Search Results (57)

This paper investigates the associations between urban form, neighbourhood characteristics, socioeconomic factors and commuting mode choice and neighbourhood-level active travel (walking and cycling) in Windhoek, Namibia. Despite growing interest in sustainable mobility, limited research has examined these relationships in medium-sized African cities, particularly in distinguishing between commuting and neighbourhood travel behaviour. To address this gap, the study explores three interrelated research questions: (1) In what ways are urban form, accessibility, and socioeconomic factors associated with residents’ choices between motorised and non-motorised commuting modes? (2) What factors determine the propensity of cycling within neighbourhoods? (3) How are similar factors associated with walking propensity at the neighbourhood level? Using survey data from 1000 residents across nine constituencies and spatial analysis through GIS, the study applies binary logistic and multiple linear regression models to analyse commuting and local travel patterns. The findings show that commuting mode choice is significantly associated with socioeconomic status, car ownership, commuting time, and urban sprawl around homes, all of which reduce the likelihood of walking or cycling. Neighbourhood walking, in contrast, is largely driven by necessity in underserved, high-density areas and is positively associated with population density, perceived safety, and community belonging but constrained by inadequate infrastructure and car access. Cycling, though less frequent, is associated with perceived security, access to local amenities, and cycling competence, while negatively constrained by inexperience and cultural norms. The study concludes that fragmented urban form and socioeconomic disparities reinforce mobility exclusion and calls for equity-oriented transport planning that integrates infrastructure and behavioural change. Full article

Virtual reality (VR) can enrich neuropsychological testing, yet the ergonomic trade-offs of its input modes remain under-examined. Seventy-seven healthy volunteers—young (19–29 y) and middle-aged (35–56 y)—completed a VR Trail Making Test with three pointing methods: eye-tracking, head-gaze, and a six-degree-of-freedom hand controller. Completion time, spatial accuracy, and error counts for the simple (Trail A) and alternating (Trail B) sequences were analysed in 3 × 2 × 2 mixed-model ANOVAs; post-trial scales captured usability (SUS), user experience (UEQ-S), and acceptability. Age dominated behaviour: younger adults were reliably faster, more precise, and less error-prone. Against this backdrop, input modality mattered. Eye-tracking yielded the best spatial accuracy and shortened Trail A time relative to manual control; head-gaze matched eye-tracking on Trail A speed and became the quickest, least error-prone option on Trail B. Controllers lagged on every metric. Subjective ratings were high across the board, with only a small usability dip in middle-aged low-gamers. Overall, gaze-based ray-casting clearly outperformed manual pointing, but optimal choice depended on task demands: eye-tracking maximised spatial precision, whereas head-gaze offered calibration-free enhanced speed and error-avoidance under heavier cognitive load. TMT-VR appears to be accurate, engaging, and ergonomically adaptable assessment, yet it requires age-specific–stratified norms. Full article

