Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina, 2026 (vol. 28), issue 2
Operation and Economics in Transport
Maritime Freight Cost Shocks and SME Financial Performance in the Visegrad Region during and after COVID-19
Aleksandar Alačkov, Michal Červinka
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):A19-A31 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.020 
In this paper is analysed how the maritime freight costs fluctuations (2020-2024) affected the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Visegrad Group using firm-level panel data and fixed-effects regressions. Four financial indicators were examined: turnover, gross margin, inventory stock, and cost of goods sold (COGS), with the Shanghai containerized freight index (SCFI) as the key explanatory variable. Higher freight costs are associated with increased turnover, inventories, and COGS, and with reduced gross margins, though the within-firm explanatory power is low. Overall, shipping price shocks leave measurable but modest effects on...
Economic and Infrastructure Determinants of Road Traffic Fatalities: Panel Evidence from the Visegrad Countries
Adela Poliaková, Eva Nedeliaková, Piotr Gorzelańczyk, Jakub Malik
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):A32-A47 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.023
In this study are analysed the determinants of road traffic fatalities in the Visegrad Group countries during 2000-2024, using a balanced panel and fixed-effects models with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors. The results show that the higher motorization and a longer high-standard road network are associated with lower fatalities. By contrast, the GDP per capita and unemployment increase fatalities in the baseline model, although these effects are sensitive to alternative specifications. Public expenditure on road infrastructure has no robust immediate effect, with only limited evidence of delayed benefits. Overall, the findings suggest that the road...
Preparation of Big Data Sets for Optimization of Intercity Freight Driver Schedules
Olexandr Melnychenko, Myroslav Oliskevych, Nazar Khomyn
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):A48-A61 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.022
The problem of using big data for optimal planning of work and rest of truck drivers in intercity freight transportation is considered. The problem is solved for a team of drivers in compliance with the EU regulation 561/2006. The proposed data preparation can reduce the practical computational complexity and find the optimal driver work schedule. The clustering of the initial data was substantiated for optimizing schedules based on the criterion of compatibility of transport orders. The compatibility of orders follows from the analysis of similarity of two consecutive transportation processes performed by one driver during his/her work shift. Simulation...
Mechanical Engineering in Transport
Optimizing Combustion Process: The Impact of Flame Zone Air Supply on Emissions and Performance in Pellet Boiler
Alexander Backa, Nikola Čajová Kantová, Peter Hrabovský, Pavol Belány, Róbert Cibula, Sławomir Sładek
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):B43-B51 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.016
Biomass combustion is a widely used renewable option for a small-scale heat and power, but incomplete burnout and pollutant formation remain challenges in boilers without optimized air staging. In this study, is investigated how controlled transport of air into the flame zone, implemented with an auxiliary tertiary system, affects performance and emissions in a bottom-fed pellet boiler. Tests were performed at constant fuel feed and primary/secondary airflow, with tertiary air varied between 0 and 15.8 m3/h. An airflow of about 8.9 m3/h proved optimal, giving the highest thermal output, a more uniform temperature distribution, and a nearly twentyfold...
Development of a Factor Analysis Model for Assessing the Technical Readiness of the Railway Rolling Stock
Razim Bayramov, Ilham Huseynov, Israil Elyazov, Shamil Heydarov
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):B52-B61 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.019
In this study was investigated the Technical Readiness Coefficient (TRC) of railway rolling stock and associated technical systems. The primary objective was to identify and analyze the key factors influencing TRC and to develop a structured methodology for the factor analysis of railway technical readiness. The research methodology includes the selection of principal determinants, construction of a descriptive analytical model, processing of empirical operational data, and application of regression and correlation analyses. Empirical and theoretical approaches were employed, using statistical data, maintenance schedules, normative tables, and computational...
Blockchain-Enabled Privacy-Preserving Federated Learning with Deep Capsule Networks for Energy-Efficient Speed Control in Autonomous Vehicles
Sanjith N, M. Nithya, Sreeju P Sreedharan
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):B62-B72 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.021
Rough roads negatively affect the ride quality and energy efficiency of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and demand adaptive speed control. To solve this, this research proposes a Deep Capsule Network integrated with Sparse Kernel K-means Clustering (DCapsNet + SK-K-means) to accurately reconstruct pavement conditions and adapt vehicle speed in real time. The Privacy-Preserving Federated Learning (PPFL) with Hyperledger Fabric blockchain allows federated learning to be trained in a secure and decentralized manner without the transfer of raw sensor data. With the BDD100K dataset, supervised and reinforcement learning are used. According to the obtained results...
Development and Research of Special Excavator Buckets for Mining Oil-Bituminous Rocks
Yerbol Kaliyev, Shynbolat Tynybekov, Rashida Duisen, Abish Torgayev, Nurbol Kamzanov, Kazyna Ashim, Rustem Kozbagarov
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):B73-B81 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.025
Given the shortage of petroleum bitumen in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the use of local bitumen-containing rocks is becoming increasingly relevant, which requires the development of specialized mechanization tools. In this paper are discussed the special excavator buckets designed for year-round extraction of rocks with a bitumen content of up to 25%. The design features of the bucket that reduce resistance during digging and unloading are described. Calculations of resistance, chip thickness, operation duration, and productivity of the EO-4121 excavator at different temperatures and bitumen contents were performed. It is shown that unloading becomes...
