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Liability attribution for crashes involving automated vehicles (AVs), if applied improperly, is a factor which can potentially hinder acceptance. The present study investigated the impact of liability attribution on intention to buy an AV. A vignette-based survey was implemented with a hypothetical crash similar to the 2018 Uber crash (which was jointly caused by driver distraction and the malfunctioning of the automated system) leading to a pedestrian's fatality. Respondents (N = 1524) chose their preferred liability attribution, ranging from human driver exclusively liable to AV manufacturer exclusively liable. Respondents were then randomly allocated to different conditions of actual liability attribution by the local authority. These conditions were then combined into, negative misattribution (the authority assigned more liability to the human driver, compared to the respondent), positive misattribution (the authority assigned less liability to the human driver), and no misattribution. Negative misattribution negatively affected intention to buy; however, positive misattribution did not have a significant impact. The results of a multiple-mediator model indicated that negative misattribution affects intention to buy through the mediating effects of trust, negative affect, and crash acceptability. Theoretical and practical implications of our results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic black hole (ABH), as a new wave manipulation technique, shows excellent applications in vibration and noise reduction of structures. Nowadays, most ABHs use materials with a fixed elastic modulus, limiting their low-frequency performance. Herein ABH plates with variable elastic modulus (VM-ABH) is designed, and its vibration and acoustic radiation characteristics are investigated by using numerical analysis. The results show that the vibration response of VM-ABH has a decrease of 5–13.2 dB relative to that of the uniform texture ABH (UT-ABH) in the frequency range of 10–5000 Hz, and the degree of energy aggregation is significantly improved. Moreover, the sound pressure level was reduced by 3.6 dB. Meanwhile, by linearly varying the elastic modulus in the center region of the VM-ABH, the effects of gradient index and terminal elastic modulus on the damping characteristics and dynamic response are revealed. The research results provide new objects for the study of vibration and noise reduction of ABH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban public transportation is inseparably related to people’s travel and life. Prioritizing the development of public transportation is a major national policy proposed by the Chinese government, especially to actively promote the development of intelligent public transportation systems. Developing and building advanced intelligent public transport operation and scheduling management system, designing efficient, flexible and low-cost operation and scheduling mode, improving the management level and service quality of public transport enterprises, and thus improving the road traffic condition of the whole city, is undoubtedly the future development direction of public transport enterprises. This paper combines the problems of bus operation and scheduling in China at the present stage, and proposes the operation and scheduling model and method of the intelligent urban public transportation planning system, with a view to realizing a flexible public transportation operation model suitable for different service situations and providing systematic theoretical support for solving the imbalance between supply and demand of public transportation.

Boron, as both a lithophilic and biophilic element with high solubility, provides profound insights into the history of the Earth and environmental changes through its isotopes present in sediments. However, there are still some challenges in the accurate and precise determination of boron isotopes in sediments, particularly in pre-processing. When using boron-specific resins for the purification and enrichment of boron, it is in an alkaline environment. During the pre-treatment process, insoluble hydroxides of Al, Fe, and rare earth elements precipitate, exhibiting strong boron adsorption in high-pH solutions. This has potential impacts on the accuracy of boron isotope measurements. This study assesses a method that uses Na2CO3 and K2CO3 for dissolution at reduced temperatures and a cationic resin combined with a boron-specific resin for the enrichment and purification of boron in sediments. All the Al, Fe, and rare earth elements, which can generate water-insoluble hydroxides, were mainly removed by the cationic resin column, and boron in the sample solutions without Al, Fe, and rare earth elements was extracted by the boron-specific resin. The boron isotope composition (δ11B) was determined using MC-ICP-MS. The results indicate that this method fully decomposes and efficiently purifies the sediments. The long-term instrumental external reproducibility of δ11B values for NIST SRM 951a, ERM-AE120, and ERM-AE121 were 0.01 ± 0.09‰ (n = 13), −20.28 ± 0.16‰ and 19.98 ± 0.14‰, based on the measurements using a series of international reference materials over the last three years. The measured δ11B values for the standards have various matrices. The δ11B values of GSR-1 (−13.14‰ ± 0.27‰), BHVO-2 (−0.66 ± 0.06‰), AGV-2 (−3.22 ± 0.14‰) and Nass-6 (39.83 ± 0.07‰) are in agreement with the published data within uncertainty. The samples from Sihailongwan Maar Lake (SMK), the Loess Plateau (Loess-1 and Loess-2), shale (SH-1 and SH-2), and basalt (BL-1 and BL-2) were treated. The δ11B values for SMK, Loess-1, and Loess-2 are −10.20 ± 0.29‰, −11.06 ± 0.16‰, and −10.79 ± 0.10‰, showing a close relationship with δ11B of the continental crust. The δ11B values for shale (SH-1 and SH-2) are −7.06‰ ± 0.32‰ and +2.28‰ ± 0.05‰, while those for basalt (BL-1 and BL-2) are −8.78‰ ± 0.09‰ and +2.50‰ ± 0.19‰. These results indicate a significant variation in the δ11B values across these samples. These findings imply that