An Optimal Coordination Framework for Connected and Automated Vehicles in two Interconnected Intersections

In this paper, we provide a decentralized optimal control framework for coordinating connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) in two interconnected intersections. We formulate a control problem and provide a solution that can be implemented in real time. The solution yields the optimal acceleration/deceleration of each CAV under the safety constraint at "conflict zones," where there is a chance of potential collision. Our objective is to minimize travel time for each CAV. If no such solution exists, then each CAV solves an energy-optimal control problem. We evaluate the effectiveness of the efficiency of the proposed framework through simulation.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, IEEE CONFERENCE ON CONTROL TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS 201

Pediatric Elbow Fractures in a Major Trauma Center in Iran

Background: Elbow fractures are one of the most common traumatic fractures in the pediatric population. Since severe complications may occur, appropriate diagnosis and treatment are imperative when dealing with this type of fracture. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of elbow fracture in children admitted in Alzahra hospital, Isfahan, IR Iran over a one year period. Patients and Methods: During a one year period, a prospective study was conducted on 300 patients under the age of 16 who had sustained elbow fractures. Data included age, gender, mechanism of trauma, type of elbow fractures, complications, and outcomes. Results: The mean age of the patients was 8.1 ± 2.31 years old. Boys were injured 2.6 times more often than the girls. Falling was the major cause of pediatric elbow fractures (86%). Supra condylar were the most common type of fracture. There was a significant association between gender and type of injury (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Supracondylar fracture is the most common fracture type resulting from 4 - 8 year old boys’ falls. Our findings indicate the critical nature of appropriate treatment in order to prevent severe complications

Experimental Validation of a Real-Time Optimal Controller for Coordination of CAVs in a Multi-Lane Roundabout

Roundabouts in conjunction with other traffic scenarios, e.g., intersections, merging roadways, speed reduction zones, can induce congestion in a transportation network due to driver responses to various disturbances. Research efforts have shown that smoothing traffic flow and eliminating stop-and-go driving can both improve fuel efficiency of the vehicles and the throughput of a roundabout. In this paper, we validate an optimal control framework developed earlier in a multi-lane roundabout scenario using the University of Delaware's scaled smart city (UDSSC). We first provide conditions where the solution is optimal. Then, we demonstrate the feasibility of the solution using experiments at UDSSC, and show that the optimal solution completely eliminates stop-and-go driving while preserving safety.Comment: 6 Pages, 4 Figures, 1 tabl

Utilizing Highway Rest Areas for Electric Vehicle Charging: Economics and Impacts on Renewable Energy Penetration in California

California policy is incentivizing rapid adoption of zero emission electric vehicles for light-duty and freight applications. This project explored how locating charging facilities at California’s highway rest stops might impact electricity demand, grid operation, and integration of renewables like solar and wind into California’s energy mix. Assuming a growing population of electric vehicles to meet state goals, state-wide growth of electricity demand was estimated, and the most attractive rest stop locations for siting chargers identified. Using a California-specific electricity dispatch model developed at UC Davis, the project estimated how charging vehicles at these stations would impact renewable energy curtailment in California. It estimated the impacts of charging infrastructures on California’s electricity system and how they can be utilized to decrease the duck curve effect resulting from a large amount of solar energy penetration by 2050.View the NCST Project Webpag

Low-Profile Frequency Selective Surface Based Device and Methods of Making the Same

A frequency selective surface-based (FSS-based) device (200) for processing electromagnetic waves providing at least a third order response. The FSS-based device includes a first FSS (202), a second FSS (210), and a high quality factor (Q) FSS (206) interposed between the first and second FSSs. A first dielectric layer (204) and a second dielectric layer (208) separate the respective FSS layers. The first and second FSSs have the first and second primary resonant frequencies, respectively. The high Q FSS has a lower primary resonant frequency relative to the first and second primary resonant frequencies. The overall electrical thickness of the FSS device can be \u3c 1/10 of a nano. The high Q FSS has a loaded quality factor of at least thirty at the lower primary resonant frequency