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Copyright of Estudios Demográficos y Urbanos is the property of El Colegio de Mexico AC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The fast fashion industry significantly impacts the environment at every stage of a product's life cycle. The transport of products to wholesalers and stores, as one of the stages of the product life cycle, is often overlooked during the analysis of their carbon footprint. Therefore, research is needed on the impact of fast fashion on the environment through its logistics and transport, especially in relation to air emissions. This article attempts to determine how extensively fast fashion companies disclose the impact of their transport operations on their overall corporate carbon footprint, determine the proportion of total emissions attributed to transport, and evaluate the effectiveness of companies' efforts to mitigate their transport-related environmental impact. This research used a case study method on selected brands (H&M Group, Inditex, Shein), using secondary data available in non-financial reports for 2023. As a result of the analysis of their non-financial reports on transport emissions, several key findings have been presented. Companies predominantly rely on external frameworks and standards, particularly the Global Reporting Initiative. However, the level of detail of the data presented varies. The priority for the surveyed companies is to reduce emissions from significant sources, such as production processes. The data disclosed in the reports (scope 1, 2, 3) must be clearly formulated and can be used to calculate the level of their CO2 emission reduction or increase. Companies should improve their environmental reporting by including indicators of their transport-related emissions. This approach provides a comprehensive view of their environmental impact, highlighting absolute values and efficiency metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roadside Automobile Workshop (RAW) activities remain principal components of the informal sector in many Nigerian cities. Its emergence is attributed to the advent of automobiles and their use in easing urban mobility. Expectedly, unlike the formal autoworkshops, the RAW are located across the available spatial places where, motorists find solace to immediate respond to maintenance and other mechanical faults/malfunctions of their vehicles. However, the spatial locations and operations of RAW, along with the accompanying adverse effects, are recurring issues of concern in many cities in Nigeria. In this regard, this study assessed the socio-economic and environmental implications of RAW in the city of Ota, Nigeria. A cross-section survey research is adopted in this study, while 400 residents were sampled using multistage sampling technique. Major findings show that most of the residents have spent over four years in study area. It also revealed that increase loss of green area, noise pollution, and land vibration are the top-ranked environmental implications, while increase road traffic congestion, untrained technicians, and disruption of traffic flow are top-ranked economic implications. However, improve access to maintenance workshop, reduce vehicular breakdown on roads are top-ranked social implications of RAWs. This study concludes that the indiscriminate location of RAWs in the study area is detrimental to socio-economic development of study area (F10 / 389 x 23.851, p=0.000

In order to address the congestion problem of vehicles in quay of automated container terminal with parallel layout and side-loading operations, the study regards the terminal operation system as a multi-agent system (MAS). Then, A dynamic cooperative speed regulation strategy for a group intelligence-oriented multi-ART (Artificial Intelligence Robot of Transportation) is proposed to realize the smart and distributed traffic control of container terminals. Via the real-time data interchange and message passing with ART group, the individual ART implements the collaborative speed regulation with the combination of the dynamic speed regulation strategy. Through the above-mentioned method, the sequence of ARTs arriving at the quay can be adjusted, which can decrease the waiting time of ARTs at the quay. Considering the consistency problem of individual and group agent among the dynamic speed regulation of ARTs, a novel distributed consensus protocol is established to assure that the individual status of ART will tend to converge basically during the collaborative speed regulation process, and the convergence of system can be guaranteed. Based on the case of automated container terminal of Tianjin Port, the paper establishes a multi-agent based simulation model, and simulates the decision-making process, and validates the effectiveness of mentioned model and strategy. The results demonstrate that the strategy can decrease the waiting time of ARTs under uncertainty environment of terminal and improve the operation efficiency of system.

During transport operations, even under normal operating conditions, the loading unit is subject to inertial forces, which may cause deformation of the unit, and in extreme cases, its disintegration. Stretch film wrapping is the most commonly used method of securing a load unit. This paper presents a new simplified simulation model of a class A load unit, with a layered structure, secured with stretch film. Between the layers of packaging, stick-slip friction was applied. A method of estimating the containment force was also proposed. This model can be used to pre-determine the number of film layers necessary to ensure load stability. Simulations can reduce the amount of film used and the number of stability tests performed experimentally.

