Link choice proportions from trip distribution and assignment models: An overview and comparison

A number of estimation procedures have been suggested for the situation where a prior estimate of an origin-destination matrix is to be updated on the basis of recently-acquired traffic counts. These procedures assume that both the link flows and the proportionate usage of each link made by each origin-destination flow (referred to collectively as the link choice proportions) are known. This paper examines the possibility and methods for estimating the link choice proportions. Three methods are presented: (1) using ad hoc iteration between trip distribution and traffic assignment; (2) combining trip distribution and assignment in one step; (3) solving a new optimization problem in which the path flows are directly considered as variables and its optimal solution is governed by a logit type formula. The algorithms, covergencies and computational efficiencies of these methods are investigated. Results of testing the three methods on example networks are discussed.     

Nonlinear plankton dynamics and pattern formation in an ecohydrodynamic model system

Nonlinear interactions, diffusion, transport and locomotion of species are described by a system of reaction-diffusion-advection equations. Its transient and stationary nonequilibrium solutions in space and time are considered as patchy patterns in natural chemical or biological communities. Recent results on the general mechanism of spatial pattern formation after flux-induced instabilities of a spatially uniform species distribution as well as on the effect of hydrodynamic forcing on spatial patterns in a minimal plankton model are summarized.     

A model of stoppings on urban bus routes

The amount of time required to pick up and discharge passengers is an important issue in the planning and modeling of urban bus systems. Several past studies have employed models of this component of bus travel time which are based, in part, on a model of the number of stoppings the bus makes to pick up or discharge passengers. Most past versions of this model have assumed that expected demand does not vary from stop to stop or from trip to trip, but that the number of passengers demanding service at any given stop during any given trip follows a Poisson distribution. An alternative model is derived, based on the assumption that expected demand varies among stops and times of day but is fixed from day to day at any given stop and time of day. Boarding and alighting survey data are used to verify that the “average-demand” Poisson model consistently overestimates the number of stoppings and to calibrate an approximate version of the alternative model. A stop-spacing optimization model previously developed by Kikuchi and Vuchic is reevaluated using the alternative stopping model in place of the average demand model used in the original version. The results are found to be considerably different, thus indicating that transit route optimization models are sensitive to the way in which stopping processes are modeled.     

Stochastic modeling of long term wave induced responses of ship structures

This paper presents a procedure for evaluating the long term response distribution in ship structures. A specified travel route through given geographical areas during the lifetime of the ship is defined. The individual scatter diagrams, describing the relative occurrence of different sea states for the geographical areas, are weighted with respect to the relative time occupancy of the ship. A two-dimensional analytical distribution is fitted to the weighted scatter diagram over the lifetime.

Frequency response functions for all the sectorial forces are calculated for different ship speeds, heading angles and loading conditions, and fitted to a bi-cubic spline. The wave spectrum is defined by applying a gamma spectrum. The response spectrum is found using a linear frequency domain analysis. From the response spectrum, the peak distribution of the response in each short term period, conditioned on the loading condition, the ship speed and the wave heading direction is computed. The peak distribution over the lifetime is estimated by unconditioning with respect to sea states, maneuvering and loading condition.     

再生性原料在汽车上的应用

本文以联邦德国农业及经济状况为出发点，介绍了利用生物制品，主要是粮食，油料等农产品转化为发动机燃料的研究工作情况，并重点介绍了用菜籽油和酒精的试验研究情况。     

Comparative environmental impacts of different modes

While modern railway systems in general are considered to have comparatively low environmental impacts, high speed rail systems require special attention to ecological appraisal. Two case studies are presented - the new rail lines of the West German Federal Railways, and the European high speed rail project Paris-Brussels-Cologne/Amsterdam — which show that environmental compatibility can be costly and time-consuming. However, it would seem that the environment would not be a main issue for the proposed Amsterdam-Groningen-Hamburg connection if it primarily used existing rail lines.     

Spatial variations in attitudes toward expanded public transit service

Although recent budgetary considerations by the Federal govenment do not portend well for urban public transit, some transit systems are considering expansion into less densely-settled areas further from the Central Business District. Of some concern to planners has been their belief that suburban and rural dwellers may be much less inclined than urban dwellers to support expansion of transit service. This paper presents an analysis of a random-digit dialing/mail-out, mail-back survey conducted in Washtenaw County, Michigan which was designed specifically to examine differences in attitudes between urban and rural residents. Six mutually-exclusive spatial strata were established based upon population density. This paper tests for expected spatial differences in socioeconomic and demographic variables and then examines spatial variations in attitudes toward public transportation. The major conclusion is that the expected spatial variations in attitudes about transit service provision between the spatial strata do not arise. Most of the significant differences found are with respect to questions which relate to where transit is provided. Residents in rural (urban) areas support more strongly the provision of services to rural (urban) areas. Many residents, however, will support transit service that may not benefit them directly.