suggested limit (15 km), their use leads to a loss of accuracy in both the relative reconstruction of the model and the absolute georeferencing. Although the use of vertical constraints has proven to be a valuable tool for reducing the vertical bias induced by a suboptimal base station, their distribution may not be adequate for minimizing residual random deviations, and their deployment may be challenging in environmental contexts lacking stable and accessible areas. Full article

Rural Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces limited transport options, with many dispersed settlements dependent on poorly maintained roads. Light delivery vehicles (LDVs) can improve mobility, but conventional internal combustion engine vehicles are costly to operate and contribute to emissions. Electric vehicle (EV) conversions offer a practical alternative by extending vehicle life and reducing energy, maintenance, and environmental costs. This study presents a simulation-based framework to guide LDV conversion design for rural SSA. The framework includes component sizing, subsystem modeling, and full-vehicle benchmarking under representative conditions. Scenario-based simulations include trips ranging from shorter local access routes to longer remote trips on both paved and dirt roads, allowing the conversion’s performance to be quantified under representative conditions. A sensitivity analysis indicates that road grade, aerodynamic drag, and rolling resistance are the primary factors driving energy use variation. Using the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) drive cycle, the conversion energy consumption (∼217 Wh/km) comparable to that of commercial electric vans, though the range is reduced relative to its battery capacity. The framework establishes a benchmark for EV conversion performance in SSA and supports broader adoption of sustainable rural mobility solutions. Full article

This study presents a scenario-based modeling framework to evaluate potential decarbonization pathways for Portugal’s road transport sector. The model simulates the evolution of a light-duty vehicle (LDV) fleet under varying degrees of electrification and biofuel integration, accounting for energy consumption, CO₂ emissions and market shares of alternative propulsion technologies. Coupled with projected energy mix trajectories, the framework estimates final energy demand and well-to-wheel (WTW) emissions for each scenario, benchmarking outcomes against national and European climate targets. A key structural limitation identified is the long vehicle survival rate—averaging 14 years—which constrains fleet renewal and delays the transition to full electrification. Diesel-powered light commercial vehicles exhibit even slower replacement dynamics, rendering the Portuguese targets of full electrification by 2030 highly improbable without targeted scrappage and incentive programs. Scenario analysis indicates that even with accelerated electric vehicle (EV) uptake, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) would comprise only 12% of the fleet by 2030 and 77% by 2050. Electrification scenario raises electricity demand fortyfold by 2050, stressing generation and infrastructure. Scenarios that consider diversification of energy sources reduce this strain but require triple electricity for large-scale green hydrogen and synthetic fuel production. Full article

Electric vehicles are now a completely familiar part of the street scene. Their number is determined by many factors, one of the most significant of which is price. With the ever-increasing supply, it is becoming increasingly difficult for buyers to decide between different vehicles, as in many cases, there is a minimal difference between the two vehicles. A parameter influencing such a purchase is the vehicle’s range. Experience shows that in many cases the range given in the catalogue and the real, available range differ significantly. The available range changes dynamically while driving, typically showing a decreasing value. This research describes a range estimation model that takes into account driving habits and temperature conditions. Full article

The rapid growth of e-commerce and the pandemic-driven surge in deliveries have intensified the challenges last-mile logistics poses to urban areas. Road transport, the predominant delivery mode, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Despite a downward trend since 2008, emissions rose in 2022, reflecting an increased mobility demand. Light commercial vehicles and trucks impact air and noise pollution due to their high emissions and noise levels. Innovative solutions, such as cargo bikes (CBs), have emerged as sustainable alternatives to mitigate these effects. This paper reports a brief literature review on CBs and evaluates their environmental, economic, and social benefits by comparing real-life data from a shipping company operating with CBs in central Rome to simulated data for motorized delivery vehicles. By analyzing their potential to reduce emissions, improve urban livability, and lower operational costs, this study seeks to raise awareness on CBs’ sustainability as a viable alternative for last-mile logistics. Highlighting these advantages can support policymakers, businesses, and urban planners in fostering a transition to more sustainable urban mobility solutions. Full article

