scholarly journals Developing Transportation Response Strategies for Wildfire Evacuations via an Empirically Supported Traffic Simulation of Berkeley, California

2021 ◽  
pp. 036119812110302
Author(s):  
Bingyu Zhao ◽  
Stephen D. Wong
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Evacuation Simulation ◽  
Transportation Mode ◽  
Simulation Tools ◽  
Response Strategies ◽  
Empirically Supported ◽  
Time Estimates ◽  
Evacuation Plan

Government agencies must make rapid and informed decisions in wildfires to evacuate people safely. However, current evacuation simulation tools for resource-strapped agencies largely fail to compare possible transportation responses or incorporate empirical evidence from past wildfires. Consequently, this study employs online survey data from evacuees of the 2017 Northern California Wildfires ( n = 37), the 2017 Southern California Wildfires ( n = 175), and the 2018 Carr Wildfire ( n = 254) to inform a policy-oriented traffic evacuation simulation model. The simulation is tested for a hypothetical wildfire evacuation in the wildland-urban interface of Berkeley, California. The study focuses on variables including fire speed, departure time distribution, towing of items, transportation mode, GPS-enabled rerouting, phased evacuations (i.e., allowing higher-risk residents to leave earlier), and contraflow (i.e., switching all lanes away from danger). It was found that reducing evacuating household vehicles (i.e., to one vehicle per household) and increasing GPS-enabled rerouting (e.g., 50% participation) lowered exposed vehicles (i.e., total vehicles in the fire frontier) by over 50% and evacuation time estimates (ETEs) by about 30% from baseline. Phased evacuations with a suitable time interval reduced exposed vehicles most significantly (over 90%) but produced slightly longer ETEs. Both contraflow (on limited links because of resource constraints) and slowing fire speed were effective in lowering number of exposed vehicles (around 50%), but not ETEs. Extended contraflow can reduce both exposed vehicles and ETEs. It is recommended that agencies develop a communication and parking plan to reduce the number of evacuating vehicles, create and communicate a phased evacuation plan, and build partnerships with GPS-routing services.

Employability Assessment in Australian Total and Permanent Disability Insurance Claims: A Survey of Claims Professionals’ Views

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Black ◽  
Lynda R. Matthews ◽  
Michael J. Millington
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Disability Insurance ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Insurance Claims ◽  
Permanent Disability ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Transferable Skills ◽  
Job Match ◽  
Time Estimates ◽  
Report Quality

Abstract Employability assessment was developed to help claims professionals decide total and permanent disability insurance claims, yet it has not been empirically evaluated. This descriptive study sought formative knowledge about employability assessment from claims professionals working in the multibillion-dollar Australian life insurance total and permanent disability market. Claims assessors (n = 53) and technical advisors (n = 51) responded to a nationwide online survey. Participants found employability assessment was cost effective and very useful in deciding claims. Having an objective, realistic, and clear picture of a claimant’s employment prospects was important. Highly rated components of employability assessment included transferable skills analysis; summary of education, training and experience; job match rationale; and labour market analysis with employer contact. Face-to-face claimant interviews were favoured by 56% of participants, particularly when there was legal involvement. Standardised provider training and certification were recommended to improve report quality and withstand scrutiny of the courts. Billing time estimates are higher than extant costs for assessment tasks. More than half (56%) the participants considered rehabilitation counsellors were best qualified to conduct employability assessments. The study findings contribute new knowledge to this emergent field and point to further research into quality and cost of employability assessment, and provider accreditation.

scholarly journals Simulating trees with millions of species

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (9) ◽  
pp. 2907-2908 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stilianos Louca
Keyword(s):  
Common Ancestor ◽  
R Package ◽  
Supplementary Information ◽  
Recent Common Ancestor ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Simulation Tools ◽  
Parametric Bootstrapping ◽  
Most Recent Common Ancestor ◽  
Large Trees ◽  
Efficient Software

Abstract Motivation The birth-death (BD) model constitutes the theoretical backbone of most phylogenetic tools for reconstructing speciation/extinction dynamics over time. Performing simulations of reconstructed trees (linking extant taxa) under the BD model in backward time, conditioned on the number of species sampled at present day and, in some cases, a specific time interval since the most recent common ancestor (MRCA), is needed for assessing the performance of reconstruction tools, for parametric bootstrapping and for detecting data outliers. The few simulation tools that exist scale poorly to large modern phylogenies, which can comprise thousands or even millions of tips (and rising). Results Here I present efficient software for simulating reconstructed phylogenies under time-dependent BD models in backward time, conditioned on the number of sampled species and (optionally) on the time since the MRCA. On large trees, my software is 1000–10 000 times faster than existing tools. Availability and implementation The presented software is incorporated into the R package ‘castor’, which is available on The Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN). Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

National survey on delta checks in clinical laboratories in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 569-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shukang He ◽  
Fengfeng Kang ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Bingquan Chen ◽  
Zhiguo Wang
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Physiological State ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
General Situation ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Check Calculation ◽  
Clinical Laboratories ◽  
The Status ◽  
Wbc Count

