Traffic systems as joint cognitive systems: issues to be solved for realizing human-technology coagency

This paper discusses a couple of issues that are at the center of discussions in the development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and their effects from the viewpoints of the joint cognitive systems. The first is the issue of authority and responsibility. It is argued that machine may be given authority to improve safety and to alleviate possible damages, even in the framework of human-centered automation. The second is the issue of the overtrust in and overreliance on ADAS, in which it is argued that possibilities and types of overtrust or overreliance may vary depending on characteristics of ADAS. The importance of the design of human–machine interface and human–machine interactions is included in the discussions.     

The effect of deformation-induced transformation on the fracture toughness of commercial titanium alloys

The effect of deformation-induced transformation of metastableβ phase on the ductility and toughness of four commercial titanium alloys was investigated. Tensile tests, Charpy impact tests, and both static and dynamic fracture toughness tests were carried out at temperatures between 77 and 473 K on four titanium alloys containing metastableβ phase. Deformation-inducedα″ (orthorhombic martensite) was observed in an (α + β)-type Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo alloy. The dynamic fracture toughness of this alloy increased considerably at 223 K compared to those at other temperatures. In another (α + β)-type Ti-6A1-4V alloy, the static fracture toughness at 123 K and the dynamic fracture toughness at 223 K were increased considerably by the presence of deformation-induced martensite compared to those at other temperatures. The strength increased as the temperature decreased in this alloy. An abnormal elongation of aβ-type alloy, Ti-15V-3Al-3Sn-3Cr, at 123 K was attributed to the mechanical twinning of theβ phase. However, the effect of deformation-induced transformation on the fracture toughness of Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr alloy was not observed. Formerly Visiting Associate Professor, Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA. Formerly with the Department of Production Systems Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology.     

Improvement of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) blended hydrogel by radiation crosslinking

1IntroductionHydrogelisapolymericmaterial(syntheticornaturaJ)whichswellswhenplacedincontactwithwaterbutisnotsolubleandhastheabililtytoretainwaterwithinitsstructare.InIecentyears,muchattentionhasbeenfocusedontheresearchanddevelopmentofthepolymerhydIogelsforbiomaterials,suchascontactlenses,wounddressing,enzymeimmunoassay,cathetersanddIugdeliverysystems[1~3].Adressingisoftencoveredonthewotmdtoaccelerateitshealing.TheIearetwokindsofdiessings:drytypeandwettype.Ithasbeenreportedthatheallngwithawe…     

Driving simulator experiment on the moving stability of an automobile under strong crosswind

In expanding expressway networks in Japan, various types of structures have been constructed, e.g., long span bridges and bridges with high piers. The expressway structures are well designed for the external dynamic forces, e.g., earthquakes and strong winds. However, for further safety promotion of the expressway networks, it is important to evaluate the drivers’ responses under strong dynamic disturbances. The present authors have investigated the moving stability of a vehicle under seismic motion based on both numerical simulation and virtual experiments using a driving simulator. Strong crosswind is considered as another factor that makes it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles. This study investigates the moving stability of a vehicle under strong crosswind based on numerical analyses and driving simulator experiments. To predict the future position of a moving vehicle including the reaction of a driver, the second-order predictable correction model is used in the numerical analyses. The results obtained from the numerical and experimental studies are compared and the validity of the driver model is discussed. It is expected that this research is helpful for the decision-making of expressway closure under strong wind and the design of wind barriers.     

Effect of prednisolone on IgE-dependent biphasic cutaneous reaction in BALB/c mice

We have examined a series of 24 Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) DNAs for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at eight loci on chromosome 13. All patients were heterozygous for at least one locus. Overall, 18 of 24 (75%) patients showed LOH, among whom 10 patients demonstrated LOH at all informative loci. A single common region of loss was identified in all cases and included the marker D13S233 (13q14.3), which maps close to the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene RB1. The RB1 protein was not detected by Western blot analysis in any of nine MCC cell lines tested. These data indicate that 13q losses are the most common chromosomal losses observed to date in MCC and the likely target of these deletions is the RB1 locus.     

