Articles tagged with Automobiles
Scientists at NIST evaluated three voice-translation devices designed to improve communications between the US military and non-English speakers. The devices, called TRANSTAC, use automatic speech recognition and text-to-speech technology to translate languages in real-time.
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is working on a comprehensive initiative to accelerate the development of electric vehicles, focusing on making them affordable and sustainable. The goal is to unveil a concept car at the Frankfurt auto show in 2011 and eventually put a million electric automobiles on the road by 2020.
Drivers tend to look at a specific point on the lane marking when negotiating curves, with more time spent looking at the tangent point in shorter sight distances. A new study may lead to the development of an in-car warning system to prevent drivers from unintentionally departing from their lane.
Researchers found that while municipal employees and public health officials believed walkable neighborhoods could promote healthy lifestyles, developers were skeptical about individual responsibility. The study also revealed a surprising lack of concern for access to affordable healthy food options in neighborhood design.
A study by Empa found that car air conditioning systems account for up to 30% of fuel consumption in hot climates, but turning off the system when the temperature drops below 18°C can save two-thirds of this extra consumption. The study also found that diesel vehicles consume less fuel with air conditioning on than petrol engines.
A University of Montreal study found that hyper-masculine drivers are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior, such as speeding and disregarding traffic rules. The researchers used a driving simulator to test the effect of macho masculinity on driving behavior.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed advanced algorithms to enhance camera systems in cars, enabling faster detection of pedestrians and other moving objects. The system can recognize people from other vehicles and create a model that reacts almost instantly, potentially doubling down as a tool for autonomous vehicles.
Researchers at Kansas State University found that older drivers are more likely to be involved in severe daytime crashes, often resulting in injury or fatality. The study suggests that countermeasures such as improved road signs, left-turn arrows, and driver education can help reduce the number of crashes involving older drivers.
Researchers found that exclusive licensing deals are a tool for collaboration and risk management in product development, allowing innovators to manage risks while leveraging cooperation. The study analyzed over 200 exclusive licensing deals and suggests that granting rights to a sole partner can curb risk and incentivize cooperation.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a computer program that enables cars to stay within their lane, opening the door to new safety features and military applications. This technology can detect traffic and lanes, allowing cars to avoid accidents caused by driver fatigue or distraction.
A recent survey by Rice University found that Toyota owners continue to show high levels of satisfaction with their vehicles, despite the company's numerous recalls since 2009. The study attributed this to a 'brand insulation effect,' where current customers shielded Toyota from the negative effects of recalls.
Fatal car crashes among young female drivers in the US have seen a rise in alcohol-related incidents, with rates among young men declining over the study period. Notably, young women's rates were lower but showed less predictable patterns, including an increase in positive blood tests at certain ages and times of the week.
Researchers have developed MADmap, a new software tool that improves the mapping of the cosmic microwave background by accounting for noise in the data. The software uses a special code to weight and account for colored noise, which is a known characteristic of bolometers used to measure radiation at certain wavelengths.
Researchers are testing whether simulation driving can improve Parkinson's patients' driving skills and reduce their threefold increased risk of car accidents. The five-week training program involves simulator-based driving tests and on-road evaluations to assess the impact of cognitive-improving activities.
Researchers reduced peak noise levels on hospital wards by up to 21% through simple changes, such as turning down telephones and displaying posters. The study shows a significant reduction in average peak noise levels on all three wards.
Researchers have developed new tire materials that improve rolling resistance and reduce friction, boosting mileage and cutting CO2 emissions by up to 20%. The new technology, however, requires proper tire inflation to unlock its full potential.
The University of Washington's Automobili Lamborghini Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory focuses on short-term industry-driven testing of new materials in real-world scenarios like bird strikes, lightning, and crashes. The lab aims to advance carbon fiber composite technologies for high-performance industries.
Scientists have developed a computer system called DRIVSCO that allows vehicles to learn from their drivers' behavior, detecting unusual driving patterns and generating alarm signals. The system has shown promising results in preventing accidents, particularly at night when visibility is reduced.
Research in Barcelona found that access to motorcycles without a prior exam increased the number of accidents among lightweight motorcycle users. The study, published in the World Health Organization Magazine, shows an increase of 46% in injuries among these users over three years.
