Articles tagged with Vehicles
The US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has launched an initiative to build an open-source database of real-world performance from solar facilities. The Open Solar Performance and Reliability Clearinghouse (O-SPaRC) aims to provide critical data on the long-term performance of residential and commercia...
A new statistical technique has been developed to analyze all possible causes of severity in a traffic accident. The researchers used data-mining techniques, including Latent Class Clustering and Bayesian Networks, to identify the variables that affect accident severity.
Researchers have unveiled a life-like, autonomous robotic jellyfish, Cyro, the size of a grown man, to study aquatic life, map ocean floors, and monitor ocean currents. The robot is powered by a rechargeable battery and uses a diffused nerve net to control movement, mimicking the behavior of natural jellyfish.
Researchers developed a new approach to predict how small legged robots move on and interact with complex granular materials like sand. The technique, called terradynamics, uses equations to describe and predict movement comparable to aerodynamics and hydrodynamics.
A team of European experts, led by Newcastle University, has designed blast-proof technologies to reduce debris and protect passengers in the event of a bomb attack. The new technology is being incorporated into European and national standards, aiming to save lives and prevent terrorist attacks on railways.
Researchers found that children exposed to second-hand smoke in cars experience a significant increase in harmful pollutant levels, exceeding those found in restaurants and bars. This highlights the need for stricter regulations on smoking in vehicles carrying children.
Researchers found that a little distraction can help drone operators stay engaged and perform better. Participants who were distracted 30% of the time scored almost as high as those who focused the majority of their attention on the simulation.
A new study found that currency's physical appearance dramatically affects consumer behaviour, with people preferring to spend dirty, crumpled currency in social situations. The researchers' findings challenge long-held beliefs about the value of money and suggest that it can be a part of conspicuous consumption.
A new study by Fabrizio Di Muro and Theodore J. Noseworthy found that consumers tend to spend more on worn bills due to feelings of disgust, but are more likely to hold onto crisp currency for social reasons. The researchers suggest that money's physical appearance can influence spending behavior, making it a vehicle for social utility.
A team led by University of Delaware researchers aims to create a robot that can drive vehicles, navigate environments, use tools, and manipulate equipment in disaster relief scenarios. The robot will focus on key tasks such as getting into and out of vehicles, driving factoring in difficult conditions.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that states with booster seat laws have a 20% lower rate of death/incapacitating injuries for children ages 4-6, and a 33% lower rate for 7- to 8-year-olds. Booster seats are crucial in preventing accidents, especially among young children.
A new study found that most ATV dealers are willing to discuss selling adult-sized ATVs for children under 16, despite a federal law prohibiting such sales. Seventy percent of dealers were willing to show and discuss the sale of an adult-sized ATV when informed that it was for a 12-year-old rider.
Joan Claybrook received the 2012 Community Hero award from Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy for her role in lobbying for passage of nation's first auto safety laws. Her work as NHTSA administrator led to establishment of air bag and fuel-economy standards, significantly improving public health.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology suggests that psychotropic drugs such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs may increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents. The research found a significant association between higher doses of these medications and a greater risk of accident involvement.
Researchers found that half of drivers make the stop-go decision three seconds before the stop line and few can clear the intersection before the light turns red. The study also revealed that people over 60 years old react slower to yellow lights due to longer perception-reaction times.
The iFAB Foundry aims to revolutionize the design and building process for complex defense systems by shortening development time by a factor of five. The project will provide near-instantaneous manufacturability feedback to designers, enabling flexible and programmable distributed production.
A new system developed at Vanderbilt University aims to transform how archaeologists map large sites, providing higher resolution imagery and three-dimensional models. The SUAVe system, set to be tested in Peru, has the potential to catalog many archaeological sites quickly, addressing concerns about development and time.
A study found that higher population density of neurosurgeons in the US is associated with lower mortality rates from motor vehicle accidents, which are often caused by traumatic brain injuries. Rural areas tend to experience more MVA-related deaths due to slower medical response times and reduced access to trauma resources.
UAVForge, a crowdsourcing competition, aimed to design and develop a militarily relevant small UAV. Despite over 140 teams participating, none successfully completed the fly-off event, highlighting asset cost and complexity hurdles.
Researchers used mathematical algorithms to determine that drivers should pay more attention during the shortest lifetime of spatio-temporal correlations of traffic intensity, found to be between 6pm and 8pm. This period experiences high 'stop and go' phenomena, requiring constant driver attention.
