The impact of map orientation and generalisation on congestion decisions: a comparison of schematic-egocentric and topographic-allocentric maps

Map information for drivers is usually presented in an allocentric-topographic form (as with printed maps) or in an egocentric-schematic form (as with road signs). The advent of new variable message boards on UK motorways raises the possibility of presenting road maps to reflect congestion ahead. Should these maps be allocentric-topographic or egocentric-schematic? This was assessed in an eye tracking study, with participants viewing maps of a motorway network in order to identify whether any congestion was relevant to their intended route. The schematic-egocentric maps were responded to most accurately with shorter fixation durations suggesting easier processing. In particular, the driver's entrance and intended exit from the map were attended to more in the allocentric maps. Individual differences in mental rotation ability also seem to contribute to poor performance on allocentric maps. The results favour schematic-egocentric maps for roadside congestion information, but also provide theoretical insights into map-rotation and individual differences. Statement of Relevance: This study informs designers and policy makers about optimum representations of traffic congestion on roadside variable message signs and, furthermore, demonstrates that individual differences contribute to problems with processing certain sign types. Schematic-egocentric representations of a motorway network produced the best results, as noted in behavioural and eye movement measures.     

Fuzzy clustering of time series in the frequency domain

Traditional and fuzzy cluster analyses are applicable to variables whose values are uncorrelated. Hence, in order to cluster time series data which are usually serially correlated, one needs to extract features from the time series, the values of which are uncorrelated. The periodogram which is an estimator of the spectral density function of a time series is a feature that can be used in the cluster analysis of time series because its ordinates are uncorrelated. Additionally, the normalized periodogram and the logarithm of the normalized periodogram are also features that can be used. In this paper, we consider a fuzzy clustering approach for time series based on the estimated cepstrum. The cepstrum is the spectrum of the logarithm of the spectral density function. We show in our simulation studies for the typical generating processes that have been considered, fuzzy clustering based on the cepstral coefficients performs very well compared to when it is based on other features.     

Regression models for grouped survival data: Estimation and sensitivity analysis

In this study, regression models are evaluated for grouped survival data when the effect of censoring time is considered in the model and the regression structure is modeled through four link functions. The methodology for grouped survival data is based on life tables, and the times are grouped in k intervals so that ties are eliminated. Thus, the data modeling is performed by considering the discrete models of lifetime regression. The model parameters are estimated by using the maximum likelihood and jackknife methods. To detect influential observations in the proposed models, diagnostic measures based on case deletion, which are denominated global influence, and influence measures based on small perturbations in the data or in the model, referred to as local influence, are used. In addition to those measures, the local influence and the total influential estimate are also employed. Various simulation studies are performed and compared to the performance of the four link functions of the regression models for grouped survival data for different parameter settings, sample sizes and numbers of intervals. Finally, a data set is analyzed by using the proposed regression models.     

The Dynamical Hypothesis in Cognitive Science: A Review Essay of Mind As Motion

Minds and Machines -     

Proteomic analysis of the response of the human neutrophil-like cell line NB-4 after exposure to anthrax lethal toxin

We used 2‐D DIGE to analyze the early response of NB‐4 cells, a human promyelotic leukemia cell line, exposed to lethal toxin from Bacillus anthracis at the proteome level. After a 2 h exposure, cells were still viable and 43% of spots (n = 1042) showed a significant change in protein level. We identified 59 spots whose expression had changed significantly, and these reflected cytoskeleton damage, mitochondrial lysis and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Actin filament assembly was disrupted as evidenced by an increase in both actin subunits and phosphorylated cofilin, whilst levels of tropomyosin, tropomodulin and actin related protein 2/3 complex subunit decreased. Lower levels of ATP synthase subunits and mitochondrial inner membrane protein were identified as markers of mitochondrial lysis. Levels of various stress response proteins rose and, uniquely, levels of Ca²⁺ binding proteins such as translationally controlled tumor protein rose and hippocalcin‐like protein 1 decreased. This response may have mitigated effects brought about by mitochondrial lysis and endoplasmic reticulum stress, and delayed or prevented apoptosis in NB‐4 cells. These results resemble findings of similar proteomics studies in murine macrophages, although quantitative differences were observed.     

