Analysis of Historic Pavement and Bridge Conditions and Alternative Funding Levels for the Michigan Department of Transportation

In 1997 the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) established an ambitious set of condition targets for its pavements and bridges, and the Department received increased revenue from a 4-cent-per-gallon increase in the state motor fuels tax to help meet its targets. However, over time, actual revenue was less than both what was initially estimated as needed to meet the targets and what was projected from the tax increase. Consequently, actual conditions were projected to fall short of the target levels, so the department issued bonds to address the shortfall through 2012. To support deliberations on future funding, in 2013 MDOT performed an analysis of historic conditions to determine what additional fuel tax revenues would have been required beginning in 1997 to: replace bond revenues used to fund pavement and bridge projects from 1997 to 2012;and enable MDOT to meet its condition targets. The analysis was performed using data on actual pavement and bridge funding and conditions;as well as predicted funding and conditions for different hypothetical increases in fuel taxes. The analysis concluded that, in addition to the actual increase of 4 cents per gallon, a fuel tax increase of another 10 cents per gallon would have been required in 1997 to replace bond revenue used for pavement and bridges and allow MDOT to meet its condition targets. The analysis results were used to help inform the discussion of Michigan’s target asset conditions and funding, and demonstrate application of MDOT’s pavement and bridge management systems for performing historic analyses.

Telematics as a Transformative Agent for the Zimbabwean Auto Insurance Ecosystem

Zimbabwe has witnessed the evolution of Information Communication Technology (ICT). The vehicle population soared to above 1.2 million hence rendering the Transport and Insurance domains complex. Therefore, there is a need to look at ways that can augment conventional Vehicular Management Information Systems (VMIS) in transforming business processes through Telematics. This paper aims to contextualise the role that telematics can play in transforming the Insurance Ecosystem in Zimbabwe. The main objective was to investigate the integration of Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) with vehicle tracking solutions provided by technology companies like Econet Wireless in Zimbabwe, aiming to align customer billing with individual risk profiles and enhance the synergy between technology and insurance service providers in the motor insurance ecosystem. A triangulation through structured interviews, questionnaires, and literature review, supported by Information Systems Analysis and Design techniques was conducted. The study adopted a case study approach, qualitatively analyzing the complexities of the Telematics insurance ecosystem in Zimbabwe, informed by the TOGAF framework. A case-study approach was applied to derive themes whilst applying within and cross-case analysis. Data was collected using questionnaires, and interviews. The findings of the research clearly show the importance of Telematics in modern-day insurance and the positive relationship between technology and insurance business performance. The study, therefore revealed how UBI can incentivize positive driver behavior, potentially reducing insurance premiums for safe drivers and lowering the incidence of claims against insurance companies. Future work can be done on studying the role of Telematics in combating highway crime and corruption.

Automobile Transportation Logistics Supply Chain Management Strategy

To enhance the management level and quality of the automobile transportation logistics supply chain and promote innovation and development in automobile transportation logistics enterprises,it is essential to strengthen the construction of the automobile transportation logistics supply chain management model.This can be achieved through the gradual improvement of the automobile transportation logistics management process,ensuring that the management of the automobile transportation logistics supply chain proceeds in an orderly manner.The aim is to improve automobile transportation and logistics service levels while meeting the changing market supply needs.This will enable automobile transportation and logistics enterprises to maintain steady economic benefits and enhance their core competitiveness in the market.Therefore,this paper has conducted a comprehensive exploration and research on managing the automobile transportation logistics supply chain.Corresponding management strategies are proposed as a starting point to achieve the aforementioned goals.

Pore-Scale Investigation of Coupled Two-Phase and Reactive Transport in the Cathode Electrode of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

A three-dimensional multicomponent multiphase lattice Boltzmann model(LBM)is established to model the coupled two-phase and reactive transport phenomena in the cathode electrode of proton exchange membrane fuel cells.The gas diff usion layer(GDL)and microporous layer(MPL)are stochastically reconstructed with the inside dynamic distribution of oxygen and liquid water resolved,and the catalyst layer is simplifi ed as a superthin layer to address the electrochemical reaction,which provides a clear description of the fl ooding eff ect on mass transport and performance.Diff erent kinds of electrodes are reconstructed to determine the optimum porosity and structure design of the GDL and MPL by comparing the transport resistance and per-formance under the fl ooding condition.The simulation results show that gradient porosity GDL helps to increase the reactive area and average concentration under fl ooding.The presence of the MPL ensures the oxygen transport space and reaction area because liquid water cannot transport through micropores.Moreover,the MPL helps in the uniform distribution of oxygen for an effi cient in-plane transport capacity.Crack and perforation structures can accelerate the water transport in the assembly.The systematic perforation design yields the best performance under fl ooding by separating the transport of liquid water and oxygen.

