bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double-boundary interval fault-tolerant control for a multi-vector propulsion ROV with thruster failure
Authors: Zhou Liqin , Wang Changbin , Li Lin , Zhang Chengxi , Song Dalei , Li Chong
Published: August 2020

Purpose

A novel fault-tolerant control (FTC) method is proposed to assure the stability of the remote-operated vehicle (ROV) by considering the thruster failure-induced model perturbations. The stability of the ROV with failures is guaranteed and optimized with the determined model perturbation set. The effectiveness of the double-boundary interval fault-tolerant control (DBIFTC) is verified through the experiments and proves that the stability is well maintained, which demonstrates a decent performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper studies a control problem for a multi-vector propulsion ROV by using the DBIFTC method in the presence of thruster failure and external disturbances. The ROV kinematics and dynamical models with multi-vector-arranged thruster failure are investigated and formulated for control system design.

Findings

In this paper, the authors address the FTC problem of ROV with multi-vector thrusters and propose a DBIFTC scheme. The advantage is that as the kinematic system model of ROV is preanalyzed and identified, the DBIFTC becomes more effective. The mathematical stability of the system under the proposed control scheme can be guaranteed.

Research limitations/implications

The ROV model used in this paper is based on the system identification of experimental data. Although this model has real experimental value and physical significance, the accuracy can be further improved.

Practical implications

Cable-controlled underwater ROVs are widely used in military missions and scientific research because of their flexibility, sufficient load capacity and real-time information transmission characteristics. The DBIFTC method proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the problem of underwater vehicle under propeller failure or external disturbance and save unnecessary cost.

Social implications

The DBIFTC method proposed in this paper can ensure the attitude stability of ROV or other underwater equipment operating in the event of propeller failure or external disturbance. In this way, the robot can better perform undersea work and tasks.

Originality/value

The kinematics and failure mechanisms of the ROV with multi-vector propulsion system are investigated and established. An optimized DBIFTC scheme is investigated to stabilize ROV yaw attitude under the thruster failure condition. The feasibility and effectiveness of the DBIFTC is experimentally validated.
Considerations for development of low-cost supplementary foods for lactating women in India – a review
Authors: Kaur Sandeep , Kumar Vikas , Kumar Satish , Suri Sheenam , Kaur Jaspreet
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Malnutrition is a serious public health problem, which occurs because of an inadequate supply of nutrients and therefore affects many children and women (especially pregnant and lactating women of low economic class) worldwide. There is a great need to develop cost-effective fortified food supplements to overcome this problem. Therefore, this study aims to examine the factors that should be considered in the development of low-cost supplementary foods for breastfeeding women.

Design/methodology/approach

A wide variety of relevant publications were identified through search in electronic databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed, SciELO, Google Scholar, SpringerLink and ResearchGate) based on different keywords such as malnutrition, specific considerations, supplementary foods and breastfeeding women, which were published before 2020. After looking for adequate literature, 71 articles were examined, which provided an overview of these aspects.

Findings

Various food supplements and food products already available in the market are generally expensive and go beyond the purchasing power of lower- or middle-class families. Traditionally, efforts have been made to prepare such supplements at home, but the composition of these products varies based on the economic status of consumers. Therefore, the nutritional status is clearly compromised because of the low standard of living, which requires a great need to develop low-cost nutritious food products, accessible to all and that meet the appropriate nutritional, sensory and economic attributes without ignoring the regulatory guidelines.

Originality/value

This review is majorly focused on the specific considerations, alternative sources, ensuring nutritional and sensorial attributes and economic aspects for the development of supplementary low-cost food products for breastfeeding women with the goal of eliminating malnutrition.
Black bronchoscopy in a patient with pulmonary malignant melanoma: A case report
Authors: Sugimoto Hiroshi , Nakata Kyosuke
Published: August 2020

