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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. 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>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
      <url>https://rip.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle-RIP.jpg</url>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Evaluating the Cumulative Impact of Environmental Conditions on Stress Levels in Micromobility Users: An AI-Driven Multimodal Approach</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652172</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Micromobility solutions, such as e-scooters and bicycles, are increasingly utilized in urban transportation, providing flexible and sustainable mobility options. However, micromobility users face significant exposure to environmental stressors, including air pollutants emitted by motorized traffic. While prior studies have explored the physiological effects of transportation emissions, the psychological impacts, particularly stress, remain underexplored. This study aims to bridge this gap by developing an AI-driven predictive model that evaluates the cumulative impact of transportation-related air pollutants on stress levels in micromobility users. By integrating wearable sensor data (e.g., electrodermal activity, heart rate variability, and skin temperature), air pollutant concentration data (e.g., PM2.5, NOx, and CO), and spatial context data (e.g., GPS and accelerometer readings), this research will leverage Temporal Fusion Transformer (TFT) models to predict real-time stress levels and generate stress heatmaps. The results will inform policymakers, transportation planners, and public health officials, contributing to more sustainable and inclusive urban transportation systems. Additionally, the project will provide hands-on research opportunities for students, fostering workforce development in AI-driven transportation health studies. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:55:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652172</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Real-Time Corridor Modeling and Health Impact Assessment using Dynamic Vehicle Fleet Composition Data</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652183</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Urban transportation systems support personal mobility, but are also a significant source of air pollution, with disproportionate impacts on communities near high-traffic corridors.  If electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to increase, pollutant concentration distributions will change, potentially requiring more detailed assessments of air quality and health impacts.  Traditional air quality impact assessment for transportation projects employs microscale modeling using the MOVES and AERMOD models.  These models rely heavily on fleet composition data (vehicle classes, ages, and fuel types), yet existing assumptions often fail to capture the spatial and temporal variability in vehicle usage.  For example, research in Atlanta has revealed that the on-road freeway fleet during the morning peak tends to be a lot younger (and cleaner) than the average vehicle fleet, likely because commuters take their best vehicles to work.  This research to be conducted in this proposed project will develop an integrated framework that combines real-time traffic simulation, air quality impact assessment, and health impact assessment to assess the effects of different vehicle fleets on air quality and public health.  Using the TransportSim model, MOVES model, and AERMOD dispersion model, this study will analyze vehicle fleet dynamics across multiple urban corridors in the Atlanta metro area for different fleet compositions.  The research results will also identify shifts in pollutant concentration hotspots and their implications in spatial health impact assessment across neighborhoods as EVs enter the fleet.  By improving the accuracy of corridor-level pollutant modeling, this study will support the identification of strategies designed to mitigate air pollution and protect public health.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:20:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652183</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Quantifying the Influence of Driver Behavior on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Air Quality</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2606557</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will study how both greenhouse gas (CO2) and pollutant (NOx and particle) emissions of the Minnesota vehicle fleet compare to modeled values to quantify the increase in emissions attributable to driver behavior. A very large time-series dataset of over 1M vehicles owned by the University of Minnesota will be used to study real-driving cycles on Minnesota roads. Emissions factors from laboratory measurements and from literature will be used to estimate the increase in emissions over those predicted by models like the EPA-MOVES framework. On-road emissions will also be measured using gas and particle instruments mounted in a chase vehicle equipped with radar sensing to correlate emissions to local traffic speed and acceleration, a novel approach differing from conventional fixed site measurements. Measurements will also identify vehicles with higher-than-expected emissions due to poor maintenance and tampering and quantify their impact on overall pollution.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:02:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2606557</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Effects of Road Types and Construction Activities on Particulate Matter and Development of Best Practices for PM2.5 Reduction</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2604527</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will evaluate the impact of roads (paved and unpaved roads, and unpaved shoulders) and construction on 2.5 microns (PM2.5) emissions and develop strategies for reduction. Objectives include quantifying PM2.5 emissions from roads and construction sites, identifying high-risk areas using thematic mapping, and designing cost-effective mitigation measures like dust suppression and optimized paving practices. The research team will create a user-friendly decision-support toolkit to help prioritize interventions and assess emission reduction strategies. The project outcomes will provide actionable solutions for air quality planning at both project and regional levels, enabling the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to meet environmental regulations, improve public health, and reduce PM2.5 impacts. The research team will collaborate with the TxDOT project 0-7256 "Monitoring and Speciation of Particulate Matter Under 2.5 Microns (PM2.5) Composition across Texas Counties" to enhance data collection and analysis, ensuring effective mitigation efforts.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:24:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2604527</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Monitoring and Speciation of Particulate Matter Under 2.5 Microns (PM2.5) Composition across Texas Counties</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593191</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Texas needs a detailed understanding of statewide particulate matter under 2.5 microns (PM2.5) sources, as current regulatory monitoring lacks the granularity for source apportionment. Since speciated PM2.5 data is limited, the research team will collect and analyze samples from multiple regions nearing or exceeding the 9.0 µg/m3 threshold set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The research team will conduct source apportionment analysis and highlight the prominent sources of PM2.5 emissions by region. This will support future research and regulatory efforts, such as developing and implementation appropriate emission reduction strategies. The research team will collaborate with state and local governments, academia and other stakeholders, to acquire any existing data and ensure local regulations and best practices are met. The research team will collaborate with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) project 0-7257, "The Effects of Road Types and Construction Activities on Particulate Matter and Development of Best Practices for PM2.5 Reduction" by sharing data, resources, and coordinating efforts to enhance data collection and analysis.