Structural equation model analysis for the evaluation of overall driving performance: A driving simulator study focusing on driver distraction.

Objective: The present research relies on 2 main objectives. The first is to investigate whether latent model analysis through a structural equation model can be implemented on driving simulator data in order to define an unobserved driving performance variable. Subsequently, the second objective is to investigate and quantify the effect of several risk factors including distraction sources, driver characteristics, and road and traffic environment on the overall driving performance and not in independent driving performance measures.

The effects of metal ion contaminants on the double stranded DNA helix and diseases.

Mineral metal ions are essential for the maintenance of the reactions that regulate homeostasis and the functions of our body. It is known that the regulation of the neurodegenerative system depends directly on life metal ions, such as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mo, Cu, Co, Zn, Cr, Mn, while the toxic metals Cd, Pb, Hg, etc disturb homeostasis, leading to diseases. Particularly significant is the effect of toxic metals on the double stranded forms of DNA and conformations.

Investigation of powered 2-wheeler accident involvement in urban arterials by considering real-time traffic and weather data.

Objective: Understanding the various factors that affect accident risk is of particular concern to decision makers and researchers. The incorporation of real-time traffic and weather data constitutes a fruitful approach when analyzing accident risk. However, the vast majority of relevant research has no specific focus on vulnerable road users such as powered 2-wheelers (PTWs).

Geographical information systems and air pollution simulation for Megalopolis' electric power plant in Peloponnese, Greece.

The growth and sophistication of geographic information systems (GIS) have propelled us into a new era of environmental analyses. Air pollution is a growing concern in populated areas as many recent studies have associated high levels of pollution with increased illnesses and mortality. The study will focus on the toxicity levels incurred by radioactive lignite-burning Power Generation facilities located in Megalopolis, Greece.

Relationship between motorcyclists' attitudes, behavior, and other attributes with declared accident involvement in Europe.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate patterns of road safety attitudes and behaviors of motorcyclists in Europe on the basis of the results of the pan-European questionnaire-based survey SARTRE-4, carried out in late 2010 in 18 European countries and Israel. In addition, we attempt to explore the link between attitudes, behaviors, and other motorcyclist attributes with motorcyclist involvement in accidents in the past 3 years, in which someone, including the rider, was injured and received medical attention as stated in the motorcyclists' responses.

Methods: The various components of motorcyclist attitudes and behaviors such as reasons for driving a motorcycle, driving while impaired, perceived risk factors, and risk-taking behavior were determined by means of a principal component analysis (PCA) on 38 variables contained in the survey.