Horizontal Alignment Research Articles

Intermediate-Controlled Synthesis of Quasi-2D (PEA)2MA4Pb5I16 in the 20-30% Relative Humidity Glovebox Environment for Fabricating Perovskite Solar Cells with 1 Month Durability in the Air.

Herein, quasi-two-dimensional (Q-2D) (PEA)2MA4Pb5I16 (prepared by a two-step process) and hole transport layer of a solar cell were fabricated in a high relative humidity (25 ± 5%) environment. The PSC behavior of most Q-2D perovskites is worse than that of three-dimensional perovskites owing to the horizontal alignment of the innate characteristic organic plates on the substrate. Using hybrid immersion solvents (HISs), we have improved vertical alignment in an appropriate ratio to enhance the efficiency of charge transfer and the high coverage of the first priming layer (first step). The grazing incidence X-ray diffraction pattern of the optimized structures revealed a preferential orientation for the vertical alignment of (111), which improved the charge transfer in PSCs and micrometer-level grain size growth. The second step was processed in a high-humidity environment (50 ± 5%) (methylammonium iodide solution embedded), and Q-2D (PEA)2MA4Pb5I16 demonstrated distinct grain boundaries. The power conversion efficiency (PCE, 13.09%) of the champion device of the first priming layer prepared using the HIS system increased by >55% compared to the single-immersion solvent (8.3%). The PCE of the ion-modified ETL PSCs was 16.02% (CsF-3) and 14.58% (CsCl-3) and demonstrated 22 and 11% improvement, respectively. The ion-modified electron transport layer (ETL) was deposited in the air, which reduced the power consumption of preparing perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Finally, all Q-2D PSCs were stored in the air, and three PSCs (DMF/DMSO, CsF-3, and CsCl-3) using HIS exhibited long-term stability for 1 month maintaining 80-88% of PCE, demonstrating the importance of the HIS system to improve the first step of growth orientation, which enhances the stability and photovoltaic properties of PSCs.

The Alignment of Internal and External Audit Agencies in Administering Public Sector Audits in Indonesia

The management of public finance to achieve national prosperity requires the effective, efficient, and integrated work of the existing audit boards. Therefore, continuous evaluation of the alignment of internal and external audit agencies is essential to ensure reliable public financial management and prevent corruption. This study describes the performance and coordination patterns between internal and external audit agencies by detailing their synchronization patterns in administering financial audits in the Indonesian public sector. Using a normative legal research method, the study incorporates legislative and conceptual approaches. The findings reveal that the performance of both internal and external audit agencies in safeguarding public finance from fraud shows varied degrees of effectiveness. However, a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the alignment of these agencies remains absent. Furthermore, synchronization in public finance audits is pursued through a unified regulatory framework, horizontal alignment among agencies, and the establishment of clear boundaries of authority and coordination mechanisms between the internal and external audit agencies. Further research should consider the potential for consolidating various regulations of public sector audits through an omnibus law approach.

Integrating theoretical and experimental insights into nanoporous gold electrochemistry for enhanced baicalein sensing performance

We introduce an innovative electrochemical sensing method for the sensitive detection of Baicalein (BAI), emphasizing a simple surface modification process. The study encompasses both practical and theoretical investigations into the electrochemical behavior of nanoporous gold. Our theoretical analysis, based on advanced quantum-mechanical calculations, demonstrates that the adsorption of BAI molecule on gold-based substrates is energetically favorable, with adsorption energy increasing from an unmodified surface to a more porous substrate. BAI physisorbs on unmodified regions in a horizontal alignment, while it chemisorbs more strongly on nanoporous regions by penetrating the pores. On less modified surfaces, interaction energy predominates, whereas on heavily modified surfaces, distortion energies become more significant due to increased substrate reactivity. These results align with physicochemical characterizations, which reveal that nanoscale modifications, induced by different anodization times, explain the variations in electrode performance. Experimentally, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were employed using both a gold electrode (GE) and a nanoporous gold electrode (NPGE). The GE was subjected to surface treatment by immersion in H2SO4 and potential control at ca. +2.0 V for 40 seconds, resulting in a nanoporous configuration. Following optimizations, Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry (AdSV) was used to determine BAI. The method achieved detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) limits of 0.015 µmol L-1 and 0.045 µmol L-1, respectively (Edeposition=-0.25 V; tdeposition=50 s). Additionally, the standard addition method was applied to the NPGE for recovering BAI from spiked synthetic human plasma and urine, with success rates ranging from 93.4% to 106%. This approach exhibited excellent stability, precision, and accuracy, with minimal interference from other substances. Moreover, the theoretical findings provided deeper insights into the selective electrochemical detection of BAI on nanoporous gold surfaces, offering new perspectives on this field.