this approach is capable of efficiently enriching and purifying boron in sediments. It enables accurate and precise determination of δ11B in sediments, thus offering a reliable tool for conducting boron isotope studies in sedimentary earth science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel material, i.e. 2.5D three-harness-twill warp-reinforced woven composites (2.5D-THT-WR-WC), is proposed, which has wide engineering applications. In this work, geometrical relationships with different meso features are discussed through X-CT characterization. On this basis, six unit-cell models with different meso geometrical features are established considering different weft yarn arrangement densities MF, and numerical simulations are carried out combined with a developed progressive damage model. Comparison with the experimental results shows that the maximum prediction errors of modulus and strength are 6.3% and 11.7%, respectively. Therefore, the developed numerical simulation model can reasonably predict the mechanical behavior of 2.5D-THT-WR-WC. Additionally, as the MF increases, the mechanical properties in the warp and weft directions decrease and increase, respectively, owing to the inclination angle and the extrusion condition between adjacent layers of the binder yarns. This work provides a design reference for the structural application of 2.5D-THT-WR-WC, which has a significant engineering value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-power diesel engine turbochargers predominantly utilize floating ring bearings as their primary supporting components. To further enhance their load capacity, multi-lobe noncircular bearings have been progressively employed. This study focuses on the investigation of noncircular three-lobe SFRBs (semi-floating ring-bearing structures) in marine turbochargers. Employing the half-step center Finite Difference Method (FDM) and the Newton–Raphson iterative procedure, the impact of operational parameters such as the journal speed, external load, oil supply pressure, and oil supply temperature on the static and dynamic characteristics of the inner oil film is analyzed. Subsequently, the accuracy of the theoretical model is validated through a comparative analysis of simulation results obtained from Dyrobes and Fluent. The findings indicate that as the oil supply pressure and temperature increase, the temperature rise and maximum oil film pressure of the three-lobe SFRBs gradually decrease, while the oil film thickness progressively increases, thereby significantly improving the lubrication state. The load capacity of the three-lobe SFRBs is primarily sustained by the bottom tile, where wall friction is most likely to occur. Additionally, within the actual speed range, the stiffness and damping of the three-lobe SFRBs exhibit noticeable nonlinear characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the responses of the depositional environments of Soda Lake sediments to climatic shifts from the Last Glacial Maximum to the Holocene epoch based on the results of major and trace elements of the North Soda Lake (NSL) NSL1A core. The NSL1A core records the sedimentary evolution of the Soda Lake watershed since at least 25 cal ka BP. Element analyses provide evidence that Soda Lake sediments are mostly derived from marine sequences in the Southern Coast Ranges of California. Variation in proxies for paleoweathering, paleoclimate, paleosalinity, paleoproductivity, paleoredox, and water depth is utilized to reconstruct the evolution of the sedimentary environment. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values indicate low to moderate chemical weathering in the sediment source regions. Paleoredox proxies indicate that the NSL1A core formed in a mainly subreduction environment. The NSL1A core is divided into four zones based on the results of the proxies. Zone 4 (5.0–5.8 m) of the sediment core indicates stable hydroclimatic conditions with low and constant sand and silt content, suggesting a warm and relatively humid environment. Zone 3 (3.35–5.0 m) represents the early half of the Last Glacial Maximum interval and a high lake stand. The elevated sand content suggests postflood events due to the northerly migration of westerly storm tracks. Zone 2 (1.075–3.35 m) reveals nuanced changes, including decreasing salinity, slight increases in wetness, detrital trace metals, and paleoproductivity. These subtle shifts suggest a multifaceted environmental evolution: a trend toward wetter conditions alongside a prolonged shift from cooler to warmer periods. Zone 1 (0.15–1.075 m) spans the Lateglacial to Holocene transition as well as Early and Middle Holocene, marked by significant hydrologic and ecologic variability including rapid warming during the Bølling–Allerød and rapid cooling linked to the Younger Dryas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important component of inlet and exhaust mufflers, the acoustic characteristics of perforated components are inevitably affected by the flow of air. Therefore, obtaining the acoustic impedance of the perforated element under airflow conditions is a prerequisite for accurate calculation of the muffler's muffling performance. In this work, the frequency domain linear Navier–Stokes (L-NS) method is used to extract the acoustic impedance of perforated plates under grazing flow. The predicted perforated acoustic impedance is consistent with the calculation results of published acoustic impedance expression, and the impedance boundary condition is defined to calculate the transmission loss (TL) of the perforated muffler, which agrees well with the experimental results and verifies the accuracy of the method. The effect of perforation angles on the transmission loss of mufflers in different Mach numbers (Ma) and aperture plate thickness ratio (d h/ t p) is analyzed by the frequency domain L-NS method. The results show that when 1≤ d h/ t p<2 and Ma ≤2, the effect of perforation angles on the muffler performance is obvious, and the angle tilted upstream shifts the resonant frequency to a lower frequency while its corresponding peak