A 47‐year‐old Japanese man was referred to our hospital with a one‐week history of chest discomfort. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a mass in the right upper lobe suspected to be primary lung cancer. A biopsy of the mass using endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) with guide sheath (GS) was performed, and a black‐colored mass was observed which occluded almost all of the right B2b bronchus. Immunohistochemistry of lung specimens was compatible with a diagnosis of malignant melanoma which was confirmed to be BRAF wild‐type. Furthermore, positron emission tomography (PET) and contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head revealed multiple metastatic lesions in the brain, liver, and bones. The patient was referred to another hospital for specific treatment. After that, the patient's melanoma was confirmed to have the BRAF wild‐type gene and PD‐L1 expression was 80%. Then, combined therapy of nivolumab plus ipilimumab was subsequently administered.
Lactobacillus ingluviei C37 from chicken inhibits inflammation in LPS‐stimulated mouse macrophages
Authors: Tsukagoshi Masami , Sirisopapong Merisa , Namai Fu , Ishida Minori , Okrathok Supattra , Shigemori Suguru , Ogita Tasuku , Sato Takashi , Khempaka Sutisa , Shimosato Takeshi
Published: August 2020

Probiotics are growing alternatives to antibiotics, and can contribute to the prevention and treatment of diseases and enhance livestock production. Lactobacillus (L.) ingluviei is a novel probiotic species with growth‐enhancement effects; however, this species remains poorly understood, and there have been (to our knowledge) no studies focusing on its immunological effects. Here, we isolated L. ingluviei C37 (LIC37) from chicken and evaluated the bacterium's immunomodulatory properties to explore its probiotic potential. Real‐time quantitative PCR and ELISA showed that in vitro exposure of inflammation‐stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages to heat‐killed LIC37 led to decreases in tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin (IL)‐6 levels and an increase in IL‐10. These findings suggested that LIC37 exerts anti‐inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine profiles. This species may be an attractive probiotic bacterial strain for use in animal production.
Fluctuating facial edema as a rare manifestation of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Gaviria Andres , Patino Willmar , Ruiz Maximiliano , Mejia Ana , Ruiz Ana , Marquez Pilar
Published: August 2020

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a necrotizing vasculitis. The clinical manifestations are determined by the location of the compromised arteries. Cutaneous PAN can present as nodular lesions similar to erythema nodosum, palpable purpura, livedo reticularis, and ulceration. It often affects the lower limbs but other anatomical sites can also be involved. However, concomitant facial edema is an extremely rare manifestation. It has been more than 20 years since the last case report describing this unusual presentation of PAN. Furthermore, our patient is the first case presenting with hemifacial edema fluctuating every second or third day due to PAN confirmed by skin biopsy.
Comparative effectiveness of gliclazide modified release versus sitagliptin as second‐line treatment after metformin monotherapy in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zaccardi Francesco , Jacquot Emmanuelle , Cortese Viviana , Tyrer Freya , Seidu Samuel , Davies Melanie J. , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: August 2020

Aims

To compare the effectiveness and safety of gliclazide modified release (MR) to sitagliptin as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) treatments in a real‐world patient population.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study used records from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. The cohort consisted of adult patients with T2D newly treated with either gliclazide MR or sitagliptin as second‐line treatment added to metformin and with a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level of ≥7.0% (53 mmol/mol). Patients were 1:1 matched using high‐dimensional propensity score matching and followed to determine the time taken to reach an HbA1c <7.0%. Secondary outcomes included time to HbA1c ≤6.5% (48 mmol/mol), time to ≥1% (11 mmol/mol) HbA1c reduction from baseline, treatment persistence and durability, and hypoglycaemic events.

Results

Among the 1986 patients included, those on gliclazide MR more likely achieved an HbA1c <7.0% [hazard ratio (HR): 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15‐1.57], HbA1c ≤6.5% (HR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.19‐1.92) or had an HbA1c reduction ≥1% from baseline (HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.00‐1.24) compared with patients on sitagliptin. Durability (log‐rankP= .135) and persistence (P= .119) were similar between the two groups. Hypoglycaemic events were uncommon (23 total severe and non‐severe events; incidence rate, 3.7 per 1000 patient years), with 4.7 and 2.6 events per 1000 patient years with gliclazide MR and sitagliptin treatment, respectively.

