Search Results (291)

Religious settlements can reflect regional culture and social development, preserve the continuity of spatial structures over time, sustain social networks, and perpetuate traditions. Buddhist settlements, as a particular type of religious settlement, reflect the social development and daily lives of monks and common people. This study used literature research, field investigations, and GISs to construct a framework of the landscape of religious settlements based on the theory of the historic landscape approach. Buddhist grottoes from the Sixteen Kingdoms Period to the Qing Dynasty (304–1912) in the Hexi Corridor of Gansu Province were selected as a case study, and the patterns of religious settlements were identified. According to the analysis, it was found that religious settlements tended to have large religious buildings at their centre, with small buildings and attachments scattered around. They were close to central cities, with a complete transportation network, and they had relatively stable belief spaces. There were clear boundaries between believers and non-believers in the settlements. Four patterns of religious settlements were also identified according to the relationships between geography, social properties, and cultural connotations. These findings diachronically offer a new perspective on the understanding of religious settlements and steps for improving the inheritance of religious culture. Full article

Alien species constitute one of the main threats to freshwater ecosystems, negatively impacting biodiversity, economy, and ecosystem services. Here, we use morphological and genetic data to show the presence of a new alien freshwater sponge in Europe, Rosulaspongilla rhadinaea, a Ponto-Caspian species which recently has been found in the fluvial port of Seville (Guadalquivir River, Spain). We also reviewed the mechanisms and adaptations of freshwater sponges for dispersal. The gemmule is the key structure for understanding their life history, evolution, and dispersal capacity, since their high salinity tolerance may have made possible the spreading of these sponges on the hulls of ocean-going ships that frequent freshwater ports. Once established, they are dispersed via river currents and intraregional boat traffic through the network of interconnected channels, which act as invasion corridors. Transport via phoresy attached to mobile animal vectors such as birds (especially migrating birds) has also been demonstrated in several sponge species. Gemmules may be attached on the feathers and scales, or even to be transported in the guts of these animals, followed by defecation of viable gemmules. Transport associated with other invasive freshwater species, such as mussels, cannot be ruled out. The scarcity of taxonomic studies of freshwater sponges in the Iberian Peninsula might explain why the species had not been recorded. Full article

Distracted driving remains a major concern on highways, with it contributing to severe and fatal crashes, particularly on high-speed routes, prompting numerous states to implement targeted initiatives aimed at combating traffic violations that significantly contribute to fatal and injury-inducing crashes. Among these initiatives is the highway safety corridor program, a collaborative endeavor between the state departments of transportation and law enforcement agencies. Highway safety corridors employ a combination of engineering interventions and heightened law enforcement presence to address risky driver behavior and mitigate the occurrence of crashes. Despite the longstanding existence of safety corridors, research on their effectiveness remains relatively limited, with existing studies indicating only moderate success rates. This study is dedicated to evaluating the effectiveness of ten highway safety corridors in Ohio, where the state recently launched its inaugural highway safety corridor program targeting distracted driving. Utilizing 2023 crash data, this Empirical Bayes’ before-and-after study seeks to gauge the impact of these safety corridors on enhancing roadway transportation safety. Upon assessing all crash types within Ohio’s distracted driving safety corridors that provided sufficient data for a before–after study, it was determined that the adoption of safety corridors generally led to a reduction in crashes ranging from 2% to 49%. The significance and magnitude of crash reduction may vary if specific crash types or severity levels are considered. Full article

Studies on urban shrinkage in eastern China lack relevant contributions. This study investigates population dynamics in Jiangsu Province, focusing on county-level cities to understand the factors influencing urban population size. It developed a multidimensional indicator system per 2014, 2017, 2020, and 2023 statistical data, incorporating road network accessibility, socio-economic levels, resident income, public services, and the built environment. Employing static fixed effects models and dynamic panel regression models, it analyses trends and evolutionary patterns of permanent population changes. The findings indicate an overall increase in the permanent population over the past decade, although the growth rate has slowed in the last five years. Notably, there is a significant spatial clustering of population growth and contraction, often aligned with high-speed transportation corridors. Unlike existing research findings, the urban shrinkage pattern in Jiangsu Province is unique. Some cities in northern Jiangsu exhibit a ‘relative contraction’ pattern, where population decline coexists with high economic growth and spatial expansion. Key short-term factors influencing population size include the city’s economic level and residents’ disposable income, while long-term factors encompass city level, industrial structure, and transportation networks. Small towns exhibit ‘close-range mobility’, with primary short-term influences stemming from residents’ income, public service quality, and intercity transportation accessibility. Indeed, long-term factors primarily reflect economic development quality and urban employment rates. Full article