An experimental study on self-propulsion of Leidenfrost drops levitating on heated ratchet plates with various orientations and built-in line angles

The self-propelled motion of Leidenfrost drops has become a significant area of interest in recent years. This study introduces diverse combinations of ratchet surfaces in horizontal, angled, and vertical alignments with the aim of augmenting drop speed and manipulating its path in a chosen direction. Four pairs of symmetric ratchet surfaces were machined with different built-in line angles (θ). Each pair of ratchet surfaces was positioned at different plate inclination angles from the ground (α), and the drop motion through these binary surfaces was investigated. A series of experiments were conducted to examine the velocity of Leidenfrost drops levitating on the surface of ratchets with built-in line angles that were positioned at horizontal, inclined, and vertically channeled configurations. It was observed that employing horizontal V-shaped ratchets with built-in line angles resulted in an increased drop velocity when compared to the conventional horizontal ratchets. The effect of three different fluids, including water, ethanol, and methanol on the drop velocity was also studied with water drops demonstrating a superior velocity compared to the others. The results showed that the inclined and vertically channeled configurations can respectively lead to 24.2 % and 33 % higher drop velocities compared to conventional ratchets.

A simple method for automatic recreation of railway horizontal alignments

AbstractThis paper deals with the problem of recreating horizontal alignments of existing railway lines. The main objective is to propose a simple method for automatically obtaining optimized recreated alignments located as close as possible to an existing one. Based on a previously defined geometric model, two different constrained optimization problems are formulated. The first problem uses only the information provided by a set of points representing the track centerline while the second one also considers additional data about the existing alignment. The proposed methodology consists of a two-stage process in which both problems are solved consecutively using numerical techniques. The main results obtained applying this methodology are presented to show its performance and to prove its practical usefulness: an academic example used to compare with other methods, and a case study of a railway section located in Parga (Spain) in which the geometry of its horizontal alignment is successfully recovered.

Metaheuristics-based multistage iterative optimization framework for decomposed high-speed rail systems planning problem

High-speed rail (HSR) systems planning and decision-making is a large-scale, multistage, intricate problem, where each stage represents a complex sub-problem. The solution approach to the multistage problem needs information exchange across the stages. A non-optimal planning and decision at any stage could yield a sub-optimal HSR system. This study proposes a novel multistage iterative HSR station location and alignment optimization framework (HSLAOF) to solve the main problem by decomposing it into the identification of (a) HSR potential regions and corridor, (b) station location, (c) shortest sequence/corridor of stations, and (d) collision-free alignment (horizontal and vertical) sub-problems. It integrates these sub-problems, which are solved separately using customized artificial intelligence- and motion planning-based metaheuristics such as particle swarm optimization for station location, ant colony optimization for shortest sequence of stations, path planner method for horizontal alignment and exploration, and exploitation-based ant colony optimization for vertical profile. In HSLAOF, the information from the upper and lower stages of the optimization process are exchanged and combined for a holistic optimized HSR system. Application of HSLAOF in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR project yielded a solution that has 14.24 % lower total system cost, no environmental impact, 5.82 % better socio-economic impact, 21.14 % lesser noise and vibration impacted population, and 2.79 % higher station location utility than the one proposed by the experts. For predefined station location, the HSLAOF yielded alignment with 13.90 % lower total system cost and 24.00 % less noise and vibration impacted population than the one developed by experts. It required about 150 min to obtain a solution for each iteration.