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:42:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593191</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Microplastic Air Pollution from the Wear of Vehicle Tires</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582930</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Tire wear particles from mobile sources are the dominating source of microplastic pollution globally. Tires typically consist of rubbers/elastomers, polymers, fillers, processing oils and resins, additives, reinforcements, and vulcanization agents. This study aims to investigate the abundance and examine the occurrence and composition of traffic-derived microplastics from in-use vehicles when operating on different routes. To the best of the research team's knowledge, the present study is one of the first attempts to characterize and quantify microplastic pollution from tire wear during in-use conditions. This study will employ state-of-the-art and novel sampling systems, which will be installed on vehicles operating on routes with different pavement materials (concrete vs. asphalt) and a mix of driving conditions (urban vs. highway driving, aggressive driving and elevation changes). The goal of this study is to investigate tire-wear microplastic particles and better understand how these pollutants affect communities near major highways.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:42:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582930</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>An Economical and Sustainable Dust Suppressant for Gravel Roads</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2508967</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The 66,000-mile-long network of unpaved gravel roads connect 1.2 million rural Iowa population and serves as a backbone to Iowa’s $27 billion per year agrarian economy. On unpaved roads, fugitive dust emanates from the mechanical interaction between the moving vehicles and the crushed aggregates. Fugitive dust primarily comprises of soil minerals (e.g., oxides of silicon, aluminum, calcium, and iron) with particulate material sizes lower than 10 μm (PM10) [4]. According to the National Transportation Statistics (NTS) report published in 2018, approximately 18.5 million short tons of PM10 and 5.34 million short tons of PM2.5 particulates (size lower than 2.5 μm) are entrained into the air annually. About 35% of this particulate material comes from unpaved roads. From the health, economic, and safety points of view, the generation of fugitive dust poses a serious threat to road users and people living in the vicinity of the unpaved roads. Furthermore, the unpaved roads will deteriorate faster due to the loss of fines that bind the larger aggregates. Fugitive dust lowers the visibility on gravel roads leading to accidents. Examples of some accidents occurred in the past due to fugitive dust include a chain of vehicle crashes near I-39 Wisconsin, accidents near Interstate 5 in Coalinga, California, a fatal ATV rollover crash in Carlton country, Minnesota, crashes in the intersection of Conejo Avenue and Highway 41, California; crashes on U.S. Highway 87 between Great Falls and Fort Benton, accidents in Butler County, Missouri, etc. Currently, chlorides especially Calcium Chloride are applied on gravel roads to lower the fugitive dust. Calcium chloride being a hygroscopic material absorbs moisture from the atmosphere that cements the fine particulate material. However, chlorides are detrimental to concrete, corrode automobiles, lower the fertility of soils, and contaminate water bodies. The objective of this project is to synthesize and characterize a low-cost and sustainable dust suppressant that has both hygroscopic nature and agglomeration capability. To this end, both wet and dry formulations will be synthesized. Evaporation tests and wind tunnel tests will be conducted followed by field tests. Preliminary studies suggest that the wet formulation is at least 6 times better than traditional chloride-based dust suppressants.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:37:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2508967</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Curbing Emissions: Enhancing Sustainability Through Collaborative
Shipment in Horizontal Supply Chains
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420218</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In recent years, the importance of sustainable and resilient supply chains has become increasingly
important due to the growing concerns over energy crises, environmental pollution, and supply
chain disruptions. Amidst these challenges, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have emerged as a
promising solution as they offer several key advantages that contribute to sustainable and resilient
supply chains. BEVs have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in
the logistics sector, thereby helping companies meet their sustainability goals and mitigate their
environmental impact. Moreover, BEVs can enhance supply chain resiliency by reducing reliance
on volatile fossil fuel markets and providing a more stable and predictable energy source for
transportation. However, the BEV technology is still evolving, and the significant initial investment
required for BEV adoption remains a deterrent, particularly among small companies. To address
this challenge, the research team proposes a cooperative mechanism for BEV adoption among multiple small
companies in a horizontal supply chain. The team specifically focuses on the logistics sector, where a set
of firms deliver their products to their customers through a shared distribution center using a
BEV fleet. Such collaborative shipment of products through BEVs would directly contribute to
the reduction of carbon emission and dependency on fossil fuels. Additionally, this approach
promotes better vehicle utilization, as the shared fleet is used more efficiently across participating
companies. This, in turn, will lead to reduced congestion and fewer vehicle miles traveled (VMT),
further contributing to the sustainability and operational efficiency in the logistics sector.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Aug 2024 10:56:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420218</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Highway Construction Impact on Air Quality</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2417309</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will collect air quality measurements along I-270 in Denver as part of a roadway reconstruction research project. The project will help determine the levels of particulate matter and other pollutants in the air along I-270 before and during different phases of construction. The project will also inform the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) of the utility of a range of measurement instruments and configurations allowing CDOT to select appropriate measurement strategies for future needs. With the data, mitigation efforts can be implemented to reduce pollution levels. The data will also allow the general public to be aware of these pollution levels and make more informed decisions on their potential exposure. Measurements will occur at approximately ten (10) primary locations along I-270 using a variety of technologies. Measurements will be real-time with data uploaded to the cloud and a public-facing website.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Aug 2024 14:07:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2417309</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Update ACRP Report 84: Guidebook for Preparing Airport Emissions Inventories for State Implementation Plans</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2413894</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regularly updates its National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants, classifying areas that do not meet these standards as nonattainment areas. Such designations require states to develop State Implementation Plans (SIPs) that estimate future emissions and outline necessary control measures. The Clean Air Act (CAA) mandates that federally approved projects demonstrate conformity with the applicable SIP, known as General Conformity. Projects exceeding the minimums thresholds must undergo a General Conformity Determination, highlighting the need for accurate emissions inventories in SIPs.