Conclusions

In this real‐world study, second‐line gliclazide MR was more effective than sitagliptin in reducing HbA1c, with similar durability and persistence and low rates of hypoglycaemic events, in individuals with T2D on metformin treatment and HbA1c above the target of 7.0%.
The limits of going global: The case of “Ottoman Enlightenment(s)”
Authors: Sariyannis Marinos
Published: August 2020

The paper seeks to summarize the discussions of the last two decades on the existence of a phenomenon that can be named “Ottoman Enlightenment.” It discusses the German debates on Reinhardt Schulze's suggestion of an “Islamic Enlightenment,” as well as more recent studies on the emergence of a different view of the nature and the world in Istanbul during the first decades of the 18th century. These debates are analyzed in the context of different definitions of “Enlightenment,” as well as of the relations between different ethnolinguistic groups within the Ottoman Empire. The paper emphasizes the axes of a “democratization of knowledge” or the “massive diffusion of individual reasoning as a legitimate source of truth,” on the one hand, and the procedure of a “disenchantment of the world” as it is connected with the Enlightenment phenomenon, on the other. It suggests that, whereas we may trace certain parallels of such procedures between the Ottoman and the Western and Central European model, the lack of integration of such ideas in the curriculum of institutional education in the Ottoman Empire might have been the most important obstacle that kept these ideas from being transformed into a real “Ottoman Enlightenment.”
Reliability and feasibility of registered nurses conducting web‐based surgical site infection surveillance in the community: A prospective cohort study
Authors: McIsaac Corrine , Bolton Laura L.
Published: August 2020

Surgical site infections increase health care costs, morbidity, and mortality in 2% to 5% of surgical patients. Standardised post‐surgical surveillance is rare in community settings, causing under‐reporting and under‐serving of the documented 60% of surgical site infections occurring following hospital discharge. This study evaluated feasibility and concordance (inter‐rater reliability) of paired registered nurses using a web‐based surveillance tool (how2trakSSI, based on validated guidelines) to detect surgical site infections for up to 30 days after surgery in a cohort of 101 patients referred to Calea Home Care Clinics in Toronto, Canada, March 2015 to July 2016. After paired registered nurse assessors used the tool‐less than 10 minutes apart to measure concordance 5 to 7 days postoperatively, they provided feedback on its usefulness at two teleconference discussion groups September 6 to 7, 2016. Overall concordance between assessors was 0.822, remaining consistently above 0.65 across assessor education level and experience, patient age and weight, and wound area. Assessors documented 39.6% surgical site infection prevalence 5 to 7 days after surgery, confirming clinical need, relevance, reliability, and feasibility of using this web‐based tool to standardise community surgical site infection surveillance, noting that it was user‐friendly, more efficient to use than traditional paper‐based tools and useful as a registry for tracking progress.
TRADE PROTECTIONISM IN AUSTRALIA: ITS GROWTH AND DISMANTLING
Authors: Anderson Kym
Published: August 2020

Protection from import competition was a defining feature of the birth of the Australian federation in 1901. For the next 70 years, the extent of protection grew, and broadened from mainly tariffs to also involving import licencing after World War II. There was a one‐off 25% across‐the‐board cut in tariffs in 1973 and some dismantling of agricultural subsidies, but that was followed by the re‐imposition of import quotas for the most‐protected manufactured goods. Then in the mid‐1980s, a new reformist government began a long process of dismantling all protection as part of an overall economic reform program that also involved de‐regulation, privatization and moving to a flexible exchange rate. The rewards included three decades of faster economic growth and an unprecedented rise in Australians’ living standards. This paper provides a history of economic thought on the pros and cons of protectionism for the small, distant, natural resource‐rich Australian economy and a survey of the literature on the extent, effects and political economy reasons behind the growth of Australian protection and its eventual dismantling.
Conservative management of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm occurring during treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease: A case report
Authors: Hayata Eijiro , Komiyama Shinichi , Nagashima Masaru , Taniguchi Tomoko , Morita Mineto
Published: August 2020

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (UAP) is a rare disease that causes genital bleeding during the postpartum period after cesarean section. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an effective procedure for UAP. UAP was unexpectedly encountered in a patient with gestational trophoblastic disease; however, this patient was conservatively managed without UAE. UAP can occur during treatment for gestational trophoblastic disease. Since asymptomatic UAP may spontaneously disappear, in the selection of conservative treatment, it is important to carefully monitor patients using transvaginal ultrasonography focusing on the size of the UAP and the speed of internal blood flow.
Sex ratio and reproduction of invasive red devil, (Amphilophus labiatus: Cichlidae) in Lake Sentani, Indonesia
Authors: Ohee Henderite L. , Mote Norce , Rice Michael A. , Sujarta Puguh
Published: August 2020

