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.     

Discrete Adaptive Active Suspension for Hardware Implementation

This paper presents a discrete adaptive control approach for an active suspension. The study involves formulation of an active suspension as a digital controller problem involving the time delays. A nonlinear time varying (NTV), single input single output (SISO) suspension model is considered for the analysis. A discrete model reference adaptive control (DMRAC) approach with recursive least square (RLS) estimation is used to form the controller. The controller is designed to maintain the static equilibrium irrespective of dynamic load variations as a disturbance force on the model. Simulation results for deterministic and stochastic inputs are presented to substantiate the approach. Results indicate good performance of adaptive controller even for large dynamic variations of the model and has the potential for a successful hardware implementation.     

Cooperation among freight forwarders: Mode choice and intermodal freight transport

The objective of this paper is to compare vertical and horizontal cooperation among freight forwarders. The paper analyses three freight forwarders (‘players’) with two different means of transportation. The first two players are truck-operating freight forwarders. The third player is a freight forwarder with its own ship. For the purposes of analysis, the paper applied a two-stage game. The results revealed that the best form of cooperation is the one in which the large truck-operating company would establish a coalition with the ship-operating company; that is, vertical cooperation. This cooperation would generate better payoffs in the form of profit, not only to the members of this coalition, but also to the player that has not joined the coalition. However, user surplus is negative in all coalitions, which shows that the establishment of these kinds of cooperation is not beneficial (in terms of prices) for the users of these service providers.     

采用CFD得到的横摇阻尼的船舶横摇分析：数值和实验研究（英文）

This study investigates the roll decay of a fishing vessel by experiments and computational fluid dynamics(CFD)simulations. A fishing vessel roll decay is tested experimentally for different initial roll angles. The roll decay is also simulated numerically by CFD simulations and is validated against the experimental results. It shows that the roll damping could be obtained by CFD with high level of accuracy. The linear and nonlinear damping terms are extracted from the CFD roll decay results and...     

Parametrical studies of a new numerical model for controlled ship motions in extreme astern seas

Parametrical studies based on numerical simulations were carried out for very steep regular waves to assess possible improvements in the state-of-the art numerical modelling of the control and capsizing behaviour of ships in following and quartering seas. A nonlinear 6-DOF numerical model has been developed with the inclusion of frequency-dependent terms, the so called memory effects, and a flexible axis system that allows straightforward combination of seakeeping and manoeuvring models while accounting for extreme motions. The previously undertaken validation analyses using extensive model test data provided qualitatively good agreement, whereas the comparison with numerical models without coupling of the vertical motions and frequency-dependent hydrodynamic terms embodied in radiation forces identified improvements in the accuracy. However, to broaden the assessment of the numerical model, further parametrical numerical analyses were carried out using two ships, which had previously been tested in the validation analyses, for various operational and environmental conditions. These parameters were changed in accordance with the recommendations from international organisations and experience from model tests to realise and avoid dangerous conditions that often result in capsizing, such as broaching associated with surf riding and low-cycle resonance. As a result of the parametric analysis, we discuss the sensitivity of the improvements in the numerical model for various critical operational and design parameters and its possible use to provide a link between the ship's behavior and these parameters.     

A proposed quantitative methodology for the evaluation of the effectiveness of Human Element,Leadership and Management (HELM) training in the UK

In 2006, a review of maritime accidents found that non-technical skills (NTSs) are the single largest contributing factor towards such incidents. NTSs are composed of both interpersonal and cognitive elements. These include things such as situational awareness, teamwork, decision making, leadership, management and communication skills. In a crisis situation, good NTSs allow a deck officer to quickly recognise that a problem exists and then harness the resources that are at their disposal to safely and efficiently bring the situation back under control. This paper has two aims. The first is to develop a methodology which will enable educators to quantitatively assess the impact of Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)-approved Human Element, Leadership and Management (HELM) training on deck officer’s NTSs with a view to identifying further training requirements. The second is to determine whether the HELM training provided to develop the NTSs of trainee deck officers is fit for purpose. To achieve these aims, a three-phase approach was adopted. Initially, a taxonomy for deck officer’s NTSs is established, behavioural markers are identified and the relative importance of each attribute is calculated using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Subsequently, a set of scenarios were identified for the assessment of deck officer’s NTSs in a ship bridge simulator environment. A random selection of students that have completed the Chief Mate (CM) programme was performed, and data regarding their NTS-related performance in the scenarios was collected. Finally, the collected data was fed into the evidential reasoning (ER) algorithm, utility values were produced and, having established these values, the effectiveness of the HELM training that the students have received was then evaluated.     