Owing to the light-transmitting, energy-saving, and load-bearing properties of glass, laminated glass has gradually been adopted as vehicle lane surfaces in scenarios such as multi-storey commercial complexes, glass walkways roads, and underground parking lots. However, currently, a mature design system for vehicle-borne glass bridge decks is still lacking, and the existing design system for pedestrian glass bridge decks cannot be directly applied to vehicle-borne scenarios. Combining domestic and international specifications and research, this study focused on material selection, structural configuration, and structural calculation of vehicle-borne glass bridge decks, proposed a targeted design method, and verified it with engineering examples. The key conclusions are as follows: (1) Laminated glass for bridge decks should preferably use homogenized tempered glass with SGP as the interlayer material; the number of glass layers should be controlled between 3 and 5, the aspect ratio of glass panels should be maintained between 1 and 2, the thickness of a single glass panel should not be less than 8 mm, and the interlayer thickness should be between 0.76 mm and 2.28 mm. (2) This study proposes design loads, load combination methods, calculation models, design criteria, and the equivalent thickness calculation method for vehicle-borne glass bridge decks; meanwhile, it incorporates the adverse working condition of single-layer glass breakage into design considerations. (3) The design method shows good agreement with numerical simulation results: both PVB and SGP-laminated glass can meet the load-bearing capacity requirements, but SGP-laminated glass has a larger safety redundancy under the same thickness; after single-layer glass breakage, the bridge deck still has sufficient load-bearing capacity; the calculation results of the design method are slightly more conservative than the finite element calculation results, but the calculation of stress and deflection for SGP-laminated glass is relatively accurate. (4) Future research will further deepen the study on the impact of the long-term performance of laminated glass on the full-life-cycle of vehicle-borne glass bridge decks and improve this design method. Full article

Achieving climate protection goals in the transport sector requires the adoption of innovative mobility solutions and new vehicle concepts. In Germany, commercial transport accounts for one-quarter of the total car mileage. Many of these trips are comparatively short, often involve a single passenger, and require the transport of only small or lightweight goods—yet they are typically carried out by car. Substituting cars with small and light electric vehicles (LEVs) wherever feasible could make commercial transport more efficient and environmentally friendly. LEVs combine a favorable weight-to-payload ratio with the high efficiency of electric drivetrains. This study estimates the share of car trips in commercial transport in Germany that could theoretically be substituted by LEVs. The analysis is based on a comparison of trip characteristics from a national travel survey with the technical capabilities of selected LEV categories. Our results indicate that up to 73% of commercial car trips and 44% of mileage could theoretically be covered by LEVs, with particularly high potential for trips in commercial passenger transport. Although limitations in range and payload restrict the universal applicability of LEVs, the findings reveal substantial opportunities to make commercial transport cleaner and more sustainable. These insights highlight the relevance of LEVs for sustainable commercial transport and offer a data-driven basis for further discussion of their potential and for guiding targeted policy and planning. Full article

Assessing the driver’s state in real time is a critical challenge in modern vehicle safety systems, as human factors account for the vast majority of traffic accidents. Heart rate (HR) is a key physiological indicator of the driver’s condition, yet contactless measurements in dynamic in-vehicle environments remain difficult due to motion artifacts, vibrations, and varying operational conditions. This paper presents a novel two-stage method for HR estimation using a commercial 60 GHz frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar sensor, specifically designed and validated for in-vehicle applications. In the first stage, coarse HR estimation is performed using the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and autoregressive (AR) spectral analysis. The second stage refines the estimate using an inverse application of the relevance vector machine (RVM) approach, leveraging a narrowed frequency window derived from Stage 1. Final HR estimates are stabilized through sequential Kalman filtering (SKF) across time segments. The system was implemented using an Infineon BGT60TR13C radar module installed in the sun visor of a passenger vehicle. Extensive data collection was conducted during real-world driving across diverse traffic scenarios. The results demonstrate robust HR estimations with an accuracy comparable to that of commercial wearable devices, validated against a Polar H10 chest strap. This method offers several advantages over prior work, including short measurement windows (5 s), operation under varying lighting and clothing conditions, and validation in realistic driving environments. In this sense, the method contributes to the field of biomimetics by transferring the biological principles of continuous vital sign perception to technical sensorics in the automotive domain. Future work will explore the fusion of sensors with visual methods and potential extension to heart rate variability (HRV) estimations to enhance driver monitoring systems (DMSs) further. Full article

Achieving global carbon neutrality by 2050 requires active decarbonization efforts from both developed and developing countries, with the latter being responsible for most greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study examines the potential of low-carbon mobility transitions, focusing on the electrification of light commercial vehicles (LCVs)—a rapidly expanding segment with high emissions in urban freight. While Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analyses show electric powertrains to be cost-effective in developed markets, there is limited empirical evidence for developing economies. To address this gap in the research, this paper compares the TCO for electric LCVs (eLCVs) in Italy and Pakistan, representing contrasting stages of electric mobility adoption. Using a bottom-up model for Pakistan and robust datasets for Italy, this study assesses how macroeconomic conditions, tax structures, and policy frameworks shape lifecycle costs. The TCO assessment underscores a stark geographic divergence: in Italy, eLCVs (0.359 EUR/km) are currently 19.7% more expensive than their diesel counterparts (0.300 EUR/km). In contrast, Pakistan demonstrates favorable competitiveness for eLCVs, with a TCO of 0.119 EUR/km compared to 0.136 EUR/km for diesel equivalents. The analysis reveals stark contextual differences in cost components, infrastructure, annual distance travelled, and policy effects, highlighting the need for context-specific strategies. The findings offer practical guidance for policymakers and fleet operators, supporting more equitable and effective decarbonization strategies globally. Full article

