<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"><channel><title>TRB Publications Index</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/</link><atom:link href="http://pubsindex.trb.org/common/TRIS Suite/feeds/rss.aspx?s=PHNlYXJjaD48cGFyYW1zPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJzdWJqZWN0aWQiIHZhbHVlPSIxNzc0IiAvPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJsb2NhdGlvbiIgdmFsdWU9IjIiIC8%2BPHBhcmFtIG5hbWU9InN1YmplY3Rsb2dpYyIgdmFsdWU9Im9yIiAvPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJ0ZXJtc2xvZ2ljIiB2YWx1ZT0ib3IiIC8%2BPC9wYXJhbXM%2BPGZpbHRlcnMgLz48cmFuZ2VzIC8%2BPHNvcnRzPjxzb3J0IGZpZWxkPSJwdWJsaXNoZWQiIG9yZGVyPSJkZXNjIiAvPjwvc29ydHM%2BPHBlcnNpc3RzPjxwZXJzaXN0IG5hbWU9InJhbmdldHlwZSIgdmFsdWU9InB1Ymxpc2hlZGRhdGUiIC8%2BPC9wZXJzaXN0cz48L3NlYXJjaD4%3D" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /><description></description><language>en-us</language><copyright>Copyright © 2015. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright><docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs><managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor><webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster><image><title>TRB Publications Index</title><url>http://pubsindex.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle.png</url><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/</link></image><item><title>Reforming the Coast Guard's Certificate of Compliance Program for Liquefied Gas Carriers: Promoting Efficient Implementation and Safety Effectiveness</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2672508</link><description><![CDATA[As liquefied gas exports from U.S. ports have grown rapidly in recent years, reforms are needed to a U.S. Coast Guard program that examines liquefied gas carriers (LGCs). Going forward, this growth in LGC exports and arrivals is likely to increase the demand for gas carrier exams by Coast Guard marine inspectors, of which there is a chronic shortage. This Special Report was requested by Congress out of concern for the Coast Guard's ability to examine the increasing number of foreign tank ships that load liquefied gas for transport overseas. The National Academies' committee concluded that the time is right for Congress to revisit the Certificate of Compliance program's requirements mandating the frequency of exams and to allow the Coast Guard greater flexibility to decide when and how to examine individual LGCs using indicators of risk.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:15:16 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2672508</guid></item><item><title>Toward Optimized Estimation of Maximum Ship Wave Height in Inland Waterways</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2669725</link><description><![CDATA[With the rapid development of inland waterway transport, vessel traffic flow becomes increasingly busy. Ship-induced waves result in significant hydrodynamic effects on inland waterway infrastructures and ship navigation safety. The characteristics of ship-induced waves could not only provide a reference for ship hull form optimization but also support the scientific maintenance of waterway infrastructure. In the context of extensive field ship wave observations under complex circumstances, an optimized estimation formula has been proposed considering the influence of ship dimensions. Different dimensionless variables were introduced, and the estimation formula was optimized through the π theorem. Its coefficients were determined by the least square fitting method. A detailed comparison with the classic estimation formulae demonstrates that the proposed formula would provide accurate estimation of ship waves under various conditions in inland waterways. The root mean square error is reduced by approximately 49% in contrast with the traditional estimation formulae. Additionally, a high coefficient of determination was derived as 0.88, highlighting its versatility in maximum ship wave height estimation of inland waterways. The present study shares valuable insights into ship wave height estimation which would be beneficial for inland waterways planning and design.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:50:40 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2669725</guid></item><item><title>Optimizing Shield Tunneling Parameters for River Dike Safety: Numerical Simulation and Case Study of Soft-over-Hard Strata</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2661769</link><description><![CDATA[This research employs finite element analysis to model the impact of shield tunneling on a river embankment situated near a river channel with overlying soft soil and underlying hard rock. The study is based on the Shenzhen-Shantou Avenue expansion project’s pipe gallery tunnel construction under the Chishi River in China. The primary focus is optimizing shield propulsion pressure and synchronous grouting pressure to minimize embankment settlement and tilting. The simulation results reveal a strong correlation between grouting pressure and vertical embankment settlement. Within the range of grouting pressure 0.01–0.03 MPa, the vertical settlement produced by the grouting pressure of 0.01 MPa is the largest, at 12.8 mm, and an increase of 0.01 MPa in grouting pressure reduces the maximum settlement by 0.65 mm. However, grouting pressure shows minimal effect on lateral embankment displacement and tilting. Furthermore, excessive grouting pressure (above 0.03 MPa) increases the risk of riverbed uplift, highlighting the need for careful pressure control. In contrast, the shield’s propulsion pressure demonstrates a more significant influence on lateral embankment movement. While less effective in controlling vertical settlement, adjusting the propulsion pressure effectively manages lateral displacement and tilting. Increasing propulsion pressure initially shifts embankment displacement away from the river, eventually reaching near-zero lateral displacement at 0.08 MPa. However, further increases in propulsion pressure heighten the risk of embankment overturning toward the river. Therefore, an optimal propulsion pressure range of 0.05–0.08 MPa is recommended to balance minimizing lateral displacement and mitigating overturning risks. This study provides crucial insights for determining appropriate tunneling parameters in similar geotechnical contexts, where soft soil overlies hard rock near a river.