Abstract

Probe-based technologies are proliferating as a means of inferring traffic states. Technological companies are interested in traffic data for computing the best routes in a traffic-aware manner and they also provide real-time traffic information with certain temporal accuracy. This paper analyses and evaluates how data provided by a fleet of probe cars can be used to develop a navigation service and how the penetration rate of this service affects a set of city-scale KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and driver KPIs. The case study adopts a model-driven approach in which microscopic simulation emulates real-size fleets of probe vehicles that provide positions and speed data. What is noteworthy about the modelling behaviour is that drivers are segmented according to their knowledge of network conditions for selected trips: experts, regular drivers, and tourists. The paper presents and discusses the modelling approach and the results obtained from an experimental Barcelona CBD model designed to evaluate the penetration rates of probe vehicles and route guidance. An analysis of the simulation experiments reveals remarkable links among city-scale KPIs, which—from a multivariate point of view—is a novelty. A simulation-based framework for results analysis and visualization is also introduced in order to simplify the simulation results analysis and easily visualize OD paths for driver segments. Throughout this work, the authors have benefited from the support of inLab FIB team at UPC and the suggestions of Jaume Barceló (Emeritus Professor at UPC). This research was funded by Spanish R+D Programs, TRA2016-76914-C3-1-P, and by Secretaria d’Universitats-i-Recerca-Generalitat de Catalunya, 2017-SGR-1749. Peer Reviewed Document type: Article

Abstract

Many studies have addressed the effects of the continuous presentation of ideal female beauty by the media and, especially, advertising. Multiple theories have attempted to identify the main mechanisms that cause the detrimental effects of exposure to such an idealized female image in advertising content. However, most such evidence has been correlational, whereas experimental evidence is very limited. Moreover, the impact of minimal exposure to such content has not yet been studied in detail. This experimental study investigates the short-term impact of reduced exposure (by viewing three beauty stereotype-related advertisements) on psychological well-being, body satisfaction, and the possible emergence of weight control behaviors in young women. The results reveal that even such brief exposure was sufficient to negatively influence the emotional well-being of the participants, who reported feeling more uncomfortable, insecure, anxious, and frustrated than women assigned to the control condition. The results of this experimental study thus reveal that advertising can influence the mood and behaviors of young women. In turn, they also reported greater intention to engage in weight and calorie control behaviors. Likewise, a mediation analysis revealed that the effect of such representations of female beauty on weight control behaviors was mediated by the decrease in the emotional well-being of the participants. The social and media implications of this work are discussed.