Search

This paper deals with the use of automation in rail transport to provide transfer links in public passenger transport. The methods of railway transport management in the Czech Republic are presented and their suitability for the use of automation in regional passenger transport is assessed. The authors consider the impact of automation only from a technological point of view. In this paper, the authors propose a modification of the train departure using a layout criterion and time stops to provide transfer links using the Automatic Route Setting System. The authors consider the use of the Real Time Rescheduling considering the traffic on the railway line, as well as the traffic connections of the public line transport. The paper proposes the use of automation software to improve the quality of public passenger transport.

Stream speed pattern of traffic plays a crucial role in urban transportation. The presence of on-street parking significantly reduces this speed by narrowing the carriageway width available for traffic movement, impeding the traffic flow. Therefore, understanding the traffic flow behavior in the context of on-street parking could be challenging. In this context, the present study explores the influence of on-street parking on the stream speed of regular traffic. To achieve this, data were collected at various ideal and parking sections. The stream speed ranges from 39.28 km/h to 51.47 km/h for ideal sections with significant percentage reduction observed at parking sections, ranging from 39.09% to 81.30%. This speed reduction was then modelled considering the most significant parking parameters conceptualized in this study. The findings of the study offer valuable insights that can be implemented for developing the on-street parking norms.

The impact of polyphosphoric acid (PPA) polymers and crumb rubber (CR) on bitumen's properties to enhance its performance was examined in this study. Laboratory samples were created with varying percentages of PPA (0.5 % to 2 %) and CR (6 % to 18 %) and subjected to extensive testing. Findings indicated that the combination of PPA and CR led to notable improvements in bitumen performance, including increased viscosity, softening point, elasticity, and recovery rates at elevated temperatures. Specifically, samples with 18 % CR and 1.0 % or 2.0 % PPA demonstrated exceptional rheological properties and strength. The optimal combination (18% CR and 1.0% PPA) resulted in a uniform structure, while the maximum CR content did not compromise bitumen integrity. Both additives effectively minimized temperature sensitivity and aging, enhancing the bitumen's performance class significantly.

The automobile cable systems for loading and unloading operations between the vehicle-support and vehicle-vehicle points are presented in this paper. The scheme of the automobile mobile cable system is based on a two-cable cableway. Based on this scheme, the parameters of the movement of goods by automobile cable systems are substantiated at variable parameters: mass m artificial loads together with the mass of the frame structure: 35 ≤ m ≤ 95 (kg); the angle of inclination α pairs of parallel ropes to the horizon: 10 ≤ α ≤ 15 (°); tension force ropes 2400 ≤ TD ≤ 5000 (N). It has been established that the dominant effect on the minimum time T has angle α, then mass m and tension forces TD ropes. At the same time, it is worth noting that the range of discrepancy of the quantities T values, when the above factors change, is insignificant and is close to 5,7 % for (m/α) and 6,6 % for (TD/α).

The scientific task of the nozzle scheme uses for formation of an air cushion by using the energy of a jet of air supplied under pressure, simultaneously to form an air cushion, as well as to create the driving force of a load-bearing web, was formulated and the main idea of the work was defined. The optimal option to significantly increase the productivity and length of special types of conveyors is to use the energy of a jet of air supplied under pressure simultaneously as an air cushion and as the driving force of the load-carrying body, which makes it possible to sharply reduce the coefficient of resistance to movement of the load-carrying body and improve its operating conditions. Supporting the load-carrying body with an air cushion allows to increase the speed of movement to 8 to 9 m/s and more, increase the reliability and safety of conveyor operation, and protect the environment.

Cylinder liners of an automotive internal combustion engine are subject to significant losses during operation. Severe operating conditions of cylinder liners lead to the appearance of various defects that must be eliminated to ensure the performance of the internal combustion engine. Currently, several methods have been developed for restoring and strengthening the inner surface of cylinder liners of automobile and tractor engines. Analyzing the considered methods for strengthening and restoring cylinder liners, their advantages and disadvantages from the point of view of increasing their durability, it can be assumed that the high-quality restoration of cylinder liners will be provided by a method of applying a coating by centrifugal induction sintering of powder material. Self-fluxing powders were used as baked powder material.

The article presents the results of testing the validity of the hypothesis about the possibility of isolating the exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine (exhaust gas source). The objective was to conduct an experimental study of the "exhaust gas source - storage tank" system. In the experimental study, the following was performed: establishment of influencing factors and output parameters; selecting the number of experiments; methods and means of measurement; conducting an experiment at the stand.

