Michał Kowalski

Bio: Michał Kowalski is an academic researcher from University of Łódź. The author has contributed to research in topics: Transport engineering & Business. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 24 publications receiving 101 citations.

Vulnerability of the accessibility to grocery shopping in the event of flooding

Abstract: The main purpose of the article was to determine how vulnerable the accessibility to grocery shops is in the event of non-typical occurrences (floods) which impact the regular functioning of the road transport system. In order to accomplish this goal, a number of research methods were applied, including techniques for the identification of closures within the road network, the determination of the catchment area, and modelling the distribution of traffic flows. The proposed methods can be applied in modelling and simulating traffic both in regular conditions and in the event of a non-typical occurrence as the study involved integrated methods of combined probability theory of spatial integration and the determination of the catchment market area, the application of which would not be possible without access to and availability of a wide spectrum of sources. The study showed that non-typical events have a statistically noticeable impact on accessibility to grocery products.

Changes in urban transport behaviours and spatial mobility resulting from the introduction of statutory Sunday retail restrictions: A case study of Lodz, Poland

Abstract: Abstract The impact of statutory Sunday retail restrictions on the transport behaviours of people living in the Polish post-socialist city of Lodz is investigated in this article. One carrier of information on journeys undertaken in the city is data from induction loops – a part of the city’s Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). The second source of data is a two-stage questionnaire survey (concerning trading and non-trading Sundays) of the city’s inhabitants, aimed at defining any changes in their transport behaviours with reference to the introduction of retail restrictions. The research was conducted to assess the way in which the new statutory restrictions affect transport behaviour discharged after the political transformation. The results of the research conducted on the transport behaviours of Lodz residents indicate that the majority of their transport behaviours clearly depend on whether a given Sunday is a trading or non-trading day. The traffic load of the urban road network (perceived as the manifestation of residents’ spatial mobility) is characterised by a distinct changeability due to the legislative restrictions related to Sunday trading. There is both a time (daily and hourly) differentiation of traffic flows and a spatial changeability of the load in the urban space, when a comparative analysis is conducted of the results of observations made in the weeks preceding trading and non-trading Sundays. The study also demonstrates that the time previously devoted to Sunday shopping is currently spent not only at home, but also allocated to new (and until now unperformed) activities that often require travelling.

Centrum handlowe jako czynnik ruchotwórczy w transporcie samochodowym – przykład Portu Łódź = A shopping centre as a traffic-generating factor In car transport as exemplified by Port Łódź, Poland

Abstract: The article presents results of research devoted to the role of the shopping centre as a traffic-generating factor in individual-car transport. The research procedure was conducted in relation to Port Łodź, one of thirteen shopping centres within the boundaries of the Polish city of Łodź. The main aim has been to determine the share of car traffic generated by Port Łodź in the totality of traffic flows in the network of roads leading to the shopping centre. The analysis was based on data from the urban traffic control system or, to be precise, one of its subsystems which has access to information on spatial and time accessibility of the number of vehicles, transmitted from induction loops situated in the network of urban crossroads. The research focuses on defining potential and real traffic generation for weekdays and weekends, as well as during public holidays and festival days. The research allowed for verification of one of the model approaches to the correlation between selected characteristics of shopping centres and the volume of traffic they generate. Results show that shopping centres located along exit roads on the city outskirts affect the road transport system, particularly by exciting car traffic (also during rush hours), retaining it during afternoon rush hours (thus contributing to an alleviation and extension in time) and, to a lesser extent, serving as an informal element of the Park&Ride system (in the case of centres characterised by good accessibility to public transport and a free car park).

Wewnętrzna samochodowa dostępność transportowa Łodzi w świetle pomiarów z Inteligentnych Systemów Transportowych

Abstract: Wewnetrzna samochodowa dostepnośc transportowa Łodzi w świetle pomiarow z Inteligentnych Systemow Transportowych

Flows in Networks

Abstract: In this chapter, you will see how the simplex method simplifies when it is applied to a class of optimization problems that are known as “network flow models.” You will also see that if a network flow model has “integer-valued data,” the simplex method finds an optimal solution that is integer-valued.

전기자동차 Infrastructure 개발 추이

Abstract: This paper explains the concept of infrastructure investing. It reviews its history, why it is of current interest, and what forms it takes. It details the benefits and risks of infrastructure investing and elaborates on the issues involved in making an investment. It focuses on private investments in infrastructure assets, primarily in developed western economies. It concludes with a recommendation that most long-term institutional investment portfolios could benefit from an allocation to infrastructure.

Multifunctional floodplain management and biodiversity effects: a knowledge synthesis for six European countries

Abstract: Floodplain ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots and supply multiple ecosystem services. At the same time they are often prone to human pressures that increasingly impact their intactness. Multifunctional floodplain management can be defined as a management approach aimed at a balanced supply of multiple ecosystem services that serve the needs of the local residents, but also those of off-site populations that are directly or indirectly impacted by floodplain management and policies. Multifunctional floodplain management has been recently proposed as a key concept to reconcile biodiversity and ecosystem services with the various human pressures and their driving forces. In this paper we present biophysics and management history of floodplains and review recent multifunctional management approaches and evidence for their biodiversity effects for the six European countries Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary and the Ukraine. Multifunctional use of floodplains is an increasingly important strategy in some countries, for instance in the Netherlands and Hungary, and management of floodplains goes hand in hand with sustainable economic activities resulting in flood safety and biodiversity conservation. As a result, biodiversity is increasing in some of the areas where multifunctional floodplain management approaches are implemented. We conclude that for efficient use of management resources and ecosystem services, consensual solutions need to be realized and biodiversity needs to be mainstreamed into management activities to maximize ecosystem service provision and potential human benefits. Multifunctionality is more successful where a broad range of stakeholders with diverse expertise and interests are involved in all stages of planning and implementation.

Improving Accessibility for Older People - Investing in a Valuable Asset

Abstract: This paper explores the contribution of older people to society, the role of travel in this, and whether the removal of barriers to access for older people would enable them to make a greater contribution. The paper commences by considering evidence on the value of older people to society. This shows that older people contribute in terms of expenditure in shops and other services, through employment, voluntary work, childcare and taxation. Expected demographic changes mean that society will require older people to make a greater contribution in future, hence it is prudent to consider the barriers that may hinder this. A key factor is accessibility. It is shown that the travel patterns of older people reflect their contributions to society, and so barriers to travel are likely to hinder such contributions. It is shown that most older people have the physical or mental ability to travel and that most of the barriers are to do with the environment, either during the journey or at the destination. The example of providing free off-peak bus travel for older people in Britain is shown to have brought benefits for both older people and wider society. The paper is concluded by discussion about three critical issues that need to be addressed in overcoming the barriers to access for older people: access on all stages of the journey, non-tangible barriers, and cost effectiveness in removing barriers to mobility for older people. Addressing these issues should enable older people to make a larger contribution to society.