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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.

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 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.

This work is dedicated to the problem of optimizing the shape of columns modelling bridge span subjected to the selected specific load case. Based on Hamilton's principle, motion equations and boundary conditions were defined. Taking into account the static criterion of loss of stability and the condition of constant volume of systems, the values of geometric parameters of the analyzed column were determined at which the maximum critical load value was obtained. The simulated annealing algorithm was used to find the maximum critical force being a function of many variables. Within the kinetic criterion of loss of stability, the range of changes in the natural frequency of optimized columns as a function of external load was determined. Based on the obtained results it was concluded that it is possible to control the dynamic properties while improving the stability of the system.

The article highlights the problem of occupational safety of a technological truck driver by improving the process of determining the level of occupational risk by studying the relationships between various external and internal hazards. A special algorithm is proposed, the main difference of which from the known ones is the procedure for analyzing and determining the causes of dangerous factors, for which it is proposed to use the “Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation” method (further - fuzzy Dematel). A cause-and-effect relationship has been established between dangerous factors that affect the work of a truck driver while driving a vehicle.

Currently, various systems and devices for on-board equipment of modern aircraft are undergoing extensive transformations, particularly in terms of powering electrified aircraft. The main goal of authors of this article was to conduct an analysis of the selected electrified aircraft architecture in the scope of the HVDC system, among architectures in the 540 V voltage range (± 270 VDC) and 350 V, creating a mathematical model and making the necessary tests and simulation studies on the developed model. In the above aspect, article presents selected test results of a proposed system consisting of aircraft generators with changing speeds, which power the bidirectional transistor converters operating in parallel. On the other hand, the energy, generated by generators equipped with a rectifier systems feeds a 0.4/15 kV booster transformer operating at idle. In the final part of the work, based on simulation studies (analysis, mathematical model, tests), important insights are presented and practical conclusions are formulated.

Adaptive algorithms are used in updating the filter coefficients for active noise cancellation applications in reduction of vehicle cabin noise. The performance of the adaptive algorithms in low-frequency noise cancellation depends on how efficiently it alters the filter coefficient to minimize the difference between the approximated signal and the original one. Here is proposed an active noise cancellation model, using the low pass fixed coefficient filter before the adaptive filter, in order to improve the performance of the adaptive algorithm. Convergence rate, SNR and error vector magnitude are analysed for of adaptive algorithm in support of our research results.

A method of purification and utilization of internal combustion engine exhaust gases, due to the ultrasound impact on gases in a special storage tank, has been proposed. Large soot particles of gases due to coagulation are deposited on the bottom of the device and disposed of. The hypothesis of analogy of the gas concentration law and the ratio of soot particles during coagulation has been proven. The soot coagulation coefficient has been determined theoretically and experimentally. An experimental bench has been developed. The technique of assessing coagulation processes by the degree of gas transparency before and after exposure to ultrasound has been developed and used, as well as the technique of calculating equipment and options for designing the devices for ultrasonic purification of exhaust gases.

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.

This paper aims to analyze the impact of infrastructure spending on economic growth in Indonesia, which includes investment in road, port and irrigation infrastructure. The period of observation was 2011-2018, which covered 29 provinces with consideration of data availability. This study employed the growth model with a panel data analysis, which analyze the relationship between the economic growth and government investment in infrastructure in the long run. The most essential finding in this study is that the economic growth is positively influenced by government investment in road, port and irrigation infrastructure. Road infrastructure investment has a significant positive impact and the effect occurs in the fourth year after infrastructure development. In comparison, port and irrigation infrastructure investment have a positive but not significant impact to other variables.

The article proposes a technological line for recycling the blast-furnace slag. This line makes it possible to obtain the crushed stone for road building, which has high water and frost resistance. The design of replaceable working equipment of a single-bucket excavator, with replaceable working tools for loosening frozen slag in dumps and preparing it for use in road building, is proposed. The results of testing the manufactured replacement working equipment are presented. The results of mathematical processing of experimental data using the approximation method are presented, as well.