Researchers at UPNA aim to create affordable, high-precision eye tracking systems for applications beyond assisting people with disabilities. They have developed a database of over 100 users and are working on algorithms to detect pupil position and gaze direction.
A new study by MIT civil engineers finds that stiffer pavements can reduce vehicle fuel consumption by as much as 3 percent and decrease CO2 emissions by 46.5 million metric tons per year, resulting in significant savings and environmental benefits. The study uses mathematical modeling to analyze pavement deflection under vehicle tires...
Researchers at Brown University found that bats use a unique wing motion to reduce energy expenditure, drawing their wings inward on the upstroke. By flexing their heavy, muscular wings, bats conserve up to 65% of inertial energy, a significant advantage in flight.
A national survey of UK ambulance services found significant variation in response to elderly falls patients, with some trusts utilizing dedicated clinical advisors and triage systems. Despite efforts to reduce delays, the provision of care remains inconsistent, highlighting the need for research to inform policy and practice development.
Researchers discovered numerous coral communities covered in brown flocculent material and showing signs of tissue damage near the Macondo Well, 4,000 feet from the surface. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography analysis confirmed oil from the spill was the source, revealing a serious impact on deep-sea animal communities.
Researchers developed a new method using GIS to determine optimal emergency vehicle station locations, improving ambulance response time. The study found that distributing vehicles over 82 potential locations gave 87% of the population service in less than 8 minutes.
Dr. Anthony Grbic's innovative antenna design uses a hemispherical shape to achieve instant miniaturization, operating in one frequency band and potentially inexpensive to produce.
A study from North Carolina State University found that Toyota's safety-related recalls in 2009 made no significant dent in consumer perceptions of the brand. The average price of affected vehicles declined by approximately 2% relative to comparable models, a finding within the statistical margin-of-error.
The new Distraction Dodger video game, developed by the University of Minnesota ITS Institute, aims to teach young adults about the risks of distracted driving. The game simulates real-life scenarios, offering players a reality check on their driving habits and encouraging them to stay focused on the road.
A recent investigation into a 2009 multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli identified commercial prepackaged cookie dough as the culprit. The study recommends that manufacturers reformulate their product to make it safer and provides guidance for consumers on how to prevent illness by baking the dough before consuming.
A research team at TUM has developed a sensor system that monitors drivers' vital signs, including heart rate, skin conductance, and oxygen saturation, to prevent fainting spells or heart attacks. The system uses simple sensors in the steering wheel and can initiate measures such as phone call blocking or emergency braking if necessary.
A study found that consumers associate larger food sizes with higher status, particularly among vulnerable populations. However, when given smaller options at prestigious events, powerless individuals chose smaller items with fewer calories.
A Canadian study revealed that warning signs can significantly reduce deer-vehicle collisions, with drivers altering their speed after passing the signs. The study showed a notable decrease in collision rates once signs were placed in key locations, highlighting the effectiveness of selective implementation.
A $5 million grant will support the development of high-energy density lithium-sulfur batteries that can provide 600 watt-hours per liter. The goal is to create safe, reliable, and economical long-lasting advanced cells with nonflammable electrolytes for improved cell cycling life.
USDA researchers explore the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor changing land-use patterns in western rangelands. The results show that aerial data can be comparable to information gathered through ground-based surveys, with potential applications for erosion control and invasive species monitoring.
Research by Queensland University of Technology found that large dust particles can coagulate with ultrafine vehicle emissions particles, making the latter nearly invisible in their presence. This process reduces the risk of respiratory problems associated with ultrafine particle pollution.
A study found that stronger graduated driver licensing programs were associated with lower fatal crash incidence among 16-year-old drivers, but a higher incidence among 18-year-olds. The programs restricted nighttime driving and allowed passengers, leading to fewer crashes among younger teens but more among older teenagers.
A portable device will be built to map real-time particulate matter concentrations on Southern California highways. This study aims to quantify the highest potential exposure to particulate matter during daily commutes, enabling a better assessment of public exposure to particulate emissions on highways.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that Chicago's south and southwest sides suffer the most in terms of residents' health and access to basic health resources. The study highlights significant disparities in healthcare access, including limited mammogram screening and HIV testing sites.
A UT professor's research on a pathogen that attacks the small intestines of humans and animals has inspired the development of robots that can fight disease and aid in military operations. The microorganism Giardia has been found to have unique properties, such as efficient swimming and attachment mechanisms.