Preparation of meixnerite (Mg–Al–OH) type layered double hydroxide by a mechanochemical route

We have attempted to synthesize the meixnerite (Mg–Al–OH) type layered double hydroxide (LDH) by a two step milling operation of a mixture of Mg(OH)₂ and Al(OH)₃ with water. In the first-step, a mixture of the starting materials was milled for 1 h without water, and the product prepared in the first-step was milled for 2 h with water in the second-step milling operation. The milled products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and thermo gravimetric-differential thermal analyses with mass spectroscopy (TG-DTA/MS). The surface morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Meixnerite with a small amount of carbonate was successfully synthesized mechanochemically at ambient conditions by milling for only 3 h in a planetary ball mill.     

Preparation of carbon-coated W18O49 and its photoactivity under visible light

Carbon-coated W₁₈O₄₉ powders were prepared from the mixture of para-ammonium tungstate with poly(vinyl alcohol) by heat treatment in inert atmosphere at a temperature between 750 and 900 °C for 1 h. The synthesized W₁₈O₄₉ crystals had prismatic morphology in small size, less than 0.5 μm in diameter and about 1 μm in length. Carbon-coated W₁₈O₄₉ was shown to have photoactivity under visible light irradiation by comparing the concentration changes of methylene blue, phenol and dimethylsulfoxide with time under the irradiation of visible light to that in the dark. Photoactivity of W₁₈O₄₉ was supposed to be due to the formation of OH radicals on the basis of the degradation of dimethylsulfoxide, its quantitative transformation to methanesulfonic acid. Carbon coating seemed to have various roles: to reduce WO₃ to W₁₈O₄₉, to inhibit the sintering and crystal growth of W₁₈O₄₉ to keep them small size, and also to concentrate pollutants around W₁₈O₄₉ crystal by adsorption.     

Changes in knowledge of HIV/AIDS and attitudes for PWA in Tokyo: 1992-1995

In order to assess changes in knowledge of HIV/AIDS and attitude for People With HIV/AIDS (PWA), interview surveys (Dec. 1992, Jan. 1994, Jan. 1995) were carried out annually on random samples of the general public in Tokyo, age between 15-69 years. In total, 4,270 individuals were sampled, with an average response rate of 63.2%. Answers were scored and classified in 12 sex and age sub-groups. Additionally, correlations between scores of questions and social indices were analyzed. The results of the study are as follows: 1) The 15-19, 20-29 and 30-39 age groups showed higher scores on knowledge about HIV transmission modes. During the entire study period, the score increased in 7 groups, but decreased in 5 groups. 2) The 30-39 and 40-49 age groups showed higher scores on knowledge about HIV antibody test. During the period, the score increased in 11 groups, and among them 6 groups showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) increases. However, the score decreased in 9 groups at the third survey. 3) The 15-19, 20-29 and 30-39 age groups showed higher scores on acceptable attitudes for PWA. During the period, the score increased in all groups, and among them 3 groups showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) increases. 4) Rank correlations between two scores-knowledge quantity about the transmission modes and acceptable attitudes for PWA-were positive (0.2 < R) and statistically significant (p < 0.05) in 11 groups at the first survey, 9 groups at the second, and 6 groups at the third. 5) During the entire study period, 6 groups showed positive correlations (0.7 < R) between two changes: (1) score of knowledge about the transmission modes and (2) score of acceptable attitudes. 6) During the entire study period, 10 groups showed positive correlations (0.7 < R) between two changes: (1) score of acceptable attitudes and (2) number of newspaper articles regarding acceptance or discrimination of the PWA. 7) Knowledge about HIV/AIDS in the general public in Tokyo showed increase in younger generation, but there is concern of decrease in the older generation. These result indicate that acceptable attitude forward PWA are affected by related knowledge about the transmission modes and mass-media information, and must be considered in HIV/AIDS programs.     

Accuracy of measurements of the quantized Hall resistivity by adirect current comparator type potentiometer: calibration using aJosephson potentiometer

The accuracy of measurements of the quantized Hall resistivity (QHR) by a direct-current-comparator (DCC)-type potentiometer is estimated based on a linearity calibration of the potentiometer using a Josephson potentiometer. The power coefficient contribution to the nonlinearity of the DCC potentiometer was found to be 0.15±0.02 p.p.m./(100 mV)² at 18.5±0.5°C in 1985 and 0.21±0.03 p.p.m./(100 mV)² at 20.5±0.5°C in 1988. The possibility of accurate measurements of the ratio QHR/R _STD with uncertainties less than 0.05 p.p.m. by the DCC potentiometer is discussed