The adoption of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in numerous sectors is projected to grow exponentially in the future as technology advances and regulation evolves. One of the promising applications of UAVs is in transportation systems. As the current transportation system is moving towards Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), UAVs will play a significant role in the functioning of ITS. This paper presents a survey on the recent advances of UAVs and their roles in current and future transportation systems. Moreover, the emerging technologies of UAVs in the transportation section and the current research areas are summarized. From the discussion, the challenges and opportunities of integrating UAVs towards future ITS are highlighted. In addition, some of the potential research areas involving UAVs in future ITS are also identified. This study aims to lay a foundation for the development of future intelligent and resilient transportation systems.

Sustainability is a key factor in the development of new materials for plant pots, given the significant environmental impact of traditional plastic-based pots. Researchers have paid attention to developing biodegradable and sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based pots. In this study, two novel bioplastic formulations are developed, which incorporated soy-based by-product fractions to produce plant pots with self-fertilizing capability while also being cost-competitive. A 3D-printing process, fused filament fabrication, is used to produce plant containers from the filaments of soy-based new materials. Further, a small-scale greenhouse experiment is conducted to compare the performance of the soy-based 3D-printed bioplastic pots with pure polylactic acid (PLA) 3D-printed pots and traditional plastic pots, by growing a fruit-bearing plant (tomato) and a flowering plant (zinnia). Plant growth properties and root circling are analyzed, and the results show that the soy-based pots performed comparably to traditional plastic pots, especially in dry conditions, and also reduced root circling. While a more in-depth analysis is necessary, these initial findings suggest that using soy-based fractions and 3D-printing technology could provide a sustainable approach to developing plant pots, which could reduce the environmental impact of plastic-based containers and improve plant health.

The use of biodegradable paper pulp pots has been gaining traction, especially among environmentally conscious consumers and horticultural practitioners who prioritize sustainability. The choice between paper pulp and polyethylene nursery pots in horticultural practices is a complex decision, involving considerations such as environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, durability, and overall sustainability. This study aims to provide practical insights into the comparative performance of paper pulp and polyethylene pots, specifically in terms of plant health, degradation, and techno-economic considerations. The study involved the growth performance assessment of four plant species, Cannonball Tomato, Celebrity Tomato, Parris Island Lettuce, and French Marigold, in a greenhouse experiment setup. Additionally, a degradation analysis was conducted to determine the average degradation rate and pattern. Finally, a techno-economic analysis compared the value of plant health and degradation with the market price. By evaluating the quality performance aspects of paper pulp pots, this study not only provides valuable insights but also identifies potential areas of improvement for other biodegradable pots, thereby contributing to the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable horticultural practices.