The Red Devil Cichlid Amphilophus labiatus (Günther 1864), native to Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua in Central America, is widely cultivated as an attractive, yet aggressive, aquarium fish that has been introduced to several freshwater locations around the world. It was recently introduced into Lake Sentani in Indonesian New Guinea, a naturally rich aquatic habitat home exhibiting a diverse fauna with high endemism. To better understand the invasive potential and impacts of A. labiatus, the present study was undertaken to describe the sex ratio and reproductive potential of A. labiatus in Lake Sentani through determination of its gonad maturation stages, gonado‐somatic index and fecundity. The fish were collected using floating gill nets at six locations around the lake between June and August 2019. Sex identification, gonads type, gonad stage and weight, fecundity were observed in the laboratory. Of the total 542 of A. labiatus collected during the survey, 345 individuals were sampled for sex ratio and reproduction. The overall male:female ratio was skewed towards males in a ratio of 3.28:1. The males were generally found to be in the gonad maturation stage I, while the females were commonly found in gonad maturation stages III and IV for all sampling locations during the study period. The highest male mean GSI value was found for the Yakonde site (0.24 ± 0.21) and at the Ayapo site (1.11 ± 1.01) for the females, with a fecundity of 191–2,720 eggs. The fish have spread to most parts of the lake, being conditioned to potentially spawn at any location, thereby providing an explanation for the observed rapid increase of the A. labiatus population over the last ten years. The results of the present study suggest a high invasive potential for this species in this and other similar lake habitats, warning that their careful management should be undertaken to restrict their further spread in Indonesia and elsewhere.
What drives disease flows between locations?
Authors: Zhong Shiran , Bian Ling
Published: August 2020

Communicable diseases “flow” between locations. These flows dictate where and when certain communities will be affected. While the prediction of disease flows is essential for the timely intervention of epidemics, few studies have addressed this critical issue. This study predicts disease flows during an epidemic by considering the epidemiological, network, and temporal contextual factors using a deep learning approach. A series of scenario analyses helps identify the effects of these contextual factors on disease flows. Results show that the extended spatial–temporal effect of the epidemiological factors stimulates disease flows. The compound effects of the network factors enhance the transmission efficiency of these flows. Lastly, the temporal effect accelerates the combined effects of epidemiological and network factors on the flows. The findings of this study reveal the intricate nature of disease flows and lay a solid foundation for real‐time surveillance of epidemics and pandemics to inform timely interventions for a broad range of communicable diseases.
Point-of-Care Viscosity Surrogate Measurement Through Utilization of Smartphone Sensors and Custom 3D Printed Design
Authors: Khan Awaiz , Rubio Edmundo , Icard Bradley
Published: August 2020

This project sought to develop a method to provide a clinically meaningful, surrogate measure for viscosity that will help analyze complex biofluids. Goals for this project included precise measurements that differentiate a wide variety of standard viscosities, table-top level of size, and ease-of-use. The design utilized a custom 3D-printed analog of a cone and plate viscometer with an attachment for a smartphone to provide gyroscopic data. The device is currently in the stages of final validation and will ultimately be tested in a 40-patient clinical trial intended to assess efficacy of mucolytic therapy in mechanically ventilated patients.
Capacitor Strain Sensor for Enhancing Feedback to Patients Recovering From a Stroke
Authors: Denen Phil , Colachis Matthew , Heintz Amy M. , Shqau Krenar , Sweeney Andrew , Lanham Shane
Published: August 2020

Embedded sensors in footwear are of interest for providing feedback on mobility and gait. The most sensitive location is within the sole, requiring development of new materials that have the required functional and mechanical properties. We are developing capacitive strain sensors. The performance of such sensorsis dictated by two fundamental materials properties: dielectric constant (ε) and hardness. The sensitivity is improved by a high dielectric constant and low hardness. This paper describes a novel material that combines a composite elastomeric polymer and single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The optimum SWCNT loading in a polyurethane with 80A shore hardness was determined to be 0.1 vol% which delivered a high SNR and maintained its mechanical properties (hardness). Data collected from a shoe strain sensor array of this material can be used for automatic recognition of postures and activities, for characterization of extremity use, and to provide behavioral enhancing feedback to patients recovering from a stroke.
A Novel Tool for Improved Control and Maneuverability in Pediatric Cardiac Catheter Ablation Procedures
Authors: Mass Paige N. , Kumthekar Rohan N. , Berul Charles I. , Opfermann Justin D.
Published: August 2020