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to understand the status quo of delta checks in Chinese clinical laboratories through a nationwide online survey.MethodsThe survey was divided into two parts. The first part was a general situation survey in which clinical laboratories had to provide information about the laboratories, including delta checks used. In the second part, clinical laboratories were asked to record the delta check alerts generated in their laboratories from June 1st, 2019 to June 30th, 2019.ResultsThe most frequently used analytes in delta checks were potassium (K), glucose (Glu), creatinine (Cre) for clinical chemistry and hemoglobin (Hgb), platelet (PLT) count and white blood cell (WBC) count for clinical hematology. The median maximum time interval between specimens for all analytes was 5 days. The most commonly used delta check calculation modes in Chinese clinical laboratories were percentage change and absolute change. K and Hgb were the analytes most involved in clinical chemistry and clinical hematology delta check alerts. The most common causes of delta check alerts were that the patients had received treatment, which was followed by the change in the patient’s physiological state and interference from hemolysis, lipemia and icterus. The two most common outcomes of delta check alerts were ‘no problems found, standard report issued’ and ‘no problems found, report issued with comment’.ConclusionsThis study was the first nationwide survey of delta checks in China, the results of which help us to understand the current situation of delta checks in Chinese clinical laboratories.

The coherent wave–particle resonance perturbed by turbulence

1978 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Armando L. Brinca
Keyword(s):  
Relative Intensity ◽  
Resonance Effect ◽  
Interaction Time ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Stochastic Fields ◽  
Coherent Mode ◽  
Time Estimates ◽  
Coherent Wave ◽  
Upper Limits ◽  
Particle Resonance

Stochastic fields perturb the evolution of coherent wave–particle resonances. Knowledge of the probabifity distribution obeyed by the trapping parameter places upper limits on the time interval where the noiseless description of the resonance is acceptable. Alternatively, given the interaction time, estimates of the relative intensity of the coherent mode and turbulent fields required for a typical resonance effect to occur are obtained.

scholarly journals Why don't we bike to the Go? Exploring the potential for cycling to suburban transit stations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Lee Schofield
Keyword(s):  
Principal Component Analysis ◽  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Transportation Mode ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Predominantly Female ◽  
And Cluster Analysis ◽  
Transportation Mode Choice ◽  
Key Words Cycling

This research develops a cycling typology of suburban transit passengers. The primary goal was to identify whether there are specific GO Transit customer segments who may be willing to cycle to the station. Passengers were invited to complete an online survey, which assessed cycling perceptions and current cycling behaviour. A principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used to develop a typology of respondents, which revealed four distinct types of transit riders. All-around cyclists were found to currently cycle to the station, while the remaining three types (recreational cyclists, safety-conscious, and facility-demanding) exhibited varying degrees of interest in cycling. A significant gender difference was observed in the predominantly female safety-conscious type. There was a pervasive perception across the three non-cycling groups that cycling is an impractical way to reach the station. Infrastructure improvements and a shift in perceptions will be essential to increase rates of cycling to stations. Key words: cycling; first/last-mile; suburban transportation; mode choice

scholarly journals Modeling and transportation planning for US noncombatant evacuation operations in South Korea

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A Kearby ◽  
Ryan D Winz ◽  
Brandon M McConnell ◽  
Thom J Hodgson ◽  
Michael G Kay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Mixed Integer ◽  
Mixed Integer Linear Program ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Entire Duration ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Evacuation Plan ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Individual Asset

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate US noncombatant evacuation operations (NEO) in South Korea and devise planning and management procedures that improve the efficiency of those missions. Design/methodology/approach: It formulates a time-staged network model of the South Korean noncombatant evacuation system as a mixed integer linear program to determine an optimal flow configuration that minimizes the time required to complete an evacuation. This solution considers the capacity and resource constraints of multiple transportation modes and effectively allocates the limited assets across a time-staged network to create a feasible evacuation plan. That solution is post-processed and a vehicle routing procedure then produces a high resolution schedule for each individual asset throughout the entire duration of the NEO. Findings: This work makes a clear improvement in the decision-making and resource allocation methodology currently used in a NEO on the Korea peninsula. It immediately provides previously unidentifiable information regarding the scope and requirements of a particular evacuation scenario and then produces an executable schedule for assets to facilitate mission accomplishment. Originality/value: The significance of this work is not relegated only to evacuation operations on the Korean peninsula; there are numerous other NEO and natural disaster related scenarios that can benefit from this approach.