Development of lateral acceleration prediction models and consistency evaluation criteria for horizontal curves with gradient on two lane rural highways

Objectives The challenge of combined horizontal and vertical highway alignments continues to be a concern in transportation design, particularly regarding truck stability. This study analyses the stability of trucks on horizontal curves combined with ascending or descending gradients using center of gravity (CoG) height and curve geometry as parameters. It also develops models that predict lateral stability of trucks and criteria for evaluating geometric design consistency based on vehicle stability. Method A smartphone application was used to collect real-time data on lateral acceleration experienced by two-axle trucks on curves with gradient. Results Findings show a lower safety margin against rollover on curves with descending gradient compared to ascending ones. Key factors affecting stability are identified as radius and length of horizontal curve, suggesting improvements in rollover stability by increasing these parameters. Geometric design consistency evaluation criteria were developed based on lateral acceleration, categorizing curves with gradient as good, fair, or poor. Predictive models were developed to quantify the impact of CoG height of truck and curve geometry on lateral acceleration, aiding in consistency assessment. Conclusion Outcomes of research will be useful for the design of safer horizontal curves with gradient by prioritizing vehicle stability

Методический подход к согласованию стратегических приоритетов государственной региональной политики развития старопромышленных регионов Российской Федерации

The formation of strategic priorities of the state regional policy for the development of old-industrial regions is complicated by the multiplicity of its actors and the need to coordinate spatial and sectoral priorities of regulatory impact. The article presents a methodological approach to coordinating the priorities of spatial and sectoral development of old industrial regions in the format of a scheme reflecting the logic and sequence of actions aimed at achieving strategic goals of regional development in accordance with the strategic national priorities of the Russian Federation. The methodological approach was tested on the example of the Saratov region, one of the old industrial regions of Russia with growth potential within the framework of the industrial development model. The necessity of using two approaches in the coordination process is justified: the first should be used to achieve the strategic priorities of the federal Center in a coordinated manner, on the one hand, and the old industrial regions and enterprises and organizations of the "industrial core", on the other (coordination "vertically"); the second — in order to coordinate the regional priorities of spatial and sectoral development of the old industrial region (horizontal alignment). Proposals are presented for the formation of a list of agreed priorities for the spatial and sectoral development of the Saratov region, the implementation of which will contribute to the transformation of the region into a point of growth of the national economy of Russia.

Correlation between physical activity and anthropometric measurements among children and adolescents

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to measure the association between the level of physical activity and sedentary conditions with anthropometric measurements of children and adolescents. MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive study consisted of a convenience sample of 400 children and adolescents from public schools in Itapevi-SP, Brazil. The Physical Activity Checklist Interview or LAF “Lista de Atividades Físicas” in a Brazilian version, was administered in a face-to-face interview on a school day and allowed assessment of sedentary behavior and physical activity on the previous day. Anthropometric measurements included body weight, sex, age, and lower limb posture. The participants were photographed in the frontal and sagittal planes, and the photos were analyzed using postural assessment software (PAS/SAPO). Pearson's tests were applied to analyze correlations. ResultsChildren and adolescents show a greater tendency toward valgus knees with increasing body mass (r = ‒0.33). On average, girls have a larger Q angle. Ankles are less likely to become valgus with increasing age and mass (r = ‒0.18 and ‒0.23, respectively). The horizontal alignment of the pelvis is mostly in anteversion with a significant increase with age (r = 0.27) and a slight increase with mass (r = 0.15). The knee and ankle tend to be less hyperextended and more dorsiflexed from the age of 10, with no correlation with the other variables. It was not possible to observe a clear relationship between the time spent in physical activity and sedentary behavior and the postural angles mentioned above. ConclusionAlthough correlations were found between age, sex and body mass, and postural angles, notably pelvis alignment, Q angle, knee, ankle, sex, and body weight, there was no correlation between the time spent in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and lower limb posture.