The aim of this research was to develop a high performance adaptive control strategy based on the model reference adaptive control (MRAC) approach, using the MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) law rule as an adjustment mechanism to control the speed of a DC motor. In this work, we propose a modified model reference adaptive control (MRAC) to exploit the advantages of adaptive control within the classical feedback loop. This new control strategy is a hybrid between the classical control loop and MRAC, designed specifically for the control of a DC motor system. The modified MRAC demonstrates remarkable robustness and superior control performance, particularly in terms of overshoot percentage, settling time, rise time and disturbance rejection. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy was evaluated with the use of various reference signals.

The risk assessment of the area, with emphasis on the transport infrastructure, is dealt with in this paper. Disruption of some elements of transport infrastructure can lead to major negative impacts on the functioning of society, economies or states. The article therefore starts with presentation of the characteristics and importance of the road transport infrastructure with regard to its vulnerability. The core of the paper is the identification of vulnerable elements of road transport infrastructure and their parts and the subsequent vulnerability assessment of the selected element of the road transport infrastructure in the selected area. Therefore, the aim of the research, presented in this paper, was to propose a method for identifying and assessing the vulnerability of road transport infrastructure elements using the latest approaches in the field of vulnerability assessment. The proposed vulnerability assessment procedure is applied in the conditions of the city of Rajec in Slovakia.

The effects of micro-sized montmorillonite clay (MMT) on Portland cement concrete were examined in this study, focusing on regular and calcined MMT as partial cement replacements. Key properties assessed include consistency, setting time, flexural strength, and compressive strength at 7 and 28 days. Regular MMT initially acts as an inert filler, potentially reducing compressive strength, while calcined MMT improves compatibility and strength. Both types extend the setting time, with regular MMT causing more delay. The study highlights that the regular MMT increases water demand and setting time, whereas calcined MMT enhances strength and mitigates these issues. The results emphasize the importance of carefully choosing MMT type and dosage.

The authors examine the negative impact of objective and subjective factors on the quality of work of periodical technical inspection stations (PTI) technicians. In this context, the authors conducted a survey among the PTI technicians and vehicle operators. From the results formulated in the article, it emerged that the quality of PTI technicians' work, and thus the entire PTI, is negatively affected mainly by the high degree of subjectivity entrusted to PTI technicians, when evaluating the technical condition of vehicles (94.12 %) and the resulting scope for incorrect judgments and influencing the result of PTI (corruption, acquaintances), and the approach of PTI owners (influencing technical inspections results due to fear of losing customers, pressure on quantity over quality, method of rewarding the PTI technicians, etc.). The authors also propose some measures to improve the quality of PTI activities.

Since autonomous vehicles (AV) are in the testing process, it is an open question of how pedestrians will communicate with self-driving cars. Nowadays, explicit communication pattern is the main way of pedestrian-driver interaction, however, AV may use implicit communication when making crossing decisions. This study aims to analyze pedestrians' gaze behavior when crossing the road using an eye camera and find the most applicable location for the LED interface on AVs. 10 pedestrian crossings in Gyor, Hungary were analyzed using the synchronized eye-tracking (ET) technology and regular video cameras for combined data processing. The data were analyzed using digital image processing techniques and statistical methods to identify where pedestrians looked and whether a pedestrian-driver interaction was captured during the crossing maneuver.

The research presented aimed to compare the transportation performance, as measured by vehicle kilometers, to the operating costs incurred by thirteen transport companies in the Czech Republic from 2010 to 2019. This period was chosen to ensure that our research is not affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The financial coverage of operating costs includes revenues from fares and compensations from city budgets. We utilized data from the annual reports of The Association of Transport Companies of the Czech Republic. Based on the obtained data, we confirmed a positive relationship between the city's population, the extent of transportation performance, and consequently, the total operating costs.

Ensuring the sustainable development of urban and regional public transport systems is one of the major challenges faced by public authorities. This article examines changes over more than two decades in the two key synthetic measures for balancing transport: urban and regional public transport and individual motorization in two neighbouring EU countries, Poland, and Slovakia. The findings reveal the low effectiveness of transport sustainability policies, particularly in Poland, as evidenced by a decline in public transport usage and a significant increase in the number of private cars. Comparing the two countries Slovakia's policies proved more effective, showing lower increases in the number of private vehicles and only a slight decline in the volume of urban public transport.

