Driver Program Research Articles

Driving against the clock: Investigating the impacts of time pressure on taxi and non-professional drivers’ safety and compliance

Drivers often encounter time pressure, which can lead to riskier driving habits, decreased safety margins, and a higher chance of accidents. Given that taxi drivers frequently experience these conditions, this study examines how time pressure impacts the driving behaviors of both taxi and non-professional drivers. In this regard, a driving simulator experiment was carried out to assess the driving behaviors of both groups under time pressure. The simulation drive included different scenarios such as a stop sign, a pedestrian crosswalk, four intersections, a school zone, a slow bus and a drop-off location. The study recruited 55 taxi drivers and 55 non-professional drivers to take part in the experiment. Each participant completed the simulation drive twice, with the second drive conducted after they were informed that a reward would be given for finishing the trip more quickly. The findings reveal that drivers exhibited significantly riskier behaviors under time pressure, including higher speeds and reduced adherence to traffic rules. When comparing both groups, non-professional drivers displayed higher speeds and riskier behaviors across various scenarios, whereas taxi drivers were more likely to commit violations associated with drop-offs. These findings call for targeted awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement to reduce risky behaviors under time pressure. Flexible scheduling for non-professional drivers and incentive programs for taxi drivers can further promote safer practices. Policymakers can use these insights to design strategies that address the risks associated with time pressure.

The Interplay Between Negative Alcohol Expectancies and Locus of Control and Its Association with Motivation to Change Alcohol Use Among Repeat Alcohol-Impaired Drivers

Background Alcohol-impaired driving is a costly public health problem with a high rate of recidivism. Objectives This investigation aimed to examine the associations among negative alcohol expectancies (NAE), locus of control (LoC), and motivation to reduce alcohol use among repeat alcohol-impaired drivers. Methods Fifty-nine participants with ≥ 2 previous driving under the influence (DUI) arrests were recruited from a correctional treatment facility or the community. Participants completed NAE, LoC, Motivation to Change alcohol use, and psychiatric disorders (e.g., alcohol and/or substance use disorder) assessments. Results Both proximal (β = −0.37, p = 0.022) and distal (β = −0.40, p = 0.011) NAE were negatively associated with Motivation to Change. External LoC was associated with lower Motivation to Change among repeat alcohol-impaired drivers (β = −0.42, p = 0.006). The association of distal NAE with Motivation to Change was moderated by LoC (β = −0.48, p < 0.002): those with greater internal LoC had greater Motivation to Change when they focused more on distal NAE, whereas those with greater external LoC exhibited weaker Motivation to Change as they perceived more distal NAE. Conclusion The relationship between NAE and motivation to change among repeat alcohol-impaired drivers can be better explained by considering their association with LoC. Distal NAE can help repeat alcohol-impaired drivers have stronger motivation to change especially when they have greater internal LoC. Treatment programs for repeat alcohol-impaired drivers can be improved when they focus on the enhancement of both internal LoC and the awareness of long-term negative outcomes of alcohol use.

Effects of Spinal De-loading Exercise Program on Spinal Muscle Endurance, Working Posture, and Musculoskeletal Discomfort among University Bus Drivers

Objectives: Professional drivers have a significant prevalence of musculoskeletal issues such as LBP as a result of extended sitting and vibration exposure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a spinal de-loading exercise program on spinal muscle endurance, working posture, and musculoskeletal discomfort among university bus drivers. Methods: 52 subjects who fulfilled the selection criteria were taken and divided into two groups. The experimental group (Group A, n=26) received a spinal de-loading exercise program and the control group (Group B, n=26) received conventional physiotherapy exercises. Each group participated in the intervention thrice a week for six weeks. Findings: Statistical analysis showed significant improvement in both the groups, however more so in the experimental group. Comparing Group A to Group B, notable gains were seen. Group A experienced a 45.8% decrease in discomfort, a 56% decrease in pain, and a 42.4% improvement in working posture. In Group A, the transverse abdominis and multifidus muscles' endurance improved by 58.5% and 42.8%, respectively. Compared to Group B, these improvements were noticeably better. Novelty: This is the first study to design and assess an exercise program for university bus drivers that explicitly targets spinal de-loading. Compared to traditional physiotherapy exercises, the program substantially improved working posture, spinal muscular endurance, and the reduction of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. Keywords: Drivers, Pain, Endurance, Posture, Spine, Discomfort, bus driver, back pain, De­loading exercises