This paper presents a calibrated and dynamically responsive simulation framework for hybrid energy systems that integrate Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) and batteries, targeting applications in light commercial vehicles (LCVs). The aim is to support the design and assessment of energy management strategies (EMS) under realistic operating conditions. A publicly available PEMFC model is used as the starting point. To improve its representativeness, calibration is performed using experimental polarization curve data, enhancing the accuracy of the stack voltage model, and the air compressor model—critical for maintaining stable fuel cell operation—is adjusted to reflect measured transient responses, ensuring realistic system behavior under varying load demands. Quantitatively, the calibration results are strong: the R² values of both the fuel cell polarization curve and the overall system efficiency are around 0.99, indicating excellent agreement with experimental data. The calibrated model is embedded within a complete hybrid vehicle powertrain simulation, incorporating longitudinal dynamics and control strategies for power distribution between the battery and fuel cells. Simulations conducted under WLTP driving cycles confirm the model’s ability to replicate key behaviors of PEMFC-battery hybrid systems, particularly with respect to dynamic energy flow and system response. In conclusion, this work provides a reliable and high-fidelity simulation environment based on empirical calibration of key subsystems, which is well suited for the development and evaluation of advanced EMS algorithms. Full article

The output of vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPVs) varies due to complex surface interactions, shading, weather conditions, module temperature, and module configuration, making accurate predictions of power generation challenging. This study examines the characteristics of incident light on VIPVs, focusing on installations on automobile roofs and hoods. Surface element data were collected from areas near the target locations (hood and roof), with shading effects taken into account. The calculations evaluated how the angle of incoming light impacts the intensity on specific parts of the vehicle, identifying which surfaces are most likely to receive maximum illumination. For example, the hood exhibited the highest incident light intensity when sunlight approached directly from the front at a solar altitude of 71°, reaching approximately 98% of the light intensity. These calculations enable the assessment of incident light intensity characteristics for various vehicle parts, including the hood and roof. Additionally, by utilizing database information, it is possible to calculate the incident light on vehicle surfaces at any given time and location. Full article

Binary logic transmission (BLT), a stepped transmission system, has been utilized in military vehicles and heavy-duty commercial vehicles due to its high transmission efficiency, strong load-bearing capacity, and compact structure. Its adaptability to agricultural tractor operations is notable. This study modularizes BLT into a binary logic transmission unit (BLT-U) for application in agricultural tractor Hydro-Mechanical Continuously Variable Transmission (HMCVT), optimizing its wet clutch to enhance HMCVT shifting performance. This provides a basis for BLT-U’s application in other transmission systems and subsequent optimization. A wet clutch test bench was employed to validate the modeling approach. The optimal BLT-U configuration was selected using both light/heavy load conditions and subjective–objective evaluation criteria. The WOA improved the spread value in the GRNN algorithm, establishing a GRNN to predict the optimal range for wet clutch design values in BLT-U; the model validation showed an average correlation coefficient of 0.92 for speed curves and an average relative error of 5.58% for dynamic loads. Under light-load conditions, the optimal configuration improved average and maximum scores by 13.38% and 11.53%, respectively, while under heavy-load conditions, the corresponding improvements were 9.38% and 5.86%. Under light-load conditions, the optimized GRNN reduced total relative error by 39.6%, while under heavy-load conditions, it achieved a 61% reduction. This study confirms the rationality of the modeling method, identifies Configuration 1 as optimal, and determines the optimal range for clutch design values under light-load and heavy-load conditions, respectively. Full article

Many cities are still struggling to comply with current air quality regulations. Road transport is usually a significant source of NOx emissions, especially in urban areas. Therefore, NOx from road vehicles needs to be further reduced below current standards to ultra-low or even zero-impact levels. In a novel, holistic powertrain design approach, this paper presents powertrain solutions to achieve zero-impact NOx emissions with an N1 class III diesel light commercial vehicle. The design is based on a compliance test matrix consisting of six real-world scenarios that are critical for emissions and air quality. As a design baseline, a vehicle concept meeting the emission requirements as set out in the European Commission’s 2022 Euro 7 regulation proposal is used. The baseline vehicle concept can achieve zero-impact NOx emissions in 67% of these scenarios. To achieve zero-impact NOx emissions in all scenarios, further advanced emission solutions are mandatory. In congested urban areas, the use of an exhaust gas aftertreatment system preheating device with at least 20 kW of power for 1 min is required. In high-traffic highway situations, an underfloor SCR unit with a minimum volume of 12 l or the restriction of the maximum vehicle speed at 130 km/h is required. Full article