From aggressive driving to molecular motor traffic

Motivated by recent experimental results for the step sizes of dynein motor proteins, we develope a cellular automata model for intra-cellular traffic of dynein motors incorporating special features of the hindrance-dependent step size of the individual motors. We begin by investigating the properties of the aggressive driving model (ADM), a simple cellular automata-based model of vehicular traffic, a unique feature of which is that it allows a natural extension to capture the essential features of dynein motor traffic. We first calculate several collective properties of the ADM, under both periodic and open boundary conditions, analytically using two different mean-field approaches as well as by carrying out computer simulations. Then we extend the ADM by incorporating the possibilities of attachment and detachment of motors on the track which is a common feature of a large class of motor proteins that are collectively referred to as cytoskeletal motors. The interplay of the boundary and bulk dynamics of attachment and detachment of the motors to the track gives rise a phase where high and low density phases separated by a stable domain wall coexist. We also compare and contrast our results with the model of Parmeggiani et. al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 90}, 086601 (2003)) which can be regarded as a minimal model for traffic of a closely related family of motor proteins called kinesin. Finally, we compare the transportation efficiencies of dynein and kinesin motors over a range of values of the model parameters.Comment: Final Version Accepted for Publication in J. Phys. A (IOP, UK

Road User Interactions: Patterns of Road Use and Perception of Driving Risk

The goal of the Road User Interactions research programme is a better understanding of the human factors of our road transport system: road user demographics, risk perceptions of road users, and the driving attitudes of various road user groups. Our analysis of the 1989 and 1999 New Zealand Household Travel Surveys identified several fundamental road user differences and consistent demographic trends over the past 10 years. The driver characteristics of gender, age, and area of residence (urban, secondary urban, and rural) are the demographic factors which most clearly differentiate New Zealand road user groups. Analysis of the patterns of road use suggests that, although these road user groups do drive at distinctly different times, there are periods of conflict which are also associated with the greatest crash risk for these drivers. Our analysis of a sample of road user groups in Hamilton, Auckland, Gisborne, New Plymouth, and Palmerston North found significant differences in their perceptions of risk and driving behaviours. Rural drivers and women drivers rated a range of driving situations as having greater risk than did the other road user groups, and they rated the high risk scenarios as being much riskier. Men indicated the greatest willingness to accept the risk in driving situations and rated their own driving skill as higher. Older drivers also rated driving situations as having higher risk, and young drivers generally rated low risk situations much lower than other drivers. In the survey of driving behaviour, young men in our sample reported very high levels of violations and aggressive violations. The male drivers’ rates of violations and aggressive violations were significantly higher than the women drivers’ and the number of both decreased significantly with age. Finally, inspection of crash data show that young drivers’ and older drivers’ crashes have some characteristics in common; both groups have a disproportionate number of crossing, turning, and manoeuvring crashes at intersections in the mid-afternoon

HUBUNGAN ANTARA INTENSITAS BERMAIN GAME BALAPAN ONLINE DENGAN AGGRESSIVE DRIVING PADA REMAJA

Aggressive driving merupakan perilaku yang membahayakan bagi pengemudi dan orang-orang di sekitarnya yang tidak siap. Pengemudi bersikap tidak sabaran dan kurang peduli sehingga memancing emosi pengguna jalan di sekitarnya. Karakter agresif dapat dideteksi dari gaya mengemudi dan gerakan laju kendaraan bermotor atau mobilnya. Aggressive driving dipengaruhi oleh faktor internal dan eksternal. Faktor internal meliputi faktor kepribadian individu berhubungan dengan cara pemikiran, emosi, dan sifat faktor fisiologis, otak individu tidak dapat lagi memproduksi sejumlah endorgin yang memberikan perasaan nyaman. Faktor eksternal meliputi faktor keluarga, lingkungan teman sebaya, dan media dan sarana yaitu permainan game. Tujuan yang ingin dicapai dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui : (1) Mengetahui hubungan antara intensitas bermain game balapan online dengan aggressive driving pada remaja. (2) Mengetahui peran intensitas bermain game balapan online terhadap aggressive driving pada remaja. (3) Mengetahui tingkat intensitas bermain game balapan online pada remaja. (4) Mengetahui tingkat aggressive driving pada remaja. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah remaja yang hobi bermain game online di warnet Aurora I, II, dan III. Sampel penelitian ini adalah remaja berusia 15 tahun – 22 tahun. Dalam penelitian ini teknik yang digunakan adalah purposive non random sampling. Analisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan analisis korelasi product moment. Kesimpulan hasil penelitian ini yaitu: (1) Ada hubungan antara intensitas bermain game balapan online dengan aggressive driving pada remaja. (2) Berdasarkan perhitungan data diperoleh sumbangan intensitas bermain game balapan online terhadap aggressive driving ditunjukkan oleh hasil R Square sebesar 0,207 atau 20,7%. Hal ini berarti masih terdapat 79,3% dari beberapa variabel lain yang mempengaruhi aggressive driving. Variabel lain tersebut seperti kematangan emosi, lingkungan sosial, dan dukungan teman sebaya. (3) Tingkat intensitas bermain game balapan online pada remaja tergolong tinggi. (4)Tingkat aggressive driving pada remaja tergolong tinggi

Potential benefits of an adaptive forward collision warning system

Forward collision warning (FCW) systems can reduce rear-end vehicle collisions. However, if the presentation of warnings is perceived as mistimed, trust in the system is diminished and drivers become less likely to respond appropriately. In this driving simulator investigation, 45 drivers experienced two FCW systems: a non-adaptive and an adaptive FCW that adjusted the timing of its alarms according to each individual driver’s reaction time. Whilst all drivers benefited in terms of improved safety from both FCW systems, non-aggressive drivers (low sensation seeking, long followers) did not display a preference to the adaptive FCW over its non-adaptive equivalent. Furthermore, there was little evidence to suggest that the non-aggressive drivers’ performance differed with either system. Benefits of the adaptive system were demonstrated for aggressive drivers (high sensation seeking, short followers). Even though both systems reduced their likelihood of a crash to a similar extent, the aggressive drivers rated each FCW more poorly than their non-aggressive contemporaries. However, this group, with their greater risk of involvement in rear-end collisions, reported a preference for the adaptive system as they found it less irritating and stress-inducing. Achieving greater acceptance and hence likely use of a real system is fundamental to good quality FCW design

Relationship between Aggressive Driving and Various Types of Music

This research study focused on the relationship between aggressive driving and various types of music to see what factors – i.e. age, consumption of alcohol, and genre of music – affect the individual while driving. Recent studies have suggested that different genres of music can affect one’s driving. Among articles that have been read, studies agree that age, consumption of alcohol, and genre of music affect an individual’s driving. Recent studies have indicated that different genres of music can affect one’s driving aggressiveness along with other, more established factors such as alcohol consumption and age. Our hypothesis #1 (control): There is no relationship between aggressiveness due to age, consumption of alcohol, and the genre of music. Hypothesis #2: There is an increase in aggressiveness while driving due to the music listened to while driving. Consequently, the researchers are hypothesizing that aggressive driving is related to type of music listened to by the driver. The survey will include over 100 students, faculty, and staff from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana. Each participant was asked to fill out a questionnaire which asked their age, gender, and alcohol consumption. Then they were asked to fill out five surveys after they listened to a particular genre of music. Students, faculty, and staff who participated in this study were given a verbal explanation regarding the purpose of the study and were assured that confidentiality would be carried out throughout this process. The music that was the focus of this study is rap, rock, and heavy metal