Modelling shared space users via rule-based social force model

The promotion of space sharing in order to raise the quality of community living and safety of street surroundings is increasingly accepted feature of modern urban design. In this context, the development of a shared space simulation tool is essential in helping determine whether particular shared space schemes are suitable alternatives to traditional street layouts. A simulation tool that enables urban designers to visualise pedestrians and cars trajectories, extract flow and density relation in a new shared space design, achieve solutions for optimal design features before implementation, and help getting the design closer to the system optimal. This paper presents a three-layered microscopic mathematical model which is capable of representing the behaviour of pedestrians and vehicles in shared space layouts and it is implemented in a traffic simulation tool. The top layer calculates route maps based on static obstacles in the environment. It plans the shortest path towards agents’ respective destinations by generating one or more intermediate targets. In the second layer, the Social Force Model (SFM) is modified and extended for mixed traffic to produce feasible trajectories. Since car movements are not as flexible as pedestrian movements, velocity angle constraints are included for cars. The conflicts described in the third layer are resolved by rule-based constraints for shared space users. An optimisation algorithm is applied to determine the interaction parameters of the force-based model for shared space users using empirical data. This new three-layer microscopic model can be used to simulate shared space environments and assess, for example, new street designs.     

Airline competition and market frequency: A comparison of the s-curve and schedule delay models

We compare two common ways of incorporating service frequency into models of airline competition. One is based on the so called s-curve, in which, all else equal, market shares are determined by frequency shares. The other is based on schedule delay—the time difference between when travelers wish to travel and when flights are available. We develop competition models that differ only with regard to which of the above approaches is used to capture the effect of frequency. The demand side of both models is an approximation of a nested logit model which yields endogenous travel demand by including not traveling in the choice set. We find symmetric competitive equilibrium for both models analytically, and compare their predictions concerning market frequency with empirical evidence. In contrast to the s-curve model, the schedule delay model depicts a more plausible relationship between market share and frequency share and accurately predicts observed patterns of supply side behavior. Moreover, the predictions from both models are largely the same if we employ numerical versions of the model that capture real-world aspects of competition. We also find that, for either model, the relationship between airline frequency and market traffic is the same whether frequency is determined by competitive equilibrium, social optimality, or social optimality with a break-even constraint.     

Social Media Use during Unplanned Transit Network Disruptions: A Review of Literature

Abstract

This paper explores social media's role in managing unplanned transit networks disruptions. Although literature exists more broadly on the use of social media in transit, this paper presents the first literature review in this setting. When disruptions occur, commuters require reliable, up-to-date information. Its provision reduces anxiety and allows informed choices. Social media is beneficial given it provides real-time information but it can only supplement (not replace) conventional approaches. Information reliability was critical. Research in the field of disaster management illustrates the importance of publicly contributed information. Known as “crowdsourcing”, it is part of the emerging field of crisis informatics which for the first time was linked to unplanned transit disruption management. The results highlight that social media's real-time nature can reduce disrupted travel demand; however, its utilisation can be resource-intensive. A framework presented illustrates how social media utilisation varies according to the operational characteristics of a disrupted network. Social media use as an information delivery tool is still in its infancy and an unwillingness to embrace it is an impediment to sustained growth. Crowdsourcing is one approach that could resolve the issue of transit agency resourcing whilst satisfying the increased demand and expectation for real-time information.     

自媒体时代话语权的舆论应对研究

现代自媒体迅猛发展,网络谣言频繁发生,形式也多样化。有通过模仿来讽刺现象、来折射民意的;有为获取公众的支持和关注的;更多的是对突发事件进行信息披露来引发各种猜疑的。在当今社会转型时期,由于信息不对称和社会诚信缺失等因素影响,加剧了网络谣言滋生和蔓延。如何消除流言,减少流言对社会的危害是当务之急。     

高职《管理学基础》课程教学方法探究

《管理学基础》课程的教学方法改革要紧紧围绕人才培养目标来进行。改革课程教学方法应以重点培养学生自主学习的能力、踏实的实践能力、创造性的工作能力为核心,使培养的人才适应经济社会发展的需要。文章分析了目前《管理学基础》课程教学中存在的问题,并提出多种《管理学基础》课程教学方法,重点介绍了案例教学法、情景模拟教学方法、社会实践教学等方法,以期达到培养人才的目的。     