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:06:22 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2661769</guid></item><item><title>Study of Ship Path Planning in Complex Environments Based on Spatiotemporal Reinforcement Learning</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2659377</link><description><![CDATA[To address the challenges in ship path planning and collision avoidance in complex marine environments, this study proposes a deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based local path planning algorithm that integrates spatiotemporal feature modeling, aiming to achieve unified ship collision avoidance and motion control. Firstly, an end-to-end state space and action space framework is established, enabling the system to directly output control commands based on perceptual information, thereby bridging the entire pipeline from perception to control. Secondly, a network architecture incorporating spatial position encoding, temporal context modeling, and an attention mechanism is designed to enhance feature modeling and decision-making capabilities in complex environments. Finally, a reward function system combining navigation objectives and collision avoidance requirements is constructed, alleviating the sparse reward problem in reinforcement learning and accelerating training convergence. Comparative experiments conducted in various typical scenarios demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm with reference to path efficiency, safety, and control stability, providing robust technical support for the autonomous navigation of intelligent ships.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:08:28 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2659377</guid></item><item><title>Investigating the Determinants of Chinese Cruise Port Competitiveness: a Grey-DEMATEL Approach</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2659376</link><description><![CDATA[The burgeoning cruise tourism industry has elevated the significance of cruise port competitiveness, particularly in China where the industry is experiencing rapid expansion. However, the development of Chinese cruise ports is hindered by a lack of comprehensive analysis of the factors that shape their competitiveness. This paper addresses this challenge by identifying and evaluating the primary factors influencing the competitiveness of Chinese cruise ports. The Grey-DEMATEL method is employed to systematically evaluate these factors and their causal relationships. Nine key factors are pinpointed which are pivotal to the competitiveness of Chinese cruise ports, highlighting how these factors interact and influence one another. The findings offer a strategic framework for the planning and management of Chinese cruise ports, providing actionable insights for practitioners to improve port competitiveness, navigate market shifts, and maintain a leading position in the global cruise industry. This paper’s contributions to the theoretical understanding of cruise port competitiveness and its practical applications are poised to support the thriving advance of China’s cruise tourism sector.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:08:28 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2659376</guid></item><item><title>Strengthening Alcohol Policies and Supporting Safety and Health in the Maritime Industry</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2657017</link><description><![CDATA[Strengthening the maritime workforce requires attention to its challenges. Over the last several years, a number of highly publicized instances of sexual misconduct in the maritime industry involved alcohol use. The headlines drew national attention, led to Congressional action, and triggered multiple changes in policies and practices across the U.S. maritime academies, industry, and the U.S. Coast Guard. This report presents the results of a study called for by Congress and commissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard about the problems arising from the possession and consumption of alcohol at sea and the actions taken to address them. The study's charge is broad, requiring an assessment that considers operational and workplace factors that inform alcohol misuse; the contributing role of alcohol and other substances to harmful and dangerous behaviors, including sexual misconduct; the effectiveness of federal regulations and policies to deter misuse; the state of science on best practices for regulating workplace alcohol use and for preventing intoxication and sexual misconduct; and the extent to which current regulations and policies pertaining to the maritime industry align with these best practices. Conducted by an expert committee, the study starts from the premise that taking actions to prevent alcohol misuse is far preferable to responding to the consequences. Drawing upon the interconnections among alcohol and other substance use, sexual misconduct, and mariner well-being, the committee reviewed the relevant policy and programmatic framework as well as the state of existing evidence on the nature and scale of these problems. This context informed the committee's recommendations for both specific standards and guidelines as well as for fundamental approaches to enhance leadership and a safety-focused culture.]