The automotive industry, known for its dynamism and innovation, relies on effectiveness of product and process requirements management. Effective collaboration with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) is essential for success. The article analyses how product and process requirements evolve during different project phases, following the APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) approach, depending on OEM type. The study focuses on Tier 1 organizations, direct suppliers to the automotive industry, and their diverse approaches to product development. It underscores the need for Tier 1 organizations to maintain flexibility in their operations and to be prepared for changes in OEM demands. The study emphasizes the role of effective communication and coordination among all the levels of the supply chain to ensure the successful implementation of the APQP approach.

The behaviour of lightweight concrete (LWC) edge column-slab connections reinforced with two types of flexural reinforcement glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) and steel bars with different ratios of shear reinforcement are investigated experimentally and analytically using ABAQUS software. The experimental protocol covered evaluation of eight slabs and edge columns measuring subjected to static loading. Slabs are evaluated as supported, free-standing at one edge, and the column connection is included. The slabs are divided into two groupings, with four slabs in each group. The first group was reinforced with steel flexural, while the second group was reinforced with GFRP reinforcement. Within each group, one slab lacked shear reinforcement, while the other was reinforced with a varying shear reinforcement ratio. A good agreement was found between the numerical FE model and experimental outcomes in most tested slabs.

In this article, improvements in assembly workplace layouts in an industrial context are investigated to enhance productivity and efficiency. The installation of the Cleaner M300 device is focused on, existing layout challenges are identified, and targeted improvements are proposed. Data collection, analysis, and real-world experimentation are employed to evaluate current workplace conditions and potential enhancements, including material flow dynamics and transport cart utilization. Proposed solutions are aimed at streamlining assembly processes, minimizing material transportation time, and boosting operational efficiency. The effectiveness of these improvements is validated through qualitative feedback from workers and supervisors. The importance of improving workplace design to enhance manufacturing operations, increase productivity, and improve transport efficiency is underscored by the study.

The article deals with the power analysis of semiconductor devices nowadays commonly used in perspective traction inverter topologies suitable for automotive industry applications. The power analysis is devoted to topologies, which are the Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) topology and perspective three-level alternatives, which are the Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) and T-type Neutral Point Clamped (T-NPC) traction inverter topologies. The main part of the power analysis of the proposed topologies is done on multi-phase versions (specifically six-phase). Mentioned topologies are modelled through the use of the simulation environment PLECS, while the focus is given on the accurate determination of semiconductor devices' power losses. Collected data of each analyzed topology are then processed using the MATLAB environment. The analysis of power parameters aims to find out which of the mentioned topologies achieves the highest efficiency as an VSI system at various power levels using the same input parameters.

In this study, the effect of five geometric design features, including radius, superelevation, longitudinal grade, lane and shoulder width, on the average speed in the horizontal curve on a two-lane undivided rural road was investigated. The standardized regression coefficients showed that the most important factor affecting the speed was the radius (10.47) followed by the longitudinal grade (4.46). Superelevation and lane width had little effect. Shoulder width had no significant effect. This would be due to the wide width of the lanes. It was found that the relationships between speed and radius, longitudinal grade, superelevation and lane width were radical, quadratic, linear and linear, respectively. Increasing the longitudinal grade has increased the speed of the drivers. Increasing the superelevation was effective when its value changed from negative to positive.

The rail rolling stock undercarriage condition monitoring is proposed by using an automated measuring system, located on the railway track and measuring the specified parameters of the wheels directly, while the train is moving. Regular undercarriage condition monitoring reduces the costs of preventive maintenance of rolling stock without compromising the traffic safety. An algorithm has been developed for the operation of a special software package for visualizing and assessing monitoring data on the condition of the undercarriage of rail rolling stock. The software package consists of separate software modules that can be used independently of each other. It is possible to make short- or long-term predictions of the behavior of any of the monitored parameters using an proposed automated measuring system.

Logistic regression has been a widely used prediction technique to analyze categorical variables. However, if the assumptions are violated the results may be biased. The study in this paper applied an analytical technique namely generalized ordered logit model. A case study of using urban light rail under pandemic conditions was applied for the analysis. The results suggested that logistic regression should not be applied before exploring the multicollinearity and applying the test of parallel lines. If the assumptions are violated, generalized ordered logit model should be considered. Regarding the predictive variables, sociodemographic, socioeconomic and travel pattern, related variables were found to have a statistically significant impact on the perception of safety and infrastructure of urban light rail. The outcomes of the study would provide a deeper understanding of developing regression models for categorical variables for future studies.