Traffic conditions are constantly changing when driving in urban areas. Depending on the hour the vehicle is moving, the drive is more or less smooth. The aim of this study is to determine how the traffic conditions affect the energy consumption of an electric vehicle. Simulations carried out in AVL Cruise software, based on real-world testing, were used to determine this issue. The methodology for conducting the research and performing the simulations is also described. The energy consumption of the vehicle, on each route and during the hours studied, was compared to each other based on the results from the simulation software. The results of the study showed that the influence of traffic conditions on the vehicle energy consumption is significant. Simulations have shown that the need for numerous stops and driving at low speeds requires increased energy consumption.

Nowadays, the world is facing many challenges that require a fast environmental and energy transition, but some obstacles have been found. A gap analysis has been made and the conclusion is that there are flaws in the eco categories distribution of different types of electric vehicles. A comparison is done and the conclusions are that hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plugin hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with smaller batteries are the most versatile, while the battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are good primarily for urban driving. The BEVs reduce the urban pollution, but the global ecological effects are rather controversial and their usage still has many limitations. A discussion of adequate options and solutions for the transport pollution and energy problems is presented. The ultimate goal is to provoke adjustments in government transportation policies towards appropriate solutions that solve today’s pollution problems in better and more adequate way.

A survey of cyclists in the city of Qazvin, Iran, was conducted by focusing on improving the bike lane attributes (increasing width, increasing attractiveness or appeal of the bike lane (painting, planting …), improving pavement conditions, improving sight distance and removing obstacles in the bike lane). It was seen that there was no difference between age groups. Two important priorities for the men group were increasing the lane width and improving the sight distance, while the women considered improving the pavement conditions and the appeal of the bike lanes. Increasing the lane width and improving the pavement conditions for the recreational group and increasing the lane width and improving the sight distance for the non-recreational group were the most important improvements. It can be said that increasing the width of the bike lane was the most important factor for almost all groups.

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 very important factor that influences the decision of those interested in buying a vehicle is its operating costs. This paper determines the costs of driving 100 km for various electric vehicles, charging service providers and chargers, which was then confronted with the costs of refueling. Based on the analysis carried out, it was determined that, at present, the lowest costs of fueling/charging of a vehicle in Poland are connected with use of an electric vehicle, but only when the charging is performed with use of public AC chargers. Moreover, it was determined that the savings that will result from charging electric vehicles at AC charging stations as compared to filling up internal combustion engine vehicles are small and do not compensate for the purchase price of an electric vehicle.

A vital mode of transportation for short term mobility is paratransit. There are several studies on paratransit safety in developed nations but the developing nations like Bangladesh pay less attention to the issue. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of paratransit using the perceptions of riders and drivers. Negative binomial model (NBM) was used to calibrate the safety of paratransit using 451 responses in Chittagong city. The study's findings highlight the significance of perceptions of travel safety in enhancing accessibility during the routine travel. Vehicle speed limits (km/h), which reduce the chance of accidents and having an institutional driver's license are among the variables that have emerged for the betterment of safety. Therefore, identifying factors that can makes these transportation systems safer will allow service managers and controllers to optimize passenger and driver safety.

Variations of successive combustion cycles are associated with power losses, vibration and fluctuations in the engine speed, torque and work done. Previous studies declared that the elimination of cycle-to-cycle variation (CCV) could improve the engine power by 10 %. This work aims at correlating cyclic variability to engine operating conditions to determine the relevant operating conditions that affect the CCV and help designers to predict it. Experimental work was carried out on spark ignition, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, 2.2 liters, with an 8.85:1 compression ratio and a maximum power of 85 kW at 5,000 rpm. The cyclic variability of many indicators is calculated from the measured in-cylinder pressure data. Results have been used to introduce new correlations considering the effect of normalized speed and load on cyclic variability with acceptable fit. These correlations could be a useful tool in early design calculations, CCV modeling and control.