A new study reveals consumers project motives onto brands, finding authenticity in unexpected places like The Simpsons and SUVs. Consumers' identity goals underpin their assessments of brand authenticity, highlighting the subjective nature of this concept.
A computer program can now detect driver yawning, which is a common cause of fatigue and road crashes. The system uses an in-car camera and image-processing software to identify yawning patterns and correlates them with fatigue behavior.
A university engineering team has developed a retrofitted four-wheel dirt buggy that allows blind drivers to steer, brake, and accelerate with the help of innovative technology. The vehicle uses laser range finders, an instant voice command interface, and a host of other technologies to guide blind drivers.
A study by Riley Hospital for Children and Indiana University School of Medicine found that parents of children with special health care needs mostly use the right type of car seat, but often misuse it. The researchers also discovered that many children would benefit from additional body-positioning support to ensure safe transportation.
Researchers discovered ripples appear even without springy suspension or wheel, linking it to stone skipping physics. The study provides insights into designing improved suspension systems to eliminate bumpy rides.
Researchers at MIT created a model to describe and predict phantom traffic jams, which form when high-density traffic becomes self-sustaining. The model could help engineers design roads with enough capacity to prevent such jams, as well as identify safe speed limits and hot spots for accidents.
A study of over two million injured patients found pregnant women with seat belts had significantly fewer pregnancy-related complications than those without. Women wearing both a seat belt and air bag had the lowest rate of complications.
The new AAP clinical report offers guidance on secure transport and advises parents to use car safety seats only for travel, while car beds are recommended for infants with breathing difficulties. The guidelines recommend placement of car seats in the rear seat and use of rolled blankets for support.
Dartmouth researchers found a significant increase in rare element osmium worldwide, tracing it to platinum refinement and catalytic converters. The team measured osmium in precipitation, surface water, and deep water globally, with most of the findings linked to industrial processes.
A study in PLOS Biology found that the intermediate hippocampus plays a critical role in translating rapid place learning into behavior. The researchers used a water maze experiment to test rats and found that disabling a specific region of the hippocampus impaired their ability to return to a platform.
A new study identified four underage drinking laws that lead to reductions in underage drinking-and-driving fatal crashes: possession, purchase, use and lose, and zero tolerance. These laws save an estimated 864 lives each year. Additionally, three general impaired-driving laws were found effective in reducing fatalities.
Researchers developed a design for reliability (DFR) approach to minimize warranty costs by proactively identifying potential hardware and software failures. This approach can be implemented in the early development phase, reducing costly repairs and improving product quality.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Chalmers and ITWM developed a software program that enables designers to virtually install flexible components in new car models. The tool simulates assembly processes, providing concrete advice on component shape changes and optimal installation paths to minimize damage to the car body.
Researchers at the University of Miami and Japan have proven the existence of a 'spin battery', a device that stores energy in magnets, potentially leading to faster, less expensive, and more efficient computer hard drives and car batteries. The technology uses nano-magnets to induce an electromotive force without chemical reactions.
A University of Montreal study reveals that over 60% of Quebec's manufacturing sector workers are exposed to noise levels exceeding the norm, increasing work-related accidents and road collisions. Workers with hearing losses face a 7% greater risk of injury.
The 2009 Franz Edelman finalists demonstrate that analytics and operations research can contain spending and increase profits even in lean economic times. The six finalists from the U.S. and Europe used advanced analytical methods to help companies reduce costs, increase earnings, and achieve significant results.
A wireless Java-enabled system can automatically call emergency services after a rollover accident, potentially saving lives. The system uses inexpensive sensors to detect the type of accident and provides crucial information for response specialists.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that people consistently estimated the length of road dashed lines to be only two feet, despite them being 10 feet long. This misperception has implications for traffic safety, as drivers may be underestimating their speed and covering more ground than they think.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully created nanocars that can move and operate at room temperature using fluorescent imaging. The breakthrough, led by Stephan Link, allows for the possibility of adapting these tiny machines to various applications beyond their original heated requirements.
A national survey found that Americans are ready to reduce their energy use, with half having taken action and a substantial number planning to do so. The main barrier is financial cost, highlighting the need for innovative financing models.
Researchers found that patients who received telephone support had 35% fewer complaints of pain and discomfort compared to those in the control group. They also reported fewer anxiety, depression, and mobility problems.