This study examines the impact of changes in temperature and seasonal climate across a 4-year period (2019–2022) and the impact of the existing design on pedestrian activity in the ChiKaHo underground public space in Sapporo, Japan. Using statistical and regression analyses, the study identified boundary temperature ranges for each analyzed point in this space and presented an assumption of the design- and function-related factors influencing the period of use of the ChiKaHo. Each observation point exhibited a unique temperature range of change in pedestrian behavior, from −2 °C (points J1 and J3 near the main transportation station gate and in the corridor, respectively) to +6.8–13.2 °C for points J2 and J4, near open spaces. This research revealed the temperature ranges affecting pedestrian use of underground spaces and that a varying climate has different influences on a particular location. In the future, this can be used as a basis for local design improvements and seasonal adaptation policies to provide a sustainable public underground space in ChiKaHo. Full article

This study examines the impact of rockfalls and floods on road and rail traffic in the Jiului Gorge, Romania, a critical transportation corridor. Using Sentinel-1 radar imagery processed through ESA SNAP and ArcGIS Pro, alongside traffic detection facilitated by YOLO models, we assessed susceptibility to both rockfalls and floods. The primary aim was to enhance public safety for traffic participants by providing accurate hazard mapping. Our study focuses on the area from Bumbești-Jiu to Petroșani, traversing the Southern Carpathians. The results demonstrate the utility of integrating remote sensing with machine learning to improve hazard management and inform more effective traffic planning. These findings contribute to safer, more resilient infrastructure in areas vulnerable to natural hazards. Full article

The ubiquitous use of mobile devices along with the amount of traffic, transportation services, and travel pattern data available has led to the emergence and deployment of smartphone applications for providing information about personal travel management. Several of these travel apps are aimed at voluntary travel behavior change (VTBC) to support and increase sustainable mobility, and have led to the development of research to investigate their influence on travel behavior. Here, the aim is to study the role of technophilia and goal-framing theory in the intention to adopt and situationally use a prospective VTBC travel app. A Structural Equation Model is developed with the aim of empirically testing a sample of 971 respondents collected in two suburban corridors in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. The results support that goal-framing theory is important for explaining the adoption of VTBC travel apps. Gain and normative motives are more relevant than hedonic motives, pointing to the importance of their tangible benefits. Frequent car users may benefit from VTBC travel apps in terms of encouraging behavioral changes, supporting sustainable mobility management solutions. The results also outline the importance of technophilia and the current use of travel apps in influencing the intention to use VTBC apps. Full article

As port authorities and cargo operators seek strategies to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring operational efficiency, some are turning to the concept of green corridors. These solutions aim to establish formalized partnerships among ports, carriers, shippers, and countries. During the process, the stakeholders must consider four priority areas (alternative fuels, bunkering infrastructure, vessel decarbonization pathways, and cargo demand dynamics) from seven angles (environmental, economic, infrastructure, regulatory, operational, technological, and social). This study explores the prioritization of these criteria for establishing a green maritime corridor between two major ports in Portugal and Angola, which would be a significant step toward promoting sustainable global trade. Utilizing the fuzzy AHP, this research analyzes all these factors and their associated sub-criteria derived from a comprehensive literature review and consultations with stakeholders from the Ports of Sines and Luanda. The findings show the dominance of environmental compatibility and economic viability, while social acceptance shows the lowest score. This framework guides the decision-making process for developing a sustainable shipping corridor. The results offer valuable insights for policymakers which can guide them in fostering resilient maritime transport routes, accelerating the adoption of decarbonization strategies and playing a critical role in achieving the IMO’s zero-emission targets by 2050. Full article

