Search for: All records

Traffic systems exhibit supply-side uncertainty which is alleviated through real-time information. This article explores subscription models for a private agency sharing data at a fixed rate. A multiclass strategy-based equilibrium model is developed for two classes of subscribed and unsubscribed travelers, whose optimal strategy given the link-state costs is modeled as a Markov decision process (MDP) and a partially-observable MDP, respectively. A utility-based subscription choice model is formulated to study the impacts of subscription rates on the percentage of travelers choosing to subscribe. Solutions to the fixed-point formulation are determined using iterative algorithms. The proposed subscription model can be used for designing optimal subscription rates in various settings where real-time information can be a valuable routing tool such as express lanes, parking systems, roadside delivery, and routing of vulnerable road users. 

A thorough understanding of neutrino–nucleus scattering physics is crucial for the successful execution of the entire US neutrino physics program. Neutrino–nucleus interaction constitutes one of the biggest systematic uncertainties in neutrino experiments—both at intermediate energies affecting long-baseline deep underground neutrino experiment, as well as at low energies affecting coherent scattering neutrino program—and could well be the difference between achieving or missing discovery level precision. To this end, electron–nucleus scattering experiments provide vital information to test, assess and validate different nuclear models and event generators intended to test, assess and validate different nuclear models and event generators intended to be used in neutrino experiments. Similarly, for the low-energy neutrino program revolving around the coherent elastic neutrino–nucleus scattering (CEvNS) physics at stopped pion sources, such as at ORNL, the main source of uncertainty in the evaluation of the CEvNS cross section is driven by the underlying nuclear structure, embedded in the weak form factor, of the target nucleus. To this end, parity-violating electron scattering (PVES) experiments, utilizing polarized electron beams, provide vital model-independent information in determining weak form factors. This information is vital in achieving a percent level precision needed to disentangle new physics signals from the standard model expected CEvNS rate. In this white paper, we highlight connections between electron- and neutrino–nucleus scattering physics at energies ranging from 10 s of MeV to a few GeV, review the status of ongoing and planned electron scattering experiments, identify gaps, and lay out a path forward that benefits the neutrino community. We also highlight the systemic challenges with respect to the divide between the nuclear and high-energy physics communities and funding that presents additional hurdles in mobilizing these connections to the benefit of neutrino programs.