Effects of sediment resuspension on organic matter processing in coastal environments: A simulation model

A model, constructed using STELLA™, was used to simulate changes in standing stocks and flows of organic matter resulting from sediment resuspension in shallow coastal environments. Previous studies suggested that resuspension may determine the sites and rates of organic matter mineralization in shallow environments (Hopkinson, 1985, 1987). Those studies predicted that resuspended organic material could exert an enhanced demand on dissolved oxygen. Our model results support this hypothesis. Total system metabolism receives increasing contributions from the water column as settling rate decreases. Water column respiration also increases relative to benthic respiration as the frequency and intensity of resuspension events increases. This is driven by higher specific degradation rates in the water column than in the benthic environment. Furthermore, overall respiration (benthic + pelagic) increases in response to resuspension.     

General stochastic user equilibrium traffic assignment problem with link capacity constraints

This paper addresses a general stochastic user equilibrium (SUE) traffic assignment problem with link capacity constraints. It first proposes a novel linearly constrained minimization model in terms of path flows and then shows that any of its local minimums satisfies the generalized SUE conditions. As the objective function of the proposed model involves path‐specific delay functions without explicit mathematical expressions, its Lagrangian dual formulation is analyzed. On the basis of the Lagrangian dual model, a convergent Lagrangian dual method with a predetermined step size sequence is developed. This solution method merely invokes a subroutine at each iteration to perform a conventional SUE traffic assignment excluding link capacity constraints. Finally, two numerical examples are used to illustrate the proposed model and solution method.     

The UNCTAD and WORKPORT models of port development: evolution or revolution?

Around ten years have elapsed since the UNCTAD model on port development was put forward as an explanation of how ports have adapted to incorporate technological, political and operational changes. The UNCTAD Three Generation Port Model is critically examined in the light of research carried out under the WORKPORT project funded by the European Commission, 1998-1999. Evidence from the WORKPORT study shows that, rather than developing in discrete steps, ports evolve continuously, adapting to new technologies, fresh legislation, revised working practices and other influences on an as-required basis. Further, it is demonstrated that several streams of evolution can be observed simultaneously; the pace of change within each stream can vary substantially. One of the prominent features of ports is that they often have several terminals, some operating along traditional lines while others may be leading edge in terms of technology, working practices or other aspects; all of them may be equally effective. The UNCTAD model, implying ports develop in discrete steps, or generations, is therefore shown to be fundamentally flawed.     

Fatigue of jack-ups: Simplifying calculations

Simplification of calculations for fatigue of jack-ups is essential in order to understand the primary influences and the uncertainties involved. Considerable simplification is possible for jack-ups because calculations for fatigue are dominated by the few worst loading conditions, while the large number of lesser conditions can be ignored. The dominating conditions are likely to be — during operations, the resonant sway and surge motions at the natural period of the structure; and during towage, the 1 or 2 days of maximum roll and pitch motions. Examples for both situations examine loading conditions and demonstrate simplified calculations.     

Static Turning Analysis of Vehicles Subject to Externally Applied Forces - A Moment Arm Ratio Formulation

A formulation for representing the static turning response of a two-axle vehicle due to applied external or control forces is expressed in terms of a simple ratio of two distances along the vehicle longitudinal axis. The two distancescoincide with points on the vehicle at which externally applied/ control forces and their reactive inertial forces act with respect to the vehicle neutral steer point. The resulting formulation is equivalent to the rotational equilibrium equation written with respect to the neutral steer point. The method allows a simple “visual analysis” of the steady turning process by showing how key forces and associated moment arms can change with respect to one another due to vehicle modifications or different operatingconditions, thereby affecting the static turning response of the vehicle.     

Driver recruitability for advanced traveler information system experiments

A number of Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) field experiments are being undertaken to study the effectiveness of the ATIS concept in ameliorating traffic congestion and reducing delays. Many of these experiments require the participation of private drivers willing to allow in-vehicle navigation units to be installed in their vehicles over an extended period of time. A critical part of any ATIS field experiment is the selection or recruitment of private drivers to fulfill the multi-purpose participation needs of the ATIS experiment. To provide an informed basis for designing such a driver recruitment effort, it is important to understand the factors affecting driver recruitability or “willingness to participate.” This research presents the results of a quantitative analysis of driver recruitability conducted to aid in the design of recruitment procedures for ADVANCE (Advanced Driver and Vehicle Advisory Navigation Concept), the largest ATIS field experiment of its kind. The approach used a telephone survey to assess driver willingness to participate in the ADVANCE field experiment and to explore variations in that willingness among different drivers and across characteristics of the ADVANCE system and experimental design. The results indicate that the willingness to participate in the ADVANCE field test is greater for men, persons who hold executive or managerial occupations, individuals who drive extensively, persons who use electronic devices such as personal computers and car phones regularly, and persons who have positive beliefs regarding the usefulness of the ADVANCE concept. The result also suggest that drivers' willingness to participate is not strongly affected by monitoring/reporting requirements such as responding to surveys, mailing electronically stored records of system operation, and periodic service requirements. However, the willingness decreases considerably if drivers have to bear the financial responsibility for damage of the navigation equipment and any equipment-caused electrical failures to the car. Finally, the incentive of a lottery prize raises the level of participation willingness. These results have important implications for the recruitment effort, both in terms of recruiting drivers for participation in the demonstration and specifying the operational details of the field test.     

Examining the effect of speed,roadside features,and roadway geometry on crash experience along a rural corridor

This paper presents a current investigation into crash experience along a 15.7-mile rural corridor in southwest Montana with the aim of better understanding crash causal factors along the corridor. The study utilized ten years of crash data, geometric data, and observed freeflow speed data along the corridor. A systematic approach was used where every tenth of a mile was described in term of the crash experience, speed, alignment, and roadside features. Using bivariate and multivariate statistical anal-yses, the study investigated the crash experience along the corridor as well as some of the underlying relationships which could explain some of the crash causal factors. Results show a strong association between crash rates and horizontal curvatures even for flat curves that can be negotiated at speeds above the posted speed limit, per the highway design equations. Higher crash rates were also found to be associated with the difference between the observed free-flow speeds and the speed dictated by the curve radius or sight distance as per the design equations. Further, results strongly support the safety benefits of guardrails as evidenced by the lower crash rates and severities. The presence of fixed objects and the steepness of side slopes were also found to have an effect on crash rates and severities.     

Method for precise controlling of the at shift control system

The shift comfort and efficiency of Automatic Transmission in vehicle are highly influenced by the pressure of the clutch shift control system, especially by the electro-hydraulic clutch subsystem. In this paper, the new design principles of electro-hydraulic clutch systems developed and modeled in detail, the clutch-to-clutch control system is analyzed in three time intervals: oil filled phase, changing phase of clutch torque and synchronous phase of clutch speed. The demand pressures for the engaged clutches calculated in each phase and is precisely built up by using fuzzy slide mode control, the time of hydraulic pressure building-up is very sensitive to the dither current in simulation. All control parameters are optimized by Cosimulation between software Simulink and SimulationX. Finally, the optimal algorithm of the clutch shift control is written into the transmission control unit of a testing vehicle. The testing results show that the suggested control strategy is effective.