Development of a maturity model for demand and capacity management in healthcare

BackgroundThe aim of this paper is to develop a maturity model (MM) for demand and capacity management (DCM) processes in healthcare settings, which yields opportunities for organisations to diagnose their planning and production processes, identify gaps in their operations and evaluate improvements.MethodsInformed by existing DCM maturity frameworks, qualitative research methods were used to develop the MM, including major adaptations and additions in the healthcare context. The development phases for maturity assessment models proposed by de Bruin et al. were used as a structure for the research procedure: (1) determination of scope, (2) design of a conceptual MM, (3) adjustments and population of the MM to the specific context and (4) test of construct and validity. An embedded single-case study was conducted for the latter two - four units divided into two hospitals with specialised outpatient care introducing a structured DCM work process. Data was collected through interviews, observations, field notes and document studies. Thematic analyses were carried out using a systematic combination of deductive and inductive analyses - an abductive approach - with the MM progressing with incremental modifications.ResultsWe propose a five-stage MM with six categories for assessing healthcare DCM determined in relation to patient flows (vertical alignment) and organisational levels (horizontal alignment). Our application of this model to our specific case indicates its usefulness in evaluating DCM maturity. Specifically, it reveals that transitioning from service activities to a holistic focus on patient flows during the planning process is necessary to progress to more advanced stages.ConclusionIn this paper, a model for assessing healthcare DCM and for creating roadmaps for improvements towards more mature levels has been developed and tested. To refine and finalise the model, we propose further evaluations of its usefulness and validity by including more contextual differences in patient demand and supply prerequisites.

Influence of horizontal alignment elements on operating speed of vehicles on two-lane highways

Earlier studies acknowledged that the design speed does not principally assure consistency in the design of highway geometric elements. Methodologies for estimating operating speeds are limited to specific or local traffic conditions and design standards, as in various studies conducted on two-lane and multi-lane highways. The present study develops operating speed models of the vehicle types observed on horizontal curves and tangent sections on two-lane highways in southern parts of India. Geometric features of the curve section and adjacent tangent sections, such as the radius of the curve, curve length, deflection angle, degree of curvature, gradient, carriageway width, and shoulder width, are obtained from the field. The speed data collected at 24 locations on the highway, including curved and tangent gradient sections, are used to analyze and model operating speed. The results indicate that the inverse of the square root of the radius appears to be an influencing parameter for modeling the operating speed of vehicles. The operating speed is sensitive for a curve radius of up to 600 m; thereafter, the operating speed appears insignificant. On tangent sections, the gradient has a larger influence on the operating speeds of all vehicle types. The operating speed models are validated and compared with models available in the literature. The proposed models developed in the present study are helpful to traffic engineers for predicting the operating speed on two-lane highways.

The tectonic development of the Central African Plateau: evidence from shear-wave splitting