Since the release of the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Report 84: Guidebook for Preparing Airport Emissions Inventories for State Implementation Plans (2013), the EPA has lowered the NAAQS for ozone and PM2.5. This has resulted in an increased number of nonattainment areas, subjecting airport improvement projects to greater scrutiny. As airport operations are projected to grow, it is crucial that SIPs accurately account for the resulting emissions, particularly for projects like new runways and terminals.

Research is needed to update ACRP Report 84: Guidebook for Preparing Airport Emissions Inventories for State Implementation Plans and for airport operators,  inside and outside attainment areas, who are more frequently conducting inventories for reasons beyond SIP, such as voluntary commitments, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, and state and local initiatives.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop a guide for US airports on how to develop emissions inventories for purposes beyond federal actions, while building on and updating ACRP Report 84: Guidebook for Preparing Airport Emissions Inventories for State Implementation Plans.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Aug 2024 17:57:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2413894</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>ReACh: Resuspension Emissions Based on Aerodynamic Characteristics</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2410440</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Non-exhaust emissions, including resuspension emissions where vehicles aerosolize road dust and debris, are a major concern for both environmental and human health. As alternative transportation modes become more popular, resuspension is expected to dominate tailpipe emissions as a regulatory concern. However, our current understanding of resuspension emissions is based on fleet-wide and regional values, and there is limited information on vehicle-specific characteristics that contribute to resuspension, with the exception of vehicle weight and road-tire interactions. This yields a regulatory impasse on how to craft appropriate regulations on the basis of limited information. This is a critical discrepancy, especially if weight-based regulations are adopted, which could unnecessarily penalize certain vehicles, jeopardizing continued innovation in transportation. To address this foundational gap, we propose to study the connection between resuspension, road surface type, and vehicle-specific aerodynamic characteristics, including ride height, undercarriage area, and rear bumper overhang. This work will determine why specific vehicles produce more or less resuspension, and whether road surfaces can help mitigate resuspension. This work will be critical to informing vehicle and roadway regulations to mitigate the rising threat of resuspension emissions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2024 16:38:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2410440</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Granular Characterization of Mobility-Related Air Pollution Exposure Disparity</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2350714</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Air pollution is disproportionately affecting racial minorities and economically-disadvantaged populations. Despite continuous improvement in ambient air quality across the United States, relative exposure disparities among different socioeconomic groups continue to persist, worsening health outcomes and the quality of life of disadvantaged groups. Previous studies have typically measured air pollution exposure based on people’s home locations without considering how individual mobility patterns might influence it. This project quantifies air pollution exposure using big mobility data on individual trips from more than 40 million mobile devices in the contiguous United States for the pre-pandemic year 2019. The research team combines these highly granular mobility data with national air pollution estimates, specifically PM2.5, to first calculate mobility-related exposure in major U.S. cities. In addition, the team links anonymized personal mobility data with their demographics at the census tract level to characterize inequalities in particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure among different racial, ethnic, as well as other demographic groups. Methodologically, this approach explores a new paradigm to assessing short- and long-term individual-level exposure, serving as a reference for cross-sectional and cohort epidemiological studies. The study outcome reveals the spatial heterogeneity of air pollution exposure disparity and how it is linked to street design for cities in the United States. The analysis can inform evidence-based environmental plans and public health strategies to mitigate air pollution’s disproportionate impacts on racial and economically disadvantaged communities.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2024 21:35:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2350714</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Impact of Freight Activity in and Around Ports</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2335159</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In many parts of the United States, air pollution from freight-related sources, such as heavy-duty diesel trucks, is prevalent in and around communities near freight hubs, such as ports, railyards, and warehouses, causing disproportionate burdens on the community members, especially children, seniors, and people with underlying medical conditions. The objective of this collaborative project is to assess the air quality impacts of goods movement in communities near freight hubs. As part of this project, the project team will conduct an evaluation of the freight movement near warehouses and distribution centers in Inland Southern California, measure air quality in the nearby communities, identify actionable solutions for mitigating the air quality impacts, and engage with the communities to translate the identified solutions into community actions.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:53:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2335159</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluating Carbon Reduction in Project Selection and Planning</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2329694</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No abstract provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:48:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2329694</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Air Quality Inside Buses</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2149961</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The COVID-19 pandemic brought air quality to the forefront of the transit industry. In the summer of 2022, due to the immediate need to understand the issue, the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) conducted its first Insight Event. TCRP Insight Event--Air Quality in Transit Buses explored how air quality inside transit vehicles, especially buses, may contribute to the spread of infections. During that event, presentations and conversations about dispersion, ventilation, circulation, and filtration issues were held. Presentations from the event and the literature search results are available on the TCRP Insight Event web page at https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/06-21-2022/trb-tcrp-insight-event-air-quality-in-transit-buses. 