Cardiac ablation catheters commonly used for the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias are small in diameter and require extensive finger grip and dexterity for safe maneuverability during procedures. This is especially important in the pediatric population where the cardiac structures are smaller and potentially more variable as a result of congenital anatomic anomalies. We developed a novel catheter grip accessory tool for improved control and maneuverability of cardiac ablation catheters. Mechanical testing of the tool demonstrated it could grip the catheter with an average force of 0.031 kN and transfer an average torque of 0.0392 N-m before slipping, both well above forces experienced in normal clinical use. During tensile testing, the tool fractured at an average force of 0.554 kN. At the point of failure, testing found that the electrical conduction and resistance of the catheter remained unchanged. In simulated use testing, the tool was able to translate torque more accurately to the catheter tip compared to manual manipulation of the catheter. This novel tool has the potential to reduce physician muscle exertion in ablation procedures and increase the safety profile when manipulating catheters within the heart.
Mitigating Complications Caused by Intravenous Therapy: The IV Patency Monitoring Device
Authors: Portillo Daniel J. , Copeland Grant , Vu Bao Huy , Navarro Omar , Pineda Gabriela , Seifi Sepehr , Hood R. Lyle , Kaur Sukhwinder , Das Nitin A. , DeArmond Daniel T. , Calhoon John H.
Published: August 2020

Although intravenous therapy (IV) is one of the most frequently utilized approaches for fluid delivery in modern healthcare, it is associated with some form of complication up to 40% of the time. While many complications are minor, occlusion and extravasation can prevent the delivery of a needed fluid-based intervention or cause delivery into the subdermal space, which can lead to distributed tissue damage and necrosis. To address this need, this group developed the IV patency monitoring device (IVP) to generate and analyze a small pulse wave within the IV fluid. The study hypothesis was that changes in the IV’s communication with the blood stream could be detected as an alteration in this signal. This study investigated wave characteristics generated by the IVP in a benchtop tissue phantom. Results demonstrated that wave characteristics change detectably between simulated patent communication with a simulated blood stream and states of extravasation or occlusion. Future work will focus on improved detection methods and integrating a real-time alert system, which will better prepare the IVP for clinical translation and impact.
Evaluation of a Novel Class 2 Graduated Elastic Compression Garment Compared to a Gold Standard Compression Garment
Authors: Morgaenko Katerina , Sharma Aditya , Mehta Nishaki , Quinn Daniel
Published: August 2020

Background: Graduated elastic compression stockings are a frequently prescribed therapy for cardiovascular conditions with established benefit. However patient compliance remains low owing to significant difficulty donning the device, discomfort and poor fit. Based on end-user feedback, a novel compression device (CompressRite CR) to facilitate one handed application with minimal use of upper extremity strength was compared to Jobst stocking (Control).

Methods: An open, prospective, single-center study was done in in volunteers and in-patients. Study subject’s lower extremities were clinically classified by a blinded vascular specialist. Pressure readings were obtained using a pressure sensor in standing position every 5 minutes during two 30-minute sessions using CR and Control.

Results: Ninety study subjects (82 healthy volunteers, 8 in-patients, 34% males, 66% females, 70% White, 22% African American, %7 Asian, 1% Hispanic) completed the study. Clinical vascular classification revealed 31% C0, 18% C3, 16% C1, 7% C2, 4% C4 and 22% unclassified. CR performed similar to Control in terms of pressure delivery. Calf circumference was not impacted by pressure sessions in both groups. Application time of CR was higher but removal times were similar. Qualitative feedback collected showed that CR was superior to conventional garment.