Risk Assessment for the Development of Emergency Scenarios for Tram Driver Training

(1) Background: This article presents research results from a project to develop a simulator and training program for tram drivers based on virtual reality tools. This article aims to present the research results on the risk assessment of adverse events to develop training scenarios for tram drivers. (2) Methods: The research methodology involved four steps, including the identification of adverse events based on interviews with experts, estimation of risk parameters, risk assessment using fuzzy logic, and risk evaluation to identify events recommended for the training program. (3) Results: Thirteen adverse events related to tram driving were identified and ranked according to the proposed classification. A risk assessment was then performed for the selected group of events using fuzzy logic models. The results made it possible to recommend situations that should be mapped in the virtual world as part of a tram driver training program. (4) Conclusions: The results made it possible to distinguish a group of events that should constitute the training area dedicated to tram drivers. Including the developed emergency scenarios in the training program allows employees to examine their reactions to stressful or dangerous situations and better prepare themselves for future duties.

A novel learner driver first aid eLearning program: a mixed-method pre-post pilot test and evaluation

BackgroundApproximately 1.35 million people worldwide are killed in road accidents every year. Mandatory first aid training for learner drivers has been introduced in some European countries but no such requirements are in effect in Australia. The current study aimed to pilot and evaluate a first aid eLearning program for Australian learner drivers undertaking their mandated supervised driving hours.MethodsA total of 103 participants (M age = 20.57; 52.4% female, 96% completion rate) responded to an online survey immediately before and two weeks after completing the Learner Driver First Aid program. Participants completed measures of first aid self-efficacy, first aid knowledge, and attitudes towards first aid, and provided qualitative feedback on the program. Paired samples t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests assessed improvements in first aid self-efficacy, knowledge, and attitudes, and qualitative feedback were analysed thematically.ResultsParticipants showed significant pre-post program improvements in first aid self-efficacy (p < .001) and first aid knowledge (p < .001); however, there were no significant changes in attitudes towards first aid (p = .028). Self-efficacy and knowledge improvements were significantly greater for those without prior first aid training (p < .001). Participants rated the usability of the online program favourably and most (93.2%) were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the program. Qualitative feedback suggested participants found the program to be accessible and interactive but noted concerns about the transfer of skills to the real-world context.ConclusionsThe findings provide support for the efficacy of online first aid training for Australian learner drivers. However, further improvements to the eLearning program based on participant feedback should be considered. This study recommends the Learner Driver First Aid program be refined and rolled out to the Australian public.

Exploring Bacillus species xylanases for industrial applications: screening via thermostability and reaction modelling.

Xylanases derived from Bacillus species hold significant importance in various large-scale production sectors, with increasing demand driven by biofuel production. However, despite their potential, the extreme environmental conditions often encountered in production settings have led to their underutilisation. To address this issue and enhance their efficacy under adverse conditions, we conducted a theoretical investigation on a group of five Bacillus species xylanases belonging to the glycoside hydrolase GH11 family. Bacillus sp. NCL 87-6-10 (sp_NCL 87-6-10) emerged as a potent candidate among the selected biocatalysts; this Bacillus strain exhibited high thermal stability and achieved a transition state with minimal energy requirements, thereby accelerating the biocatalytic reaction process. Our approach aims to provide support for experimentalists in the industrial sector, encouraging them to employ structural-based reaction modelling scrutinisation to predict the ability of targeted xylanases. Utilising crystal structure data available in the Carbohydrate-Active enzymes database, we aimed to analyse their structural capabilities in terms of thermal-stability and activity. Our investigation into identifying the most prominent Bacillus species xylanases unfolds with the help of the semi-empirical quantum mechanics MOPAC method integrated with the DRIVER program is used in calculations of reaction pathways to understand the activation energy. Additionally, we scrutinised the selected xylanases using various analyses, including constrained network analyses, intermolecular interactions of the enzyme-substrate complex and molecular orbital assessments calculated using the AM1 method with the MO-G model (MO-G AM1) to validate their reactivity.

