The concept of sustainable urban mobility has gained increasing attention in recent years due to the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and environmental degradation. The objective of this study is to explore the role of on-demand transportation in promoting sustainable urban mobility, incorporating insights from customer interests and demands through survey analysis. To fulfill this objective, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a systematic literature review with survey analysis of customer interests and demands regarding on-demand transportation services. This study combines a systematic literature review and a targeted survey to provide a comprehensive analysis of sustainable urban mobility, addressing gaps in understanding customer preferences alongside technological and financial considerations. The literature review encompassed various aspects including technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, user preferences, and environmental impacts. The survey analysis involved collecting data on customer preferences, satisfaction levels, and suggestions for improving on-demand transportation services. The findings of the study revealed significant insights into customer interests and demands regarding on-demand transportation services. Analysis of survey data indicated that factors such as convenience, affordability, reliability, and environmental sustainability were key considerations for customers when choosing on-demand transportation options. Additionally, the survey identified specific areas for improvement, including service coverage, accessibility, and integration with existing transportation networks. By providing flexible, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation options, on-demand services have the potential to reduce congestions, improve air quality, and enhance overall urban livability.

This study investigates the optimization of ride-sharing services (RSS) on the ride-hailing service (RHS) providers in Bangladesh. This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed method research design- a qualitative study followed by a quantitative one. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with twenty (20) riders and drivers in Bangladesh, and quantitative data were collected from 300 respondents consisting of riders and drivers using a convenience sampling technique. Factor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were applied to the data analysis. The qualitative analysis reveals several significant factors associated with RSS and RHS, including cost efficiency, fare, fuel consumption, traffic congestion, carbon emissions, environmental pollution, employment opportunities, business growth, and security. The quantitative results indicate that using RSS is associated with more significant benefits than RHS in various aspects, including cost efficiency, fare, fuel consumption, traffic congestion, carbon emissions, environmental pollution, employment opportunities, and expansion of the automobile industry. The findings may assist policymakers in understanding how RSS can yield more incredible economic, environmental, and social benefits than RHS by analyzing fare sharing among passengers, carbon emissions, fuel consumption, and the expansion of the vehicle markets etc. Therefore, the government can formulate distinct policies for RSS holders due to their contributions to economic, social, and environmental concerns. While RHS services are available in many cities in Bangladesh, this study considered only Dhaka and Sylhet cities. Thus, future studies can consider more respondents from other cities for a holistic understanding.

This study critically examines the implications of international transport corridor projects for Central Asian countries, focusing on the Western-backed Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA), the Chinese initiative “One Belt—One Road”, and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) supported by the Russian Federation, India, and Iran. The analysis underscores the risks associated with Western projects, highlighting a need for a more explicit commitment to substantial infrastructure investments and persistent contradictions among key investors and beneficiaries. While the Chinese initiative presents significant benefits such as transit participation, infrastructure development, and economic investments, it also carries risks, notably an increased debt burden and potential monopolization by Chinese corporations. The study emphasizes that Central Asian countries, though indirect beneficiaries of INSTC, may not be directly involved due to geographical constraints. Study findings advocate for Central Asian nations to balance foreign investments, promote economic integration, and safeguard political and economic sovereignty. The study underscores the region’s wealth of natural and human resources, emphasizing the potential for increased demand for goods and services with improved living standards, strategically positioning these countries in the evolving global economic landscape.

Molybdenum (Mo) is considered and described as an essential element for living organisms' development. Until now, no studies have been performed on genes involved in the Mo transporter in ancestral Ipomoea species. This study aimed to identify potential Mo genes in Ipomoea trifida and I. triloba genomes using bioinformatics tools. We identified four Mo transporter genes, two in I. trifida and two in I. triloba. Based on the RNA-seq datasets, we observed that Mo genes are expressed (in silico) and present different mechanisms between the tissues analyzed. The information generated in this study fills missing gaps in the literature on the Mo gene in an important agronomic crop.