The comparative analysis of the two hybrid composites, obtained by the compocasting process, based on A356 and ZA-27 alloys and reinforced with 10 wt. % SiC and 0, 1 and 3 wt. % graphite (Gr) is presented. Optimisation of their tribological behaviour was performed by the Taguchi method and the artificial neural network (ANN). Tribological tests were performed on a block-on-disk tribometer, at three sliding speeds, three normal loads and a sliding distance of 600 m, without lubrication. Results obtained by the ANOVA showed that the hybrid composites based on A356 alloy have the better wear resistance and that the composite reinforced with 10 wt. % SiC and 1 wt. % Gr has the lowest wear rate. The lowest coefficient of friction was obtained for a composite based on ZA-27 alloy reinforced with 10 wt. % SiC, at a normal load of 10 N and sliding speed of 1 m/s.

It has been shown that a perspective type of passenger transport is a metro bus, which can be both two- and three-link. Mathematical model of an autotrain has been developed for a two-link metrobus with both an uncontrolled and a controlled trailer, with the help of which it is established that the speed of the metro bus is 10 m/s, the angular speed of links racking, lateral acceleration, the angles of axle wheels' diversion while manoeuvring of "steering wheel jerk" "Shift" and "turn" have a fading nature of oscillation, which ensures the stability of its motion. At the same time, the value of lateral accelerations in the center of masses of metrobus separate links with an uncontrolled trailer at a speed of 15 m/s, while performing various manoeuvres do not exceed 0.45 g, according to this characteristics, such metrobus is stable, instead of a metrobus with a controlled trailer, which at this speed loses its stability. This should be considered when developing the advanced two-link metrobus of increased overall length (24 m).

This paper deals with the charging system and rail infrastructure fees use in V4 countries. The goal was to find out how the charges differ in terms of the train type, weight and distance traveled on different track categories. The charging principle for minimum access packages and for the access and services supplied in service facilities was investigated. Due to different technical, technological and other conditions for the rail infrastructure capacity utilization, the modeled situation was compared to the real one. This research shows differences between individual countries, both in the charging system and in the price for the rail infrastructure use (the prices were recalculated to € and in the PPP-purchasing power parity). It is interesting that the differences are not only significant with regard to the category of track used and the train's weight (especially in the freight transport), but with regard to other factors, as well, in particular the type of train and price for the use of railway stations.

The first and last mile part of the public transport journey are essential for the whole transport system. Its quality affects the overall experience of the passenger in public transport. It is not important how attractive are individual transport modes if the rest of the journey is unattractive for the passenger. This paper is about shared mobility and it describes the connection between the first/last mile and the public transport system. Modes of shared mobility can reduce the pressure on the city transport system. It can also bring a better modal split. The authors performed a traffic-sociological survey for processing the respondents' opinions on the use of new modes of the sharing economy. The survey showed that more than eighty per cent of people travel to work daily, but more than half of them do not use public transport.

The article presents an assessment of the use of alternative fuels in Europe with an emphasis on electromobility. In this regard, the impact of political intentions, ambitions and goals are analyzed, in relation to the current situation. Based on the results of empirical measurements, the efficiency of implementation of a European publicly accessible infrastructure for charging electric vehicles was determined. Using the method, the efficiency of electromobility in all the countries of the European Union was investigated. The resulting parameters are comparable in the context of the objectives of the Green Deal and the expected impact of electric cars. Using the results of the DEA model, one can point out the efficiency of countries and suggest ways to improve it.