公共交通TOD场站建设质量管理体系的构建与运行研究

在TOD场站建设模式下,质量管理体系对于确保项目达到预定质量标准至关重要。本研究强调了TOD场站建设质量管理的必要性,旨在提供有效的质量管理策略和方法,以确保TOD场站建设满足高标准质量要求,提升公共交通服务的效率、安全性和舒适性。本研究可为TOD场站建设中的质量管理提供指导和参考。

A Model with Traffic Routers, Dynamically Managing Signal Phases to Address Traffic Congestion in Real Time

On-road Vehicular traffic congestion has detrimental effect on three lifelines: Economy, Productivity and Pollution (EPP). With ever increasing population of vehicles on road, traffic congestion is a major challenge to the economy, productivity and pollution, notwithstanding continuous developments in alternative fuels, alternative sources of energy. The research develops accurate and precise model in real time which computes congestion detection, dynamic signaling algorithm to evenly distribute vehicle densities while ensuring avoidance of starvation and deadlock situation. The model incorporates road segment length and breadth, quality and achievable average speed to compute road capacity. Vehicles installed with GPS enabled devices provide their location, which enables computing road occupancy. Road occupancy is evaluated based on number of vehicles as well as area occupied by vehicles. Ratio of road occupancy and road capacity provides congestion index important to compute signal phases. The algorithm ensures every direction is serviced once during a signaling cycle ensuring no starvation. Secondly, the definition of minimum and maximum signal timings ensures against dead lock situation. A simulator is developed to validate the proposition and proves it can ease congestion by more than 50% which is better than any of the contemporary approaches offering 15% improvement. In case of higher congestion index, alternate routes are suggested based on evaluation of traffic density graphs for shortest route or knowledge database. The algorithm to compute shortest route is optimized drastically, reducing computation cost to 3*√2N vis-à-vis computation cost of N2 by classical algorithms. The proposal brings down the cost of implementation per traffic junction from USD 30,000 to USD 2000.

The Changing Labour Relations during the Period of Economic Reform:A Case Study of Chinese Township and Village Enterprises in Yangtze River Delta

The economic reform launched in the People's Republic of China(China) led to a rapid growth in non-state sectors.Various forms of corporate governances and ownerships emerged during the last two decades,especially the Township and Village Enterprises owned by local residents.This article is conducted on the changing labour relations in Chinese Township and Village Enterprises(TVEs) despite their increasing contributions to China's transition from planned economy to market economy,and studies the labour market and the Labour Law to understand the unique labour mobility and to test the relationship between Human Resource Management(HRM) practice and the performance among TVEs.

Reinvestigation of the scaling law of the windblown sand launch velocity with a wind tunnel experiment

Windblown sand transport is a leading factor in the geophysical evolution of arid and semi-arid regions.The evolution speed is usually indicated by the sand transport rate that is a function of launch velocity of sand particle,which has been investigated by the experimental measurement and numerical simulation.However,the obtained results in literatures are inconsistent.Some researchers have discovered a relation between average launch velocity and wind shear velocity,while some other researchers have suggested that average launch velocity is independent of wind shear velocity.The inconsistence of launch velocity leads to a controversy in the scaling law of the sand transport rate in the windblown case.On the contrary,in subaqueous case,the scaling law of the sand transport rate has been widely accepted as a cubic function of fluid shear velocity.In order to explain the debates surrounding the windblown case and the difference between windblown and subaquatic cases,this study reinvestigates the scaling law of the vertical launch velocity of windblown transported sand particles by using a dimensional analysis in consideration of the compatibility of the characteristic time of sand particle motion and that of air flow.Then a wind tunnel experiment is conducted to confirm the revisited scaling law,where the sand particle motion pictures are recorded by a high-speed camera and then the launch velocity is solved by the particle tracking velocimetry.By incorporating the results of dimensional analysis and wind tunnel experiment,it can be concluded that,the ratio of saltons number to reptons number determines the scaling law of sand particle launch velocity and that of sand transport rate,and using this ratio is able to explain the discrepancies among the classical models of steady sand transport.Moreover,the resulting scaling law can explain the sand sieving phenomenon:a greater fraction of large grains is observed as the distance to the wind tunnel entrance becomes larger.

RENEWAL OF BASIC LAWS AND PRINCIPLES FOR POLAR CONTINUUM THEORIES (Ⅵ)—CONSERVATION LAWS OF MASS AND INERTIA

The purpose is to reestablish the coupled conservation laws, the local conservation equations and the jump conditions of mass and inertia for polar continuum theories. In this connection the new material derivatives of the deformation gradient, the line element, the surface element and the volume element were derived and the generalized Reynolds transport theorem was presented. Combining these conservation laws of mass and inertia with the balance laws of momentum, angular momentum and energy derived in our previous papers of this series, a rather complete system of coupled basic laws and principles for polar continuum theories is constituted on the whole. From this system the coupled nonlocal balance equations of mass, inertia, momentum, angular momentum and energy may be obtained by the usual localization.