This study is titled “Success Factors in Transport Interventions: A Mixed-Method Systematic Review (1990–2022)”. The purpose of the systematic review is to (1) identify effective interventions for transitioning individuals from private car reliance to sustainable transport, (2) summarise psychosocial theories shaping transportation choices and identify enablers and barriers influencing sustainable mode adoption, and (3) determine the success factors for interventions promoting sustainable transport choices. The last search was conducted on 18 November 2022. Five databases (Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, and ProQuest) were searched using customised Boolean search strings. The identified papers were included or excluded based on the following criteria: (a) reported a modal shift from car users or cars to less CO₂-emitting modes of transport, (b) covered the adoption of low-carbon transport alternatives, (c) comprised interventions to promote sustainable transport, (d) assessed or measured the effectiveness of interventions, or (e) proposed behavioural models related to mode choice and/or psychosocial barriers or drivers for car/no-car use. The identified papers eligible for inclusion were critically appraised using Sirriyeh’s Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa to evaluate the risk of bias throughout the review process, and low-quality studies identified by the quality assessment were excluded to prevent sample bias. Qualitative data were extracted in a contextually relevant manner, preserving context and meaning to avoid the author’s bias of misinterpretation. Data were extracted using a form derived from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data transformation and synthesis followed the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institution for mixed-method systematic reviews using a convergent integrated approach. Of the 7999 studies, 4 qualitative, 2 mixed-method, and 30 quantitative studies successfully passed all three screening cycles and were included in the review. Many of these studies focused on modelling individuals’ mode choice decisions from a psychological perspective. In contrast, case studies explored various transport interventions to enhance sustainability in densely populated areas. Nevertheless, the current systematic reviews do not show how individuals’ inner dispositions, such as acceptance, intention, or attitude, have evolved from before to after the implementation of schemes. Of the 11 integrated findings, 9 concerned enablers and barriers to an individual’s sustainable mode choice behaviour. In addition, two integrated findings emerged based on the effectiveness of the interventions. Although numerous interventions target public acceptance of sustainable transport, this systematic review reveals a critical knowledge gap regarding their longitudinal impact on individuals and effectiveness in influencing behavioural change. However, the study may be affected by language bias as it only included peer-reviewed articles published in English. Due to methodological heterogeneity across the studies, a meta-analysis was not feasible. Further high-quality research is needed to strengthen the evidence. This systematic review is self-funded and has been registered on the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY; Registration Number INPLASY202420011). Full article

Travel safety for women is a concern, particularly in India, where gender-based violence and harassment are significant issues. This study examines how the perception of safety influences women’s travel behaviour and assesses the potential of technology solutions to ensure their safety. Additionally, it explores how AI and machine learning techniques may be leveraged to enhance women’s travel safety. A comprehensive mobility survey was designed to uncover the complex relationship between travel behaviour, reasons for mode choice, built environment, feelings, future mobility, and technological solutions. The responses revealed that security and safety are the most critical factors affecting women’s travel mode choices, with 54% and 41%, respectively. Moreover, over 80% of women indicated a willingness to change their travel behaviour after experiencing fear, anxiety, or danger during their everyday journeys. Participants were 24% less willing to use ride-sharing services than ride-hailing services, which could affect the transition towards more sustainable transportation options. Furthermore, AI-based sentiment analysis revealed that 46% of the respondents exhibited signs of ‘anger’ regarding what could help women feel safer in transient environments. The practical implications of this study’s findings are discussed, highlighting the potential of AI to enhance travel safety and optimise future sustainable transport planning. Full article

The average daily throughput of large-scale passenger high-speed railway stations is large, and the design of the inbound space connecting with the underground and other modes of transport affects the passengers’ wayfinding behaviour and time spent, which in turn affects the efficiency of the inbound station. How to optimise the design of station entry space and signage arrangement becomes the key to shortening the station entry time. In this paper, eye tracking, spatial syntax, and semantic difference methods are used to evaluate the passenger’s wayfinding process in the underground hub of a large high-speed railway station and the spatial syntax is used to quantify and analyse the wayfinding path segments, to explore the influence of the spatial attributes of different nodes and the spatial arrangement of the guiding signs on the passenger’s wayfinding behaviour data and the difference in attention, and to find out that the connectivity of the wayfinding nodes, the area of the field of view, and the passengers’ The study concludes that the connectivity and visual field area of wayfinding nodes have a strong positive correlation with the passengers’ route choice time, which has less influence on the correct rate of wayfinding and can be taken into less consideration in the subsequent design. While analysing the spatial density of signs and the correct rate of wayfinding in the sample, it is concluded that the density of guide signs is maintained in the interval of 5–11‰, and at the same time, the number is sufficient to point to the destination is a more appropriate interval, and ultimately, the impact of the correct rate of wayfinding of the weighting of the following: signage focus on the time > density of information > density of key information > diameter of the pupil. The study analyses the influencing factors affecting passengers’ wayfinding behaviour from a human factors perspective and provides feedback on the design of underground entry spaces in large passenger high-speed rail stations. Full article

