Assessing the impact of reduced visibility on traffic crash risk using microscopic data and surrogate safety measures

Due to the difficulty of obtaining accurate real-time visibility and vehicle based traffic data at the same time, there are only few research studies that addressed the impact of reduced visibility on traffic crash risk. This research was conducted based on a new visibility detection system by mounting visibility sensor arrays combined with adaptive learning modules to provide more accurate visibility detections. The vehicle-based detector, Wavetronix SmartSensor HD, was installed at the same place to collect traffic data. Reduced visibility due to fog were selected and analyzed by comparing them with clear cases to identify the differences based on several surrogate measures of safety under different visibility classes. Moreover, vehicles were divided into different types and the vehicles in different lanes were compared in order to identify whether the impact of reduced visibility due to fog on traffic crash risk varies depending on vehicle types and lanes. Log-Inverse Gaussian regression modeling was then applied to explore the relationship between time to collision and visibility together with other traffic parameters. Based on the accurate visibility and traffic data collected by the new visibility and traffic detection system, it was concluded that reduced visibility would significantly increase the traffic crash risk especially rear-end crashes and the impact on crash risk was different for different vehicle types and for different lanes. The results would be helpful to understand the change in traffic crash risk and crash contributing factors under fog conditions. We suggest implementing the algorithms in real-time and augmenting it with ITS measures such as VSL and DMS to reduce crash risk.     

Intermodal transport in freight distribution: a literature review

There has been significant growth in research on intermodal transport in freight distribution since the 1990s. Differentiating itself from previously published literature reviews, this paper evaluates the current state of this research using Systematic Literature Review methodology. The complementary aims are: (a) to identify the research lines developed and to propose a criterion for classifying the literature, and (b) to discuss the empirical evidence that identifies existing interrelationships. The analysis has enabled three main lines of research to be identified. The first research line, basic principles of intermodal transport, groups together works related to the definition of intermodal transport and the results obtained using this transportation system. The second, improvements to the way that intermodal transport systems work, frames elements and variables that impact intermodal transport systems’ logistics efficiency, such as quality of service, information and communication systems, and freight planning and linkages among system operators to provide an adequate service. Finally, the third line, intermodal transport system modelling, identifies the main variables used to optimise these transport systems, the different focuses and approaches used in modelling, and the advantages and disadvantages of each focus. These research lines take in more specific sublines that incorporate articles that develop related research questions. Lastly, the discussion of the content of each of these research sublines enables us to identify gaps in the literature and comment on directions for future research.     

Long-term impact of the Shinkansen on rail and air demand: analysis with data from Northeast Japan

This paper analyses how the high-speed rail construction in Northeast Japan (Tohoku) has affected total demand and interregional travel patterns. We use annual interregional passenger data from 1989 to 2012 and apply regression analysis with the demand between Tokyo and the Tohoku prefectures as the dependent variable. We distinguish particularly between the ‘Full-’ and the ‘Mini-’ Shinkansen, where the latter are branch services running with reduced speed. We find that the ‘Full-Shinkansen’ quickly increases rail and total public transport trips and generates additional rail demand year on year. The ‘Mini-Shinkansen’ impacts are less pronounced. Furthermore, our analysis shows that the Shinkansen has shifted some demand from air to rail once it started operation and increased rail share gradually. We therefore suggest that predictions of demand impacts should carefully distinguish immediate from gradual impacts. We also discuss differences in regional demand in that not all prefectures have gained equally from Shinkansen construction.     

A logit-based model for measuring the effects of transportation infrastructure on land value

Mutual interactions between transportation and land use have long been debated. Despite progress made in computational technology, the study of these interactions is not adequately developed. The most important aspect of such interactions is given by the changes in land values due to changes in transportation infrastructures. We consider the behavioural features of these interactions along with the constraints on the land and/or zoning restrictions and propose a reliable model for the first time to predict land value changes with respect to changes in transportation facilities and accessibility. The proposed model is a logit-based mathematical programming methodology where the relative price of land is predicted with respect to transportation accessibility, neighbourhood amenities, location premium, availability of land, and zoning regulations. A real-world case study is used to exhibit the applicability of the proposed methodology and demonstrate the efficacy of the algorithms and procedures.     