Integration of an Urban Ropeway into Munich’s Transit System Demand Modeling

2019 ◽  
Vol 2673 (10) ◽  
pp. 47-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michaela Tiessler ◽  
Roman Engelhardt ◽  
Klaus Bogenberger ◽  
Christoph Hessel ◽  
Magdalena Serwa-Klamouri
Keyword(s):  
Public Transportation ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Transit System ◽  
Transportation Mode ◽  
Tourist Attractions ◽  
Demand Modeling ◽  
The North ◽  
The Alps ◽  
Interesting Alternative

Whereas in some cities ropeways already belong to the transit system, in Germany they are better known from skiing in the alps or as tourist attractions that were implemented in relation to expositions as in Koblenz or Berlin. Nonetheless, a ropeway system has several advantages, which make it an interesting alternative in urban public transportation. In this paper, we investigate the varying attitude of residents and commuters towards a ropeway system and its potential on a route in the north of Munich. To get an impression of their opinion, we conducted an online survey focusing on route choice depending on transit mode and travel times. In general, the respondents had a positive attitude towards this novel option and rate it with similar attractiveness to subway. To investigate the demand for the ropeway, the results of the survey were used to add a new transportation mode in the VISUM model for transit in Munich.

The Effect of Choice and Announcement Duration on the Estimation of Telephone Hold Time

2009 ◽  
pp. 2404-2423
Author(s):  
Philip Kortum ◽  
Randolph G. Bias ◽  
Benjamin A. Knott ◽  
Robert G. Bushey
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Similar Pattern ◽  
Hold Time ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Subjective Time ◽  
Time Estimates ◽  
Subjective Assessments

If a caller is placed on hold when they call a business, about half will hang up before the call is answered. Of those that hang up, only half of those will call back (Staino, 1994). Optimizing the on-hold experience has the potential to reduce hang-ups and make being put on hold more palatable to the caller. The current study assessed the influence of the opportunity to make a music choice and the length of pre-music announcement duration on perceived on-hold durations and customer satisfaction. Subjective assessments of on-hold times were significantly shorter with longer announcements, but satisfaction did not change. The chance to choose music improved satisfaction, but did not significantly reduce subjective time estimates. To test if multiple withinsubject trials might have led to prospective time judgments, a between-subjects design replication was conducted, with each participant estimating only one time interval. A similar pattern of results was obtained.

scholarly journals Promoting effectiveness of “working from home”: findings from Hong Kong working population under COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ada Hiu Kan Wong ◽  
Joyce Oiwun Cheung ◽  
Ziguang Chen
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Working From Home ◽  
Work Family ◽  
Media Channels

PurposeWorking-from-home (WFH) practice has been adopted by many companies of a variety of industries in a diverse manner; however, it is not until the recent outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic WFH gains worldwide popularity. With so many different views out there and based on work–family balance theory, this study aims to find out the factors which affect peoples' WFH effectiveness and whether they want the extended WFH practice when the pandemic crisis is over.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopted an online survey approach by posting questionnaires on the university website and different social media channels to collect views from full-time Hong Kong workers who have had WFH experience during the coronavirus outbreak. A total of 1,976 effective responses were collected for the data analysis.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that WFH effectiveness is improved by personal and family well-being but reduced by environmental and resource constraints. When workers are experiencing higher WFH effectiveness, they have a higher preference for WFH even after the pandemic; the female workers preferred WFH twice per week, while the male workers more often preferred WFH once per week. Finally, workers from the management and the self-employed levels demonstrated a lower preference for WFH, compared to the front-line and middle-grade workers.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils to provide a timely reflection on workers' post-pandemic WFH preference, the factors affecting their WFH effectiveness and the demographic differences inducing to the differentiated preferences.

scholarly journals Community midwives’ and health visitors’ experiences of research recruitment: a qualitative exploration using the Theoretical Domains Framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennie Rose ◽  
Kieran Lynn ◽  
Jane Akister ◽  
Fiona Maxton ◽  
Sarah A. Redsell
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Social Influences ◽  
Theoretical Domains Framework ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Research Recruitment ◽  
Health Visitors ◽  
Community Midwives ◽  
Postnatal Women ◽  
Qualitative Exploration

Abstract Background: Successful research is frequently hampered by poor study recruitment, especially in community settings and with participants who are women and their children. Health visitors (HVs) and community midwives (CMs) are well placed to invite young families, and pregnant and postnatal women to take part in such research, but little is known about how best to support these health professionals to do this effectively. Aim: This study uses the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore the factors that influence whether HVs and CMs invite eligible patients to take part in research opportunities. Method: HVs (n = 39) and CMs (n = 22) working in four NHS Trusts and one community partnership in England completed an anonymous, online survey with open-ended questions about their experiences of asking eligible patients to take part in the research. Qualitative data were analysed using directed content analysis and inductive coding to identify specific barriers and enablers to patient recruitment within each of the 14 theoretical domains. Findings: Six key TDF domains accounted for 81% of all coded responses. These were (a) environmental context and resources; (b) beliefs about capabilities; (c) social/professional role and identity; (d) social influences; (e) goals; (f) knowledge. Key barriers to approaching patients to participate in the research were time and resource constraints, perceived role conflict, conflicting priorities, and particularly for HVs, negative social influences from patients and researchers. Enablers included feeling confident to approach patients, positive influence from peers, managers and researchers, beliefs in the relevance of this behaviour to health care and practice and good knowledge about the study procedures, its rationale and the research topic. The findings suggest that to improve research recruitment involving HVs and CMs, a package of interventions is needed to address the barriers and leverage the enablers to participant approach.

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