This paper analyses the commuting frequencies and modal choices of travellers in Melbourne, using a dataset reflecting travel behaviour before and after COVID-19. A factor analysis of 63 latent variables identified seven key factors, which were used in cluster analysis to examine the relationships between latent constructs, land use, and socio-demographic variables, as well as commuting behaviours. The analysis categorised white-collar employees into four groups based on their remote work engagement, with socio-demographics and industry type as key factors. The analysis shows that female clerical and administrative workers who worked from home during the pandemic are now returning to the office, raising gender equality concerns within society. Meanwhile, the education and training sector mandates office attendance despite the feasibility of remote work, as universities prioritise in-person attendance to attract more international students, impacting societal norms around telecommuting. The analysis revealed that saving on commute costs, reducing travel time, and spending more time with family are the among the primary factors influencing travel behaviour among white-collar employee’s post-pandemic. The study found that the decrease in public transport trips is associated with increased telecommuting rather than service dissatisfaction, especially among Central Business District (CBD) employees who still rely on public transport. This trend suggests that the CBD sector’s growing acceptance of remote work is reducing daily commutes, which puts additional pressure on public transport providers to sustain and improve their services. A decline in service quality could further reduce ridership, highlighting the need for consistent, high-quality public transport. Furthermore, the study found that increased telecommuting is likely to reduce car trips in the future, especially among healthcare and social workers who prefer driving due to public transport’s unreliability for their demanding schedules. By examining variables like the advantages and disadvantages of working from home, convenience, accessibility, and the efficiency of public transport, this study enhances the understanding of transport behaviour and underscores the need to improve public transport reliability to support sustainable cities as remote work grows. Full article

Decarbonising holiday travel is crucial for climate change mitigation: policy interventions need to encourage less frequent trips, closer destinations, and travelling on the ground. To increase effectiveness, interventions should fit with the specific ways holidays are perceived and performed in each context. We explore the holiday behaviour of people living in a medium-sized city in Southern Switzerland (Lugano, 70,000 inhabitants), with the aim of identifying key intervention strategies for a future “community challenge” encouraging the population to take low-carbon holidays. We combine a literature review with n = 15 qualitative, semi-structured interviews that allow us to understand the reasons for taking a holiday, the favourite destination and activity types, and the transport mode choices. As Switzerland is characterised by high cultural and linguistic diversity providing the feeling of being abroad even at a short distance from home, it could be a valuable holiday destination for Swiss people themselves. Located at the centre of Europe, it is also well-connected by train with many holiday destinations abroad. Gaps between pro-environmental attitudes and holiday behaviour suggest leveraging digital carbon trackers showing how carbon emissions compare between holiday and everyday life. Also, interventions could leverage social norms via social networks, local influencers, and travel agencies. Full article

Nonlinear soil–pile–structure interaction (SPSI) phenomena are known to play a vital role in the response of bottom-fixed marine structures. For such structures, these phenomena are commonly considered by the imposition of p-y, τ-z, and q-z springs, representing the lateral and axial shaft and axial base soil resistances, respectively. The importance of each resistance mechanism depends on the type of foundation system, with only very limited studies investigating their roles in the response of piled marine structures, such as jetties. Within this context, this study presents numerical three-dimensional pushover analysis results for two marine jetties, a smaller model with four piles and a larger model supported by twenty-four piles. SPSI effects are considered through p-y, τ-z, and q-z springs, the behaviours of which are determined by following commonly employed procedures. The structures’ responses are investigated under the influence of various assumptions regarding the behaviours of springs, as well as steel plasticity. The current investigation underscores the substantial influence of the axial soil–pile interaction on the response of the jetty, particularly in terms of its failure mode. Moreover, it demonstrates the importance of incorporating p-y springs, even though the choice between their linear or nonlinear constitutive behaviour is found to be less critical. Finally, the study concludes that the behaviours of the springs significantly affect the system’s ductility and the degree of steel yielding in the piles, while also highlighting the unconservative influence of neglecting SPSI phenomena. Full article