A study by Sharon Shavitt found that consumers are more open to new marketing messages if they feel a sense of difficulty when thinking about brands. This can lead to a more favorable view of the brand. Consumers with the greatest need for closure were most likely to reevaluate brands after facing difficulties.
A new study by University of Utah psychologists found that drivers are more distracted by talking on a cellular phone than by conversing with a passenger in an automobile. When drivers talk on a cell phone, they drift out of their lanes and missed exits more frequently than drivers conversing with a passenger.
Researchers found that people see human facial features in car front ends and attribute personality traits to them, similar to how humans perceive facial expressions. The study also linked perception of cars to their physical structure, enabling the creation of a car with specific characteristics.
A vision screening law in Florida has been linked to lower death rates from car crashes among drivers aged 80 and older. The study found that the law, which required drivers over 80 to pass a vision test before renewing their license, resulted in a 17% decrease in fatality rates among this age group.
A Northwestern University-led research team has identified a new material that can transform thermoelectric technology into one that converts waste heat into electricity, potentially improving gas mileage by 5-10 percent. The discovery is promising and could lead to widespread use in the automotive industry and other applications.
The CarTel project uses a network of mobile sensors to monitor traffic conditions and provide drivers with real-time information on congestion and potential engine problems. By analyzing data from multiple vehicles, the system can identify historical and current traffic patterns, enabling more efficient routing and reducing commute times.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new theory to predict where aerodynamic separation will occur, which could impact fuel efficiency and more. The study extends existing knowledge from 1904 by addressing unsteady three-dimensional flows.
Researchers found that people associate specific traits with car designs, such as power, dominance, and masculinity. They also agreed on which car types possess these characteristics, including wide stances, narrow windshields, and spaced headlights.
A new study published in the Journal of Vision found that fixing a driver's gaze on specific targets along a curve results in smoother and more stable steering. Researchers believe this technique could inform the development of next-generation in-car driving assistance systems.
A study found that sleep plays a key role in preserving emotional memories, strengthening the memory's emotional core while diminishing neutral background details. This process enables the brain to selectively preserve only the most salient information, leading to vivid recall of emotional events.
Research from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management shows that consumers often gravitate towards the most similar remaining option when one attractive choice becomes unavailable. This phenomenon, known as the 'phantom decoy effect,' can have significant impacts on consumer preference and even election outcomes.
A comprehensive study found that laws limiting underage drinking to 21 have led to an eleven percent drop in alcohol-related traffic fatalities among youth. Tougher sanctions on fake IDs also resulted in a seven percent decrease in fatalities among young drivers.
A network of sensors proposed by Penn State researchers could monitor cars in parking lots, tracking their location and sending alerts if a vehicle is stolen. The system relies on trust among monitored cars to protect against false positives and false alarms.
Researchers at Indiana University and Harvard University have discovered a protein called EpsE that acts like a clutch to temporarily stop the rotation of a bacterium's flagellum. The discovery sheds light on how bacteria balance movement and biofilm formation, which can be crucial in combating bacterial infections.
Children from poor areas are four times more likely to sustain serious injuries while walking or cycling compared to their affluent peers. Serious injury rates vary by settlement type and location, highlighting persistent inequalities.
A recent Carnegie Mellon University study found that listening to cell phones while driving can cause significant impairments, including a 37% decrease in brain activity associated with driving. Drivers who listened to their cell phones committed more lane maintenance errors and had reduced spatial sense and navigation.
Researchers found that tiny fluctuations in car-road density cause a chain reaction leading to traffic jams. A critical density threshold exists, and once exceeded, gentle braking causes a standstill.
A team of researchers from Fraunhofer Techologie-Entwicklungsgruppe has developed a measurement device to analyze the electromechanical properties of bucky paper actuators. The study provides insights into the actuation mechanism of carbon nanotubes and suggests future directions for research.
Researchers at MIT are developing novel thermoelectric materials that can control temperatures efficiently, leading to substantial energy savings. These materials have already resulted in a consumer product - a simple cooling system for car seats in hot climates.
Researchers found that consumers are more likely to anthropomorphize products with features associated with human traits, such as loyalty or helpfulness. This study's findings suggest that marketers' efforts to create personable brands may shift the evaluation process from product to human characteristics.