DEVELOPMENT OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE BASED ON THE CHATGPT CHAT-BOT

The article discusses the main aspects of system software development, namely writing program code for a simple device driver using the ChatGPT chat bot. The introduction outlines the main difficulties (hardware, software, complexity of debugging and testing, and security issues) that developers may encounter during driver development, as well as ways to possibly solve them: for example, by increasing the level of their theoretical knowledge or using modern tools, such as neural networks. The main part of the article reviews existing research in the field of system software development and testing. Existing software development tools are reviewed: such as development environments, tools for debugging, profiling, testing and static analysis of program code, as well as solutions in the field of version control and collaboration. A comparative table is provided showing the pros and cons of developing device drivers for Windows and Linux operating systems. The stages of the process of generating driver program code for a computer mouse using the ChatGPT chat bot are described. Conventionally, the article identifies five main stages: preparing training data, training, creating a query, generating and repeating stages in case of an unsatisfactory result. Examples of generated program code for a computer mouse driver for Windows and Linux operating systems are provided. In conclusion, conclusions are given regarding further prospects for using the ChatGPT chatbot in system software development tasks.

A Coordinate Positioning Technique Based on Region Partitioning for EV Wireless Charging System

The performance of wireless charging systems is very sensitive to the relative position of couplers. A small displacement between the transmitting and the receiving coils may lead to severe efficiency drop and degradation in system performance. Therefore, it is necessary to include a positioning-technique-based parking guiding program in EV wireless charging systems. To offer fast and clear location information of the couplers to the driver or automatic parking program, a coordinate positioning technique based on region partitioning for determining the relative position between the transmitting and receiving coils as well as the correct moving direction of the receiving coil is proposed in this paper. Meanwhile, a simple exciting circuit is also proposed to energize the source coil. Therefore, the proposed positioning system consists of the transmitting coil, receiving coil, two auxiliary coils and the corresponding low power converters. With the proposed technique, an EV can move to the near-perfect-coupling zone. Theoretical analysis and experimental verifications are provided.

Facilitators and barriers to the implementation of community-based transportation services for older adults: Evidence from six case studies

In the context of population aging, community-based transportation services are increasingly being relied upon to provide transportation for older adults. Examples of these services include volunteer driver programs and small shuttle bus services operated by non-profits, private companies, and municipalities. Despite filling important gaps in the transportation system, these services are often overlooked in transportation research and planning. This paper contributes to this research gap by providing evidence on the facilitators and barriers to implementation of community-based transportation services for older adults. We present evidence from six case studies in British Columbia, Canada: a paratransit service (Step up ‘N’ Ride), an on-demand transit service (Zunga Bus), a volunteer driver program (Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives Volunteer Driver Program), a semi-fixed route shuttle service (Go Bus), a neighbourhood-based door-to-door service (Collingwood Neighbourhood House Seniors’ Shuttle), and a free door-to-door service (Delta Seniors Bus). Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we reviewed publicly available documents and conducted semi-structured interviews with key informants knowledgeable about the services. Facilitators and barriers to implementation centred on five themes: the availability of the service (innovation), the often overlooked but important role of drivers (individuals), tailoring and adapting the service to meet older adults’ needs (implementation process), the strengths of inter-organizational and -sectoral partnerships (inner setting), and the intermittent and inefficient nature of funding for transportation services in the sector (outer setting). Bringing forward learnings from the implementation of community-based transportation services can help inform the development and planning of these services in other communities.

Lineage-specific intolerance to oncogenic drivers restricts histological transformation.

