scholarly journals Validating a model of architectural hazard visibility with low-vision observers

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0260267
Author(s):  
Siyun Liu ◽  
Yichen Liu ◽  
Daniel J. Kersten ◽  
Robert A. Shakespeare ◽  
William B. Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computational Model ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Software Implementation ◽  
Hazard Evaluation ◽  
Correct Identification ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Small Step ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
Low Visibility ◽  
Step Down

Pedestrians with low vision are at risk of injury when hazards, such as steps and posts, have low visibility. This study aims at validating the software implementation of a computational model that estimates hazard visibility. The model takes as input a photorealistic 3D rendering of an architectural space, and the acuity and contrast sensitivity of a low-vision observer, and outputs estimates of the visibility of hazards in the space. Our experiments explored whether the model could predict the likelihood of observers correctly identifying hazards. In Experiment 1, we tested fourteen normally sighted subjects with blur goggles that simulated moderate or severe acuity reduction. In Experiment 2, we tested ten low-vision subjects with moderate to severe acuity reduction. Subjects viewed computer-generated images of a walkway containing five possible targets ahead—big step-up, big step-down, small step-up, small step-down, or a flat continuation. Each subject saw these stimuli with variations of lighting and viewpoint in 250 trials and indicated which of the five targets was present. The model generated a score on each trial that estimated the visibility of the target. If the model is valid, the scores should be predictive of how accurately the subjects identified the targets. We used logistic regression to examine the correlation between the scores and the participants’ responses. For twelve of the fourteen normally sighted subjects with artificial acuity reduction and all ten low-vision subjects, there was a significant relationship between the scores and the participant’s probability of correct identification. These experiments provide evidence for the validity of a computational model that predicts the visibility of architectural hazards. It lays the foundation for future validation of this hazard evaluation tool, which may be useful for architects to assess the visibility of hazards in their designs, thereby enhancing the accessibility of spaces for people with low vision.

scholarly journals Automated continuous verification for numerical simulation

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 435-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. E. Farrell ◽  
M. D. Piggott ◽  
G. J. Gorman ◽  
D. A. Ham ◽  
C. R. Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Computational Model ◽  
Discrete Event ◽  
Software Implementation ◽  
Test Cases ◽  
Continuous Development ◽  
Wide Applicability ◽  
Model Code ◽  
The Mathematical Model

Abstract. Verification is a process crucially important for the final users of a computational model: code is useless if its results cannot be relied upon. Typically, verification is seen as a discrete event, performed once and for all after development is complete. However, this does not reflect the reality that many geoscientific codes undergo continuous development of the mathematical model, discretisation and software implementation. Therefore, we advocate that in such cases verification must be continuous and happen in parallel with development: the desirability of their automation follows immediately. This paper discusses a framework for automated continuous verification of wide applicability to any kind of numerical simulation. It also documents a range of test cases to show the possibilities of the framework.

Ensuring Occupational Safety in Emergency Response Associated with the Collapse of Buildings

2021 ◽  
pp. 58-64
Author(s):  
A.P. Savelev ◽  
◽  
A.A. Aksenov ◽  
I.K. Mishaev ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Response ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Software Implementation ◽  
Emergency Rescue ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
Heavy Equipment ◽  
Preliminary Planning ◽  
Quick Determination

The problem of ensuring occupational safety during emergency rescue operations in the event of a collapse of buildings and structures is considered. Based on the statistics of accidents in the recent years provided by the National Center for Crisis Management of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, the relevance of this topic is determined. For reducing the likelihood of injuries and fatality, it is important to clearly plan, distribute and secure technical means and people at the work sites in the time-limited conditions. To solve this problem, it is proposed to apply the improved methodology for determining the forces and means required for debris handling and rescuing victims in the event of a collapse of buildings and structures. The methodology allows calculating the number of mechanized groups, links of manual disassembly and emergency rescue tools required for carrying out work on debris handling and rescuing victims under the specified meteorological conditions using the input parameters. The output parameters of the calculation according to this methodology are the number of heavy equipment and rescuers with the indication of the amount of work performed in accordance with the level of professional skills. A software implementation of this methodology is proposed, developed for quick determination of the required forces and means for debris handling, which can also be used for preliminary planning of emergency rescue operations and filling in the sections of the use of forces and means in the technical and information-reference documentation of the objects. Application of the recommended developments in practice will allow to reduce the risk of injury and fatality during emergency response associated with the collapse of buildings.

