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Found 6515 publications

The Environmental Sustainability Potential of Autonomous Vehicles: An Overview

Publication Name: Periodica Polytechnica Transportation Engineering

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 52

Issue: 3

Page Range: 246-256

Description:

The optimization of transportation systems and the integration of autonomous vehicles (AV) are significantly transforming urban mobility and exerting outstanding effects from an environmental perspective. This article examines the possibilities of autonomous vehicles in reducing traffic congestion, emissions, and energy consumption. The optimized driving style of AVs, dynamic route planning, and enhanced intersection systems have a profound impact on emission reduction. The article also delves into current development trends and challenges, encompassing advancements in AV sensing technologies, traffic safety, and cybersecurity. These findings collectively suggest that the deployment of autonomous vehicles brings substantial benefits to sustainable urban mobility; however, further development is necessary to support the widespread adoption of AVs and strengthen societal trust.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3311/pptr.23933

Calculation of Thermal Stresses of Cast Iron Tubbings Under Fire Effect

Publication Name: Advances in Transdisciplinary Engineering

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 59

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 431-437

Description:

This article builds on our existing knowledge of the heating of cast iron tunnel linings and deals with the structural analysis of tunnel linings under fire exposure. Due to space constraints, we do not address the issue of sizing for earth pressure and surface loads. Since the analysis of thermal stresses due to restrained deformations is insufficient in the available literature, we will try to complement the existing theoretical knowledge with the knowledge provided by the relevant standards for cast iron lining of tunnels. In addition, we will try to add our own individual reflections to the theory where we have identified gaps. The theoretical summary is compiled in such a way that it is easily transferable and applicable to everyday practice. Our finite element analysis shows that the value of the embedding factor has a small effect on the development of the axial constraint stresses in the tunnel direction, while in the ring direction has a significant effect. In all cases, stiffer embedding results in higher stress values. In all cases, the ring direction compressive stresses are lower than the longitudinal stresses due to the deformation of the tunnel ring. There is no literature data available on the value of the compressive stresses, so we have tried to provide some indicative data in tabular form for the profession. The solution adopted and the values proposed are based on the authors' individual ideas and are not the result of an accepted professional consensus. In all cases where more precise data are required, it is recommended that a more detailed study be carried out. Finite element modelling can provide the necessary support for designers and experts.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3233/ATDE240576

Support for universal basic income: A cross-disciplinary literature review

Publication Name: Journal of Infrastructure Policy and Development

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 8

Issue: 10

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The technological development and the rise of artificial intelligence are driving a significant transformation of the labor market. The technological unemployment predicted by Keynes poses challenges for the global labor market that require new solutions. Basic income research has become a significant field of study, attracting attention from various disciplines such as political science, law, economics, and sociology. The aim of this paper is to explore on the basis of a literature review, what factors influence the support for basic income among the population. A systematic literature review based on the Web of Science and Scopus databases, after screening 2623 publications, identified 23 articles that contained findings relevant to the research question. A significant number of authors (12/23) analyzed data from the same source, the European Social Survey 2016 (ESS Round 8, 2020), conducted in 2016, first published in 2017 and updated several times since then. The paper shows that the study of the topic has a strong European focus. The social, economic, social and cultural diversity of European countries makes these studies important from a European and EU perspective, but from an international perspective, further research on the topic is needed.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.24294/jipd.v8i10.7486

Predicting somatic cell count in milk samples using machine learning∗

Publication Name: Annales Mathematicae Et Informaticae

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 60

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 159-168

Description:

Milk quality is an important factor both for the farmers to be able to sell their products and for the milk industry to be able to plan its production based on quantity and quality. Milk quality has a direct link with cow health, more specifically with utter health. One of the most common utter diseases is mastitis. It always captures a lot of interest based on its frequency and cost as a dairy disease which eventually leads to an involuntary and premature culling of milking cows and decreased milk yield. The genetic evaluation of mastitis is very difficult as it is a low heritable trait and categorical in nature [2]. That is why it is necessary to find markers that could predict the occurrence of mastitis. One of the widely used such markers is the somatic cell count (SCC) [9] which is considered to be the most suitable indicator trait for mastitis resistance given its medium to high genetic correlation with mastitis and its greater heritability than mastitis. The SCC is also easy to record in the practice. The selection for lower SCC in milk has a positive effect on the incidence of mastitis. The selection against high SCC also does not deteriorate the immune system of cattle and decreases the risk of infection at the same time. The genetic evaluation [1] of this trait is mostly based on somatic cell score (SCS), a logarithmic transformation of SCC to achieve normality of distribution. In our study, we used the milk database of Holstein cows from 3 different farms. From each farm, we had altogether 8000 samples tested. The samples were analyzed using chemical methods every month for a year. 11 different types of data were recorded from each sample. Our aim was to find the best mixture of recorded data that would predict the value of linearized somatic cell count. After the logarithmic linearization the SCC results were divided into 3 main groups (based on the probability of mastitis). Thus our prediction problem turned into a classification problem. We used machine learning to train our algorithm. We experimented with different types of classification methods and found good results for the prediction of SCC in milk samples. We changed the input variables as not all the 9 measured input variables will be necessary for good prediction results. Our preliminary results show that using machine learning it is possible to build a model that can be used to predict mastitis in dairy cows based on variables generally analyzed during milk quality checking tests.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.33039/ami.2024.02.004

Conservative Method for the Calculation of Thermal Forces in Reinforced Concrete Tunnel Wall During Fire

Publication Name: Advances in Transdisciplinary Engineering

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 59

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 455-463

Description:

This article builds on the author's existing knowledge of the heating of reinforced concrete tunnel linings and deals with the structural analysis of tunnel linings under fire exposure. Due to space constraints, the issue of designing for earth pressure and surface loads is not address. Since the analysis of thermal stresses due to restrained deformations is insufficient in the available literature, we complement the existing theoretical knowledge with the knowledge provided by the relevant standards for reinforced concrete tunnel linings. In addition, we add our own individual reflections to the theory where we have identified gaps. In determining the additional stresses due to inhibited thermal expansion, we use a numerical model based on our own ideas. The reason for this is that the heating of reinforced concrete tunnel lining during fire is extremely uneven and it is almost impossible to take this into account in the finite element programs commonly used. The other important reason is that this uneven temperature change that causes the colder zones of the wall to inhibit deformation. Thus, a solution implemented in MS Excel environment is presented, which allows an approximate accurate determination of the force effects due to inhibited deformation. The solution used and the values proposed are based on the authors' individual ideas and are not the result of an accepted professional consensus. In all cases where more precise data are required, it is recommended that a more accurate test be carried out. Advanced finite element modelling can provide the necessary support for designers and experts.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3233/ATDE240579

Comparative assessment of ESG ratings methodology and results based on XBRL

Publication Name: Journal of Infrastructure Policy and Development

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 8

Issue: 12

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

This study provides a comparative analysis of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings methodologies and explores the potential of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) to enhance transparency and comparability in ESG reporting. Evaluating ratings from different agencies, the research identifies significant methodological inconsistencies that lead to conflicting information for investors and stakeholders. Statistical tests and adjusted rating scales confirm substantial divergence in ESG scores, primarily due to differing data categories and indicators used by rating firms. Using a sample of 265 European companies, the study demonstrates that individual ESG agencies report markedly different ratings for the same firms, which can mislead stakeholders. It proposes that XBRL based reporting can mitigate these inconsistencies by providing a standardized framework for data collection and reporting. XBRL enables accurate and efficient data collection, reducing human error and enhancing the transparency of ESG reports. The findings advocate for integrating XBRL in ESG reporting to achieve higher levels of comparability and reliability. The study calls for greater regulatory oversight and the adoption of standardized taxonomies in ESG reporting to ensure consistent and comparable data across sectors and jurisdictions. Despite challenges like the lack of a standardized taxonomy and inconsistent adoption, the research contends that XBRL can significantly improve the reliability of ESG ratings. In conclusion, this study suggests that standardizing ESG data through XBRL could provide a viable solution to the unreliability of current ESG rating scales, supporting sustainable business practices and informed decision making by investors.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.24294/jipd.v8i12.8641