Conclusion: CR appeared to be equally effective to Control graduated elastic stockings with a longer application time on first attempt but consistently higher scores for satisfaction. This may represent an attractive alternative with higher patient compliance rates.
Computationally Sizing a Left Ventricular Assist Device Graft: A Pre-Procedural Tool to Improve Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Ramirez David A. , Holm Mikayle A. , Shaffer Andrew , Iaizzo Paul A.
Published: August 2020

Implanting Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) can be life saving therapies that improve life expectancy for the patients that receive it. The target patient population suffer from end-stage heart failure and are therefore susceptible to morbidities arising from a less than ideal surgical implantation. Importantly, the graft that carries the blood from the LVAD pump to the aorta needs to be sized accordingly so as to not cause any compounding complications. The current typical surgical method, is to perform a visual estimation at the time of implantation. This present study proposes a computational tool that utilizes pre-procedural imaging to better calculate the personalized, ideal, LVAD graft length.
Development of an Open-Access Library of Pediatric Congenital Heart Diseases and Treatments: A Tutorial on the Atlas of Human Cardiac Anatomy
Authors: Tenhoff Amanda C. , Deakyne Alex J. , Iles Tinen L. , Narasimhan Shanti L. , Said Sameh M. , Griselli Massimo , Iaizzo Paul A.
Published: August 2020

The major aim of this project is to construct a growing database of information regarding specific manifestations of congenital heart diseases (CHDs), subsequent treatments, clinical cases, and patient outcomes. This will include 3D models generated from clinical imaging of individual patient hearts and respective de-identified clinical case information — all of which will be incorporated onto the free-access Atlas of Human Cardiac Anatomy website (http://www.vhlab.umn.edu/atlas/), where anyone can learn more about these diseases and their complexities [1]. Generated models can also be used for 3D printing, such as for pre-surgical planning, as well as for incorporation into virtual reality in order to expand outreach and education efforts [2]. Future work will incorporate computational modeling to enhance insights relative to treatment strategies and surgical planning. By studying a broad range of these unique individual cases, it will be possible for patients, clinicians, and medical device designers alike to better understand the clinical presentations of congenital heart diseases and develop more effective treatment strategies.
Development of Voice-Controlled Smart Surgical Bed
Authors: Kim Jeong Hun , Theodore Nicholas , Iyer Rajiv , Manbachi Amir , Um Richard
Published: August 2020

Wasted time in the operating room results in higher operating costs and greater post-operative complications. One effective way to reduce operation time is automating basic processes that occur during surgery. Given the rise of smart-home devices, implementation of virtual assistants became a feasible solution in many medical settings. With a consumer smart-home device and off-the-shelf components, we engineered a voice-controlled smart surgical bed that adjusts the bed configuration via a voice input. The resulting device is expected to optimize human resources and reduce surgical site infection by eliminating the need of a traditional touch control mechanism. Future work is needed to develop its proprietary hardware and software, and continuous collaboration with medical personnel to bring this device into market.
Assessing Derailment Potential of Partially Filled Railroad Tank Cars
Authors: Hunter Mark , Marquis Brian , Greif Robert , Tajaddini Ali
Published: August 2020

The increase of tank car trains carrying oil in North America has increased safety concerns especially with regards to transit through populated areas in the aftermath of the 2013 Lac-Mégantic accident. Among other things, this has further led to the desire to have accurate models to predict the dynamic behavior of tank cars for assessing derailment safety. In pursuit of this, the FRA has funded research to develop a tank car model which includes the behavior of the fluid inside tank cars, so that the resulting forces can be accurately depicted in multi-body dynamic modeling codes without the use of computational fluid dynamics. Prior analytical research on linear fluid sloshing has been adapted to create a mechanical model (pendulum–mass system) that estimates the lateral fluid motion and resulting forces which can be added to a dynamic model of the tank car. The developed model parameters are compared to other works in which mass and frequency parameters are derived. The model derivation, equations, and comparison to test data are included in this paper. Parametric results are provided showing trends associated with different levels of fluid fill.
Retracted: “Alignment Tolerance of Rail Track” [2020 Joint Rail Conference, St. Louis, Missouri, USA, April 20–22, 2020, Conference Sponsors: Rail Transportation Division, ISBN: 978-0-7918-8358-7, Copyright © 2020 by ASME. Paper No. JRC2020-8064, pp. V001T08A006; 10 pages; doi: 10.1115/JRC2020-8064]
Authors: ASME
Published: August 2020

The above referenced paper has been removed from publication at author’s request. September 9, 2020.