The Strength Assessment of the Horizontal Lever in the Brake Transmission of a Freight Wagon Bogie
Juraj Gerlici, Alyona Lovska, Vasyl Ravlyuk, Patrik Slušňák
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):B82-B88 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.026
In this article are discussed the features of selecting the geometric parameters and calculating the strength of the horizontal lever in the brake lever transmission of a freight wagon bogie. The results of the research show that the greatest stresses are concentrated in the areas where the holes for the rollers are located. Since the design stresses are 22% lower than the permissible value, thus the strength of the horizontal lever is obeyed. This research results could be useful in the design of modern brake lever transmission systems.
Development and Research of Working Parts of Joint Cutting Machines with Cycloidal Motion
Yerbol Kaliyev, Turly Dyussengaliyeva, Beibitbek Zhunisbekov, Manarbek Yessengaliyev, Nurbol Kamzanov, Zhuldyz Dainova, Rustem Kozbagarov
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):B89-B98 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.027
The development of a country's economy largely depends on the pace and efficiency of construction work, which, in turn, is determined by the extent to which innovative technologies and techniques are used. This work is devoted to justification of the basic parameters and the development of a new working body for a machine for cutting joints in road surfaces. A design with cycloidal motion is proposed, which intensifies the destruction process due to the vibrational impact of the cutters on the material being processed. The use of such a working body provides a vibrational effect, increases the cutting speed, and reduces the energy consumption of the...
Electrical Engineering in Transport
Design and Permanent Magnets Reduction of Linear Oscillatory Machine for Reciprocating Drives in Transport
Matúš Horník, Pavol Rafajdus, Hao Chen, Yassen Gorbounov, Gojko Joksimović
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):C35-C46 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.024
Electric vehicles (EVs) require efficient compressors for air-conditioning and battery thermal management, typically driven by a dedicated electric motor. In this paper is dealt with the design and optimization of a stator-magnet transverse-flux linear oscillatory machine (SMTLOM) intended for such compressor applications. The topology employs permanent magnets embedded in the stator, enabling simplified assembly, improved vibration robustness, and reduced dependence on rare-earth materials. A detailed 3D finite element analysis was conducted to maximize the performance, while minimizing the volume of permanent magnets. The results demonstrate the...
External Monitoring System for Battery Condition and State of Health of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Milan Havelka, Matúš Nečas, Dušan Maga, Juraj Duďák
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):C47-C56 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.028
Lithium-ion batteries power light electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, but end users typically lack reliable information about true battery health and instead rely on misleading indicators of remaining charge. In this paper is introduced a novel external plug-and-play diagnostic module that connects between the standard charger and a battery of a light electric vehicle. The system uses a precise discrete-time energy integration method during standard charging. It captures dynamic current fluctuations and estimates battery health from the partial charging data. Experimental validation on multiple battery packs demonstrates that the proposed...
Civil Engineering in Transport
Assessment of Vehicular Passenger Occupancy and Its Effect on LOS
Rashmi Ranjan Samal, Kundan Samal, Sitansu Kumar Das, Satya Ranjan Samal, Malaya Mohanty
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):D39-D48 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.018
The expansion of infrastructure in developing countries have led to a surge in car ownership. Although cars offer greater safety, their less passenger occupancy has contributed to reduced level of service (LOS). The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of passenger occupancy of various modes of transport on LOS. Detailed on-field surveys, including video recordings and questionnaires have been used to collect data, which is subsequently analyzed. The study findings suggest that a huge improvement in LOS and congestion can be achieved if public transportation is used more. Even usage of 3Ws and 2Ws can reduce congestion compared to usage...
Management Science and Informatics in Transport
Enhanced Harris Hawk Multi-Objective Optimization Algorithm for Cognitive Radio-Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Md. Asif Hossain
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):E21-E32 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.017
In this paper is presented an Enhanced Harris Hawk Multi-Objective Optimization (EH-HHO) algorithm for joint spectrum allocation, interference mitigation, and energy efficiency optimization in Cognitive Radio–Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (CR-VANETs). EH-HHO integrates adaptive exploration, dynamic switching, and crowding-distance preservation to avoid premature convergence and obtain well-distributed Pareto-optimal solutions. Extensive simulations, using the SUMO–OMNeT++, VEINS/ns-3, and hardware-in-the-loop experiments, show superior spectrum utilization, energy savings, and convergence speed compared to NSGA-II and MOPSO. Statistical validation...
Safety and Security Engineering in Transport
Functional Safety-Oriented Risk Analysis of Heavy Vehicle Platooning
Luboš Mikula, Jan Famfulík
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):F10-F17 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.015
In this paper is presented platooning as a promising approach to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions, fuel consumption, and operation costs in heavy traffic. Attention is given to a risk assessment of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication in the context of ISO 26262, Edition 2: Road vehicles - Functional safety. [ISO 26262-2 2018] The analysis focuses on safety-related hazards associated with convoy driving of heavy vehicles, utilizing the principles of functional safety. It applies hazard analysis and risk assessment (HARA) to classify potential risks according to their severity, exposure, and controllability. Automotive safety integrity level (ASIL)...
Integrating Resilience Indicators into Virtual Operations Support Team for Road Critical Infrastructure in Crisis Management
Ondřej Ryška, Patricie Gamonová
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2026, 28(2):F18-F30 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2026.029
Increasing disaster frequency intensifies the need for rapid, location-specific information in crisis management. A Virtual Operations Support Team (VOST) can enhance situational awareness by verifying open-source data, but these outputs are rarely transformed into resilience indicators. In this paper is presented a framework that maps verified VOST outputs and metadata to indicators for road critical infrastructure resilience and links them to the crisis decision cycle. A preliminary test on media data (1 Aug-31 Dec 2024; n = 2,045) confirmed a stable baseline and clear peaks usable for management-defined thresholds and trigger actions. The framework...