This study examined the effectiveness of para-transit transport activities by identifying the socioeconomic characteristics of both the passengers and drivers of public transport and the factors confronting their operation. It utilised primary and secondary data. A purposive sampling technique was employed which entailed the identification of all the motor parks, the selection of buses, minibuses and cars at the motor parks, major bus stops and conducting a survey using a structured questionnaire cum interview. Questionnaires were administered to 354 respondents to obtain information about their socioeconomic, trip characteristics and the unconventional public transport operations, of which a total of 312 questionnaires were duly completed and returned. Data collected were analysed using simple descriptive techniques and correlation analysis. The results showed that the majority of the passengers (61.4%) were within the 21 – 30 years age bracket while 43.7% of the drivers were within the 31-40 years age bracket, the patrons and the operators of the public transport are predominantly low-income earners as large proportion of the passengers (42.1%) earned below ₦10,000 per month while 46.9% of the drivers earned between ₦10,001 and ₦20,000 per month. The results of the correlation analysis indicated both the drivers’ and passengers’ perspectives, factors such as public transport conditions, road quality and drainage system are highly correlated between their paired variables. Hence, effort should be made by the government and public transport operators to improve the transport infrastructural facilities in the study area.

In recent years, when organizing works of the Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE), considerable attention is given to the safety of logistics operations carried out at Russian stations and field bases. The main factors that threaten polar explorers are extensive systems of cracks and water breakthroughs, confined to the marginal, the most dynamic part of the outlet glaciers, in the area of which the most part of stations are located. One example of the impact of these processes on transport communications in Antarctica is the breakthrough of an intraglacial reservoir in the Dolk glacier near the station Progress (Larsemann Hills, Eastern Antarctica) in the season of the 62nd RAE (2016/17). The outburst resulted in the formation of a huge hole in the glacier body and an extensive system of cracks directed towards its flanks. This took place on the part of the route connecting the Progress Station with the point of organization the sledge-tractor train marches to inner regions of the Antarctic continent. Thus, this destroyed the transport links between these points. That is why during the seasonal works of the 63rd RAE (2017/18) geophysical surveys were carried out around the hole by means of the GPR profiling for the purpose to find the best way and organize a new all-season route. The GPR soundings performed at frequencies of 900 and 150 MHz, made possible to fix numerous cracks and large volumes of melt water accumulations in the near-surface part of the ice layer. The analysis of the obtained time sections and the assessment of the depths of cracks and watered areas did show that the detected objects in the glacier body were not dangerous for advancing of the sledge-caterpillar equipment passing by the hole. These surveys allowed planning the optimal new route, after which it was rolled up and put into operation. The logistical connection between the station and the airfield has been restored. Until the end of the field season, the new all-season route was actively used for transportation.

