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This paper proposes the capacity flexibility models of transit networks to describe the ability of urban transit networks to accommodate the changes in passenger demands. In order to keep the variations of the average passenger travel time in a reasonable way, the concept of coefficient of variation (CoV) is introduced to measure and limit the deviation from a baseline time of the average passenger travel time. The CoV could transform the capacity flexibility values to non-dimensional form in order to compare the capacity flexibility characteristics of different scale transit networks on an equal basis. The genetic algorithm with deep search (GA-DS) for this problem is proposed to find the approximating optimal solution of the capacity flexibility models more effectively. The algorithm has been tested with benchmark problems reported in the existing literature. The optimal solution of the flexibility models shows that the flexibility values are further improved by reducing the number of stops for transit routes under different transit operation conditions. At last, the influence factors of the capacity flexibility of transit systems are discussed to address reliable transit services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the translated Chinese version of the Communication Complexity Scale (C-CCS) in a Chinese sample of preschool-aged children with minimal verbal skills. A total of 120 children with autism spectrum disorders or children with developmental delays aged 2 to 5 years with minimal verbal skills (i.e., produced less than 20 functional words) were recruited to complete the C-CCS. First, we tested the protocol with 20 children and shortened it based on their results. Second, the interrater reliability, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity for 100 participants were examined. C-CCS scores were compared with scores from the Chinese Communicative Development Inventories (CCDI) for concurrent validity. Ten C-CCS interactive scripts were administered to 100 participants. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) between independent observers were high. The ICCs for overall optimal scores, optimal BR scores and optimal JA scores were 0.978, 0.971 and 0.977 respectively. Agreement for scores within scripted opportunities and communication level were high-Kappa coefficients 0.869 and 1.000 respectively. The test-retest reliability was high (r = 0.911). A moderate correlation was found between the C-CCS and the CCDI (r = 0.401). The results indicate that C-CCS could be used as a measurement tool in research and clinical practice to describe communication levels in children with minimal verbal skills in China. The Chinese version of the Communication Complexity Scale was developed through a rigorous cultural adaptation process. The evidence shows that the Chinese version of the Communication Complexity Scale is a reliable and valid tool for children with minimal verbal skills in China. The Chinese version of the Communication Complexity Scale can be used in research and clinical practice to assess the general level of social communication skills of Chinese children who mainly communicate using preverbal communication and develop intervention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]