Intermodal connection management with passengers' trajectories

In the course of an intermodal journey, there are varying compensation policies covering topics like missed connections, delays or denied boarding on the intra-modal level. The risks of an inter-modal journey usually lie with the travellers. This study examines how an integrated solution can be offered with the focus on transfer situations for air passengers commuting by public transport. For this purpose, in a first step, the concept of the digital twin is transferred to the traveller, creating a virtual image of his journey, the so-called passenger trajectory. In the second step, scheduled departures and arrivals are blended with these passenger trajectories, resulting in a detailed service demand for all relevant infrastructures and means of transport. The third step is data enrichment with real-time information and forecasts that keep track of demand. Digitisation of passengers’ trajectories, system wide information exchange and real-time based situational awareness improve resource utilization as well as intermodal connectivity

The role of charge and proton transfer in fragmentation of hydrogen-bonded nanosystems: the breakup of ammonia clusters upon single photon multi-ionization

The charge and proton dynamics in hydrogen-bonded networks are investigated using ammonia as a model system. The fragmentation dynamics of medium-sized clusters (1-2 nm) upon single photon multi-ionization is studied, by analyzing the momenta of small ionic fragments. The observed fragmentation pattern of the doubly- and triply- charged clusters reveals a spatial anisotropy of emission between fragments (back-to-back). Protonated fragments exhibit a distinct kinematic correlation, indicating a delay between ionization and fragmentation (fission). The different kinematics observed for channels containing protonated and unprotonated species provides possible insights into the prime mechanisms of charge and proton transfer, as well as proton hopping, in such a nanoscale system.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figure

Passenger-centric Intermodal Traffic Management involving Airports and Railways

The FAA envisioned seamless air traffic in its Destination2025 report. Developing such an air transportation system will require the conjunction of different transport modes. Whereas physical connections for intermodal transport are already in the focus of stakeholders at an airport, a conjunction on a management level is also desirable. Efficiency and predictability of operations could be increased, if the position of passengers within the operational chain at an airport was known in addition to the location of every aircraft. We present a Passenger Information System in the form of an app for smartphones. It provides passengers with real-time information such as estimated remaining time to reach the gate throughout the journey and allows stakeholders, such as airlines and airports, to make decisions based on passenger locations. We employ our virtual intermodal traffic management system to test the application with a realistic flight plan, airport terminal layout, and train schedule. Usability and acceptance of the smartphone app is tested in a survey covering functionality and user-friendliness

Approach method for flexible reallocation of reserved seats on long-distance trains

Finding a reserved seat on long-distance train travel is supported by aids on platforms and within the train in order to keep the passenger’s journey as short as possible and to minimise unnecessary walking within the train. The allocation of a seat to a carriage number on the reservation and the consideration of the carriage position indicator devices on the platform provide the opportunity to wait for the arrival of the train on a section of the platform that is close to the reserved seat. Nevertheless, there are various situations in reality in which this can only be achieved to a limited extent. Varying carriage order, the provision of a replacement train or tight transfer connection can lead to the train being entered at an unfavourable position. This is followed by the passenger trying to find a seat on the train which can amount to considerable traffic. Equipped with a flexible seat reservation procedure, this kind of traffic could be drastically reduced. Less passenger movement on the train results in an increase in passenger comfort and reduces the space that is required for such movement, which could instead be used for other purposes. On the platform, this procedure means that passengers no longer need to wait for the arrival of the train at a location that is closest to the allocated seat. Instead, passengers can choose a place on the platform convenient to them, without this having a disruptive effect on system performance

Role of the Renner-Teller effect after core hole excitation in the dissociation dynamics of carbon dioxide dication.

The fragmentation of the doubly-charged carbon dioxide molecule is studied after photoexcitation to the C 1s(1)2π(u) and O 1s(1)2π(u) states using a multicoincidence ion-imaging technique. The bent component of the Renner-Teller split states populated in the 1s→ π∗ resonant excitation at both the carbon and oxygen 1s ionization edges opens pathways to potential surfaces in highly bent geometries in the dication. Evidence for a complete deformation of the molecule is found in the coincident detection of C(+) and O(2) (+) ions. The distinct alignment of this fragmentation channel indicates rapid deformation and subsequent fragmentation. Investigation of the complete atomization dynamics in the dication leading to asymmetric charge separation shows that the primary dissociation mechanisms, sequential, concerted, and asynchronous concerted, are correlated to specific fragment kinetic energies. The study shows that the bond angle in fragmentation can extend below 20°

Managing delays and incidents at intermodal airport hubs in a more efficient way

Der Beitrag untersucht verschiedene Möglichkeiten des Verspätungsmanagements an intermodalen Hubflughäfen. Im Ergebnis ist ein kooperativer Ansatz zwischen allen Stakeholdern sowohl aus verkehrlicher als auch aus ökonomischer Sicht von Vorteil

Digitizing Travel Experience: Assessing, Modeling and Visualizing the Experiences of Travelers in Shared Mobility Services

During shared travel, humans regularly have negative experiences resulting from unmet needs in terms of safety, comfort, accessibility, efficiency, reliability or information. Frequent negative travel experiences motivate travelers to use private motorized transport instead of more sustainable, shared mobility services. It is difficult for shared transport providers to react to such negative experiences, as these mostly depend on individual needs and situational factors and can therefore rarely be counteracted with static one-size-fits-all solutions. Additionally, (real-time) information about a traveler’s experience is not (digitally) available to providers and thus a situation-adapted reaction is often not possible. Therefore, methods to assess travel experience and make travel experience digitally available are highly important for enabling means to render shared transport more attractive. Here, we present initial research on digitizing travel experience exemplified by an envisioned automated shuttle line

Towards a national ecosystem assessment in Germany

We present options for a National Ecosystem Assessment in Germany (NEA-DE) that could inform decision-makers on the state and trends of ecosystems and ecosystem services. Characterizing a NEA-DE, we argue that its cross-sectoral, integrative approach would have the advantages of increased scientific understanding, addressing specific policy questions and creating science-policy dialogues. Challenges include objections against a utilitarian perspective, reservations concerning power relations, and responsibilities concerning the funding