ASSESSMENT OF TRAFFIC SIGN RETROREFLECTIVITY FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES: A COMPARISON BETWEEN HANDHELD RETROREFLECTOMETER AND LIDAR DATA

Publication Name: Archives of Transport

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 70

Issue: 2

Page Range: 7-26

Description:

This study investigates the critical role of retroreflectivity in traffic signs, particularly in the context of autonomous vehicles (AVs), where accurate detection is paramount for road safety. Retroreflectivity, influencing visibility and legibility, is essential for ensuring safe road conditions. The study aims to assess traffic sign retroreflectivity using handheld retroreflectometers and LiDAR data, offering a comprehensive comparison of results with a specific focus on the RA1 and RA2 traffic sign classes. In a real-world setting, an AV equipped with LiDAR sensors, GPS units, and a stereo camera collects data on traffic signs, including point cloud attributes such as intensity and density. Simultaneously, a handheld retroreflectometer measures retroreflectivity coefficients from identified traffic signs. While retroreflectometers provide precision, they face limitations regarding time-consuming measurements and handling large or elevated signs. In contrast, LiDAR systems efficiently evaluate retroreflective features for numerous signs without such constraints. Despite both methods consistently yielding accurate retroreflectivity, the study reveals a limited correlation between LiDAR point cloud data and handheld retroreflectivity coefficients. The implications of these findings are significant, particularly in the selection and maintenance of retroreflective materials in traffic signs, with direct repercussions on overall road safety. The results offer valuable insights into leveraging LiDAR technology to enhance AVs' detection capabilities. Recommendations for further research include exploring factors influencing LiDAR intensity, establishing a more accurate relationship between intensity and retroreflectivity, correcting the point cloud during intensity calibration, and testing empirical prediction models with a larger sample size. These endeavors aim to generate a robust regression graph and determine correlation coefficients, providing a more nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between LiDAR data and handheld retroreflectivity coefficients in the context of traffic sign assessment.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.61089/aot2024.qxy24g93

Nascent entrepreneurship at Hungarian universities: Experiences of the Hungarian Startup University Program

Publication Name: Statisztikai Szemle

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 102

Issue: 3

Page Range: 231-260

Description:

The creation and growth of new innovative small firms brings significant socio-economic benefits. Developing the entrepreneurial competencies of university students is an effective way to motivate entrepreneurship. In this study, we investigate the characteristics of 187 university start-up project teams, involving 880 students, founded in the Hungarian Startup University Program (HSUP) at 27 Hungarian universities as well as the potential impact of the program. Based on a quantitative content analysis of progress reports prepared by nascent entrepreneurial student teams, we draw conclusions about the competencies and composition of teams, and the market and technological development of the innovative projects they work on. The analysis reveals several useful implications for educators and policy makers regarding the management and development of HSUP and other similar entrepreneurship education initiatives.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.20311/stat2024.03.hu0231

INNOVATIVE ANALYSIS METHODS OF ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS

Publication Name: Iet Conference Proceedings

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 2024

Issue: 8

Page Range: 53-57

Description:

In the current era of architecture, sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important, while at the same time, advanced technological tools and analytical methods are reshaping the design and construction of buildings. Architects must think responsibly and globally, as buildings account for a significant proportion of the world's energy use. As architects, we have a responsibility to create ecologically optimal facilities for the long term. With this in mind, we would like to present applications that trace the chronological milestones in the development of energy analysis. This paper provides a detailed overview of the different methods of energy analysis. The methods include software developed specifically for energy analysis, an analysis add-on built into modeling software, and among the more innovative technologies, we have also examined parametric design and methodologies based on artificial intelligence algorithms. We have tried to select these methodologies and software in a diversified way to get a more comprehensive picture of how they work. The main aim of this paper is to compare the conclusions drawn from case studies of our previous energy research and from the studies of these energy software, partly subjectively and partly with an objective perspective that tightens subjectivity. As such, a set of criteria we have defined will guide the structure of this analysis. In this article, we will try to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and we will also try to consider the importance of 3D model-based analysis.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1049/icp.2024.2681