scholarly journals Assessing Subaquatic Mass Movement Hazards: an Integrated Observational and Hydrodynamic Modelling Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (13) ◽  
pp. 4133-4146
Author(s):  
Love Råman Vinnå ◽  
Damien Bouffard ◽  
Alfred Wüest ◽  
Stéphanie Girardclos ◽  
Nathalie Dubois
Keyword(s):  
River Flow ◽  
Mass Movement ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Sediment Traps ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Hazard Evaluation ◽  
Mass Movements ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Rain Events

Abstract High-resolution lake and reservoir bathymetric surveys can pinpoint locations that may experience underwater landslides (subaquatic sedimentary mass movements). These can pose a risk to underwater and shoreline infrastructure. This paper outlines an approach for using spatial variation in sedimentary patterns to identify areas susceptible to subaquatic mass movements in lakes and reservoirs. This study focusses on Lake Biel (Switzerland), which has experienced a protracted history of upstream alteration of river flow. Altered flow patterns increase risk of unstable sedimentary features and subaquatic mass movements. Data from sediment traps and cores, Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers and results from a 3D hydrodynamic model gave a consistent picture of spatial and temporal variation in weather-related sedimentation. Erosion caused by short-term rain events contributes the largest proportion of sediments to the lake. Strong rain events combine with typical wind patterns to drive lake circulation. The net effect results in preferential sedimentation onto a steeply sloping shelf prone to subaquatic slides. The integrated approach outlined here incorporates short- and long-term sediment dynamics to provide a systematic assessment of lake sedimentation and potential mass movement hazards. This research represents a first step in developing a risk-evaluation tool for aquatic hazard evaluation.

The Low Visibility of Low Vision: Increasing Awareness through Public Health Education

2006 ◽  
Vol 100 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 849-861 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Janiszewski ◽  
Shelly L. Heath-Watson ◽  
Adrienne Y. Semidey ◽  
Arlen M. Rosenthal ◽  
Quynh Do
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Public Health Education ◽  
Low Visibility

scholarly journals COGEVIS: A New Scale to Evaluate Cognition in Patients with Visual Deficiency

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Claire Meyniel ◽  
Dalila Samri ◽  
Farah Stefano ◽  
Joel Crevoisier ◽  
Florence Bonté ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Visual Rehabilitation ◽  
Low Vision Rehabilitation ◽  
Short Test ◽  
One Year

We evaluated the cognitive status of visually impaired patients referred to low vision rehabilitation (LVR) based on a standard cognitive battery and a new evaluation tool, named the COGEVIS, which can be used to assess patients with severe visual deficits. We studied patients aged 60 and above, referred to the LVR Hospital in Paris. Neurological and cognitive evaluations were performed in an expert memory center. Thirty-eight individuals, 17 women and 21 men with a mean age of 70.3 ± 1.3 years and a mean visual acuity of 0.12 ± 0.02, were recruited over a one-year period. Sixty-three percent of participants had normal cognitive status. Cognitive impairment was diagnosed in 37.5% of participants. The COGEVIS score cutoff point to screen for cognitive impairment was 24 (maximum score of 30) with a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 95%. Evaluation following 4 months of visual rehabilitation showed an improvement of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (p=0.004), National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (p=0.035), and Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (p=0.037). This study introduces a new short test to screen for cognitive impairment in visually impaired patients.

scholarly journals Effects of minor drainage networks on flood hazard evaluation

2014 ◽  
Vol 364 ◽  
pp. 192-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Domeneghetti
Keyword(s):  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Flood Hazard ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Hazard Evaluation ◽  
Correct Identification ◽  
Drainage Network ◽  
Drainage Networks ◽  
Prone Area ◽  
Flood Prone Area