SUMMARY The Central African Plateau comprises a mosaic of numerous Archean terranes—the Congo, Bangweulu and Kalahari Cratons—sutured in a series of Proterozoic to early Cambrian orogenic events. Major upper-crustal deformation and complex craton margin fault zones reflect the region’s diverse tectonic history: rifting during the Neoproterozoic, collision during the Pan-African orogeny, and more recently, Permo-Triassic Karoo rifting and the Pliocene development of the Southwestern branch of the East African Rift. The tectonic evolution and extent to which the lithospheric mantle has been re-worked by each tectonic event is poorly understood. New seismograph networks across the Plateau provide fresh opportunity to place constraints on the plate-scale Precambrian-to-Phanerozoic processes that have acted across the region. Utilizing data from seismograph deployments across the Central African Plateau, including the new Copper Basin Exploration Science network—a NW–SE-trending, 750-km-long profile of 35 broad-band stations—we explore lithospheric deformation fabrics associated with past and present tectonic events via a shear-wave splitting study of mantle seismic anisotropy. Results reveal short length-scale variations in splitting parameters (fast direction: $\phi$, delay time: $\delta$t), suggestive of a fossil lithospheric fabric cause for the observed anisotropy. A lack of fault-parallel $\phi$ across the Mwembeshi shear zone, suggests it may be too narrow at mantle depths, a thin-skinned, crustal-scale feature, and/or did not experience sufficient fault parallel shear-strain during its last active phase to form a lithospheric deformation fabric discernible via teleseismic shear-wave splitting. In the heart of the Lufilian Arc, we observe abrupt changes in splitting parameters with NE–SW, N–S and NW–SE $\phi$ and 0.5 s $< $$\delta$t$< $ 1.2 s evident at short length-scales: no single, uniform, anisotropic lattice preferred orientation (LPO) fabric defines the entire region. This is consistent with the view that multiple episodes of deformation shaped the Lufilian Arc, or perhaps that pre-existing fabrics, relating to Neoproterozoic Katangan Basin development, have failed to be completely overprinted by the Pan-African orogeny. Near the Domes, where most intense crustal re-working is thought to have taken place during the Pan-African orogeny, there is a cluster of null and low $\delta$t splits which likely reflects the lack of organized LPO fabrics, perhaps due to the presence of depth-dependent anisotropy. The neighbouring Congo Craton margin is marked by consistently weak anisotropy ($\delta$t$\lt $ 0.7 s) indicating a weak horizontal alignment of olivine at mantle lithospheric depths, typical of several Archean terranes worldwide.

Enhanced horizontal alignment of InGaN/GaN nanorod LEDs via insulator-based dielectrophoresis

GaN-based nanorod light emitting diodes (LEDs) are key to the development of high brightness, small pixel size, and long lifetime for high-resolution display applications. To manufacture individual nanorod LEDs as compact light sources, it is necessary to separate the nanorod LEDs from the substrate and transfer them to the electrode. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a highly suitable technique for transferring the individual nanorod LEDs. However, there are still challenges in achieving a high alignment yield. In this work, nanorod LEDs are successfully fabricated and separated to enhance the horizontal alignment in interdigitated electrodes via insulator-based DEP (iDEP). In iDEP, a structure is formed by inserting an insulating layer between the electrodes. This structure manipulates the electric field generated around the electrodes due to polarization by the insulating layer. This results in a relatively uniform electric field distribution on the surface of the insulating layer, thereby enhancing the horizontal alignment of the nanorod LEDs. Herein, the iDEP structure achieves significant nanorod LED alignment yield of up to 91.9 %, compared to 45.5 % for the electrode-based DEP (eDEP) technique. Furthermore, the use of a patterned insulator makes it possible to restrict 1 or 2 aligned nanorod LEDs within a specific pixel region, which is suitable for high-resolution display technologies based on nanorod LEDs.

Development of Motorway Horizontal Alignment Databases for Accurate Accident Prediction Models

The safe and efficient operation of highways minimizes the environmental impact, reduces accidents, and promotes the reliability of the transportation infrastructure, all in support of sustainable transportation. The horizontal alignment of highways holds particular importance as it directly impacts driver behavior, vehicle stability, and overall road safety. In many cases, highway inventory data held by infrastructure operators may contain inaccurate or outdated information. The accuracy of the variables used in crash prediction models eliminates possible bias in the variable estimators. This research proposes a methodology to obtain accurate horizontal geometric features from digital imagery based on the analysis of the planimetry, feature geolocation and centerline azimuth sequence. The reliability of the method is verified by means of numerical and statistical procedures. This methodology is applied to 150 km of motorway segments in Portugal. Although it is found that the geometric characteristics of most of the inventory segments closely matched the extracted alignments, very significant differences are found in some sections. The results of the proposed procedure are illustrated with several examples. Finally, the propagation of error in the determination of the geometric design independent variables in the fitting of the statistical models is discussed based on the results.