The quadcopter persist as important roles across diverse applications, and the enhancement of their control efficacy has been the subject of extensive research. In this work, the authors proposed optimal Proportional Integral (PI) controller based Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) for the roll, pitch, altitude, and yaw motions of the quadcopter system. The proposed technique uses the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to tune the parameters of the FLC and enhance the quadcopter performance. The simulation results show that the proposed technique achieves smoothness of control and significant improvement over classical techniques, as the rise time and the settling time are reduced by 61 % and 66 %, respectively. These times are important for stabilizing the system's response speed and avoiding overshooting or oscillating. This indicates that the FLCPI-PSO can achieve the desired roll and altitude angles more rapidly and effectively.

In the paper, some selected results concerning the ellipses of adhesion for various conditions of motion of a vehicle model, have been presented. The analysis, regarding the phenomena between the road and the wheels of the given motor vehicle's model, was previously carried out in the earlier paper by the author. However, they proved useful for the second part of research based on determination of the ellipses of adhesion. This can enable answering the question whether the road conditions may affect the maximum longitudinal and lateral forces combining such ellipses in the contact plane between the road and the wheels. The analysis has been presented based on the previously obtained results.

The research presented in this article consisted of analysis of the ship structural accidents at low temperatures and the effect of carbon percentage in various classifications of carbon steel, compared to the high tensile strength steel materials. The objective of this research was to fill the knowledge gap by expanding the understanding of the influence of low temperature, material, and structure on the axial compression test of tubes. The simulations as idealization of the compression test were conducted with variations in temperature, material carbon percentage, and geometry shape, using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The results showed that at -100 °C, the material had the best ability to resist compression energy; high carbon steel had the highest strength at various carbon percentages, and the square geometry showed the best ability to absorb energy before failure.

Rail transport has been the leading sector of the whole transport network. In order to improve the efficiency of its functioning, it is important to develop measures that may help reduce the maintenance cost. To improve the open wagon hatch door strength, it is proposed to make it with rectangular corrugations. The results of calculations show that, taking into account the proposed solution, the weight of the improved hatch door is almost 10% lower than the weight of a typical one.

This study explores the significant role of three-wheelers (3W) on urban road traffic, focusing on the reduction in average vehicle speeds and its consequential impact on the Level of Service (LOS) of the road. Data collected from various traffic volumes reveal significant speed reductions ranging from 4 % to 35 % due to the movement of 3Ws on the road. To model this phenomenon, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is employed. The resulting reductions in speed, induced by the 3W, trigger LOS degradation, leading to congestion and delays. A noteworthy finding is that the traffic flow naturally gravitates towards the LOS C, underscoring the substantial role played by the 3W in diminishing the overall LOS of the road. This research offers critical insights into the dynamics of urban traffic influenced by the 3W, providing a valuable foundation for traffic management and urban planning efforts.

This work describes the features and methods of measuring the forces of interaction between the wheel pairs and rails by measuring wheel deformations at control points. The work also contains recommendations for direct measurements of the forces of interaction between the wheels and rails to determine the actual margin of stability of wheel pairs from derailment. The result of the work is general requirements for the system of direct measurement of the strength of interaction of the high-speed rolling stock wheel pairs with rails and scientifically based recommendations for direct measurement of the interaction forces of wheels and rails. The problems of interaction between the wheel pairs and rails do not significantly depend on the track width and are general in nature for different countries of the world.

The purpose of the article was to present the results of braking equipment testing and determination of the adequacy of compressed air production of the braking system when the train is loaded. Experimental tests of the braking system of TE33A diesel locomotive in a goods train are performed. According to the initial data the main parameters of the braking system in the empty and loaded train were evaluated. As a result of tests, and according to the calculated data, the dependences of the volume of the main reservoirs, and the dependences of the required compressor capacity, on the number of axles have been obtained. It has been established that the braking system operation in release modes for a 400-axle train corresponds to the operating conditions and the main requirements of the normative documents.

