Technical, economic and energetic competitiveness of rail-road combined transport: evaluation of the effects of possible ITS applications on intermodal terminal.

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Simulation of railroad terminal operations and traffic control strategies in critical scenarios

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Range of technical-economic competitiveness of rail-road combined transport

Abstract Purpose Road haulage has been the most widely used mode of freight transport in many European countries for several decades. Given the attention to sustainable transport in this century, the rail-road combined transport may result to be a good alternative, under specific conditions, to road haulage. This paper analyses the main conditions to make the option competitive, using a simplified method useful for the stakeholders involved in decision processes. Method Relevant cost items have been identified since previous studies available in literature. The proposed formulas consider the different phases of transport chain and have been used to investigate such parameters as the external costs and the location of terminals. Results If the pre- and post-phases are too long or simply too onerous, the economic advantages of the rail section may not be sufficient to guarantee the convenience of the combined transport. It can be economically competitive over long distances, even when the drayage covers greater distances. Conclusions The method has been used to examine those situations, in terms of distance covered and frequency of the service, in which rail-road combined transport can be cost-effective as an alternative to the full-road solution. The obtained range can be reviewed based on the services, such as shuttle trains to connect seaports with dry ports: the short distance covered may be more convenient due to the high quantities of goods as well as the fixed train composition and path allocation, which means lower terminal cost and times. Finally, some innovative proposals have been introduced

Monitoring urban accessibility for freight delivery services from vehicles traces and network modelling

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The Landscape of Giving Circles/Collective Giving Groups in the U.S.

This research presents an updated understanding of the current landscape of Giving Circles and similar models of collective giving or giving collaboratives in the United States. This research comprises the first of a three-part inquiry, which also looks at research underway related to the impact of participation in GCs on donor giving and civic engagement, and a study of the relationships between GCs and their hosting organizations

Gender perceptions of active mobility: Insights from three European cities

European cities have seen an increase in the use of personal means as an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic: they are asked to accelerate the shift towards more sustainable modes, as the active ones. The current paper tries to shed light on how the perception towards these latter modes changes according to gender. In the framework of H2020 TInnGO project, data collected through a survey in three European cities (Turin, Valencia, Paris) are investigated. Results show that women are more worried about safety, both while walking or riding a bike, as female cyclists do not appreciate sharing space with motor vehicles. Moreover, the absence of a dedicated space for children prevents women from starting to use bike-sharing. Comparing the results in the three cities provides interesting indications and suggestions for including the need of all active modes users in transport plannin

Walking in European cities: a gender perception perspective

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes in daily mobility, such as a general increase in the use of active means. However, the shift towards a different mode of transport is always influenced by various aspects that can affect users in distinct ways. Gender is among those factors, and research on this aspect has started to spread in the last decade. In this context, this work investigates how gender could impact the perception of pedestrians in Europe. A survey was designed and spread in Winter 2020- Summer 2021, collecting more than 4000 responses in 10 European regions/countries analysed - France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Baltic States, German, Scandinavia, Romania and the United Kingdom. General statistics on the mode chosen for the most frequent journey on a weekday show different trends, with a more significant number of female walkers than males. Gender equity while escorting dependents is found in more than half of the samples, especially in northern European countries. Further analyses are based on the respondents' replies to satisfaction statements regarding walking conditions. Comparing the results from the 10 samples, the satisfaction levels of pedestrians for most samples are lower for women, except for the Romanian sample, where men are less satisfied. Results indicate a difference in the perception of security between men and women in most samples. From the pedestrians' group, women feel more insecure and less satisfied with the provided infrastructure while walking on the streets than men; thus, the proposal of adequate ameliorations is essential to push people to choose this sustainable and equitable active mode for their daily mobility

Leguminous fractions as encapsulating agents of fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins are essential micronutrients for the functioning of the human body. Vitamins can be classified aswater-soluble and fat-soluble, and are obtained through diet or supplementation. Fat-soluble vitaminsinclude vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. These compounds are very sensitive to externalfactors, including light, oxygen, pH, and temperature. Lack of compound stability, poor solubility, and lowpermeability can compromise the bioavailability and usefulness of fat-soluble vitamins. The methodology ofencapsulation of vitamins is currently being widely studied in order to improve their transportation andusage. Proteins (including protein isolates and concentrates) and carbohydrates derived from legumes arevery interesting materials to coat compounds, considering their functional properties, and the fact that theyare beneficial for the environment and human health. This review describes in detail the current knowledgeabout the use of legume protein and carbohydrates as materials for the encapsulation of fat-solublevitamins. The functionality, health, and environmental advantages of legume fractions (particularly soy andpea fractions) as wall materials are also discussed. Future use of legume wastewater (soaking and cookingwater derived from the treatment of legumes) as wall materials is evaluated as well. The study ofencapsulation of fat-soluble vitamins by leguminous fractions is mainly focused on soy and pea proteinisolates and concentrates and can still be expanded, considering the numerous benefits of encapsulationthey provide. Research on encapsulation using legume carbohydrates is scarce and may be interesting dueto their high encapsulation efficiency and easy digestibility. Saponins, proteins, and carbohydrates presentin legume wastewaters could offer useful properties to encapsulation processes, while benefiting theenvironment.Fil: Carboni, Angela Daniela. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Perez, Jessica Noelia. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Puppo, Maria Cecilia. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos; Argentin