A study on driver’s workload of telematics using a driving simulator: A comparison among information modalities

Recently, diffusion of telematics services and an explosive increase of in-vehicle display devices, such as Car Navigation Systems (CNSs), are becoming the new causes of traffic accidents. This is due to ‘inattention’ caused by an increase in the driver’s mental workload while he/she is driving. This situation has lead many countries to consider controlling the use of in-vehicle devices while driving through legislation. This research studies the effect of voice or display information systems on drivers through the Driver Eye Movement Analysis and the measurement of response ability. The experiment is carried out in a driving simulator and the results are presented through the comparative analysis of the driver’s visual field via the gaze tracking device and the average of correct answer rates for arithmetic problems.     

Synthesis of type II CdTe/CdSe heterostructure tetrapod nanocrystals for PV applications

We report a facile one-pot synthetic method for the formation of CdTe/CdSe tetrapod nanocrystals with type II band alignment. The crystal growth kinetics can be controlled by changing the injection temperature, rate and concentration of the chalcogen precursor, allowing the structure of CdTe/CdSe tetrapod nanocrystals to be synthesized without changing the underlying chemistry. Only the multiple injection of Se precursor promotes epitaxial growth of a CdSe nanorod on the end of CdTe tetrapod arms. This synthesis shows that the mechanism of tetrapod nucleated growth may be generally applicable for creating other non-core/shell heterostructures. The heterostructure nanocrystals are composed of a CdTe tetrapod core and four CdSe nanorod tips, showing optical properties typical of type II heterostructures that are well suited for photovoltaic applications.     

Electro-conductive properties of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(ionic liquid) films with respect to its structure and morphology

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)/poly(1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium⁺ (trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide^?) (PIL) complexes were prepared at various PEDOT/PIL molar ratios and dispersed in propylene carbonate at a concentration of 1 wt%. After casting, the maximum conductivity was measured to be 1.2 × 10^?1 S/cm, which could be explained by the 3D variable range hopping model. The optimum surface roughness of the PEDOT/PIL film was measured, showing S_a and S_q values of 5.92 and 11.0 nm, respectively. The conductivity of the polymerized PEDOT without a template process had low conductivity due to its poor surface roughness and large particle size. Therefore, the conductivity of PEDOT/PILs is determined by the particle size, crystallinity and surface morphology. These results were supported by surface mapping microscopy, X-ray photon spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.     

Solution phase synthesis of amyloid-cleaving catalysts, two [1,3,5]triazine based compounds

Solution phase synthetic method for amyloid-cleaving catalysts was developed, which bears triazine core, scaffold with bulky and that have various solubility properties; Co(III) complex of cyclen (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane) for catalytic group, and two imaging agents for binding group. This synthetic method was identified by H-NMR, C-NMR for intermediates and MS for the last products. The yields by this method surpassed solid phase synthesis and took much lower labor, expense, and time. The products which were synthesized by solution phase synthetic method showed good catalytic activities.     

Sol-Gel-Derived Soda Lime-High Silica Glass

Sols containing well-mixed tetraethyl orthosilicate, sodium methylate (CH₃ONa), and Ca metal dissolved in HCIO₄ were hydrolyzed at low pH. After gelation, controlled drying, and subsequent firing at 600°C, the mixture yielded clear glass chunks. Glasses containing 85% to <100% SiO₂, which otherwise are difficult to make by conventional melting techniques, could be made using this technique.     

Anisotropic plasticity model coupled with strain dependent plastic strain and stress ratios

It is necessary to describe properly anisotropic material behavior for realistic numerical analyses of sheet metal forming processes. The implementation of many yield criteria in finite element analysis is very complicated. Various material tests are also required to determine yield function coefficients. Stress ratios and anisotropy coefficients are not constant during forming processes due to deformation induced anisotropy. This paper introduces a yield function using strain dependent plastic strain ratios and stress ratios. The main advantage is to fully utilize the data of uniaxial tensile tests. The described material behavior shows a significantly improved agreement with experimental data.     

Ethylene Oligomerizations by Diazene Bridged Ni(II) Catalysts Derived from Pyrazole-Scaffold-Based Binucleating Ligands with Alkyl and Aryl Pendant Arms

Abstract  

The coordination and organometallic chemistry of a series of diazene (N₂)-bridged Ni(II) catalysts derived from pyrazole-scaffold-based ligands bearing alkyl and aryl pendent arms was investigated. Binucleating ligands were obtained as products of the condensation reaction between 3,5-dichloroformyl-1H-pyrazole and aliphatic/aromatic primary/secondary amines under anhydrous conditions. The Ni(II) catalysts were activated with ethyl aluminum sesquichloride (EASC) to oligomerize the ethylene mainly into C4, C6, C8, and C10 fractions with activities up to 1.2 and 0.5 × 10⁶ g (mol-Ni)⁻¹ bar⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 30 and 50 °C, respectively. All catalysts were found to be electrochemically active in the working potential range of −2 to +2 V. A change in the potential of Ni(II) was provoked by the N₄ donor bridging ligands, increasing the ethylene oligomerization activity.     

Multi-agent based traffic simulation and integrated control of freeway corridors: Part 1 simulation and control model

Freeway corridors consist of urban freeways and parallel arterials for alternative use. Ramp metering in freeways and signal control in arterials are contemporary traffic control methods that have been developed and applied in order to improve the traffic conditions of freeway corridors. However, most existing studies have focused on either optimal ramp metering in freeways or progressive signal strategies between arterial intersections. For efficient control of freeway corridors, ramp metering and signal control must be considered simultaneously, as otherwise the control strategies for freeway operation may disturb arterial traffic. On the other hand, traffic congestion and arterial bottlenecks that arise with increasing traffic volume at peak hours and ineffective signal operation may cause problems with accessibility to freeway ramps and degrade the urban freeway’s ability to act as a through-traffic process. This research dynamically estimates the traffic stream between an urban freeway and its ramps according to changes in the freeway structure, traffic passing demand, and control methods due to restricted valid information. The results are then compared with those from other methods. Finally, the integrated control in the urban freeway traffic axis is optimized based on the expected traffic stream, by using design of experiment (DOE), neural network (NN), and a simulated annealing algorithm. This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Kyongsu Yi Myung-Won Suh is a professor of Mechanical Engineering. During 1986–1988, he worked in Ford motor company as researcher. During 1989–1995, he worked in technical center of KIA motors. He took a BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Seoul National University and an MS Degree in Mechanical Engineering from KAIST, South Korea. He obtained his Doctorate at University of Michigan, USA, in 1989. His research areas include the structure and system optimization, advanced safety vehicle and reliability analysis & optimization. Chul-Ho Bae is a PhD candidate at Sungkyunkwan University in Suwon, South Korea. He accomplished fellowship work as researcher at Mississippi State University, USA, in 2003 and 2005. He worked in Institute of Advanced Machinery and Technology (IMAT) as a Research Assistant in 2004. He was a part time Lecturer in computer aided Mechanical Engineering of Ansan College of Technology, Suwon Science College, and Osan College during 2004–2005. He took a BS Degree in Mechanical Design and an MS Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Sungkyunkwan University. His research interests include computer aided engineering, reliability engineering, and optimization.