Functional Resonance Analysis in an Overtaking Situation in Road Traffic: Comparing the Performance Variability Mechanisms between Human and Automation

Automated driving promises great possibilities in traffic safety advancement, frequently assuming that human error is the main cause of accidents, and promising a significant decrease in road accidents through automation. However, this assumption is too simplistic and does not consider potential side effects and adaptations in the socio-technical system that traffic represents. Thus, a differentiated analysis, including the understanding of road system mechanisms regarding accident development and accident avoidance, is required to avoid adverse automation surprises, which is currently lacking. This paper, therefore, argues in favour of Resilience Engineering using the functional resonance analysis method (FRAM) to reveal these mechanisms in an overtaking scenario on a rural road to compare the contributions between the human driver and potential automation, in order to derive system design recommendations. Finally, this serves to demonstrate how FRAM can be used for a systemic function allocation for the driving task between humans and automation. Thus, an in-depth FRAM model was developed for both agents based on document knowledge elicitation and observations and interviews in a driving simulator, which was validated by a focus group with peers. Further, the performance variabilities were identified by structured interviews with human drivers as well as automation experts and observations in the driving simulator. Then, the aggregation and propagation of variability were analysed focusing on the interaction and complexity in the system by a semi-quantitative approach combined with a Space-Time/Agency framework. Finally, design recommendations for managing performance variability were proposed in order to enhance system safety. The outcomes show that the current automation strategy should focus on adaptive automation based on a human-automation collaboration, rather than full automation. In conclusion, the FRAM analysis supports decision-makers in enhancing safety enriched by the identification of non-linear and complex risks.

Behavioral and molecular underpinnings of performance variability in eyeblink conditioning in male and female mice

The functional and molecular sources of behavioral variability in mice are not fully understood. As a consequence, the predominant use of male mice has become a standard in animal reseach, under the assumption that males are less variable than females. Similarly, to homogenize genetic background, neuroscience studies have almost exclusively used the C57BL/6 (B6) strain. Here, we examined individual differences in performance in the context of associative learning. We performed delayed eyeblink conditioning while recording locomotor activity in mice from both sexes in two strains (B6 and B6CBAF1). Further, we used a C-FOS immunostaining approach to explore brain areas involved in eyeblink conditioning across subjects, and correlate them with behavioral performance. We found that B6 male and female mice show comparable variability in this task and that females reach higher learning scores. We found a strong positive correlation across sexes between learning scores and voluntary locomotion. C-FOS immunostainings revealed positive correlations between C-FOS positive cell density and learning in the cerebellar cortex as well as multiple, previously unreported extra-cerebellar areas. We found consistent and comparable correlations in eyeblink performance and C-fos expression in B6 and B6CBAF1 females and males. Taken together, we show that differences in motor behavior and activity across brain areas correlate with learning scores during eyeblink conditioning across strains and sexes.

Formation Architecture: Interactive Vertical Community

<div>High-density residential architecture under the influence of industrialization and mass production has developed a culture of design toward uniformity and standardization. This thesis deploys the parametrics approach to mass customization for a personalization culture in architecture. A systematic participatory design approach is developed to accommodate individual performance variability of the users and the changing demands of the social environment as part of the design solution. This design strategy allows the architect to balance the two separate forces of control between the collective and the individual, which transform the high-density residential living conditions from externally defined homogeneity towards individually initiated flexibility. A mixed-used vertical neighbourhood is designed to promote social intimacy and stability, and making the creation of community space an outcome of neighbourhood negotiation. The intention is to transform the monotonous and anonymous highdensity residential tower into a dynamic system that always maintains overall coherence. This personalization culture can incentivize people’s emotional connection with the physical environment and making architecture more sustainable by establishing an enduring relationship with the user. </div>

Formation Architecture: Interactive Vertical Community

<div>High-density residential architecture under the influence of industrialization and mass production has developed a culture of design toward uniformity and standardization. This thesis deploys the parametrics approach to mass customization for a personalization culture in architecture. A systematic participatory design approach is developed to accommodate individual performance variability of the users and the changing demands of the social environment as part of the design solution. This design strategy allows the architect to balance the two separate forces of control between the collective and the individual, which transform the high-density residential living conditions from externally defined homogeneity towards individually initiated flexibility. A mixed-used vertical neighbourhood is designed to promote social intimacy and stability, and making the creation of community space an outcome of neighbourhood negotiation. The intention is to transform the monotonous and anonymous highdensity residential tower into a dynamic system that always maintains overall coherence. This personalization culture can incentivize people’s emotional connection with the physical environment and making architecture more sustainable by establishing an enduring relationship with the user. </div>

SARS-CoV-2 viral load monitoring by extraction-free testing of saliva

Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) remains the foundation of SARS-CoV-2 testing due to its accessibility, scalability, and superior assay performance. Variability in specimens and methods prevent standardization of RT-qPCR assays and reliable quantitative reporting to assess viral load. We developed an extraction-free RT-qPCR assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva and monitored viral load until convalescence in COVID-19 patients. Comparison of 231 matched anterior nares swab and saliva specimens demonstrated that extraction-free testing of saliva has equivalent analytical and clinical assay performance compared to testing of RNA extracts from either anterior nares or saliva specimens. Analysis of specimen pairs revealed higher viral loads in the nasal cavity compared to the oral cavity, although this difference did not impact clinical sensitivity for COVID-19. Extraction-free testing of a combination specimen consisting of both nasal swab and saliva is also demonstrated. Assessment of viral load by RT-qPCR and parallel digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) revealed that cycle threshold (Ct) values less than approximately 30 correlated well with viral load, whereas Ct values greater than 30 correspond to low viral loads <10 copies/uL. Therefore, extraction-free saliva testing maximizes testing efficiency without compromising assay performance and approximates viral loads >10 copies/uL. This technology can facilitate high-throughput laboratory testing for SARS-CoV-2, monitor viral load in individual patients, and assess efficacy of therapies for COVID-19.