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are thought to originate from different epithelial cell types in the lung. Intriguingly, LUAD can histologically transform into SCLC after treatment with targeted therapies. In this study, we designed models to follow the conversion of LUAD to SCLC and found that the barrier to histological transformation converges on tolerance to Myc, which we implicate as a lineage-specific driver of the pulmonary neuroendocrine cell. Histological transformations are frequently accompanied by activation of the Akt pathway. Manipulating this pathway permitted tolerance to Myc as an oncogenic driver, producing rare, stem-like cells that transcriptionally resemble the pulmonary basal lineage. These findings suggest that histological transformation may require the plasticity inherent to the basal stem cell, enabling tolerance to previously incompatible oncogenic driver programs.

Psychological and pedagogical factors that determine the need for self-education of elderly drivers.

The subject of the study is the identification of factors affecting road safety by drivers of vehicles.The object of the study is the psychological and pedagogical factors influencing the provision of road safety by elderly drivers in the process of self-study. The authors carry out an administrative and legal analysis of the status of the driver of the vehicle within the framework of the legislation of the Russian Federation. Statistical data on road traffic accidents committed by drivers of various age groups for 9 months of 2022 are disclosed. The authors provide statistics on accident rates caused by drivers with different driving experience. The authors analyze the problem of limiting the use of vehicles by elderly drivers from the point of view of their social activity and the adaptation of elderly drivers to new conditions for ensuring road safety when driving. The authors pay special attention to the study of physiological and psychological changes occurring in older drivers and affecting safety when driving a vehicle. The authors propose the introduction of a specialized self-education program for elderly drivers as part of the prevention of road safety. In the course of the research, the dialectical method of scientific cognition was used, as well as a set of general scientific and special methods for studying factors affecting the safety of elderly drivers when driving vehicles. Implementation of scientific findings and recommendations in the practice of self-education of elderly drivers in safe driving. The main conclusions of the study are the system components obtained by the authors that affect road safety when driving vehicles by elderly drivers. A special contribution of the authors to the study of the topic is their proposed specialized self-study program. The authors note that programs should take into account the physiological and psychological characteristics of older people. They may include game directions for teaching changes in traffic rules, features of safe driving techniques applicable without the use of specialized polygons, as well as stress management methods and self-regulation techniques, a set of exercises to increase concentration. The novelty of the study lies in the disclosure of the main provisions of the program for self-education of elderly drivers in safe driving, taking into account their physiological and psychological characteristics.

Single axis solar tracking system using arduino

The future is being built upon the foundation of renewable energy, particularly solar energy. Today, India is the third- largest solar deployment country in the world. Solar energy is an extremely efficient form of energy, making it a popular choice among people. However, the fixed structure of solar panels often limits their productivity. This paper proposes capturing more solar energy using a single-axis solar tracking system designed with an Arduino UNO and LDRs (along with two IR sensors). The proposed system aims to increase the performance of solar panels by continuously tracking the sun. It can receive the maximum amount of solar energy when it is perpendicular to the solar panel. The main controller in this paper is the Arduino UNO, a board based on the Atmega328P microcontroller. Two LDRs are used to detect the position of the sun in the sky, while a mirror rotates the orientation of the solar photovoltaic panels with the help of the L293D motor driver. An Arduino board connects to the sensor and gear drive. The photovoltaic panel and the motor are mechanically connected. The Arduino IDE is used to write the driver program. After the system was assembled, its operation was tested. The tracker intelligently adjusts the angle of the panels based on the direction in which the sun is facing the solar panel.

CE Module: Program Evaluation of Fit to Pass®-A Remotely Accessible Health Promotion Program for Commercial Motor Vehicle Truck Drivers.

CE Module: Program Evaluation of Fit to Pass®-A Remotely Accessible Health Promotion Program for Commercial Motor Vehicle Truck Drivers.