In this article, the authors present a study on artificial intelligence (AI) integration in transportation and storage SMEs, focusing on research questions, literature reviews, hypotheses, sample selection, and data analysis. They explored current AI support and perceptions and plans of SMEs in this sector. The authors addressed the lack of literature on AI use in transport SMEs and investigated factors, such as AI adoption, benefits perception, company size correlation, and investment willingness. Data was collected from 163 SMEs in Serbia and Slovakia, revealing challenges in participant identification due to low AI use. Declining AI adoption rates authors attributed to financial, technological, regulatory, and awareness issues. The research aims to enhance the AI adoption in transportation and storage SMEs and give some directions for future work.

Summary: Cooperative vehicle-infrastructure system (CVIS) is an important part of the intelligent transport system (ITS). Autonomous vehicles have the potential to improve safety, efficiency, and energy saving through CVIS. Although a few CVIS studies have been conducted in the transportation field recently, a comprehensive analysis of CVIS is necessary, especially about how CVIS is applied in autonomous vehicles. In this paper, we overview the relevant architectures and components of CVIS. After that, state-of-the-art research and applications of CVIS in autonomous vehicles are reviewed from the perspective of improving vehicle safety, efficiency, and energy saving, including scenarios such as straight road segments, intersections, ramps, etc. In addition, the datasets and simulators used in CVIS-related studies are summarized. Finally, challenges and future directions are discussed to promote the development of CVIS and provide inspiration and reference for researchers in the field of ITS.

The significance of bonding technology for modern vehicle structural materials is increasingly acknowledged, driven by the adoption of new materials to reduce weight. This is important not only for quality and economic reasons but to address environmental pollution, as well. Traditional joining methods like riveting, screwing, welding, and brazing, are often unsuitable or limited for modern materials. Soldering, an economical and almost waste-free technology, is becoming more widespread. Through optimization, it achieves a strong, durable bond. There is a potential to favourably alter interface properties, including using high energy density surface treatments. Research showed that the laser surface treatment of high-strength steel sheets could improve the mechanical properties of soldered joints.

The established mode of operation of the conveyor with a nominal linear load is the most economically advantageous from the point of view of increasing the energy efficiency of mineral transportation, in which the cargo flow with minerals corresponds to the nominal productivity of the conveyor. An increase in the linear load of the working branch of the traction-bearing body to a nominal value reduces the share of unproductive consumption due to which energy savings are achieved for a certain period of time, characterized by its hourly average value.

The features of designing the frame of a universal container made of square pipes are presented in this paper. The two frame loading schemes are taken into account: the effect of vertical loading on the container frame when it is lifted by the upper corner fittings (I loading mode); the effect of longitudinal loading on the frame during transportation by the rail transport (II loading mode). Mathematical modeling was performed to determine the longitudinal loading acting on the container in the II loading mode. The determined acceleration is taken into account when constructing the schemes of force factors that arise in the frame. The strength of the frame was calculated using the finite element method, which was implemented in SolidWorks Simulation. The conducted research could contribute to creation of recommendations and developments regarding the design of modern structures of modular vehicles.

This study conducts an in-depth exploration into the principal factors that influence the reliability of specialized rail cars and auto-rail vehicles. It places a particular emphasis on key performance metrics including the average operational duration prior to failure, the proba¬bility of faultless operation, the rate of failure, and the gamma-percentage resource. Addition¬ally, the paper examines various methodologies for computing these metrics and quantitatively evaluating their respective values. It elucidates how specific units of electromechanical equip¬ment, which operate in conjunction with asynchronous motors and clutches, exhibit distribution patterns during failure that overlap between exponential and normal distributions. The study further presents a mathematical formula to approximate the reliability density of the distribution, a critical factor in recalibrating the metrics associated with specialized rail cars.

This article presents a technology that is not widely known. Previous research has investigated the effect of metal injection molding parameters on product shrinkage. The technology is mostly limited by the variations caused by deformation, so it is of paramount importance to focus on shrinkage. Consequently, within this study the injection molding simulations with 17-4PH type material was performed and its results were compared to the previously determined curve characters. The results obtained allow conclusions to be drawn regarding the accuracy of the simulation. Changing the parameters of the injection molding process can significantly affect the shrinkage factor. Changes in mold temperature, melt temperature and holding pressure affect the product dimensions. These parameters are also modified in the simulation setup and compared to the previous real measurements.

The analysis of the statistical values of wear of brake pads in operation, based on which a wear model was developed, is presented in this paper. This model can be used for predicting the remaining service life of brake pads according to the wagon mileage. The distribution function of wear on the upper and lower parts of the pad was determined, which made it possible to find the main qualitative characteristics, namely, the wear intensity, the γ-percentage wear, and the average pad wear at a specified wagon mileage. The results of the study can be factored for solving complex engineering problems of excessive wear of composite brake pads used for freight rolling stock; they could also help to extend the guaranteed overhaul period and improve the railway traffic safety.