Comparison of five methods for improving the accuracy of SRTM3 DEM and TanDEM-X DEM in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau using ICESat-2 data

ABSTRACT The accuracy of digital elevation models (DEMs) is crucial for practical applications in complex terrain. In this study, various correction models were employed to evaluate and correct the 90 m SRTM3 DEM and TanDEM-X DEM data in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region. A simple and universal three-dimensional data co-registration method was utilized for horizontal alignment. The study demonstrated a significant reduction in horizontal discrepancies between datasets after data co-registration. By comparing the performance of five different correction methods, it was found that the RF model exhibited excellent accuracy and robustness, making it particularly suitable for applications that require high precision. The XGB and BPNN models offer a good balance between accuracy and time efficiency, making them suitable for research scenarios that are less sensitive to precision requirements. In contrast, the MLR and IDW methods performed poorly and are not recommended for high-precision applications. Furthermore, the corrected DEMs showed improved resistance to the influence of high slopes, enhancing their applicability in complex terrain areas. This study provides an important reference for the correction of high-quality DEMs in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region and offers valuable insights for DEM research in similar areas.

Network-level crash risk analysis using large-scale geometry features

Road traffic crashes are common occurrences that create substantial losses and hazards to society. A complex interaction of components, including drivers, vehicles, roads, and the environment, can impact the causes of these crashes. Due to its complexity, crash identification, and prediction research over large-scale areas faces several obstacles, including high costs and challenging data collecting. This study offers a method for large-scale road network crash risk identification based on open-source data, given that roadways’ horizontal and vertical geometric alignment is crucial in highway traffic crashes. This methodology includes a comprehensive technique for feature extraction from horizontal curves (H-curves) and vertical curves (V-curves) and a novel way of combining the XGBoost model’s attributes with the Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) algorithm—referred to as the HHO-XGBoost model. Using this model on the road geometry-crash risk dataset developed specifically for this study, the HHO approach adaptively identifies the optimal set of XGBoost hyperparameters and yields favorable outcomes. This study creates a three-dimensional road geometry database that may be utilized for various road infrastructure management, operation, and safety in addition to completing a tiered risk analysis of “region-road-segment” for large-scale road networks. It also offers direction on using swarm intelligence algorithms in integrated learning models.

Wetting-induced collapse of loess: Tracing microstructural evolution

Loess is a silt-dominated, clastic yellow-to-yellowish brown aeolian sediment with high porosity and low density. The metastable microstructure of loess makes it highly susceptible to collapse, which plays a major role in landform evolution, geohazard development and engineering damages, particularly the widespread occurrences of settlement, deformation and cracking of civil engineering structures. Differing from the existing investigations based on pre- and post-collapse comparison, the present study is to report the microstructural changes during the collapse process and to determine how each microstructural constitutive element participates in this process. A series of laboratory tests was conducted on undisturbed loess specimens to simulate and capture snapshots of microstructure at five representative points during the entire collapse process. Results show that the loess microstructure becomes more homogeneous as the outstanding macropores are crushed into smaller (meso- and mini-pores) pores, the number of pores is dramatically increased, and the pore throats become narrower. The pore shapes have no obvious changes and remain elongated and rough-edged morphology from the point of view of statistic. Regarding solids, the pre-collapse unstable point-to-point contacts tend to transform into relatively stable edge (edge-edge or point-edge) type contacts, whilst coarse particles tend to reorient along the horizonal direction. XRD, SEM and EDS analysis indicates that these changes in the nature and distribution of pores and particles result from (1) the breakage and disintegration of moderately to highly weathered particles, (2) the disintegration of the matrix due to the swelling of clay minerals and the dissolution of calcium carbonates, (3) the consequential modifications of the microscopic forces which lead to slipping, rotation and therefore dislocation of particles, and (4) the collapse of mesoscale force chains along particles, reforming on smaller scales with larger numbers, shorter lengths and horizontal alignments.