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:38:59 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2657017</guid></item><item><title>Prescribed Performance-Based Optimal Formation Control for USVs With Position Constraints and Yaw Angle Time-Varying Partial Constraints</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2553281</link><description><![CDATA[This paper considers the prescribed performance-based optimal formation control problem for unmanned surface vehicles with position constraints and yaw angle time-varying partial constraints while avoiding collisions and maintaining connectivity. To be more specific, prescribed-time performance constraints are imposed on the position tracking errors between each vehicle and its leader. Then, the prescribed performance-based optimal formation control strategy is developed to guarantee that each vehicle achieves collision-free formation control while maintaining connectivity, as well as the prescribed transient and steady performance on the position tracking errors. Inspired by the prescribed performance control, an improved asymmetric barrier function with prescribed performance is provided to ensure that the yaw angle errors satisfy the prescribed performance constraints. Eventually, theoretical analysis demonstrates that the optimal formation control scheme can produce position tracking errors that converge to a prescribed arbitrarily small region within a prescribed time interval, along with the yaw angle that adheres to the time-varying partial constraints, subject to optimal cost with limited communication ranges and collision avoidance constraints. Simulation results and comprehensive comparisons show extraordinary effectiveness and superiority.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:17:48 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2553281</guid></item><item><title>Event-Triggered Train Formation Control of Multiple Autonomous Surface Vehicles in Polar Communication Interference Environment</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2553279</link><description><![CDATA[This paper investigates the event-triggered train formation control problem for multiple autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) formation system in polar communication interference environment. Firstly, a distributed resilient guidance algorithm is introduced to generate the reference route based on waypoints. In the guidance algorithm, the distributed resilient leader predictor (RLP) is applied to obtain the states of ice-breaking ship when communication fails, and the resilient train formation scheme is designed to compute the reference signals for ASVs. Subsequently, an adaptive neural event-triggered train formation control algorithm is developed. In the control algorithm, the neural networks (NNs) are conducted to approximate model uncertainties, and event-triggered control (ETC) is employed to minimize controller updates. Furthermore, the threshold of the event-triggered mechanism (ETM) can be dynamically adjusted by states of system. It is proved that the formulated algorithm can ensure the prediction errors converge and multiple ASVs system is stable in polar communication interference environment. Finally, two simulation experiments are adopted to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:22:40 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2553279</guid></item><item><title>Integrating GPU-Accelerated for Fast Large-Scale Vessel Trajectories Visualization in Maritime IoT Systems</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2553277</link><description><![CDATA[With the advancement of satellite communication technology, the maritime Internet of Things (IoT) has made significant progress. As a result, vast amounts of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data from global vessels are transmitted to various maritime stakeholders through Maritime IoT systems. AIS data contains a large amount of dynamic and static information that requires effective and intuitive visualization for comprehensive analysis. However, two major deficiencies challenge current visualization models: a lack of consideration for interactions between distant pixels and low efficiency. To address these issues, we developed a large-scale vessel trajectories visualization algorithm, called the Non-local Kernel Density Estimation (NLKDE) algorithm, which incorporates a non-local convolution process. It accurately calculates the density distribution of vessel trajectories by considering correlations between distant pixels. Additionally, we implemented the NLKDE algorithm under a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) framework to enable parallel computing and improve operational efficiency. Comprehensive experiments using multiple vessel trajectory datasets show that the NLKDE algorithm excels in vessel trajectory density visualization tasks, and the GPU-accelerated framework significantly shortens the execution time to achieve real-time results. From both theoretical and practical perspectives, GPU-accelerated NLKDE provides technical support for real-time monitoring of vessel dynamics in complex water areas and contributes to constructing maritime intelligent transportation systems. The code for this paper can be accessed at: https://github.com/maohliang/GPU-NLKDE.