Millimeter and sub-millimeter atmospheric performance at Dome C combining radiosoundings and ATM synthetic spectra

The reliability of astronomical observations at millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelengths closely depends on a low vertical content of water vapor as well as on high atmospheric emission stability. Although Concordia station at Dome C (Antarctica) enjoys good observing conditions in this atmospheric spectral windows, as shown by preliminary site-testing campaigns at different bands and in, not always, time overlapped periods, a dedicated instrument able to continuously determine atmospheric performance for a wide spectral range is not yet planned. In the absence of such measurements, in this paper we suggest a semi-empirical approach to perform an analysis of atmospheric transmission and emission at Dome C to compare the performance for 7 photometric bands ranging from 100 GHz to 2 THz. Radiosoundings data provided by the Routine Meteorological Observations (RMO) Research Project at Concordia station are corrected by temperature and humidity errors and dry biases and then employed to feed ATM (Atmospheric Transmission at Microwaves) code to generate synthetic spectra in the wide spectral range from 100 GHz to 2 THz. To quantify the atmospheric contribution in millimeter and sub-millimeter observations we are considering several photometric bands in which atmospheric quantities are integrated. The observational capabilities of this site at all the selected spectral bands are analyzed considering monthly averaged transmissions joined to the corresponding fluctuations. Transmission and pwv statistics at Dome C derived by our semi-empirical approach are consistent with previous works. It is evident the decreasing of the performance at high frequencies. We propose to introduce a new parameter to compare the quality of a site at different spectral bands, in terms of high transmission and emission stability, the Site Photometric Quality Factor.Comment: accepted to MNRAS with minor revision

A Randomized Trial of a Physical Conditioning Program to Enhance the Driving Performance of Older Persons

BACKGROUND: As the number of older drivers increases, concern has been raised about the potential safety implications. Flexibility, coordination, and speed of movement have been associated with older drivers’ on road performance. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a multicomponent physical conditioning program targeted to axial and extremity flexibility, coordination, and speed of movement could improve driving performance among older drivers. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial with blinded assignment and end point assessment. Participants randomized to intervention underwent graduated exercises; controls received home, environment safety modules. PARTICIPANTS: Drivers, 178, age ≥ 70 years with physical, but without substantial visual (acuity 20/40 or better) or cognitive (Mini Mental State Examination score ≥24) impairments were recruited from clinics and community sources. MEASUREMENTS: On-road driving performance assessed by experienced evaluators in dual-brake equipped vehicle in urban, residential, and highway traffic. Performance rated three ways: (1) 36-item scale evaluating driving maneuvers and traffic situations; (2) evaluator’s overall rating; and (3) critical errors committed. Driving performance reassessed at 3 months by evaluator blinded to treatment group. RESULTS: Least squares mean change in road test scores at 3 months compared to baseline was 2.43 points higher in intervention than control participants (P = .03). Intervention drivers committed 37% fewer critical errors (P = .08); there were no significant differences in evaluator’s overall ratings (P = .29). No injuries were reported, and complaints of pain were rare. CONCLUSIONS: This safe, well-tolerated intervention maintained driving performance, while controls declined during the study period. Having interventions that can maintain or enhance driving performance may allow clinician–patient discussions about driving to adopt a more positive tone, rather than focusing on driving limitation or cessation

Patterns of misuse of child safety seats. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.Mode of access: Internet.Author corporate affiliation: Ketron, Inc., Malvern, Pa.Subject code: DGEORFSubject code: NRPKCSubject code: PDDSCSubject code: WLSubject code: WT

Local police enforcement, public information and education strategies to foster more and proper use of child safety seats by toddlers: evaluation of demonstration project. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.Mode of access: Internet.Author corporate affiliation: Ketron, Inc., Malvern, Pa.Subject code: DGEORFSubject code: ECBSubject code: HCESubject code: KNSubject code: PDDSCSubject code: YCLSubject code: YC

Model driver screening and evaluation program final technical report. Volume 2, Maryland pilot older driver study.

This research project studied the feasibility as well as the scientific validity and utility of performing functional capacity screening with older drivers. A Model Program was described encompassing procedures to detect functionally impaired drivers who pose an elevated risk to themselves and others; to support remediation of functional limitations if possible; to provide mobility counseling to inform and connect individuals with local alternative transportation options; and to educate the public and professionals about the link between functional decline and driving safety-all within a larger context of helping to preserve and extend the mobility of older persons. Early in this project, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to Driver License Administrators in the U.S. and Canada to broadly determine cost and time parameters, while identifying legal, ethical, or policy implications that could influence implementation of Model Program activities. Subsequently, a battery of functional tests was developed and pilot tested in Motor Vehicle Administration sites, and in the community. A database of scores on functional ability measures, driving habits information, and crash and violation history was created for over 2,500 drivers in three samples drawn from license renewal, medical referral, and residential community populations. Cost estimates for functional capacity screening and related Model Program activities were developed for research and production settings. A 477-page Safe Mobility for Older People Notebook (DOT HS 808 853) was developed to support program initiatives promoting the safe mobility of older persons across all States and Provinces, including an Annotated Research Compendium of Driver Assessment Techniques for Age-Related Functional Impairments. A set of guidelines for motor vehicle administrators was also produced to update the 1992 publication by NHTSA and AAMVA of the same title.This research project studied the feasibility as well as the scientific validity and utility of performing functional capacity screening with older drivers. A Model Program was described encompassing procedures to detect functionally impaired drivers who pose an elevated risk to themselves and others; to support remediation of functional limitations if possible; to provide mobility counseling to inform and connect individuals with local alternative transportation options; and to educate the public and professionals about the link between functional decline and driving safety-all within a larger context of helping to preserve and extend the mobility of older persons. Early in this project, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to Driver License Administrators in the U.S. and Canada to broadly determine cost and time parameters, while identifying legal, ethical, or policy implications that could influence implementation of Model Program activities. Subsequently, a battery of functional tests was developed and pilot tested in Motor Vehicle Administration sites, and in the community. A database of scores on functional ability measures, driving habits information, and crash and violation history was created for over 2,500 drivers in three samples drawn from license renewal, medical referral, and residential community populations. Cost estimates for functional capacity screening and related Model Program activities were developed for research and production settings. A 477-page Safe Mobility for Older People Notebook (DOT HS 808 853) was developed to support program initiatives promoting the safe mobility of older persons across all States and Provinces, including an Annotated Research Compendium of Driver Assessment Techniques for Age-Related Functional Impairments. A set of guidelines for motor vehicle administrators was also produced to update the 1992 publication by NHTSA and AAMVA of the same title.National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Research and Traffic Records, Washington, D.C.Mode of access: Internet.Author corporate affiliation: Scientex Corporation, Alexandria, Va.Author corporate affiliation: TransAnalytics, LLC, Kulpsville, Pa.Includes bibliographical references (p. 79-80)Final technical report Oct. 1996-Mar. 2003Subject code: EECSubject code: WPHDSubject code: WWCSubject code: WWBSubject code: RCGCDSubject code: WEDSubject code: WPHSubject code: YE

Limited sight distance warning for vertical curves - volume I, executive summary.

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Research, Washington, D.C.Mode of access: Internet.Author corporate affiliation: Ketron, Inc., Wayne, Pa.Report covers the period Oct 1982 - Nov 1984Subject code: CGDSubject code: CGLSubject code: HBDSubject code: PDESubject code: PDGBSubject code: WPHDSubject code: WT