Analysis of factors influencing crash injury severities at highway–rail grade crossings accommodating for unobserved heterogeneity

Introduction: This research aims to identify and understand the risk factors associated with injury severities in accidents occurring at highway–rail grade crossings in the context of the developing country, Thailand.Method: The mixed logit model was employed by analyzing crash data over 10 years, from 2012 to 2022.Results: The analysis revealed a number of significant factors associated with severe or fatal crashes. These included accidents that occurred between midnight and 6 a.m., collisions involving pickup cars or heavy trucks, roads with a “no overtaking zone” sign, intersections classified as Type B1 (defined by the presence of only warning posts and horizontal crossing barriers), and intersections without adequate traffic control devices. In contrast, hazard markers on pavements and traverse rumble strips were positively correlated with property damage only crashes, where no injuries were reported.Discussion: This study provides insights into contributory factors to accidents at highway–rail grade crossing. Based on these key findings, the study recommends increasing nighttime visibility at railway grade crossings, developing targeted education and training programs for pickup car and truck drivers, installing hazard markers and traverse rumble strips, and considering physical barriers, such as bollards or delineators, to discourage overtaking maneuvers near the railway crossing.

Gene Expression Programming for Quantum Computing

We introduce QuantumGEP , a scientific computer program that uses gene expression programming (GEP) to find a quantum circuit that either (1) maps a given set of input states to a given set of output states or (2) transforms a fixed initial state to minimize a given physical quantity of the output state. QuantumGEP is a driver program that uses evendim , a generic computational engine for GEP, both of which are free and open source. We apply QuantumGEP as a powerful solver for MaxCut in graphs and for condensed matter quantum many-body Hamiltonians.

Mortality Rate and Years of Life Lost Due to Road Traffic Accidents in Fars Province, 2004-2019.

Traffic accidents are one of the most critical health problems and the ninth leading cause of death globally. We aimed to determine the Mortality rate and the number of Years of Life Lost (YLL) due to road traffic accidents. In this retrospective cohort study, mortality rate and YLL due to road traffic accidents were examined in Fars province, central Iran during the years 2004-2019. Mortality statistics were collected through death registration of ministry of health and medical education for Fars Province. Age Standardized mortality Rate (ASR) was calculated and join point regression analysis carried out to examine the trend of YLL rate. Data were analyzed using Excel spreadsheet version 2016 and Join point Regression Program 4.9.0.0. During the 16-year study period, 25,858 deaths due to road traffic accidents occurred in the province. 79.2% (20483 cases) were in men, and 33.7% (8703 cases) were aged 15-29 years. Total YLL during the 16-year study period were 458,975 (14.6 per 1000 people) in men, 117,999 (3.8 per 1000 people) in women. According to the join point regression, the 16- year trend of YLL rate due to premature mortality was decreasing: AAPC was -4.9% (95% CI: -8.8 to -0.9; P=0.018) for male, and -3.5% (95% CI: -6.3 to-0.5; P=0.011) for female. Considering that the number of deaths, mortality rate and YLL has decreased in Fars province during the 16 years under study. Therefore, because the mortality rate due to road traffic accidents in Iran is higher than the global average, the need for training programs for drivers, compliance with standards and retrofitting of vehicles, road safety, driving supervision and the use of seat belts are essential.

Improving traffic safety by improving drivers training category "B"

The article refers to the lack of a system in the training of professional personnel, taking into account their potential for mental and physical development, the stability of the psycho-physiological state, motivation and other personal qualities of drivers. The issue of improving road safety by improving the system of training drivers of category "B" is being considered. Recommendations are presented for the advanced training program for taxi drivers to ensure the necessary level of road safety. Keywords: road safety, accident rate, traffic accident, driver training system, hardware and software complex, skill level, algorithm

Beliefs and attitudes of Australian learner drivers toward driving and avoiding driving through floodwater

