Integrated imputation of activity-travel diaries incorporating the measurement of uncertainty

Procedures to transform GPS tracks into activity-travel diaries have been increasingly addressed due to their potential benefit to replace traditional methods used in travel surveys. Existing approaches for data annotation however are not sufficiently accurate, which normally involves a prompted recall survey for data validation. Imputation algorithms for transportation mode detection seem to be largely dependent on speed-related features, which may blur the quality of classification results, especially with transportation modes having similar speeds. Therefore, in this paper we propose an enhanced integrated imputation approach by incorporating the critical indicators related to trip patterns, reflecting the effects of uncertain travel environments, including bus stops and speed percentiles. A two-step procedure which embeds a segmentation model and a transportation mode inference model is designed and examined based on purified prompted recall data collected in a large-scale travel survey. Results show the superior performance of the proposed approach, where the overall accuracy at trip level reaches 93.2% and 88.1% for training and surveyed data, respectively.     

基于轮胎-颗粒流动力学模型的避险车道参数匹配方案研究

为了优化山区公路避险车道参数设计方案,基于离散元基本理论与方法,建立轮胎与避险车道集料颗粒流模型。利用自主研发的轮胎性能测试系统对货车轮胎垂直特性进行了室内台架试验研究,通过检测不同输入条件下的响应,标定了轮胎颗粒流模型细观参数。采用漏斗法测量了避险车道集料休止角,结合离散元颗粒流仿真方法,对集料颗粒流模型表面摩擦因数进行了标定。基于所建立的轮胎与避险车道的集料颗粒流模型,仿真分析了轮胎在避险车道中的行驶过程,模拟了车辆在运行过程中的行驶距离、行驶速度与轮胎转速的变化趋势。在甘肃S308省道K209+400处避险车道进行了实车道路试验,试验结果验证了该仿真方法的正确性。通过所建立的轮胎-颗粒流模型对比分析了不同铺设厚度,不同集料大小下的仿真结果。综合考虑减速效果和施工成本,确立了避险车道铺设厚度、铺设长度、颗粒材料等设计技术参数。研究结果表明：离散元法能够很好地模拟车辆在避险车道中的行驶过程;考虑到颗粒固结等因素,建议避险车道铺设厚度不小于0.8 m;针对行驶速度大于90 km·h^-1的载货汽车,避险车道设计长度建议大于130 m;避险车道集料方面,建议选用粒径为1~3 cm且圆度较高的砾石作为路床材料。     

Fine sediment deposits in shelf seas

From field observations it appears that the top layer of a shelf bottom in general exhibits an intricate geographical pattern of sediment formations. Sediments of different composition are confined in distinct regions. This contradicts the idea that current and wave forces stir up bottom sediment and disperse it in a random way over the shelf; the dispersal process is counteracted by sorting mechanisms. In this paper the bottom patterns of fine cohesive sediments are considered. A specific sorting mechanism is studied which may explain the patchy structure of fine sediment deposits. It is shown that fine sediments can be trapped in bottom deposits which contain a fine sediment fraction high enough to prevent pore water motion in the shelf bed. This mechanism opposes sediment dispersal away from existing deposits. It may also explain the formation or the preservation of mud patches, even in regions where the bottom shear stress is relatively high.     

Incentivizing alternative fuel vehicles: the influence of transport policies,attitudes and perceptions