Vehicle Turning Carbon Emissions and Highway Planar Alignment Design Indicators

The carbon emitted by vehicles traveling on curved roads is greatly affected by the alignment of the route, yet the mechanism behind this is not yet clear, leading to current horizontal alignment designs being unable to avoid this problem. To clarify the principles and indicator thresholds of low-carbon design for planar geometry, this study takes the carbon emission of traveling on curved routes as the research object, and establishes a relationship model between carbon emissions and design indicators based on the principles of vehicle dynamics and kinematics. Field tests were conducted to validate the quantitative relationship model. The model shows that both radius and superelevation are negatively correlated with carbon emissions, while the lateral force coefficient is positively correlated with carbon emissions. The contribution of radius to carbon emissions is greater than that of superelevation. This study clarifies the recommended values of low-carbon design indicators by assessing carbon emissions according to the current route design specification, outlines the principles of superelevation settings, and proposes a methodology to deal with the relationship between superelevation and the lateral friction coefficient. The research findings promote the quantification and standardization of low-carbon highway design, contributing to the early mitigation of high-carbon emissions from curved traffic during the design phase.

Spatial instability of crash prediction models: A case of scooter crashes

Scooters have gained widespread popularity in recent years due to their accessibility and affordability, but safety concerns persist due to the vulnerability of riders. Researchers are actively investigating the safety implications associated with scooters, given their relatively new status as transportation options. However, analyzing scooter safety presents a unique challenge due to the complexity of determining safe riding environments. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of scooter crash risk within various buffer zones, utilizing the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine learning algorithm. The core objective was to unravel the multifaceted factors influencing scooter crashes and assess the predictive model’s performance across different buffers or spatial proximity to crash sites. After evaluating the model’s accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity across buffer distances ranging from 5 ft to 250 ft with the scooter crash as a reference point, a discernible trend emerged: as the buffer distance decreases, the model’s sensitivity increases, although at the expense of accuracy and specificity, which exhibit a gradual decline. Notably, at the widest buffer of 250 ft, the model achieved a high accuracy of 97% and specificity of 99%, but with a lower sensitivity of 31%. Contrastingly, at the closest buffer of 5 ft, sensitivity peaked at 95%, albeit with slightly reduced accuracy and specificity. Feature importance analysis highlighted the most significant predictor across all buffer distances, emphasizing the impact of vehicle interactions on scooter crash likelihood. Explainable Artificial Intelligence through SHAP value analysis provided deeper insights into each feature’s contribution to the predictive model, revealing passenger vehicle types of significantly escalated crash risks. Intriguingly, specific vehicular maneuvers, notably stopping in traffic lanes, alongside the absence of Traffic Control Devices (TCDs), were identified as the major contributors to increased crash occurrences. Road conditions, particularly wet and dry, also emerged as substantial risk factors. Furthermore, the study highlights the significance of road design, where elements like junction types and horizontal alignments – specifically 4 and 5-legged intersections and curves – are closely associated with heightened crash risks. These findings articulate a complex and spatially detailed framework of factors impacting scooter crashes, offering vital insights for urban planning and policymaking.

Anodic oxidation of wireless niobium electrode in bipolar electrochemistry

The anodic oxidation of a wireless niobium substrate serving as a bipolar electrode (BPE) in a direct or alternating current electric field was investigated in detail via spectrophotometry, electrochemical measurement, glow discharge–optical emission spectroscopy, and direct microscopic observation. Niobium oxide was a suitable material for the experiment because it is amorphous and can be evaluated through conventional electrochemical methods. It also has a clear interference color, enabling easy optical evaluation. The effect of the BPE configuration (e.g., vertical and horizontal alignments) in the cell on the anodic oxidation area was also investigated visually using the interference color. Transmission electron microscopy observation was also performed for an accurate measurement of the thickness of the anodic film formed on the niobium BPE. Although the basic film formation behavior and film composition were consistent with those in conventional anodization, even in wireless operation, the effective voltage directly contributing to film formation was found to be lower than the applied voltage (30%–70% of the applied voltage), depending on the electrolysis conditions.