MaaSim: A Liveability Simulation for Improving the Quality of Life in Cities

Urbanism is no longer planned on paper thanks to powerful models and 3D simulation platforms. However, current work is not open to the public and lacks an optimisation agent that could help in decision making. This paper describes the creation of an open-source simulation based on an existing Dutch liveability score with a built-in AI module. Features are selected using feature engineering and Random Forests. Then, a modified scoring function is built based on the former liveability classes. The score is predicted using Random Forest for regression and achieved a recall of 0.83 with 10-fold cross-validation. Afterwards, Exploratory Factor Analysis is applied to select the actions present in the model. The resulting indicators are divided into 5 groups, and 12 actions are generated. The performance of four optimisation algorithms is compared, namely NSGA-II, PAES, SPEA2 and eps-MOEA, on three established criteria of quality: cardinality, the spread of the solutions, spacing, and the resulting score and number of turns. Although all four algorithms show different strengths, eps-MOEA is selected to be the most suitable for this problem. Ultimately, the simulation incorporates the model and the selected AI module in a GUI written in the Kivy framework for Python. Tests performed on users show positive responses and encourage further initiatives towards joining technology and public applications.Comment: 16 page

Measuring factors influencing valuation of nonmotorized improvement measures

This paper presents the application of a new methodology for data collection based on multiple survey methods to study how drivers and transit users value nonmotorized improvements. This multi-method survey consisted on a combination of user’s willingness to change, stated tolerance and contingent valuation experiments. Random parameter probit models were used to analyze data on willingness to cycle. Willingness to change to cycling is related to travel purpose, transportation mode, travel time and education level. Policies for promoting the use of bicycles should target these profiles so as to be more effective. Random parameter ordered probit models were used to study how different cycling measures were valued by respondents. The protection and maintenance of cycle lanes are significantly more valued than other improvement measures. The design of future cycling facilities should consider increasing safety and travel time reduction. Senior citizen’s willingness to change to cycling value to a lesser extent cycling improvement measures than people traveling to work or study. Strategies to promote cycling in each case are discussed.Ruiz Sánchez, T.; Bernabé, JC. (2014). Measuring factors influencing valuation of nonmotorized improvement measures. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice. 67:195-211. doi:10.1016/j.tra.2014.06.008S1952116

Shell-core models for ion-exchanger loading in finite bath: sorption of aqueous sulphur dioxide on cross-linked poly (4-vinyl pyridine)

Two mathematical models to describe the loading of ion-exchange resin beads following shell-core behaviour under finite bath conditions are developed. An analytical solution is obtained for the model based on a simplifying assumption of quasi-steady diffusion, while the model based on non-quasi-stationary diffusion is converted by finite integral transform to a system of first order differential equations, which are then solved by numerical means. The two models, tested with sorption data of aqueous sulphur dioxide on cross-linked poly(4-vinyl pyridine) resin $(Reillex^{TM} HP)$ measured under finite bath conditions, yield comparable results (29 refs.