Drivers of transit service loyalty considering heterogeneity between user segments

Users’ loyalty to public transit service is fundamental to promote its popularity in the transportation market. A four-step analytical framework is advanced to investigate the importance of service attributes that heterogeneous transit user segments place on their public transit service loyalty, measured in terms of overall satisfaction and re-use intention. Critical service attributes perceived by transit users that are relevant for loyalty enhancement are explicitly determined, which vary between user segments. It is suggested that the design of strategies aimed to promote the use of public transit by increasing user loyalty towards transit service be targeted at specific attributes that contribute most to loyalty and specific user segments whose original loyalty level is significantly different to others.     

Electric vehicles for greenhouse gas reduction in China: A cost-effectiveness analysis

There have been ongoing debates over whether battery electric vehicles contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in China’s context, and if yes, whether the greenhouse gas emissions reduction compensates the cost increment. This study informs such debate by examining the life-cycle cost and greenhouse gas emissions of conventional vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles, and comparing their cost-effectiveness for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The results indicate that under a wide range of vehicle and driving configurations (range capacity, vehicle use intensity, etc.), battery electric vehicles contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional vehicles, although their current cost-effectiveness is not comparable with hybrid electric vehicles. Driven by grid mix optimization, power generation efficiency improvement, and battery cost reduction, the cost-effectiveness of battery electric vehicles is expected to improve significantly over the coming decade and surpass hybrid electric vehicles. However, considerable uncertainty exists due to the potential impacts from factors such as gasoline price. Based on the analysis, it is recommended that the deployment of battery electric vehicles should be prioritized in intensively-used fleets such as taxis to realize high cost-effectiveness. Technology improvements both in terms of power generation and vehicle electrification are essential in improving the cost-effectiveness of battery electric vehicles.     

国外海上补给关键技术的发展

海上补给是指利用各种补给装备及技术在海上对舰船实施物资补充、人员车辆换乘的一种海上作业活动,是海军中远海作战的主要物资保障及转运方式,相关技术的研制及发展历来受到各国重视。本文介绍了国外海军海上补给技术的最新进展,重点针对横向补给、靠帮补给及车辆转驳等关键领域,分析了其背景及现状,梳理了技术研制情况,总结了未来发展趋势及各自关键技术。分析认为,多种新技术应用扩大了物资及装备海上转运的适用范围,提高了输转效率及作业安全性,并使海上补给技术发展呈现出重型化、快速化、智能化的趋势。     

取水工程对港内水流条件及泥沙回淤的影响

针对取水工程对港池内水流及泥沙影响问题,以黄骅港综合港区港池取水工程为例,通过在分析工程区域自然条件和泥沙条件的基础上建立三维数学模型的方法,从潮流、泥沙角度分析各取水方案对港池内水流条件和泥沙回淤的影响。结果表明:取水工程实施后整个港池内流速均不大,除取水口外,流速均在0.1 m/s以下。取水工程不会造成周边水域泥沙场的改变,对进港航道及港池淤积影响不大。取水工程实施后在设计最大取水流量范围内不会影响港口的正常运行。     

斜向波浪对斜坡堤胸墙作用力的试验研究

斜坡堤胸墙的稳定性主要受到波浪作用的影响,而且实际工程中斜坡堤多受斜向波浪作用。通过斜向与正向不规则波对斜坡堤胸墙作用的物理模型试验研究,分析斜坡堤单个胸墙所受的斜向波浪总力的折减系数随水位和波浪入射角度的变化规律,并与斜向波浪对单元直立堤的作用情况进行对比。结果表明:斜坡堤单个胸墙所受的斜向波浪总力的折减系数总体上随着水位的降低而变小,随着波浪入射角度的减小而变小;斜向波浪总浮托力的折减系数一般小于总水平力的折减系数;在不同水位和波浪入射角下,斜坡堤单个胸墙所受的斜向波浪总力的折减系数与单元直立堤有一定差别。     

深中通道工程对伶仃洋水流环境的影响

伶仃洋是珠江河口东四口门入汇的喇叭状河口湾,径、潮交汇,动力复杂。利用伶仃洋河口潮流数学模型从潮位、流速、流态、动力格局方面探讨了深中通道工程建设对伶仃洋河口潮流动力环境的影响。研究结果表明:深中通道工程建设对伶仃洋潮流动力环境影响的范围和强度均以西人工岛附近为最大,锚碇水域次之,东人工岛及桥区附近相对较小;近岛、桥局部区域潮位及流场的变化比较明显,对伶仃洋滩槽总体格局影响不大。