COVID-19 prompted a significant number of employees to shift to remote work for the first time, potentially reshaping future work patterns. This study examines the post-COVID impacts on telecommuting, commuting behaviour, travel activities, and lifestyles in the city of Adelaide, South Australia. A multivariate nominal logistic regression analysis of 305 post-restriction survey responses revealed that home distance from the CBD, industry, occupation, and income significantly influence post-COVID telecommuting trends. Individuals living over 20 kilometres from the CBD, those in professional or managerial roles, and higher-income earners (>125k) are more prone to regular telecommuting, highlighting the impact of commute lengths, job flexibility, and financial resources on the ability to work remotely. The study revealed a higher adoption of telecommuting post-COVID, with more individuals working from home and telecommuting more often each week. This led to reduced usage of private cars and public transport, indicating a decrease in overall travel frequency. Respondents also adopted flexible work schedules, resulting in fewer peak-hour commutes, which would have resulted in lower congestion and emissions and led to more sustainable travel practices. The study also investigated future telecommuting perspectives, revealing a preference for remote work 3–4 days a week. Some respondents who initially could not telecommute have since considered it feasible and want to adopt it. Notably, about 25% of respondents would even change jobs for flexible, home-based work arrangements. The study’s results suggest that remote work frequency may influence individuals’ future house location preferences. These findings offer valuable insights for sustainable transport and urban planning considerations in the post-COVID era. Full article

Sustainable modes of transport are being promoted to achieve global climate goals. The perceived user experience is decisive for the choice of transport mode. To increase the share of sustainable transport in total traffic, the user experience is placed into the spotlight, raising the need for appropriate exploration methods. Machine learning (ML) techniques have become increasingly popular in the transport domain, but the black-box nature of ML models poses significant challenges in interpreting the relationship between model input and output. Explainable AI methods (XAI) can fill this gap by providing post hoc interpretation methods for black-box models. The aim of the present work was therefore to assess the potential of XAI to explore user experience in transport. The introduced method was based on a popular XAI method named SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations). Applied to the use case of e-bikes, we aimed to explore factors influencing the riding experience on e-bikes. We applied Gaussian process regression to data collected in a cycling study from 55 e-bike riders including rider behaviour, motor power and riding dynamics. Applying SHAP, we compared the riding experience of four rider types identified by hierarchical cluster analysis. The results provide insights into the riding experience on e-bikes: motor power, rider behaviour and riding dynamics were found to be meaningful predictors differing in their impact between rider types. Our results can be regarded as a proof of concept and demonstrate the potential of XAI to enhance the understanding of user experience in transport. Full article

Extra-pulmonary poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma is rare, and evidence for treatment has been limited. In this article, the evidence behind the cytotoxic chemotherapy choices used for metastatic or unresectable EP-PD-NEC is reviewed. In the first-line setting, etoposide and platinum chemotherapy or irinotecan and platinum have been demonstrated to be equivalent in a large phase III trial. Questions remain regarding the optimal number of cycles, mode of delivery, and the precise definition of platinum resistance in this setting. In the second-line setting, FOLFIRI has emerged as an option, with randomized phase 2 trials demonstrating modest, but significant, response rates. Beyond this, data are extremely limited, and several regimens have been used. Heterogeneity in biological behaviour is a major barrier to optimal EP-PD-NEC management. Available data support the potential role of the Ki-67 index as a predictive biomarker for chemotherapy response. A more personalised approach to management in future studies will be essential, and comprehensive multi-omic approaches are required to understand tumour somatic genetic changes in relation to their effects on the surrounding microenvironment. Full article