高校体育社会功能探析

通过文献资料法对高校体育在社会上所起的作用和具有的意义做出了总结,更深层次地对高校体育在社会政治、经济、文化等方面对社会所具有的作用做了细致的分析,并且研究了促进人才社会化等具有的影响。这一研究针对高校体育多层次、多元化和与时俱进的特征,为高校体育工作者提供一定的理论依据,以期对高校体育的社会功能有进一步的认识。     

The effects of social networks on choice set dynamics: Results of numerical simulations using an agent-based approach

Activity-based analysis has slowly shifted gear from the analysis of daily activity patterns to the analysis and modeling of dynamic activity-travel patterns. In this paper, we address one type of dynamics: the formation and adaptation of location choice sets under influence of dyad relationships within social networks. It extends the dynamic model developed in earlier work, which simulates habitual behavior versus exploitation and exploration as a function of discrepancies between dynamic, context-dependent aspiration levels and expected outcomes. Principles of social comparison and knowledge transfer are used in modeling the impact of social networks through information exchange, adaptations of spatial choice sets and formation of common aspiration levels. We demonstrate model properties using numerical simulation with a case study of shopping activities.     

Evaluating the social cost of cruise ships air emissions in major ports of Greece

Detailed NO_x, SO₂ and PM_2.5 emissions have been estimated for cruise ships in the five busiest Greek ports (i.e. Piraeus, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu and Katakolo) for year 2013. The emissions were analyzed in terms of gas species, seasonality and activity. The total in-port inventory of cruise shipping accounted to 2742.7 tons: with NO_x being dominant (1887.5 tons), followed by SO₂ and PM_2.5 (760.9 and 94.3 tons respectively). Emissions during hotelling corresponded to 88.5% of total and have significantly outweighed those produced during ships’ maneuvering activities (11.5% of total). Seasonality was found to play a major role, as summer emissions and associated impacts were significantly augmented. The anticipated health impacts of ship emissions can reach to €24.3 million or to €5.3 per passenger proving the necessity of control of the emissions produced by cruise ships in port cities or policy and measures towards a more efficient cruise industry.     

The factors influencing bicycling in the Bangalore city

Bicycling, in an urban context, have many benefits, compared with motorized transports, like reduced carbon footprint, and lower maintenance, health, social and infrastructural costs. The present paper analyses the various factors contributing to a low percentage of bicycling in the Bangalore city and elicits certain policy aspects to improve the attractiveness of bicycling. The study focuses mainly on the behavioral aspects of commuters pertaining to their childhood and current scenario, and uses a face-to-face questionnaire survey for data collection. These behavioral aspects indicated a commuter’s perception about social expectation, convenience and bicycling infrastructure using a 5-point Likert scale measurement. Information is also collected about factors that might motivate bicycling, and about demographic variables like age, gender, income, etc. The study used a statistical z-test to identify the most influential attitudinal factors and to check whether the various factors are significantly different. The results gave a clear picture about the most dominant attitudinal factors that resulted in the stoppage of bicycling during a commuter’s childhood, and that acted as a deterrent to their bicycle usage in a current scenario. The study determined a need for changing the attitude of people towards cycling by programs that would create a positive image for cycling. There was also a need for segregated cycle lanes and signals at intersections so that people could feel safe while travelling on cycles.     

Exploring transportation equity: Development and application of a transportation justice framework

Recent efforts to emphasize social equity in transportation are emerging as local, regional and national governments have set initiatives to identify, existing and potential, disproportionate impacts to low-income and minority populations, also referred to as transportation justice (TJ). Currently, there are suggested methods for identifying transportation justice areas; however, there is no streamlined method instituted across transportation agencies. Each jurisdiction identifies transportation justice (or environmental justice) areas based on their own methodology, typically based on either average regional thresholds, graduated thresholds, or a more unique in-house index methodology. This research explores and evaluates existing methods and develops a rigorous and comprehensive method called the Transportation Justice Threshold Index Framework (TJTIF) using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), as well as factors based on demographics, socio-economics, and transportation/land use. The framework is applied to a case study region in Pennsylvania reflective of the Marcellus Shale impact area, highlighting Sullivan County, PA. The methodology and the case study application serve as an example for how transportation agencies throughout the country can promote social sustainability and enhance transportation equity.