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:50:19 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2553277</guid></item><item><title>Time for Reform: The U.S. Coast Guard’s Certificate of Compliance Program for Liquefied Gas Carriers</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2627340</link><description><![CDATA[In 2021, Congress, concerned about the shortage of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) marine inspectors and other inspection challenges, requested that the National Academies study the USCG’s ability to address the growth in liquefied gas exports, as well as the safety compliance of associated foreign tank ships when loading these exports for transport overseas. The resulting study, Transportation Research Board (TRB) Special Report 350: Reforming the Coast Guard’s Certificate of Compliance Program for Liquefied Gas Carriers: Promoting Efficient Implementation and Safety Effectiveness, found that USCG's Certificate of Compliance (COC) program for liquefied gas carriers is in need of reform. Some of the committee’s specific recommendations to Congress and USCG include extending the COC’s validity term to five years (in alignment with the duration of major international certificates), as well as enhancing its current Port State Control risk assessment and vetting capabilities.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:59:30 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2627340</guid></item><item><title>Switching Dynamic Event-Triggered Sliding Mode Based Trajectory Tracking Control for ASVs With Nonlinear Dead-Zone and Saturation Inputs</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2553275</link><description><![CDATA[This paper investigates discrete-time sliding mode trajectory tracking control for fully actuated autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) with unknown nonlinear dead-zone and saturation inputs, utilizing a switching dynamic event-triggered mechanism (DETM). Through model integration, a direct relationship between ASV position and control inputs is established, simplifying trajectory tracking strategy design. ASVs face dead-zone and saturation constraints in control inputs, where low input signals may not overcome static friction, hindering maneuverability, and further increases are ineffective once actuators reach maximum thrust. Unlike linear dead-zone and saturation input constraints with known parameters, this paper considers a more realistic scenario of unknown nonlinearity, employing adaptive neural networks to approximate and compensate for the resulting unknown dynamics. Moreover, limited internal communication resources constrain real-time inter-subsystem communication in ASVs, while frequent short-period sampling in stable conditions results in unnecessary energy and computational consumption, collectively degrading trajectory tracking performance. A novel switching DETM is proposed to reduce unnecessary data transmission, which switches triggering conditions based on variations in auxiliary dynamic variables. Meanwhile, the controller output variation is integrated into the event-triggered conditions to enhance tracking control performance. Based on this, a discrete-time sliding mode trajectory tracking controller suitable for large sampling periods is designed. This ensures satisfactory tracking control effectiveness while further reducing unnecessary data transmission frequency and conserving limited communication resources within a larger range of sampling periods. All tracking errors are proven to be controlled within a small vicinity near zero. The numerical simulation results validate the efficacy of the proposed control strategy.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:48:35 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2553275</guid></item><item><title>Vulnerability Threshold Identification in Maritime Silk Road Networks: Socio-Spatial Clustering Enhanced Resilience Assessment Model</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2646165</link><description><![CDATA[The resilience and vulnerability of the Maritime Silk Road transportation network (MSRTN) have become critical issues in the face of external disruptions and emergencies. To address these challenges, this study develops a comprehensive evaluation framework grounded in complex network theory, aiming to systematically investigate the structural and functional attributes of the MSRTN. Initially, by integrating socio-geographical data, an optimized clustering algorithm is employed to measure the connectivity strength among ports across diverse regions, forming a robust socio-spatial network. Then, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is applied to evaluate the competitive potential of individual ports. Subsequently, a gravity model is utilized to simulate the interactions and flow dynamics within the MSRTN. Finally, advanced complex network analysis techniques are implemented to uncover the network’s topological properties and resilience patterns. The results in the defined scenario application demonstrate that the MSRTN exhibits high accessibility and distinct small-world characteristics. In addition, the network displays significant resilience when exposed to external risks, only transitioning to a vulnerable state under sustained pressure, validating the robustness of the proposed model. This study provides critical insights into the operational dynamics of the MSRTN and offers strategic recommendations for fostering sustainable growth and resilience in ports along the Maritime Silk Road.