There has been an encouraging awareness of the need for more sustainable transportation particularly for freight transport that has resulted from the continuing increases in global trade and business internationalisation. This is mainly driven by the related issues concerning greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuel. The expansion in the worldwide high-speed railway (HSR) systems has provided a reliable opportunity for freight transportation. The HSR has the ability to move goods in a more efficient, safe and cost-effective way, which can improve trade links in Europe and the rest of the world. Many countries have developed HSR systems, but such systems are mostly used for passenger transport despite their haulage capacity. This research investigates the future possibility of shifting freight from airlines onto HSR, by analysing the operational and technical constraints associated with freight traffic. Most of the data were gathered from online sources and related research publications concerning a selected set of worldwide HSR systems. The outcome of this research may contribute to the development of suitable solutions that may improve the economic, environmental and social sustainability of transport systems.

The environmental, economic and social impacts associated with the continuing increase in the global freight transport has necessitated more than ever the need for a more effective and sustainable freight transport system. High Speed Railways (HSR) may provide the solution as they have the ability to move goods quickly, safely and economically which can sufficiently improve the trade links within vast regions such as the European Union and extend that to Asian countries. The major issues concerning freight transport are greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuel which mean that railway freight transport particularly HSR freight would be the most competitive mode. Many countries have invested in developing HSR but at present, HSR is more regularly used for passengers than for freight although there are an increasing number of countries who operate HSR freight services. Some HSR systems are not profitable as the demand for travel is not sufficient and there is a significant larger haulage capacity available, and thus they need additional funding from governments. Shifting freight from roads onto railways will improve the economic performance of HSR, reduce the amount of fuel used by the transport industry and reduce the greenhouse gas emission. This research considers the future trends and possibilities of shifting freight from roads to HSR lines and analyses the operational and technological constrains concerning freight traffic and the corresponding capabilities of HSR. Most of the data and information used in the research are gathered from relevant online sources including in depth research of the HSR in selected countries, available railway statistics and European and Institutional publications. The expected outcome of this research may contribute to developing more suitable means to improve the economic, environmental and social sustainability of HSR particularly for freight transport.

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Background Microalbuminuria represents vascular and endothelial dysfunction. Thyroid hormones can influence urine albumin excretion as it exerts crucial effects on the kidney and on the vascular system. This study explores the relationship between serum thyrotropin and urine albumin excretion in euthyroid patients with diabetes. Methods A total of 433 patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Data included anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters from diabetes clinic. Males with urine albumin creatinine ratio >2.5 and female's >3.5 mg/mmoL were considered to have microalbuminuria. Results 34.9% of the patients had microalbuminuria. Prevalence of microalbuminuria increased according to TSH quartiles (26.9, 34.6, 38.5 and 44.9%, P for trend = 0.02). In a fully adjusted logistic regression model, higher TSH concentrations were associated with high prevalence of microalbuminuria (adjusted odds ratio 2.06 [95% CI: 1.14-3.72]; P = 0.02), while comparing the highest with the lowest quartile of TSH. Multiple linear regression analysis showed an independent association between serum TSH and urine albumin creatinine ratio (β = 0.007, t = 2.03 and P = 0.04). The risk of having microalbuminuria was higher with rise in TSH concentration in patients with younger age (<65 years), raised body mass index (≥25 kg/m), hypertension, type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidaemia and age was the most important determinant ( P for interaction = 0.02). Conclusion Serum TSH even in the euthyroid range was positively associated with microalbuminuria in euthyroid patients with diabetes independent of traditional risk factors. This relationship was strongest in patients with components of the metabolic syndrome.