Event management architecture for the monitoring and diagnosis of a fleet of trains: a case study

In recent years, more and more manufacturers and operators of fleets of mobile systems have been focusing their efforts on studying and developing condi-tional maintenance, monitoring, and diagnostic strategies to cope with an increasingly competitive, unstable, costly, and unpredictable environment. This paper proposes a case study concerning the application of a novel event management architecture, called EMH^2, to a fleet of trains. This EMH^2 architecture, which applies the holonic paradigm, aims to facilitate the monitoring and diagnosis of a fleet of mobile systems. It is based on a recursive decomposition of cooperative monitoring holons. The definition of a generic event modeling, called SurfEvent, is the second key element of the contribution. EMH^2 has been designed to be applicable to any kind of system or equipment up to fleet level. The edge computing paradigm has been adopted for implementation purpose. The EMH^2 architecture is designed to facilitate asynchronous and progressive onboard and off-board deployments. A real-world application of EMH^2 to a fleet of ten trains cur-rently in use, in collaboration with our industrial partner, Bombardier Transport, is presented. Three key perfor-mances indicators have been estimated by comparing EMH^2 with the current industrial situation. These indi-cators are (1) the number of fleet maintenance visits,(2) the time needed by a maintenance operator to investigate and diagnose, and (3) the time needed by the system to update data regarding the health status and monitoring of trains. Results obtained outperformed industrial expecta-tions. The paper finally discusses feedbacks from experi-ence and limitations of the work.

Simulation of Artificial Grain Feeding in Order to Reach Dynamical Bed Stabilisation Along the River Rhine

The Wesel-Xanten stretch of the fiver Rhine between km-812.5 and km-821.5 is one of the reaches where strong erosion leads to high maintenance efforts conceming navigability.In order to improve the naviga- tion conditions without aggravating the flood protection,but also ensuring that the ecological system of the river is not damaged,investigations of the morphodynamical processes in connection with artificial grain feeding ac- tivities have to be carried out by Federal Waterways Engineering and Research...

Assessment of the Methodology for Studying the Pricing Mechanism in the Transition Time of the Ukrainian Electricity Sector to the Free Market Principles

Electricity Market Act№2019-VIII passed in 2017 by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine enacts in July 2019 and causes the transition of this segment of the economy to the free market principles.The implementation of this Act is perceived ambiguous.Many experts criticize this Act,which have numerous risks,especially pricing risks.In order to better understand the implications of the enactment of the adopted Act,a study was carried out on the methodology of the pricing mechanism in the retail segment of the electricity market based on the Demand Side Management(DSM)approach.In the study,one of the varieties of DSM models was used–a dynamic demand-supply model for describing the pricing mechanism and short-term forecast of retail prices.Test and comparative analysis were conducted.The last one based on possibilities of short-term forecasting of prices of DSM model with the well-known Holt-Winters method.For testing were set historical data on electricity prices in England and Wales,during the transition period from a model similar to the current model of the Ukrainian electricity market.

Implications of Declining Ground Water and Water Quality in the US Southeastern Coastal Plain Ecoregion and Areawide Environmental Impact Statement Required for Mining in the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin—Part 1

Karst aquifers occur worldwide and exhibit groundwater flow responses that differ considerably from aquifers lacking fractures, bedding planes, and other karst conduits where significant and rapid groundwater flow can occur. The regional, karst Floridan aquifer system underlies the United States (US) Southeastern Coastal Plain Physiographic Region and exhibits hydrologic interconnections with overlying surficial aquifers and throughout other zones of the aquifer system, as is characteristic of other karst aquifer systems. Anthropogenic groundwater declines in this regional karst aquifer system have been documented in published literature for decades, but the impacts of those declines in this coastal plain region and the embedded ecosystems that provide essential and critical habitat for native, endemic, and federally endangered and threatened species have not been considered previously. Those anthropogenic groundwater declines reduce surfacewater levels and flows due to the capture of both groundwater and overland flow of surfacewater, resulting in induced recharge through semi-confining zones and interbasin flow through fractures and other karst conduits. This case study identifies examples from the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin study area and comparison areas of how those declines result in loss of historic base flow to surface waters and other capture of surface waters, ultimately increasing saltwater intrusion. Those results alter and degrade the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters, in violation of the US Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972. Historic groundwater declines from mining and other anthropogenic groundwater withdrawals from this regional karst aquifer system already threaten the survival and recovery of federally endangered and threatened species, as well as existing and proposed critical habitat for those species within this regional extent, in violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. This case study and its companion publication (Part 2) appear to be the first to provide scientific support for this regional karst aquifer system as the unifying factor in habitat responses to irreversible groundwater impacts on aquatic and marine ecosystems. These adverse impacts strongly suggest that the extent of the regional Floridan aquifer system should be designated as the Southeastern Coastal Plain Ecoregion for the purpose of managing natural resources. Mining activities continue to expand in our study area, which is the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin. Despite that fact, no comprehensive Areawide Environmental Impact Statement (AEIS), similar to the AEIS required for phosphate mining within the Central Florida Phosphate District (CFPD) approximately a decade ago has been conducted for any of the numerous mining projects that are occurring and are proposed within the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin. This case study also provides examples of why a comprehensive AEIS is essential to consider all of the adverse direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of those mining activities to the CWA, the ESA, and the irreversible losses to local economies, because federal agencies responsible for considering those adverse impacts rely on public comments to identify those adverse impacts. The mining activities authorized throughout the regional Floridan aquifer system under Category 44 Nationwide Permits (NWP) result in the same type of adverse impacts as the mining activities evaluated under Individual Permits in that region. Therefore, those Category 44 NWP mining activities also should be required to obtain Individual Permits and be evaluated under an AEIS in the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin. This case study also describes how Florida’s assumption of the CWA Section 404 regulatory authority in 2020 severs four sub-basins within the Greater Okefenokee Swamp Basin study area at the state line between Florida and Georgia.