Since that event and the end of the pandemic’s restrictions, the public transit industry has learned that air quality inside transit buses matters to bus operators and passengers. There is an increased focus on reducing the concentration of pathogens containing respiratory aerosols and other harmful pollutants in the air inside a bus cabin. Transit agencies are working to increase operators and passenger confidence in air quality. With increased confidence, riders will return, and it will be easier to hire bus operators. 

Transit systems are analyzing the current air quality inside their buses to better understand current airflows and possible risks. Measuring and controlling air quality inside the bus cabin has proven difficult.  Buses idle, constantly open their doors to embark or disembark passengers, and are exposed to traffic-related air pollutants, such as  exhaust.  

This reality has not hampered the desire to improve air quality inside cabins. Transit agencies are employing the following solutions to mitigate poor air quality: dilution, which consists of bringing more fresh air inside the bus while sending indoor air out; filtration with the use of better-quality filters; and cleaning, including the use of ultraviolet light and photocatalytic oxidation.  

Research is needed to find clear solutions to improve air quality on buses for operators and passengers. Transit systems are doing the best that they can to protect their employees and passengers. However, research can provide information to improve air quality and standardization of practice. 

The objective of this research is to create a research document that helps transit agencies understand air circulation inside a typical 40-foot heavy-duty transit bus and finds solutions to protect employees and passengers without decreasing passenger comfort, safety, and reliability of the system. The research should help guide the development of future design and performance criteria to support better transit rolling stock procurement and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) operations in emergency conditions (e.g., airborne diseases and wildfires).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Apr 2023 17:08:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2149961</guid>
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