value is also increased. As an engineering application, it has certain significance for the prediction of muffler muffling performance and the regulation of the muffling frequency band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current transformers (CTs) are the most widely used measurement instrumentation in power grids. Nevertheless, CT saturation gives rise to large measurement errors, which may have bad repercussions for the power system. In order to deal with the problem of CT saturation, a novel dual-core current transformer based on tunnel magnetoresistance sensor (DTCT) is proposed. Theoretical analyses, finite element method (FEM) simulations and accuracy tests are carried out to validate the practicability and effectiveness of the proposed DTCT. The simulation and experimental results manifest that the steady-state and transient characteristics of the DTCT are outstanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a metro freight plan for mixed passenger and freight transportation. First, this study explores the problem of single-line metro train service under mixed passenger and freight transportation. Then, comprehensively considering the constraints of metro train freight capacity, loading and unloading time, and train schedules, a metro freight service model was established, and an efficient and accurate train schedule and freight distribution plan were developed to minimize metro freight costs. Finally, through actual case studies, an improved variable neighborhood search algorithm (VNS) was used to verify the effectiveness of the model, and the sensitivity of different train capacities, train headway, and cargo operation cost to the cost of metro freight was also discussed. The cost of cargo operation is the main factor that affects the cost of metro freight. The metro freight plan proposed in this study can provide decision support for the setting of train schedules and freight distribution plans., Author(s): Yutao Ye [1]; Junhua Guo (corresponding author) [1]; Lixin Yan [1] 1. Introduction 1.1. Background With the rapid development of e-shopping, the number of goods transported has continued to [...]

SUMMARY: Plants employ various molecular mechanisms to maintain primary root elongation upon salt stress. Identification of key functional genes, therein, is important for improving crop salt tolerance. Through analyzing natural variation of the primary root length of Arabidopsis natural population under salt stress, we identified NIGT1.4, encoding an MYB transcription factor, as a novel contributor to maintained root growth under salt stress. Using both T‐DNA knockout and functional complementation, NIGT1.4 was confirmed to have a role in promoting primary root growth in response to salt stress. The expression of NIGT1.4 in the root was shown induced by NaCl treatments in an ABA‐dependent manner. SnRK2.2 and 2.3 were shown to interact with and phosphorylate NIGT1.4 individually. The growth of the primary root of snrk2.2/2.3/2.6 triple mutant was shown sensitive to salt stress, which was similar to nigt1.4 plants. Using DNA affinity purification sequencing, ERF1, a known positive regulator for primary root elongation and salt tolerance, was identified as a target gene for NIGT1.4. The transcriptional induction of ERF1 by salt stress was shown absent in nigt1.4 background. NIGT1.4 was also confirmed to bind to the promoter region of ERF1 by yeast one‐hybrid experiment and to induce the expression of ERF1 by dual‐luciferase analysis. All data support the notion that salt‐ and ABA‐elicited NIGT1.4 induces the expression of ERF1 to regulate downstream functional genes that contribute to maintained primary root elongation. NIGT1.4‐ERF1, therefore, acts as a signaling node linking regulators for stress resilience and root growth, providing new insights for breeding salt‐tolerant crops. Significance Statement: A new role of NIGT1.4 in promoting root growth under salt stress through ABA signaling pathways was demonstrated, in which NIGT1.4 acts directly upstream of ERF1, a known key regulator for many stress‐responsive genes and auxin actions in the root. By using both forward and reverse genetic approaches, new genes in regulating root growth under salt stress were identified, and a signaling link between ABA and auxin was discovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of the digital economy has resulted in extensive changes to production factors, production methods, and lifestyles, making it a key factor in green development. In a unified framework, this paper examines the impact of China's digital economy on green development and the transmission mechanisms of the digital economy. Based on a theoretical analysis of the green attributes and transmission mechanisms of the digital economy, the relationship is empirically examined using the fixed effects model, the instrumental variables method, the quantile regression model, and the mediating effects model with China-specific data from 2011 to 2019. The results indicate that the digital economy has a significant positive impact on green development, and that this impact grows as GTFP (Green Total Factor Productivity) increases. The digital economy has a lasting impact. According to the analysis of heterogeneity, the impact of the digital economy varies significantly between regions, and this disparity exists in both small and large cities. The "digital gap" between high- and low-level cities exacerbates the disparity in the digital economy's effects. The mechanism analysis reveals that industrial structure rationalization and environmental improvement are the primary means by which the digital economy's effects are transmitted. Currently, the "innovation-to-application" conversion efficiency is low, and the "demand expansion effect" is greater than the "efficiency enhancement effect", which impedes the transmission path of green technology innovation and energy use efficiency. The research findings serve as a guide for promoting the development of Digital China and accelerating the green transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]