Hongwei Zhang aims to develop reliable wireless networks for vehicular control and other applications. He addresses challenges in scheduling transmissions and sensing information between devices.
A study found that 71% of elderly drivers supported mandatory retesting based on age, while 68% believed family members should decide if a license is revoked. The research aims to develop a screening test to identify higher-risk drivers and establish advance directives for driving decisions.
Researchers found that removing all road-side salt pools can reduce moose-vehicle collisions by as much as 79 percent. Moose are attracted to the high sodium concentration in salt pools, posing a significant risk to human and vehicle safety.
Wayne State University students will explore advanced vehicle solutions to minimize petroleum usage and reduce emissions through research collaboration with industry. The university was chosen as Michigan's sole participant in EcoCAR 2, a three-year competition that aims to inspire and educate the next generation of automotive engineers.
A new study by researchers at UC Berkeley reveals that who you are and where you live significantly affect which activities have the largest impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. An online calculator allows households to track and reduce their carbon footprint by analyzing location, lifestyle, and household type.
Research suggests that living near a busy road junction increases the likelihood of premature birth by 4.4%. The study found that even short distances from freeways can have negative effects on gestation times. Reducing traffic emissions through improved vehicles or public transport use could provide immediate health benefits.
Researchers have found that exposure to vibrations from power tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome, a condition that leads to numbness, loss of dexterity, and discoloration in the extremities. A study by Concordia engineer Subhash Rakheja suggests that simple seat upgrades can reduce exposure by up to 60 percent.
UC researchers showcase Effective Practices in Community Supervision, targeting criminogenic risk factors, and examine the impact of police technology on officer safety and efficiency. They also investigate police interventions to prevent crime, analyzing calls for service and identifying geographic areas most in need of assistance.
Researchers at Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University Center for Injury Biomechanics will investigate blast-induced brain trauma using experimental and computational models. The project aims to develop safety mechanisms for soldiers and transport vehicles to reduce injuries.
A Purdue University study finds the US is at a 'blending wall' for ethanol use, with insufficient infrastructure to increase production beyond current levels. Advances in next-generation biofuels, such as thermo-chemical biofuels, may provide a solution to meet federal renewable fuel standards.
Scientists are using Alvin and Sentry to explore the ocean floor in the Gulf of Mexico, searching for signs of impact from the 2010 oil spill. The expedition aims to map the seafloor, collect samples, and document the effects on deep-ocean communities.
Researchers at Georgia Tech propose using flexible wings driven by a simple sinusoidal flapping motion to mimic insect wing strokes. The study found that such wings can generate lift comparable to insects with more complex stroke regimes.
Hospitalizations for ATV injuries among US youth increased by 150% over a nine-year period, with significant increases seen in the South and Midwest. The study found that females ages 15 to 17 experienced the sharpest rise in ATV hospitalizations, despite males having the highest rate.
A new type of matting developed by ECOPROMAT project uses natural materials to create an environmentally-friendly solution for protecting against contagious animal diseases. The matting is highly absorbent, biodegradable, and affordable, making it a significant cost-saving alternative to synthetic mats.
Researchers developed a new easy-to-use table to quantify vehicle temperature changes, helping public officials and parents understand the deadly consequences of leaving children unattended in hot weather. The table provides clear warnings of the risks involved, shedding light on the dangers of hyperthermia in closed cars.
A Duke University engineer, Adrian Bejan, argues that animal movement is like a natural wheel, distributing stresses uniformly. As animals evolve to move better, they develop fewer legs, allowing them to rise higher with each stride and increase their speed.
A new study from Ben-Gurion University found that older drivers are more sensitive to potential hazards and focus on risky situations. The research showed that experienced and older-experienced drivers were equally proficient at hazard detection, whereas young-inexperienced drivers struggled with detecting hazardous events.
Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and UC Santa Barbara found massive asphalt domes 10 miles offshore, 35,000 years old, containing over 100,000 tons of residual asphalt. The structures are home to a thriving ecosystem, with scientists studying their chemical composition, age, and purpose.
Engineers at Boston University have developed mathematical algorithms that can make nearly optimal decisions under realistic model conditions. This approach automates functions such as task partitioning and re-planning, reducing human supervision needed for UAVs.
A team of scientists at TUM developed an artificial sensory organ inspired by the lateral-line system found in fish and amphibians, enabling the underwater robot Snookie to orient itself in murky waters. This technology aims to enable AUVs to work autonomously in operations ranging from deep sea exploration to inspection of sewer pipes.