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:56:40 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2646165</guid></item><item><title>Innovative Materials in Water Resources Infrastructure: Opportunities for the Corps of Engineers</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2644576</link><description><![CDATA[Through its Civil Works program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for planning, building, maintaining, and operating much of the nation’s water resources infrastructure for navigation and flood risk management. In particular, the maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and modernization of water resource assets present demanding and costly challenges for USACE. The infrastructure assets and their components can be unique, built and manufactured at different periods for certain site-specific needs and conditions. In addition, these assets are subject to the stresses of water environments and to mechanical damage from vessels. Most of the navigation and flood risk management structures were built during the middle decades of the 20th century, meaning that a large majority of them have exceeded or will soon exceed their estimated design service lives of 60 to 75 years. In the Water Resources and Development Act of 2016, Congress called for a study by an expert committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to consider the key demands and challenges facing USACE related to the condition and performance of its navigation and flood risk management assets; examine how innovative materials can support capabilities critical to meeting these demands and challenges; and make recommendations to inform strategies that USACE can pursue to further the development, demonstration, and deployment of promising materials in new and existing infrastructure. The results of this requested study are documented in this report.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:49:57 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2644576</guid></item><item><title>Detecting Fraudulent Registrations of Ships in China’s Inland Waterway Transport Based on Automatic Identification System Data</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2633008</link><description><![CDATA[In China’s inland waterway transport, some private cargo ships are illegally and nominally registered under the names of large shipping companies for benefit, as a result of the hidden agreements between these companies and private shipowners. These are known as “guakao” ships. To reduce costs, private shipowners often employ insufficient and underqualified crew members, making the fraudulently registered guakao ships substandard in safety management and leading to numerous accidents. To address the challenge of identifying guakao ships, this paper presents a data-driven identification approach based on background knowledge of ship operations. Firstly, the automatic identification system (AIS) data are collected and analyzed to derive ship behavior characteristics by data mining and community detection algorithms. Subsequently, machine learning models are formulated and trained to predict ships’ authentic owner types from the input behavior features, thereby identifying the potential guakao ships with fraudulent owner information. Finally, the effectiveness of our identification approach is validated via a case study on a typical bulk shipping company in China. Furthermore, the optimal trade-off between identification accuracy and timeliness is identified by examining the impacts of the length of the AIS dataset on identification results. The proposed approach can help authorities better detect fraudulent registrations of ships and improve the allocation of inspection resources.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:10:05 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2633008</guid></item><item><title>Spatiotemporal Differentiation and Trend Analysis of Carbon Emission Efficiency in Chinese Ports Along the Belt and Road Initiative</title><link>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2622036</link><description><![CDATA[With the rapid expansion of global trade, port operations’ environmental impact becomes more evident, making it crucial to evaluate the coastal port carbon emission efficiency (PCEE). This study explores the spatiotemporal characteristics of PCEE and its development trends from multiple perspectives. The results reveal that China lacks active ports that possess high carbon emission efficiency and high growth potential. The average contribution rate of the inter-group difference amounts to 60.90%. The center of gravity of PCEE shifts northward slightly, staying within the southern zone. The core factors governing the spatiotemporal differentiation of PCEE encompass technology inputs, educational inputs, openness to the outside world, and government support. Forecasting results indicate that PCEE is ascending year by year, but the growth is sluggish, with an average growth rate of merely 1.490%. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the low-carbon transformation of China’s coastal ports.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:57:43 GMT</pubDate><guid>http://pubsindex.trb.org/view/2622036</guid></item></channel></rss>