Advance-F automatic car-following model and its traffic characteristics

This study develops a longitudinal control model for automatic car-following with one switch and two controllers. The switch is operated using fuzzy logic to activate acceleration or trigger braking. The two controllers activate the acceleration pedal and the brake system and use reference adaptive control theory. A simulation is utilized to evaluate the acceptability of the proposed model and to compare the traffic characteristics between machine driving (by the proposed model) and human driving (as represented by the GM-V model). The simulation results indicate that this model is acceptable and is both safe and efficient for use in traffic. However, the automatic car-following system is more aggressive than humans are, which may be the primary challenge in implementation.     

On the use of mathematical programming in the evaluation of transport policies

This paper focuses on the evaluation processes by which decisions regarding transportation alternatives can be assisted. A multidimensional approach usually called multiple criteria decision making is required to represent the complexity of transportation policy and systems.

The multiple criteria decision making techniques can be divided into two groups. The first is based on a ranking scheme approach and the second on a mathematical programming approach.

A multiple objective mathematical programming procedure known as Goal Programming is presented. The authors examined the use of that procedure in real transportation problems.

The results suggest that multiple objective mathematical programming techniques in general do not appear to be appropriate in transportation policy analysis involving mutually exclusive alternatives. Their use can be limited to special cases in the private sector.     

Valuation of environmental externalities: from theory to decision‐making

Valuation of externalities is a condition for correct investment and pricing decisions in transport. This paper provides a brief survey of the main studies achieved in OECD countries in order to get these valuations. Numerical values for the average social cost of transport are presented. The procedures according to which environment is taken into account in France and Italy are analyzed, and the importance of valuation in these procedures is assessed. Finally, prospects for further research and new developments are expressed.     

GPS-based optimization of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles’ power demands in a cold weather city

Using the WPG03 duty cycle developed from global positioning data collected in Winnipeg, Canada, real world energy demands and costs are modeled. Three types of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, four temperatures and two charging scenarios are compared to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. Cold temperatures are shown to greatly affect vehicle operation energy costs, which is an important consideration for cold weather cities such as Winnipeg. The largest energy cost savings are obtained for smaller-battery plug-in hybrids that had the opportunity to charge during the day.     

Interaction study of train-bridge-track systems using Maxwell model

The investigation of problems related to the interaction of train, bridge and track systems has been accelerated by the emergence of high-speed trains. Such studies are required, not only for the endurance issues regarding bridge and tracks, but to assure trains' functionality and performance. The suspension mechanism of train systems is of prime importance in defining the functionality of high-speed trains, and accurate mathematical models of the mechanism are imperative. This paper introduces a numerical technique for an interaction study of train-bridge-track systems based on Maxwell (three-element type) modeling of the suspension mechanisms of vehicles. Track irregularity in sinusoidal form is also integrated into the mathematical model. Although the proposed technique is simple in formulation, it offers phenomenal accuracy in representing the interaction of train, track and bridge systems. In a numerical example, the dynamic behavior of a train-bridge system has been studied. Results of this analysis provide a valuable insight into the contributing roles of different parameters in this subject.     

A stated preference examination of time of travel choice for a recreational trip

A stated preference experiment was performed in Calgary in Canada to examine how people are influenced in the selection of a departure time for a hypothetical trip to see a movie. A total of 635 complete observations were obtained. In each observation the respondent was presented with a set of possible departure time scenarios and asked to indicate the order of preference for these scenarios. Each scenario was described by specifying the automobile travel time, the expected arrival time relative to the movie start time, the parking cost, the probability of being at least ten minutes late for the movie and the length of time the movie had been running. This forced the respondent to trade off between conditions regarding these attributes. Age, gender and frequency of movie attendance were also recorded. The observations thus obtained were used to estimate the parameter values for a range of alternative utility functions in logit models representing this choice behaviour. The results indicate that all of the attributes included have significant effects on departure time choice in the situation being considered. They also indicate that travellers are prepared to arrive roughly two minutes early for each minute of travel time saved; that the money value of driving time for trips to recreational activities is about half that for trips to work; that one additional percent in the probability of arriving late is equivalent to roughly 0.20 Canadian dollars or 1.93 minutes drive time; and that there is a preference for a non-zero expected early arrival time regardless of the associated probability of arriving late. Some of these results are novel and others are consistent with findings for work trips in work done by others, which is seen to add credence to the approach being used here.     

Changes in the relationships between transport,communications and urban form

Transport, communications and urban form cover an overlapping area of rising academic and practical concern. This paper traces several of the many themes brought together under different professional banners, and shows how a confluence of interest is emerging.The themes are the developments in urban planning analysis, transport and time use studies, telecommunications and industrial location, all of which contribute to the area of locational effects of improved telecommunications technology, and are affected by alterations in the nature of work and the uses made of time by individuals. The convergence of geographical, planning, transportation and communication developments now requires explicit investigation, as the timings of technological and theoretical developments appear to coincide with the emergence of a significant need to do so. Some of the gaps between present knowledge and expertise that need to be filled are specified.These include the investigation of the testing and use of current land use integrated analyses for road and development assessment, investigation of the nature and characteristics of work and education which are most affected by telecommunications and computer support, development of longitudinal monitoring methods for overall urban development leading indicators, exploitation of newly-available cross-sectional household and city data sets in conjunction with historical data for longitudinal investigations and forward projections, accounting for altered family structure and activity patterns and the anticipation and assessment of probable further technological change, which can and will undermine many current long term commitments.     

Travel intensity in a city with a barrier

An analytical study is made of the determination of the travel intensity at an arbitrary point of a city with a straight line barrier. For a given origin and destination a trip is made by the shortest path not crossing the barrier or the city perimeter. The joint trip end distribution is arbitrary except for a continuity assumption.     

IN VITRO GLYCATION OF HEMOGLOBIN (HB):CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE MODEL

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Stochastic Optimal Control of Highway Tractors with Active Suspensions

Stochastic optimal control and estimation theories are used to design an active suspension system for a cab ride in a tractor-semitrailer vehicle. A discrete-continuous vehicle model with eleven degrees of freedom is augmented by a stochastic road excitation model and a human perception of vibration shape filter. Both perfect measurement and estimated state cases are considered. The impact of the measurement noise on the design of the optimal controller is demonstrated. The performance of the optimally controlled system is compared with an optimal passive system. It is shown that significant improvements in ride comfort can be achieved through the use of actively controlled cab suspensions.