Battery electric vehicles represent a technological pathway for reducing carbon emissions in personal road transport. However, for the widespread adoption of this type of vehicle, the user experience should be similar to that of combustion engine vehicles. To achieve this objective, a robust and reliable public charging infrastructure is essential. In Spain, the electric recharging infrastructure is growing quickly in metropolitan areas but much more slowly on roads and highways. The upcoming charging stations must be located along high-volume traffic corridors and in proximity to the Trans-European Transport Network. The main contribution of this research is to offer a method for examining the essential electricity infrastructure investments required in scenarios involving substantial electric vehicle adoption. The methodology includes a sensitivity analysis of fleet composition and market share, recharging user behavior, charging station density, and vehicle efficiency improvements. To this end, the authors have developed a simplified probabilistic model, addressing the effect of the involved parameters through a comprehensive scenario analysis. The results show that the actual number of high-capacity charging plugs on Spanish roads is significantly lower than the European regulation requirements for the year 2030 considering an electric vehicle market share according to the Spanish Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan 2021–2030 objectives and it is far from the necessary infrastructure to cover the expected demand according to the traffic flow. Under these circumstances, the charging peak power demand reaches over 7.4% of the current Spanish total power demand for an electric vehicle fleet, which corresponds to only 12% of the total. Full article

Saudi Arabian cities have rapidly expanded their urban areas, especially their city centers, over the last four decades. This growth has led to increased vehicular usage. As a result, the daily walking experience for residents has been adversely affected. Walkability has several positive effects on people’s health and the urban environment. It serves as a means of transportation and helps create a sense of place. This enhances the legibility of urban structures and deepens emotional bonds with the city. This study uses the medium-sized Saudi Arabian city of Onaizah as a case study. It explores the feasibility of creating urban walking corridors to encourage more walking. According to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, sustainable urban development and improved quality of life are key priorities. The study addresses walkability as a way to enhance the urban landscape of the city center. Geographic Information Systems (GISs) were used to analyze data and generate urban corridors in the city center. The results indicate that walking in Onaizah can be improved through three urban corridors. These corridors measure 1335 m, 1624 m, and 1937 m, respectively. They represent urban, commercial, and heritage corridors. This provides planners and decision makers an opportunity to prioritize pedestrian connectivity and improve the physical environment. Such efforts contribute to sustainable urban development. Various criteria-analysis methods were employed to assess the factors that led to the conclusion of these urban corridors. This includes evaluations of land use, transportation, and environmental considerations. The study aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by promoting walking and enhancing overall walkability. It also aims to create a sustainable and livable urban environment for the community in Onaizah. Full article

With the global increase in air transport demand, the shortage of ground handling personnel to support ground operations at airports has become a major challenge, impacting airport services and causing considerable flight delays. This study presents a novel method to generate trip data that specify the origin and destination locations as the purpose of travel for each ground support equipment (GSE) vehicle. The proposed method uses data obtained from comprehensive observations of 2234 GSE vehicles over a 24 h × 7 d time interval at Tokyo International Airport. From these observations and trip data, the characteristics of the driving conditions for each GSE vehicle type, the locations where GSE traffic volume increases in the airport, and changes in the time interval are identified. The primary results show that the GSE traffic volume is the highest mainly around passenger terminals and in the vehicle corridors connecting these terminals, which aligns with the airport’s operational status. Investigating GSE driving conditions, such as the traffic flow throughout an airport, can provide valuable data to improve the efficiency of GSE scheduling and facilitate the introduction of automated driving technology. Full article

