Enhancing stated preference surveys in transportation research: the contribution of geographic information systems

In this paper we argue that visualization, data management and computational capabilities of geographic information systems (GIS) can assist transportation stated preference research in capturing the contextual complexity of many transportation decision environments by providing respondents with maps and other spatial and non-spatial information in graphical form that enhance respondents' understanding of decision scenarios. We explore the multiple inherent contributions of GIS to transportation stated preference data collection and propose a framework for a GIS-based stated preference survey instrument. We also present the design concepts of two survey prototypes and their GIS implementation for a sample travel mode choice problem.     

Persuasive communication aimed at public transportation-oriented residential choice and the promotion of public transport

In this study, we developed a persuasive communication program to induce public-transport-oriented residential (PTOR) choice. We implemented an experiment that targeted students from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, who were in the process of changing their residential location. These students were randomly assigned to four groups: the first group was a control group; the second group received an information brochure about apartment flats typically used by students in Tsukuba city; the third group received a brochure identical to the one given to the second group, except that it also included information about the level of bus service for every flat; and the fourth group was provided with a leaflet that provided motivation for PTOR choice, in addition to the brochure used for the third group. The residential locations were investigated 5 months after the intervention. There was a significant difference between the control group and the third and fourth groups. The ratio of PTOR choice in the group with the information was twice as high as that for the control group. Furthermore, the persuasive message also increased PTOR choice. Additionally, the target groups’ frequency of bus use from home or the university was significantly high compared with the control group.     

Ecological modeling as a tool for coastal zone management in Dokai Bay, Japan

An ecological numerical model has been developed for coastal zone management in Dokai Bay, Japan. The numerical model experiment reproduces the occurrence of red tides and oxygen-deficiency in Dokai Bay during summer. Moreover, the model experiments forecast that when the phosphorus or nitrogen load from land will be cut by 90% or 95%, respectively, red tides and oxygen-deficiency will not occur in Dokai Bay. If the sewage facility is not sufficient to cut the nutrients load to the necessary degree, it is necessary to consider other countermeasures such as cultivating bivalves in order to decrease the nutrients in the bay.     

降低车体下部噪声的评价试验

新干线高速试验列车FASTECH360S和FASTECH360Z采用安装吸声板来降低车体下部噪声。在仿真试验、模型试验和用现有商业运营列车进行的运行试验中,确认了这些吸声板的降噪效果。     

Technical standardization of ITS and Asian initiatives for intelligent mobility

User-centric intelligent mobility businesses emerge and prosper in Asian metropolitan areas by utilizing the progress if information and communication technology (ICT). Under the rise of private lead initiatives on intelligent transport systems (ITS), the roles of public sectors are still large. Public sectors should precisely identify the extensive ITS services by considering the regional conditions and deploy them by collaboration between the public and private. Public sectors also are strongly encouraged to identify the benefits acquired by development and compliance of the international technical standards. Furthermore, in order to maximize the potential capacity of ICT, improvements of social infrastructures are required by the public sectors together with private businesses. With the realization of the collaboration works, Asian regions are well deserved to take the lead in future ITS initiatives.     

A benchmark study of procedures for analysis of axial crushing of bulbous bows

Simplified methods to estimate mean axial crushing forces of plated structures are reviewed and applied to a series of experimental results for axial crushing of large-scale bulbous bow models. Methods based on intersection unit elements such as L-, T- and X-type elements as well as methods based on plate unit elements are employed in the analyses. The crushing forces and the total absorbed energy obtained by the simplified analyses are compared with those obtained from large-scale bulbous bow experiments. The accuracy and the applicability of these methods are discussed in detail.