Investigating the effects of psychological factors on commuting mode choice behaviour

This paper utilizes socio-psychometric survey data to investigate the influence of attitudes, affective appraisal and habit formation on commuting mode choice. The data-set was collected in 2009–2010 in Edmonton, Alberta. In addition to conventional socio-economic, demographic and modal attributes, the survey gathered psychological information regarding habitual behaviour, affective appraisal and personal attitudes. Different psychometric tools were used to capture psychological factors affecting mode choice. Habitual behaviour was measured using Verplanken's response-frequency questionnaire. Affective appraisal was indirectly estimated using the Osgood's semantic differential. Five-point Likert scales were used to measure attitude. The structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was used to investigate the effects of psychological factors on mode choice behaviour. SEM captures the latent nature of psychological factors and uses path diagrams to identify the directionality as well as intensity of the relationships. The investigation reveals that passengers have positive emotions towards their chosen mode. Further, evidence of the superiority of the car as a travel alternative was established in terms of strong habit towards it, such that passengers would use the car for almost every single trip.     

A mathematical model for acceleration phase of aerodynamically alleviated catamarans and minimizing the time needed to reach final speed

Racing catamarans use aerodynamic alleviation concept which in existing extreme ground effect significantly enhances the performance. Beside design measures, controlling strategies may be employed as convenient solutions to improve the performance and address concerns regarding poor stability in these crafts. Being of substantial importance for a racing catamaran to reach the final speed as soon as possible, this study attempts to find the optimal form of changing the drive angle (as control variable) to minimize its acceleration time. In this regard, a mathematical model is developed for forward acceleration phase of these catamarans based on empirical and theoretical methods. Then the formulation and solution algorithm for the time-optimal problem are described according to an indirect method. Results for a representative racing craft have been presented in uncontrolled and controlled conditions. Problem in controlled condition has been solved without and with a predefined constraint regarding stability margin. Optimal controlling of the drive angle without stability constraint during the acceleration results in 40 % reduction in time required to reach the speed of 110 kn and 14 % reduction in resistance at this speed in comparison to the uncontrolled case. Addition of the stability constraint changes optimal solution for drive angle and causes craft trim angle follow a decreasing trend at higher speeds.     

Uncertainty modeling for bus selection and allocation in a private transportation system

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the development of a probabilistic formulation that provides global optimum selection and allocation of a fleet of buses in a private transportation system of an organization where a third party is hired to provide transportation for its employees and their dependents. In this private transportation system, a fleet of buses is to be selected and allocated to serve employees and their independents on different prescheduled trips along different routes from the organization’s headquarters and residential compound where round-trip times of scheduled trips are subject to uncertainty due to random delays. We propose a probabilistic approach based on 0-1 integer programming for the selection and allocation to determine the optimal number and size of buses assigned to a set of prescheduled trips in a particular time interval. Examples and a case study are presented to illustrate the applicability and suitability of the proposed approach.     

Influence of train length on in-train longitudinal forces during brake application

It needs some seconds for a signal, which is created from brake application, to travel from the first part of the train system (locomotive) to the end part of it (last wagon). Delay in time of all parts of the system (train) brake is seen which might deteriorate the longitudinal dynamic interaction of the long trains. For instance, this results in running of the rear cars to the front ones and hence producing large in-train forces at the buffers and couplers. Major parts of the rolling stock in railway system repair are known for relative compression and tension forces, which are applied to the whole train system and cause huge expenses for the industry. For trains with long lengths, operating in safe area is another important relation with train forces along the system. By using MATLAB simulation in this study, we investigated the length's effect on train dynamic along the system mainly for freight trains. We did our research on the trains which are currently used in Railways of Islamic Republic of Iran, RIRI. Four diverse cases were under our simulation, in each of which, trains consist of 52, 32, 20 and 12 cars, respectively. Two different forces (tension and compression) are displayed here as of the outcome of the research. Simulations show different forms of interplays in dynamics along the system. Then we compared the graphs to each other to find out detailed influences of length of the whole system (train including different number of wagons and locomotive) on dynamics of system along it while braking is applied.