International Learning Pathways for Coastal Professionals: A Japan–UK Example

This article reports on the Learning Exchange Programme (LEP) model of capacity building for Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) professionals. The LEP model of capacity building involves international group-based exchange visits during which a structured program of experiential learning events is undertaken to meet specific capacity gaps. An application of the LEP model in Japan and the United Kingdom is presented and evaluated, which shows that while refinements could be identified, a group-based, tailored exchange model focused on filling specific capacity gaps is an effective model of capacity building for ICM.     

Effects of road network on vegetation pattern in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, Southwest China

The paper presents the results of a case study carried out in Xishuangbanna, Southwest China, to examine the relationship between vegetation dynamics and road network extension. We find that lower level roads had more effects on vegetation patches. Minor roads, including Class IV and Class V roads, contributed most to regional landscape fragmentation while high level roads had larger effect on vegetation dynamics in road effect zone. Further, road classes have close relationships with village distribution, topography fluctuation and landscape fragmentation. Topography, however had no direct relationship with vegetation pattern.     

Can bus really be the new tram?

BRT appears to be less expensive to build and operate than tram systems but can it really approach the performance level of a tram system and what is the environmental performance of comparable systems?     

Preliminary results from an integrated transportation and land use models package

This paper describes the results, to date, of an effort to integrate a land use model with a transportation network model for the purpose of analyzing the interrelationships of transportation facility development and land development. In the system which has been developed each model provides input to, and receives feedbacks from, each other model. To the author's knowledge, the effort described here represents the first successful attempt to develop and test an integrated model package involving these reciprocal relationships. The results obtained from preliminary runs of this package should be of considerable interest to both transportation planners and land use planners. With this integrated system it has been possible to observe the interrelationships, and in particular the feedbacks, between land use and levels of traffic on the networks. Preliminary results indicate that congested networks produce tendencies toward metropolitan centralization. Attempts to relieve congestion seem to produce metropolitan decentralization and increased travel which lead, in turn, to metropolitan sprawl and increased spread of congestion.     

Incorporating insights from signal optimization into reservation-based intersection controls

Reservation-based intersection control for autonomous vehicles has the potential to make greater use of intersection capacity. Indeed, previous studies on the first-come-first-served (FCFS) policy (which prioritizes vehicles by order of their reservation request) have shown improvements over optimized signals. However, in certain situations, such as asymmetric intersections, FCFS easily performs worse than signals. To address this issue, we propose two new reservation policies, WEIGHTED and PHASED. WEIGHTED weights vehicle delay by signal timings, and PHASED simulates a signal but allows red phase turning movements that will not cause a collision. We test these policies on a city network and an arterial bottleneck intersection subnetwork and show that PHASED performs better than WEIGHTED in some scenarios, and vice versa. Furthermore, we show that using a combination of PHASED and WEIGHTED can perform better than using either one alone for the entire network. Results show that these policies provide effective and easily implemented alternatives to FCFS for reservations.     

Model course to revalidate deck officers’ competences using simulators

In accordance with Part A, Chapter I, Section I/11 Revalidation of Certificates of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 2010 Convention, continued evaluation of professional competence shall be established, among others, by successfully completing an approved training course or courses. Every master, officer and radio operator holding a certificate issued or recognised under any chapter of the convention other than chapter VI, who is serving at sea or intends to return to sea after a period ashore, shall be required, at intervals not exceeding 5 years, to demonstrate continued professional competence, in order to continue to qualify for seagoing service. The main objective of this research is to design a model course using simulation technology to train and demonstrate seafarers’ competence in accordance with the provisions of STCW Code for existing seafarers who need to revalidate their professional maritime certificates also in accordance with the standards governing the use of simulators, Reg I/12 of 2010 STCW Code. The purpose of this revalidation simulation-based model course is to assist maritime training institutes and their teaching staff in organising and introducing specific training courses for revalidation of certificates of competence (CoCs) as well as enhancing, updating or supplementing existing training material where the quality and effectiveness of the training courses may thereby be improved. Only those STCW competences relating to ship bridge simulators will be considered for the model course scenario development and testing.     

Hydrodynamic loads on ice-class propellers during propeller-ice interaction

Hydrodynamic loads on a propeller blocked with simulated ice were studied using a cavitation tunnel. Comparative predictions were made using a panel method. The propeller was a model of the Canadian Coast Guard's R-class icebreake propeller, and the ice block was simulated using a solid blockage. Experimental results show the open water performance of the propeller, its performance behind a blockage, and the effects of cavitation in these conditions, as well as the loading on the simulated ice block. Panel method predictions were made of the time series propeller performance in the blocked flow. Cavitation during propellerice interaction resulted in a reduction of mean suction load on the ice block. Block load measurements indicated an increase in the oscillation about the mean value of the loads, with a variation in the phase of the loading with respect to blade position as compared with the non-cavitating results. Comparisons of panel method results with the measured block loads support the reliability of the dynamic measurements.List of symbols D propeller diameter - F block drag load - K _T thrust coefficient,T/(n ² D ⁴) - K _B block load coefficient,F/(n ² D ⁴) - K _Q torque coefficient,Q/(n ² D ⁵) - Q propeller torque - T propeller thrust - n propeller rotational speed - J propeller advance coefficientV _A/(nD) - P _A ambient pressure at propeller - P _ATM atmospheric pressure - P _V vapour pressure of water - V _A propeller advance speed - dissolved gas content - _s saturated dissolved gas content at atmospheric pressure - _o open water propeller efficiency - cavitation number, (P _A –P _V )/(0.5(nD)²) - density of water     

150 mL以下摩托车达到欧Ⅲ排放标准面临的技术挑战和解决方案

中国摩托车市场中,排量150 mL及以下采用四冲程单缸发动机的车型占主导地位.这种车由于成本低,使用、维修便利,适合城乡使用,已成为非常流行的基本交通工具.欧洲将于2006年开始实行针对摩托车的欧Ⅲ排放标准,中国将在2008年实施等同该标准的第3阶段标准.摩托车生产企业和正在开发高技术含量摩托车的企业都面临着严峻的技术挑战--必须使他们的产品符合新排放标准要求,同时还必须在成本和功能上保持对顾客的吸引力.     

Port Decision Maker Perceptions on the Effectiveness of Climate Adaptation Actions

Effective adaptation to climate change impacts is rapidly becoming an important research topic. Hitherto, the perceptions and attitudes of stakeholders on climate adaptation actions are under researched, partly due to the emphasis on physical and engineering aspects during the adaptation planning process. Building on such considerations, the paper explores the perceptions of port decision makers on the effectiveness of climate adaptation actions. The findings suggest that while port decision makers are aware of potential climate change impacts and feel that more adaptation actions should be undertaken, they are skeptical about their effectiveness and value. This is complemented by a regional analysis on the results, suggesting that more tailor-made adaptation measures suited to local circumstances should be developed. The study illustrates the complexity of climate adaptation planning and of involving port decision makers under the current planning paradigm.