We assessed the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) among pharmacists working in community pharmacies in France and the factors linked to this practice. During 3 months in 2018, an online survey was sent to over 7000 active pharmacists and posted on pharmacists’ social media sites. In total, 595 pharmacists completed the questionnaire. The responders were on average younger than the general population of community pharmacists. The 40-item questionnaire described four fictional clinical cases reflecting typical situations (conventional medicine and complementary and alternative medicine) encountered daily by community pharmacists. Multiple-choice responses were proposed and scored according to whether they reflected EBP. A high total score indicated behaviour in line with EBP. We observed 344/595 participants with a positive EBP score (57.8% [53.7–61.8%]). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate factors that might explain adherence to EPB (the pharmacy’s characteristics, the pharmacist’s status, the mode of continuing education and sources of information). The majority relied on pharmaceutical industry and other biased and/or non-evidence-based sources, particularly concerning information on homeopathic products. The consultation of independent reviews, health agency recommendations and peer-reviewed scientific journals was associated with evidence-based decisions. In contrast, reliance on pharmaceutical industry documents, personal experience and informal handbooks was linked to lower EBP scores. The level of EBP use by French community pharmacists needs to be improved to ensure that good-quality, science-based advice is given to customers. Full article

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is known for its high car ownership and usage and its high GDP per capita. This, combined with a low provision of public transportation (PT) systems, has resulted in perceptual attitudes of high dependency on private car travel. The level of awareness of the benefits of reducing car use and increasing travel by more sustainable options has a great impact on social change and behaviour. The Kingdom is currently progressing towards a new phase of “national reform” through implementation of strategic sustainable programs. Riyadh city is constructing a massive metro-system, which is nearing completion and operation. The public is aware of the national agenda, the construction of transportation projects, and of the social changes needed to realize the new vision of the country. This paper aims to assess travel behaviours and attitudes of Saudi nationals towards public transportation. A discrete choice model of the intent to use public transportation is calibrated as a function of social and attitudinal factors, using online survey data. The analysis was carried out using an ordered logit model (OLR) which is derived from the theory of random utility. The results show that, overall, a higher support for public transportation modes was stated by young females, lower income groups, and university graduates. The level of awareness of the national agenda appears to be increasing the level of support for public transportation. The paper is the first investigation of willingness to use public transportation in Riyadh, at a crucial time of national reform; the choice of mode of travel appears to be determined by the travellers’ social and economic characteristics and the level of awareness of the country’s agenda. Full article

The cooling jackets of liquid rocket engines are composed of narrow passages surrounding the thrust chambers and ensure the reliable operation of the engine. Critical conditions may also be encountered, since the cooling jackets of cryogenic engines, such as those using LO_X/LCH₄ propellants, are based on a regenerative strategy, where the fuel is used as a refrigerant. Consequently, deterioration modes near where pseudocritical conditions are reached or low heat transfer coefficients where the fuel becomes a vapour and must therefore be managed. The verification of the cooling jacket behaviour to consolidate the design solutions in all the extreme points of the operating box represents a very important phase. The present paper discusses the full characterization of the HYPROB (HYdrocarbon PROpulsion test Bench Program) first unit of the final demonstrator, (DEMO-0A), by considering the working points within the limits of the operating box and comparisons with the nominal conditions are given. In this way, a full understanding of the cooling system behaviour, affecting the working of the entire thrust chamber, is accomplished. Moreover, the design strategy and choices have been confirmed, since the verifications also include potentially even more extreme conditions with respect to the nominal ones. The investigation has been numerically performed and supported the thermo-structural analyses accomplished before the final firing campaign, completed in December 2022. Since little information is available in the literature on LO_X/LCH₄ engines, suggestions are given as to the organization of the numerical simulations, which support the design of such rocket engine cooling systems. Full article

Demand response is an effective way to alleviate the pressure on power systems and improve energy utilisation efficiency. This study constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model on government, power companies and virtual power plants (VPPs), and analyses the dynamic behavioural selection mechanism of the three parties under demand-response mode. The results show that: (1) government guidance and management are effective means to promote the stability and equilibrium of the power system; (2) an increase in government subsidy, a reduction in the demand-response cost and an increase in opportunity cost will increase the enthusiasm for changes in demand-response behaviour in power companies; (3) government subsidies will improve the demand-response behaviour of VPPs. This study effectively provides theoretical support for the demand response of power systems, and realises the goal of power energy saving through the optimal choice of behaviour strategies for all parties in the power system. Full article