Summary. During transport operations, even under normal operating conditions, the loading unit is subject to inertial forces, which may cause deformation of the unit, and in extreme cases, its disintegration. Stretch film wrapping is the most commonly used method of securing a load unit. This paper presents a new simplified simulation model of a class A load unit, with a layered structure, secured with stretch film. Between the layers of packaging, stick-slip friction was applied. A method of estimating the containment force was also proposed. This model can be used to pre-determine the number of film layers necessary to ensure load stability. Simulations can reduce the amount of film used and the number of stability tests performed experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effectiveness of para-transit transport activities by identifying the socioeconomic characteristics of both the passengers and drivers of public transport and the factors confronting their operation. It utilised primary and secondary data. A purposive sampling technique was employed which entailed the identification of all the motor parks, the selection of buses, minibuses and cars at the motor parks, major bus stops and conducting a survey using a structured questionnaire cum interview. Questionnaires were administered to 354 respondents to obtain information about their socioeconomic, trip characteristics and the unconventional public transport operations, of which a total of 312 questionnaires were duly completed and returned. Data collected were analysed using simple descriptive techniques and correlation analysis. The results showed that the majority of the passengers (61.4%) were within the 21 - 30 years age bracket while 43.7% of the drivers were within the 31-40 years age bracket, the patrons and the operators of the public transport are predominantly low-income earners as large proportion of the passengers (42.1%) earned below ₦10,000 per month while 46.9% of the drivers earned between ₦10,001 and ₦20,000 per month. The results of the correlation analysis indicated both the drivers' and passengers' perspectives, factors such as public transport conditions, road quality and drainage system are highly correlated between their paired variables. Hence, effort should be made by the government and public transport operators to improve the transport infrastructural facilities in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the goals of developing a transport corridor is to promote socio-economic development by improving connectivity and sustainable transport operations, which largely depends on the operational strategy. Trade-off policies can be important tools for gaining the competitive advantage of road transport corridors, and thus, help facilitate sustainable growth and welfare. This article uses a case-based approach to observe the trade-offs in the first phase of transport infrastructure development, and then, in the second stage, further explores the trade-off variables in the transport operations strategy under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The results from the three cases of the parallel route system of the CPEC indicate that trade-off is an easily understandable and applicable method, which can foresee the operational gains or compromises for significant welfare of the regions. The implications of the trade-off are two fold, first is the “importance” of the trade-off, which is related to its impact on operational competitiveness. The other is the “sensitivity” of the trade-off, in terms of the change that will be caused to one variable when changing the other. The trade-off concept can be used for several landlocked transport corridors to achieve a competitive edge in transit trade.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand how transportation price benchmarking impacts firm performance. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, firm transportation costs and other financial variables are examined with regression analysis. This study extends empirical research on benchmarking by using current data, taking a longitudinal approach, using additional research methods, and by taking a contingency theory approach to examine firm performance contingent on the relative size of benchmarking information. Findings – Firms can reduce prices paid for transportation (thereby improving firm performance) by participating in benchmarking consortiums, and the amount of price reduction is contingent on the size of firm transportation spending relative to that of the benchmarked firms. Furthermore, the contingent relationship is concave, which indicates that participation in benchmarking consortiums can be optimized. Research limitations/implications – Despite the wide range of companies in this sample and the longitudinal approach of this research, this study examined benchmarking performance in just one marketplace (truckload transportation). Practical implications – The findings help managers to lower transportation costs and optimize the benefits that can be obtained from benchmarking. Originality/value – Transportation prices paid by firms are difficult to obtain because firms are not required to isolate and disclose this information on financial statements. Therefore, the transparency of transportation pricing data in this study which include a wide cross-section of firms provides a unique examination of actual transportation prices and how they can be used for benchmarking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to examine a strategic alliance between a large shipper and a freight forwarder to provide an intermodal service to and from the port of Gothenburg. The supply chain literature discusses various models of supply chain collaboration and integration. When applied to logistics, each has been shown to exhibit different levels of success depending on particular factors. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology is a single in-depth case paper based on action research, interviews and document analysis. Findings – According to this innovative model, a new entity is not set up but an open-book basis is established, long-term contracts with other parties are signed, risks and profits are shared and the shipper makes several investments specific to the service. Thus, the benefits of a joint venture are obtained without needing to establish a new organisation, thereby sacrificing flexibility and independence. Research limitations/implications – A limitation of this study is that it is based on a single case of best practice; it may be difficult to replicate the high levels of trust in other situations. Nevertheless, the evident success of this “virtual joint venture” suggests that some elements are transferable to other cases, and the model may be refined through additional case analysis. Practical implications – Results indicate several advantages of this “virtual joint venture” model, including risk sharing, knowledge development, long-term service stability and diversification of activities, which all contribute to facilitating the shift of a large customer from road haulage to intermodal transport. Potential challenges mainly relate to contractual complexity. Originality/value – This paper identifies an innovative business model for logistics integration that can be used in future in other cases to make modal shift more attractive and successful, which is a key aim of government policy in many countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to present a system dynamics model for the interdependencies between logistics strategies and freight transport. As efficient freight transport operations are a crucial part within securing the competitiveness of a company, the “right” logistics strategy plays a key role within realization of efficient transportation movements lowering environmental impacts. Design/methodology/approach – Freight transport is affected by different parameters determined within a logistics strategy. This research approach models interdependencies between logistics strategies and transportation movements through a systemic point of view. Findings – The paper starts with an overview of challenges in freight transport and highlights the parameters of a logistics strategy. Afterwards, the qualitative and quantitative model is presented. Numerical experimentation further illustrates the applicability while providing additional intuitively insights. Originality/value – The authors present a system dynamics model for the interdependencies between logistics strategies and freight transport. The developed model allows the comprehensive description and analysis of the system operations (parameters of logistics strategy) and taking also transport relevant factors (toll, CO2 internalization, infrastructure capacity) into account. The model should serve as a basis for the realization of sustainable transport operations. Thus, it may prove as useful to loaders/industry, logistics service providers as well as policy stakeholders regarding the realization of efficient, sustainable transport movements in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study proposes a 3D visualized modeling method for DES of transport operations in construction. The 3D simulation model built is a virtual field scene with property settings. AR technology was further applied to allow the use of a real-world image as the modeling background, which pictorially presents the current status of the real site as a visual basis for modeling. A typical transport operation was analyzed to determine the component classes for modeling. Then the visual representation and attributes of each modeling component class were proposed, along with modeling rules to build the 3D simulation model. A prototype system with STROBOSCOPE as the simulation engine was developed for presenting the proposed modeling method. A set of transformation rules was proposed for converting a 3D simulation model to a STROBOSCOPE input file. The system automatically extracts the simulation output and animates the 3D model to visually demonstrate the simulation result. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]