Traffic congestion is a pervasive issue that affects urban areas worldwide. This study investigates congestion on urban roads in an Indian smart city. Video graphic technique was employed to collect data across various traffic volumes. Travel time for different vehicle categories was estimated, and the travel time reliability congestion index was assessed. Multiple linear regression modelling was utilized to assess the attributes influencing congestion. Traffic signal synchronization and enforcement of traffic regulations, decentralization of important offices, and regulating roadside activities received strong recommendations from the majority of inhabitants. For improving the functionality and accessibility, related to the urban road network, these attributes should be enforced. The research intended to assess the functional effectiveness of urban roads using travel time reliability measures.

The automotive industry faces huge challenge in environmental protection by reducing fossil fuels and energy consumption by developing various practical solutions in energy harvesting. The current analysis is related to the diesel engine power supply system in a passenger off-road vehicle for application of the piezoelectric energy harvesting system. Experimental tests were carried out for the three constant rotational speed values - 800, 1000 and 1500 rpm. The results pertained to operational and simulation tests of available power supply options from the engine suspension system in the vehicle, e.g. to power sensors supervising the engine's operation or other small electrical devices in the vehicle. The simulations of output voltage were conducted by means of a nonlinear model with a resonator coupled to a piezoelectric elastic beam deformed in the magnetic field to improve the band of frequency transducing kinetic mechanic energy into electric energy.

Resilience is the ability of an object to retain its basic functions in the case of adverse events from an external or internal environment. Adverse events can jeopardize the operation of an object or cause it to become completely inoperable. The assessment of static resilience should be dealt with mainly by objects that are included in local, regional, national, and international critical infrastructure. ritical infrastructure is the basis of today's modern functioning society.
The paper is focused on design of the static resilience evaluation of objects in the rail transport. The proposed method of static resilience assessment is based on safety pillars and is applied in a case study to a specific object of the rail transport. This approach is original in the conditions of the Slovak Republic.

Significant economic growth visible in recent decades in Thailand contributed to a huge demand for private vehicles, which was not followed by a sufficient growth of transport infrastructure, consequently leading to permanent congestion, increase in the number of accidents, high carbon emission and thus a decline in the air quality. This research was conducted in the capital of Thailand, Bangkok using key informant interviews to examine socio-economic determinants of 3 different modes choice: car, motorcycle and public transport. The major findings included the lack of use of public transportation due inadequate transportation schemes and policies at the local and national level in Thailand. Further analytical findings include the social, cultural and economic factors affecting the choices of the mode of transportation in Thailand.

The number of cars on Polish roads is increasing year by year. Currently, Poland is in second place in Europe in terms of the number of cars per 1000 inhabitants [1]. This causes problems in finding a place to park. In addition, during the pandemic, there was a problem with semis, which caused a sharp increase in the price of used cars and longer waiting times for new vehicles. The aim of this article is to find out the opinion of Polish residents on the Car-Sharing service during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the pandemic has affected Car-Sharing not only in Poland, but also in Europe as a whole. For this purpose, a survey was conducted.

With an increasing number of electric vehicles, their impact on electrical power systems is starting to be substantial. High deployment of these vehicles can even bring issues such as overloading the power transformers and power lines or loss of stability in the power system. Therefore, a suitable model, able to represent large groups or fleets of electric vehicles, is needed to prepare measures that can prevent these problems. The main contribution of this paper is the definition of a charging model representing a fleet of EVs using partial differential equations. This new approach enables meeting the accuracy of the commonly used battery charging models while significantly decreasing required computation times as shown in simulation results.

The processes of material capture and movement in a screw feeder are characterized by significant loads due to the pressure of a vertical load column, which creates additional resistance to the movement of the material, overcoming which leads to unproductive energy consumption. The paper aims to study the influence of the design parameters of the loading mechanism on the torque on the drive shaft of a screw feeder. The results of experimental studies and computer simulation of the design parameters of the loading mechanism relation (the length of the loading zone, the inclination angle of the rotating wall of the loading nozzle, its displacement value relative to the vertical axis of the auger operating part, and the height of the material in the loading nozzle), to the torque value on the drive shaft of the screw feeder for transportation of bulk cargo, are presented in this paper.