A robust,data-driven methodology for real-world driving cycle development

This paper develops a robust, data-driven Markov Chain method to capture real-world behaviour in a driving cycle without deconstructing the raw velocity–time sequence. The accuracy of the driving cycles developed using this method was assessed on nine metrics as a function of the number of velocity states, driving cycle length and number of Markov repetitions. The road grade was introduced using vehicle specific power and a velocity penalty. The method was demonstrated on a corpus of 1180 km from a trial of electric scooters. The accuracies of the candidate driving cycles depended most strongly on the number of Markov repetitions. The best driving cycle used 135 velocity modes, was 500 s and captured the corpus behaviour to within 5% after 1,000,000 Markov repetitions. In general, the best driving cycle reproduced the corpus behaviour better when road grade was included.     

A framework for robustness analysis of road networks for short term variations in supply

There is a growing awareness that road networks, are becoming more and more vulnerable to unforeseen disturbances like incidents and that measures need to be taken in order to make road networks more robust. In order to do this the following questions need to be addressed: How is robustness defined? Against which disturbances should the network be made robust? Which factors determine the robustness of a road network? What is the relationship between robustness, travel times and travel time reliability? Which indicators can be used to quantify robustness? How can these indicators be computed? This paper addresses these questions by developing a consistent framework for robustness in which a definition, terms related to robustness, indicators and an evaluation method are included. By doing this, policy makers and transportation analyst are offered a framework to discuss issues that are related to road network robustness and vulnerability which goes beyond the disconnected definitions, indicators and evaluation methods used so far in literature. Furthermore, the evaluation method that is presented for evaluating the robustness of the road network against short term variations in supply (like incidents) contributes to the problem of designing robust road networks because it has a relatively short computation time and it takes spillback effects and alternative routes into account.     

Investigation of hardware-in-the-loop for use in suspension development

Hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) is a testing method in which real-time measurements on physical hardware replace the mathematical model of the particular hardware during simulation. The development of a semi-active suspension prompted the need for such capability. HiL, implemented on a PC with a dSpace^TM board in conjunction with a hydrodynamic actuator, was compared to software simulations of single degree of freedom (DOF) and two DOF systems. HiL was also compared to a physical (ballast-based) two DOF system, comprising the rear suspension of a motorcycle. Comparisons between the HiL and software responses showed its suitability for testing suspension systems, thus providing a viable alternative to ballast-based suspension tests, using available hardware. The research also showed that actuator dynamics, filter types and amounts, and signal reference levels required special consideration.     

Selection of techniques for reducing shipping NOx and SOx emissions

This paper develops a subjective generic methodology for providing ship owners with a transparent evaluation tool for selecting their preferred NOx and SOx control techniques. We quantitatively analyse the merits of the control methods available in marine air pollution control practice using data collected from shipping companies, shipyards and maritime academies. We also prioritize the applicable control techniques with respect to operational shipping environments.     

Distribution and diet of larval and juvenile Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) in the shallow Canadian Beaufort Sea

The distribution and diet of larval and juvenile Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) were studied during summer 2005 in the coastal Canadian Beaufort Sea. A total of 275 individuals were captured and the highest abundance was observed at station depths of 20–30 m. This corresponds well with the location of the frontal zone where the Mackenzie River plume water and open sea water meet. Diet examinations were performed on 220 Arctic cod, which were found undamaged from sampling. We observed a gradual decrease in prey number per fish and increase in prey size as larvae grew which corresponded to a shift from Rotifera and nauplii towards larger copepodid stages. However, at all sizes, the larvae remain generalists and feed on a broad range of organisms. Environmental changes due to climate warming could have a two-fold impact on fish larvae feeding in the studied region. First, the potential for increased primary production may lead to increased zooplankton production that may impact the feeding and nutrition positively. On the other hand, greater discharge of turbid water from the Mackenzie River may reduce light penetration in the water column that may negatively influence the ability of visual predators to successively forage.     

Throughput estimation based port development and management policies analysis

With the rapid growth of seaborne commodity trades, port development and management has become a challenging issue to the government, enterprise and academia. To alleviate pressures on spatial demand and the environment, sustainable development and scientific management of a port is of crucial importance for its investment, construction and operation. In this article, a research path based on throughput estimation is proposed. The container port of Tianjin could expect to face immense, increasing pressure in the future several years. To meet future increasing capacity requirement, constructing new waterway and berths in a bigger contiguous area or new locations becomes a crucial strategy. Moreover, the strategy of accommodating peak seasonal traffic means existing container terminals have to attain higher output by redesigning their high-precision schedule, reconfiguring terminal topology, improving worker efficiency and employing more modern container-handling facilities.     

A Fisherman's Co-operative: Open System Theory applied ☆

In this paper the effects on the economic output, income and employment relating to Shetland are considered using an input—output model. The results are presented on the basis of an individual industry and appropriate multipliers are derived.     

The heritage coast program in England and Wales

Abstract

The Countryside Commission for England and Wales has adopted a coastal management system that identifies high‐value scenic areas and manages these as Heritage Coasts. The Heritage Coast program is a collaborative one between central and local government, with the central government providing technical expertise and half the funds and local authorities providing development control and staff. The approach has been successful in having most of the important scenic areas designated as Heritage Coasts, but has been less successful at getting active on‐ground management on the coasts. Less than half the defined Heritage Coasts have management plans or Heritage Coast staff. Reasons for the slow adoption of the program are discussed.     

Knowledge based decision support in airport terminal design

The state of the art in airport terminal design has essentially remained unchanged since the 1970s, relying on the use of detailed simulation together with empirical and statistical formulae for sizing the terminal. Air transport has altered considerably since then, with increased use of air travel for both business and leisure, together with the increased use of ‘hub’ terminals in which the terminal acts as an interchange stop on a journey involving several flights. The use of simulation involves a detailed analysis of the terminal design under one set of conditions. To change the design or operating conditions involves a complete resimulation using the new design parameters which is time consuming and computationally expensive.

By using a knowledge based approach, a system can be provided which has the flexibility and speed required to explore the consequences of implementing design decisions in a variety of conditions, together with the ability to use and alter facility sizing methodologies to reflect current and future design guidelines.