IntroductionDriving through floodwater is a significant cause of flood-related injury and mortality, and opportunities exist to embed safe driving messages regarding floodwaters to novice drivers in graduated driver licensing schemes. To inform future educational efforts, we investigated the beliefs and attitudes of Australian learner drivers about driving and avoiding driving through floodwaters. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional correlational design with measures drawn from the theory of planned behaviour and administered within an online survey. Phase 1 (N = 44 learner drivers) aimed to identify the core beliefs associated with driving through floodwater. Phase 2 (N = 250 learner drivers) tested these beliefs predicting willingness to drive through floodwater as well as the social psychological factors that predict learner drivers’ willingness to drive and avoid driving through floodwater using a pre-tested scenario. Analyses comprised descriptive statistics, linear regression, and structural equation models. Results: Ten key beliefs were identified as predicting willingness to drive through floodwater. These included perceived advantages and disadvantages, perceived social approval from important others, and perceived facilitators and barriers regarding driving through floodwater in the presented scenario. Structural equation models of social cognition constructs of the theory of planned behaviour revealed attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control predicted both willingness to drive and avoid driving through floodwater. Past experience as a passenger also predicted these social cognition constructs, although this differed across models. Discussion: Results highlight the importance of modelling safe driving behaviour for young passengers. The strong association between subjective norm and willingness to drive through floodwater further highlights the importance of those supervising learner drivers to establish expectations around avoiding driving through the floodwater if it is encountered on a driving route. Conclusion: Social cognition factors from the theory of planned behaviour predict willingness to drive and avoid driving though floodwater. Theory-based targets should be considered for the development of intervention programs for novice drivers, such as those holding learner licenses.

Exploring the factors influencing acquisition and learning experiences of cars fitted with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have shown substantial potential to increase road safety. To guarantee a growing presence and correct use of ADAS, road safety initiatives such as driver education and programs to promote safer vehicles need to be oriented towards the specific needs of individual drivers. The aim of this study was to explore a sample of Australian drivers’ rationale for driving a vehicle with ADAS and the strategies that they use when learning to operate the functions of ADAS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 48 Australian drivers aged between 19 and 78 years (M = 41.54, SD = 16.32; 25 females). The results were organised into four themes: (i) reasons for driving/purchasing a car with ADAS, (ii) systems influencing driver purchasing systems, (iii) strategies used by drivers when learning about ADAS, and (iv) perceptions regarding the importance of learning and training to use ADAS. Acquisition of vehicles with ADAS frequently occurred because of the perceived safety benefits of specific systems (e.g., rear parking sensor or in-vehicle information system). Additionally, some participants did not highlight the safety benefits as the main reason for driving/purchasing a car with ADAS. Indeed, some participants mentioned that ADAS acquisition was not a reasoned process but rather an opportunistic decision when upgrading their vehicles, mainly because these systems were already included in a vehicle. Regarding education, it was found that participants were using trial-and-error as their main approach to learning about the capabilities of ADAS and official sources of knowledge about the system were rarely consulted. On a positive note, participants recognised the importance of learning to use ADAS systems correctly, showing that there is demand for effective and engaging driver education.

Методология разработки образовательных и реабилитационных программ интервенций для водителей-нарушителей в европейских странах (обзор)

Over the past decades, in the EU countries, educational and rehabilitation interventions for drivers who have committed gross violations of the traffic rules, including driving under influence of alcohol, have become a common addition to traditional administrative and criminal measures. Initially, intervention programs in European countries were differentiated depending on the type of traffic violation. Thus, the intervention programs for drunk drivers differed significantly from the programs for drivers who exceeded the speed limit. Later the results of scientific research proved the feasibility of using a different methodological approach when creating intervention programs for offending drivers, which was based on the study of their behaviour patterns, socio-demographic characteristics and psychological profiles. The practical implementation of this approach made it possible to conclude that complex intervention programs that include all types of gross violations of traffic rules and are differentiated in accordance with violators’ profiles, are highly effective. The recommendations under consideration also concern such a gross violation of traffic rules as driving while intoxicated which is characterized by high latency of its commission in road traffic. Despite the universality of such intervention programs for certain profiles of violating drivers, in relation to drunk drivers the authors suggest the initial differentiation of the latter, taking into account the presence or absence of alcohol addiction, since this information is significant in determining the profile of the driver. Accordingly, the presence or absence of addiction among drunk drivers is one of the main criteria for choosing an intervention program based on the profile of the offending driver. The review presents scientific interest, given the existing negative trends in road traffic injuries associated with driving under influence in the Russian Federation.