As urbanization rapidly progresses, streets have transitioned from mere transportation corridors to crucial spaces for daily life and social interaction. While past research has examined the impact of physical street characteristics on walkability, there is still a lack of large-scale quantitative assessments. This study systematically evaluates street walkability in Seongbuk District, Seoul, through the integration of streetscape images, machine learning, and space syntax. The physical characteristics of streets were extracted and analyzed in conjunction with space syntax to assess street accessibility, leading to a combined analysis of walkability and accessibility. The results reveal that the central and western regions of Seongbuk District outperform the eastern regions in overall street performance. Additionally, the study identifies four distinct street types based on their spatial distribution: high accessibility–high overall score, high accessibility–low overall score, low accessibility–high overall score, and low accessibility–low overall score. The findings not only provide a scientific basis for street development in Seongbuk District but also offer valuable insights for assessing and enhancing walkability in cities globally. Full article

Lane management strategies are vital for solving traffic congestion and improving transportation efficiency in metropolitan corridors. These corridors, which facilitate economic and social interactions by connecting major urban areas, face significant challenges such as congestion, environmental concerns, and the need for sustainable growth. Effective lane management involves techniques such as HOV lanes, HOT lanes, reversible lanes, and dynamic toll pricing, which have been implemented worldwide. This study addresses the questions ‘What are the benefits and limitations of lane management strategies in metropolitan corridors?’ and ‘When should decision-makers consider implementing lane management strategies in a metropolitan corridor?’ This paper aims to evaluate lane management strategies to increase the multimodal efficiency of metropolitan corridors. A systematic literature review of case studies reveals that while these strategies significantly reduce congestion and emissions, they also face road safety, compliance, and public resistance issues. In addition, gaps in existing research on metropolitan corridors and lane management will be identified, and areas for future research are proposed. The impacts of new societal trends and evolving urban planning concepts are examined. The study highlights the need for adaptive planning and innovative solutions. Full article

The accessibility of the “last kilometre” of a tourist city has a profound impact on the travelling experience of tourists. In-depth understanding of the characteristics and spatial effects of the “last-kilometre” traffic accessibility in tourist cities is conducive to further enhancing the accessibility of traffic travel and forming a new industry development pattern of deep integration of traffic and tourism. The results show that: (1) Private transport accessibility is significantly better than public transport accessibility, and the strong economic strength of large cities such as Peking, Shanghai, and Nanjing support a wider coverage of public transport compared with cities such as Qinhuangdao, Dalian, Ningbo, etc. Even for the middle-income and high-income groups of the large cities, the advantage of the broader travelling cost of public transport is still significant. (2) The average values of the fluctuation coefficients of travel time of public transport in tourist cities are all smaller than those of private transport, and public transport is less sensitive to traffic congestion, making it a more reliable choice for tourist travel. The higher number of public transport grids with more anomalous fluctuations and much larger fluctuations than private transport grids suggests that there is an urgent need to strengthen the standardisation of public transport services in the corresponding areas. (3) Urban tourism development has been moving from single-line to network development, and the impact of urban transport on urban–regional tourism development has been manifested in the place fission effect, corridor diffusion effect, and regional equilibrium effect. In general, our findings have been useful in understanding the accessibility characteristics of the “last kilometre” in tourist cities, optimizing the efficiency of inter-regional and intra-city transport connections, constructing a fast and convenient travel transport system, improving the accessibility of transport trips, and forming a new development pattern for the deep integration of transport and tourism. Full article

In response to the rapid growth of air passenger and cargo transportation services and the sharp increase in congestion at various airports, it is necessary to optimize the allocation of flight schedules. On the basis of reducing the total airport delay time and ensuring the total deviation of flight schedules applied by airlines, it is necessary to consider finely configuring flight schedules with slot coordination parameters, introducing a 5 min slot coordination parameter, and optimizing airport flight schedules in different time periods. This article considers factors such as flight schedule uniqueness, corridor flow restrictions, and time adjustment range limitations to establish a three-objective flight-schedule refinement configuration model, which is solved using the NSGA-II algorithm based on the entropy weight method. Taking Beijing Capital International Airport as an example, the optimized results show that the total flight delay was reduced from 4130 min to 1142 min, and the original delay of 389 flights was reduced to 283 flights. Therefore, flight schedule optimization considering the fine-grained configuration of slot coordination parameters can effectively reduce airport delays, fully utilize time resources, and reduce waste of time slot resources. Full article