This paper aims to evaluate the influence of policies, attitudes and perceptions when incentivizing alternative fuel vehicles. The impact of possible policies such as gasoline taxes increases, purchase price subsidies, tax exemptions, and increases in fuel recharging station availability for alternative fuelled vehicles is evaluated using hybrid choice models. The models also allow assessing the sensitivity of latent variables (i.e., attitudes and perceptions) in the car purchase behaviour. The models are estimated using data from a stated choice survey collected in five Colombian cities. The latent variables are obtained from the rating of statements related to the transport system, environmental concern, vehicle preferences, and technology. The modelling approach includes regression between latent variables. Results show that environmental concern and the support for green transport policies have a positive influence on the intention to purchase alternative fuel vehicles. Meanwhile, people who reveal to be car-dependent prefer to buy standard fuelled vehicles. The analysis among cities shows similar trends in individual behaviour, although there are differences in attribute sensitivities. The policy scenario analysis revealed high sensitivity to capital cost and the need for extensive investments in refuelling stations for alternative fuel vehicles to become attractive. Nevertheless, all policies should not only be directed at infrastructure and vehicles but also be focused on user awareness and acceptance of the alternative fuel vehicles. The analysis suggests that in an environmentally conscious market, people prefer alternative fuels. However, if the transport policies support private transport, the market shares of alternative fuel vehicles will decrease.     

佛山市兴朗大桥主桥施工监控计算分析

介绍了佛山市兴朗大桥主桥施工监控方案和主桥的预拱度值计算。并用两种有限元软件分别建模进行对比分析,为兴朗大桥施工的顺利进行提供依据和保障。     

变温马氏体相变动力学实验观察及立体图像模拟

用马氏体回火后经硝酸酒精溶液浸蚀可以变黑的方法,测定了在马氏体MS以下不同温度淬火+回火,最后水淬处理的试样中,黑色马氏体含量百分率及形状参数.根据上述测定数据,利用定量金相方法,找到了淬火温度与马氏体转变百分率f,体积V以及个数N之间关系.应用计算机以立体图像方式演示了变温马氏体相变动力学过程.     

Expert versus lay perception of the risks of motor vehicle-generated air pollution

We explore whether experts’ perceptions of risk differ systematically from those of the public. To do so, we examine whether experts and non-experts make different location decisions in response to ground-level ozone pollution, one of the byproducts of motorized transportation. Physicians are experts in the field of health, and thus may differ from their lay neighbors in their knowledge of and attitude toward pollution and its health risks. If so, it is possible that they value locations with cleaner air differently than their neighbors do. Here we use hedonic price models based on willingness to bear housing and commute burdens to examine the differential valuation of clean air by doctors and laypeople in the Los Angeles region between 1980 and 2000. We find no evidence that doctors are more or less more willing than comparable lay residents to trade off time or money to live in cleaner-air neighborhoods.     

From broken windows to a renovated research agenda: A review of the literature on vandalism and graffiti in the rail industry

The execution of vandalism and graffiti on rail property has a significant impact on rail authorities, the patronisation of rail services, expenditure, and the timely operation of services. There are also important social costs which stem from passengers feeling unsafe, not to mention the environmental costs of removing graffiti and repairing vandalism. In this review paper, we focus on the social, non-technical determinants of and deterrents to vandalism and graffiti in the rail industry. First, we consider the definitions of graffiti and vandalism that are often conflated. After providing some clarification on terminology, and proposing a media-centred approach to vandalism and graffiti, we consider various theorisations of the psychosocial determinants of vandalism and graffiti behaviour. We then turn to an empirical discussion of different technical and social, non-technical prevention programmes that have been trialled. With a focus on identifying what works and under what circumstances, we refer to international case studies of successful vandalism reduction initiatives from Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Australia. Based on a review of literature and practice, we outline a future research agenda to address vandalism and graffiti. We recommend lines of further research covering: theory, empirical data collection and practical initiatives. Specifically, we note the need for a trans-theoretical model of vandalism and graffiti, further ethnographic research and improved evaluation and benchmarking strategies. This is the first review dedicated to the topic of vandalism and graffiti in the rail industry and the first review of non-technical, social deterrents to vandalism and graffiti broadly.     

Simulation-based dynamic adjustments of prices and subsidies for transportation PPP projects based on stakeholders’ satisfaction

Transportation - Public–private partnership (PPP) has been well acknowledged by many as an innovative approach to the procurement of public projects. In their long-term concession periods,...