The molecular structure of asphaltene: an unfolding story

From detailed chemical and thermal degradation studies, a host of structural units have been identified in Alberta asphaltenes. It has been shown that the extent of aromatic condensation is low and that highly condensed pericyclic aromatic structures are present in very low concentrations. From the available data reported to date, it is concluded that petroleum asphaltenes were mainly derived through the catalytic cyclization, aromatization and condensation of n-alkanoic, probably fatty acids, precursors.     

Oxidation Kinetics of Chemically Vapor-Deposited Silicon Carbide in Wet Oxygen

The oxidation kinetics of chemically vapor-deposited SiC in dry oxygen and wet oxygen ( P _H2O= 0.1 atm) at temperatures between 1200° and 1400°C were monitored using thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that in a clean environment, 10% water vapor enhanced the oxidation kinetics of SiC only very slightly compared to rates found in dry oxygen. Oxidation kinetics were examined in terms of the Deal and Grove model for oxidation of silicon. It was found that in an environment containing even small amounts of impurities, such as high-purity Al₂O₃ reaction tubes containing 200 ppm Na, water vapor enhanced the transport of these impurities to the oxidation sample. Oxidation rates increased under these conditions presumably because of the formation of less protective sodium alumino-silicate scales.     

A novel combined electrochemical-magnetic method for water treatment

Electrocoagulation (EC) is a wastewater treatment process in which aqueous pollutants can be removed by adsorption, entrapment, precipitation or coalescence during a coagulation step produced by electrochemically generated metallic species. When using Fe as the sacrificial electrode, Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) ions are formed. As Fe(3+) species are paramagnetic, this property can in principle be used to facilitate their removal through the application of a magnetic field. In the present work we present a proof-of-concept for a combined electrochemical-magnetic method for pollutant removal. For this approach, the amounts of Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) produced in an EC cell at various voltages were measured by spectroscopic methods to confirm that Fe(3+) species predominate (up to 84%). The effectiveness of the presence of a magnetic field in the precipitation of coagulants from a suspension was confirmed by monitoring the turbidity change versus time with and without exposure to a magnetic field, up to a 30% improvement.     

Population shift bias in tests of space–time interaction

Common to all tests of space–time interaction is the assumption that the population underlying the events of interest exhibits a trajectory of growth that is consistent through time and across space. In practice, however, this assumption is often untenable and, when violated, can introduce population shift bias into the results of these tests. While this problem is widely recognized, more work remains to compare its effect across tests and to determine the extent to which it is a problem for study short periods. This paper quantifies and compares the population shift bias present in the results of the Knox, Mantel, and Jacquez tests of space–time interaction. A simulation study is carried out which quantifies the bias present in each test across a variety of population movement scenarios. Results show a positive relationship between population shift bias and the heterogeneity in population growth across all the tests. They also demonstrate variability in the size of the bias across the three tests for space–time interaction considered. Finally, the results illustrate that population shift bias can be a serious problem for short study periods. Collectively, these findings suggest that an unbiased approach to assessing the significance of space–time interaction test results is needed whenever spatially heterogeneous population change is identified within a study area.     

Using online collaboration applications for group assignments: The interplay between design and human characteristics

In recent years, educators and students are increasingly employing online collaboration applications such as Google Docs™ and PBWorks™ for group projects and assignments. Yet, the effectiveness of these emerging technologies has not been rigorously examined. Anchoring upon and informed by the existing literature, two design characteristics – sociability and visibility, and two human characteristics – gender and age, are focused on, which are salient in online collaboration applications. A field experiment was conducted to examine the direct and moderating effects of design and human characteristics on learning outcomes. The research found that sociability improved process satisfaction and positive social environment while visibility enhanced academic performance and solution satisfaction of learners. Males had higher solution satisfaction while older learners had higher academic performance. Moderating effects were also found. Both theoretical and practical implications are drawn. In particular, a rubric for online collaboration application selection for academic performance is conceived. This study provides empirical support for online collaboration application effectiveness in education which will augur well for future adoption, use and evolution.