Abstract. Scientific literature reports a plethora of numerical tools of different complexity (e.g. 1D, 2D raster-based or full 2D models) for flood hazard and flood risk evaluation. The correct identification of the appropriate model still represents a key aspect in the overall flood hazard process even though the potential of these modelling instruments are increased by the availability of high computational resources and by the amount of high-resolution topographic data provided by recent survey techniques. Given this context the present analysis investigates the effects of minor drainage networks on the estimation of flood hazard in a flood-prone area along the Enza River, close to the village of Sorbolo a Levante (RE, northern Italy). By means of a full 2D hydraulic model (Telemac-2D), the effects of the drainage system is analysed using three unstructured meshes with different degrees of complexity: (1) the minor drainage system allows the possibility to convey water outside the study area (REF); (2) the drainage system is reproduced only in terms of preferential flow-paths (REF-noFlow); (3) the drainage network is completely neglected (REF-noDN). The analysis indicates that the maximum flood extent seems not to be influenced by the mesh schematization, while water depths and the total volume are significantly related to the model schematization. Even if this analysis refers to a specific case study and further investigations are needed, it shows the fundamental role of the drainage network in controlling water depth distribution and the duration of the inundation, which should be accurately reproduced by numerical models.

scholarly journals Design and software implementation of solid state transformer

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 1776
Author(s):  
Dr Raaed Faleh Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Solid State ◽  
Power Transformer ◽  
Harmonic Distortion ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Software Implementation ◽  
Solid State Transformer ◽  
Output Stage ◽  
Dc Voltage ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
Step Down

The work presented in this paper concerned with the analysis, design and software implementation of the Solid State Transformer as an alternative to the conventional power transformer. The proposed transformer aims to perform the same task as the conventional one with additional facilities and advantages. Three stages are considered to configure the Solid State Transformer. The first stage which is known as input stage and implemented using Vienna rectifier which converts the AC voltage of the main supply to a DC voltage. The second stage (isolation stage) step down the DC voltage to a lower level DC voltage. This stage consists of a single – phase five-level diode clamped inverter, 1 KHz step – down transformer and fully controlled bridge rectifier. The output stage (third stage) is a three-phase three-level diode clamped inverter which converts the low level DC voltage to a three-phase, 50 Hz AC voltage. Model Predictive Current Control has been employed for driving transformer’s stages. The gating signal is produced directly when the given cost function is minimized, therefore there is no need of any modulator. Behavior of the proposed structure is achieved by simulation which shows high quality power conversion with low Total Harmonic Distortion.    

Computational model of the pregnant occupant: predicting the risk of injury in automobile crashes

2003 ◽  
Vol 189 (2) ◽  
pp. 540-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M Moorcroft ◽  
Joel D Stitzel ◽  
Greg G Duma ◽  
Stefan M Duma
Keyword(s):  
Computational Model ◽  
Automobile Crashes ◽  
Risk Of Injury

Rem Study of Current Effect on the Structure of Clean Si(111) Surface

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 306-307
Author(s):  
A. Yamanaka ◽  
H. Ohse ◽  
K. Yagi
Keyword(s):  
The Other ◽  
Current Direction ◽  
Clean Surface ◽  
Current Effect ◽  
Atomic Steps ◽  
Step Bunching ◽  
Terrace Width ◽  
Step Down ◽  
A Current

Recently current effects on clean and metal adsorbate surfaces have attracted much attention not only because of interesting phenomena but also because of practically importance in treatingclean and metal adsorbate surfaces [1-6]. In the former case, metals deposited migrate on the deposit depending on the current direction and a patch of the deposit expands on the clean surface [1]. The migration is closely related to the adsorbate structures and substrate structures including their anisotropy [2,7]. In the latter case, configurations of surface atomic steps depends on the current direction. In the case of Si(001) surface equally spaced array of monatom high steps along the [110] direction produces the 2x1 and 1x2 terraces. However, a relative terrace width of the two domain depends on the current direction; a step-up current widen terraces on which dimers are parallel to the current, while a step-down current widen the other terraces [3]. On (111) surface, a step-down current produces step bunching at temperatures between 1250-1350°C, while a step-up current produces step bunching at temperatures between 1050-1250°C [5].In the present paper, our REM observations on a current induced step bunching, started independently, are described.Our results are summarized as follows.(1) Above around 1000°C a step-up current induces step bunching. The phenomenon reverses around 1200 C; a step-down current induces step bunching. The observations agree with the previous reports [5].

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