The paper presents the construction and technological aspects of a device for pitting fruit, especially cherries, on an industrial scale. The presented work includes design solutions related to the transport of pits removed from pitted fruit, as well as a gravity chute, with an indication of potential operational problems related to the machine design. The authors proposed the use of a screw conveyor, especially in the case of longer drums, to optimize the process. Some analyses are also presented, including friction occurring during the transport of pits. Ultimately, a specific design concept is presented that integrates the screw conveyor with the pitting drum. The presented conclusions point to practical technological and engineering aspects related to fruit processing, suggesting the potential for innovative solutions in the design of pitters.

Construction development is inevitable, while despite its advantages and its benefits, it may lead to several problems related to landfill and its storage, referring to the high volumes of concrete waste currently generated annually, almost 2.0 ton/per capita according to Eurostat. In Algeria, the government has integrated waste management strategy [3] provision to recovering 60 % of construction waste by 2035, which can translate to an urgent need to find innovative ways to recycle concrete waste. One is using those wastes to produce aggregates; however, around 20 % of those aggregates represent fines, wich can lead to several issues if not considered in the concrete mixture. This work is an investigation that allows for using this fine fraction as partial replacement of cement. The result confirms the feasibility of using this material efficiently by applying an optimization process, ensuring an optimal cement replacement percentage.

The indicators of dynamic qualities that ensure the traffic safety, as well as the permissible impact on the railway track, with the obligatory fulfillment of which the railway rolling stock can be used in the transportation process, are presented in this article. The purpose of this work was to carry out the complex dynamic (running), and the impact on the railway track, tests of the rolling stock, during which simultaneous registration of dynamic processes on the railway rolling stock, and in the elements of the superstructure of the track, is carried out, as well as in elements of turnouts. Dynamic tests were carried out on the track switches from the minimum speed to the maximum possible speed of 50 km/h by the TE33A diesel locomotive during the freight traffic. Meeting the requirement of reproducibility of test conditions and having a typical design of the track structure on wooden or reinforced concrete sleepers.

The use and significance of adhesives in various industries are explored, highlighting the growth of the adhesive market and the crucial role of time in adhesive bonding. The composition of adhesives, particularly polyurethane adhesives (PUR), is detailed, emphasizing their sensitivity to environmental factors, like moisture and UV radiation. Various factors influencing adhesive properties, such as reactivity and curing-induced shrinkage, are discussed, along with the importance of catalysts in adjusting reaction rates. One-component moisture-curable PUR adhesives are presented as versatile and continually improving alternatives in structural adhesive applications. The research's focus was to investigate the curing speed of Sikaflex-252 1-component PUR structural adhesive under different conditions, including room temperature, room temperature with ~30 % humidity, and room temperature with ~100 % humidity.

Accident prediction models are mathematical expressions or algorithms used to determine the causal factors for road accidents and road safety engineers are using these models, as well. Modelling this kind of accident is quite challenging and required good quality of data. The results of the artificial neural network model, Gaussian processes model, and support vector machine model are compared for vulnerable road accident frequency in this study. The accident frequency dataset comprises 218 records, with 146 designated for training purposes and 72 reserved for testing. The model's accuracy was contingent on: the mean absolute error, root mean square error and coefficient of correlation. The findings suggest that for predicting the vulnerable road user accidents on roads, the artificial neural network gives better correlation results as (0.912) that the support vector machine (0.879) and Gaussian processes (0.853).

The results of research, devoted to operation of an electric pulse muffler designed for cleaning exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, are presented in this article. The problem considered in this research is establishing the optimal operating mode of the electric pulse muffler by changing the parameters of the distance between the electrodes and the frequency of the electric pulse. To solve this problem, experimental research on laboratory and experimental stands was carried out, which confirmed effective reduction of the gas smoke indices at adjustment of the specified parameters. As a result, a methodology was developed to calculate the optimal values of the distance and frequency parameters, at which the operation of the electric pulse muffler will be considered productive and the degree of gas purification will be effective. The optimum value of the distance between electrodes is 0.78-6 ∙10-3 m with an electric pulse frequency in the range of 127-128∙103Hz.