The Management of Environment Cost Caused by Ballast Water

According to classical economic theory,external cost is the indirect,and uncompensated,social or environmental cost caused to an uninvolved third party that arises as an effect of another party’s activity.In light of this,the environmental cost caused by ballast water is considered as a negative externality.This paper aims to contribute by proposing that the environmental cost caused by ballast water can be determined through questionnaires,and that the imposition of a Pigouvian retributive tax is required to compensate for the environmental damage caused.The paper proceeds as follows.Firstly,ballast water management is discussed.Second,the environmental cost is discussed and it is asserted that it is important to have clear regulations and to update them frequently to prevent or minimize ballast water’s negative impact on the environment.Finally,it is suggested that the environmental cost caused by ballast water can be determined by questionnaires and,more specifically,by the WTP(Willingness to Pay)method,and that a special Pigouvian corrective taxation which can internalize this cost should be imposed.

Examining Modal Shift to Public Transport in Developing Asian Cities:A Case Study in Hanoi City,Vietnam

Quite many Asian cities are facing the issues of motorcycle dominance,and to solve it these cities are developing urban mass rapid transit systems(i.e.,BRT and MRT)with an intention to attract a large number of motorcycle and car users.However,there might be uncertainties in shifting private transport users to new public transport systems,thereby risking the effectiveness of the investment in public transport.This study aims to examine the possibilities of modal shift to public transport by exploring current patterns of people’s travel behavior and anticipating their mode choice changes under policy intervention scenarios.Hanoi City,a typical motorcycle-dominated city in Asia,is selected for a case study.A stated preference survey is conducted and SP/RP mode choice models are estimated for different segments of urban transport market.It is revealed that a significant number of private transport users might still stick to motorcycle and car use despite aggressive improvements of public transport in the future.Trip chaining behavior and presence of school kid(s)in the family may prevent family members from shifting to public transport.A longer travel distance may not necessarily lead to a higher modal shift away from motorcycle.These findings would be helpful to guide policy making towards sustainable development of public transport systems and effective management of private transport in developing cities,especially whose motorcycles are rapidly increasing and being dominant.

Public Transportation Management Strategies in a Low-Carbon Economy

The importance of public transportation in social and economic development is undeniable.With the rising concerns of environmental pollution and resource depletion in recent times,China has made significant efforts to transition towards a low-carbon economy.To advance this transition,it is imperative to confront the obstacles faced by public transportation and enact effective management strategies that promote both economic and environmental sustainability.In this regard,the author has evaluated the existing status of public transit within the context of a low-carbon economy and put forth targeted management approaches.This research is expected to make a valuable contribution towards enhancing the quality of public transportation management.

Intelligent Parking Management System by Multi-Agent Approach:The Case of Urban Area of Tunis

By coordination and cooperation between multi-agents, this paper proposes the network of intelligent agents which can reduce the search time needed to finding a parking place. Based on multi-agent model, the fined solution is designed to help drivers in finding a parking space at anytime and anywhere. Three services are offered: the search for a vacant place, directions to a parking space and booking a place for parking. The results of this study generated by the platform MATSim transport simulation, show that our approach optimizes the operation of vehicles in a parking need with the aim of reducing congestion, and improve traffic flow in urban area. A comparison between the first method where the vehicles are random and the second method where vehicles are steered to vacant parking spaces shows that the minimization of time looking for a parking space could improve circulation by reducing the number of cars in the morning of 2% and 0.7% of the evening. In addition, the traffic per hour per day was reduced by approximately 4.17%.