The lifespan prediction of the bus body of the load-bearing structure has been made and compared to the results of real operation. The maximum approximation of the simulation modelling results in Matlab Simulink to real operation is explained by taking into account a sufficient number of factors influencing durability. This research has the particularity that it allows determining the durability of the bus body even at the design stage, which was not possible with accelerated tests or during the operation of the bus on real routes. The obtained results can be used by bus manufacturers at the design stage, allowing them to change the construction and technology of anticorrosion protection, thereby influencing the durability. In addition, operating organizations will be interested in the obtained results when using the developed methodology in various operating conditions.

Rapid industrialization and increased diesel engine usage have driven up diesel consumption, burdening economies with heavy petroleum product imports. Diesel fuel emissions, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and smoke, pose environmental concerns. Biodiesel produced from non-edible vegetable oils offers a sustainable solution.

This paper provides an analysis of the values of safety distance between the two moving vehicles, based on the parameters of the behaviour of young drivers. The main objective of this research was to determine the driver's response time for braking manoeuvre (BRT) in car-following situations. The test results were used to verify certain recommendations for the vehicle driving parameters, the principles of driver's performance to increase road traffic safety, etc. The driver's response times, determined during the testing in the simulator, were used to assess the recommended values of the safe following distance under different road conditions and various ways of driver behaviour. In the paper, for different values of BRT a safety distance in emergency traffic situations was determined.

The sustainability of international transport remains a critical topic of concern in both theory and practice. Ideally, scientific literature should align with practical needs, but such concurrence is not always present. This disparity is also evident in the specific issue of consignment delivery, which is currently of a great practical importance but lacks sufficient coverage in scientific literature. This paper aims to analyse current trends in maritime transport and their relevance to achieving global sustainability in international transportation. Additionally, it seeks to compare these findings with the practical needs and requirements of the industry, in order to provide constructive recommendations for further research. To accomplish this objective, a bibliometric analysis was conducted using scientific databases, including Web of Science and/or SCOPUS.

Every year a large number of vehicles travel on Poland's roads. The technical condition of vehicles largely depends on the technical condition of the road infrastructure. For this reason, the purpose of the article was to analyze the technical condition of the road infrastructure. The analysis was carried out with the help of a questionnaire survey on a random group of 380 people living and using roads in the Wielkopolska province.

Water is a necessary component of urban structures and a source of life. Nowadays water distribution system's performance might decline for various reasons, resulting in water waste, hence, to maintain a reliable water distribution network, assessing each water distribution study's validity is crucial. Therefore, this research has focused on using durability assessment to evaluate a water supply system. A water distribution network includes an overhead tank and nodes, pipelines, and nodes. The hydraulic properties of every node as well as pipe, including pressure and flow, are calculated utilizing EPANET. This research evaluates the reliability analysis based on the benchmark data's various diameter of pipes, such as 0.6 m, 0.4 m, 0.3 m, 0.2 m, and 0.15 m, usage. Finally, this research analyses the reliability of each set of diameter pipes in the water supply system.

The paper presents the results of gyrocopter fuselage experiment testing in a wind tunnel. The model subjected to testing was made in 1:8 scale by 3D printing. The tests included the measurement of forces and aerodynamic moments acting on the model, for a variable fuselage sideslip angle (-20º to 20º), and for three different positions of the rudder setting (0º, +5º, +10º). The measurement was carried out at an airspeed of 25 to 26 m/s. Based on the measured values, aerodynamic drag coefficients, lift coefficient and aerodynamic moment coefficients with respect to all axes of the reference system, were determined. The measurements carried out have facilitated the derivation of diverse characteristics, validating our conclusions. The results and conclusions drawn from these experiments can be valuable in enhancing the design and functionality of rotorcraft rudders.

The work highlights the results of a study into the dual wedge-shaped wear of composite brake pads for freight wagons. It has been found that the over-normative wear makes the area of a composite brake pad larger in the lower part up to a value directly proportional to the wagon mileage and smaller in the upper part. To assess the braking efficiency of a rail vehicle, a graphical analytical method has been developed; it allows determining the factor of dual wedge-shaped wear of pads depending on the wagon mileage. The results of calculation were verified by comparing two samplings obtained by mathematical and computer modelling. The results of calculation have proven that the hypothesis on the adequacy is not rejected. The results of the study conducted will allow more accurate assessment of the braking efficiency of freight rolling stock to be made, as well as contribute to improving the safety of train traffic.