Copyright © 2020 by ASME
Dynamic Forces in a Framebraced Cargo Wagon
Authors: Kurka Paulo R. G. , Morillo Alfredo H. V. , de Almeida Thais O.
Published: August 2020

This article presents a rigid bodies model of a railway wagon, with braces attached to its sideframes. The model is used to estimate the dynamic operational loads and geometric deformations of the sideframes. Yaw movements are analyzed during a curve, in the braced and unbraced conditions, showing the brace’s contribution to reduce warping deformation of the sideframes.
Raking Impact of a Diesel Multiple Unit Fuel Tank: Tests and Anaylsis
Authors: Jacobsen Karina , Carolan Michael
Published: August 2020

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sponsors research on safety topics to address and to improve safety regulations and standards. This paper focuses on the latest research and testing conducted to evaluate passenger locomotive fuel tank integrity. Fuel tank integrity regulations, in the form of a series of static load conditions, currently exist to set a minimum level of protection against an impact to the fuel tank that might puncture the tank and cause the release of diesel fuel. The current research program involves a series of dynamic impact tests and quasi-static tests that measures the forces required to deform a fuel tank and investigate the types of loading conditions experienced by fuel tanks.

The objective of the testing program is to establish the baseline puncture resistance of current locomotive fuel tanks under dynamic impact conditions and to develop performance requirements for an appropriate level of puncture resistance in alternative fuel tank designs, such as Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) fuel tanks. The tests are divided into two loading scenarios identified from accidents: blunt impact and raking impact. The blunt impact scenario in the form of a full-scale dynamic impact test, have been completed on both conventional passenger locomotive fuel tanks and a DMU fuel tank.

DMU fuel tank quasi-static tests, conducted in December 2018 and November 2019, are designed to simulate a raking impact scenario of a fuel tank. The Transportation Technology Center Inc. (TTCI), with support from the Volpe Center designed a test setup using a fuel tank mounted to a boxcar placed within the “squeeze frame”. An indenter, shaped like a broken rail, is fixed to the ground and the fuel tank is slowly pushed into the indenter using a series of hydraulic rams. Load cells and string potentiometers are used to measure the force/displacement. Cameras capture the deformation profile of the fuel tank. The Volpe Center develops and performs finite element analysis to evaluate the loading scenario prior to testing.

The results of pre-test analyses for the raking impact tests are presented to highlight the critical position on the fuel tank to be impacted. The analysis gives an estimate of the force required to puncture the fuel tank as well as the resultant tear of the fuel tank. Additionally, finite element analysis may be used to evaluate the effect of the fuel on the fuel tank integrity. These results highlight the detailed differences of quasi-static versus dynamic loading of fuel tanks, which supports defining tradeoffs between specifying static load requirements versus scenario-defined performance based standards.
Evaluating Passenger Railway Ride Quality Over Long Distances Using Smartphones
Authors: Tien Do Ngoan , Haji Abdulrazagh Parisa , Gül Mustafa , Hendry Michael T. , Roghani Alireza , Toma Elton
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a smartphone-based ride quality assessment conducted on a VIA Rail route in the province of Ontario Canada. The vibration data were collected by different smartphones placed in different locations on the train. The levels of ride quality were subsequently quantified by the two commonly used indices recommended in the ISO 2631:1-1997, and BS EN 12299:2009 standards. The results show that using smartphones for ride quality yields reasonable assessment in a low-cost and convenient manner and identify that the major poor ride quality values are recorded at stiffness transitions such as bridges, level crossing and switches. Limitations of smartphone sensors, and the future plan for improvement of the use of smartphones for evaluation of ride quality has also been discussed.
Probabilistic Risk Analysis of Broken Rail-Caused Train Derailments
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Zhou Kang , Liu Xiang
Published: August 2020

Broken-rail prevention and risk management have been being a major activity for a long time for the railroad industry. The major objective of this research is to evaluate and analyze the broken rail-caused derailment risk using Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches. The risk model is primarily built upon 1) broken rail probability; 2) probability of broken-rail derailment given a broken rail; and 3) derailment severity, measured by the number of cars derailed. The train derailment risk accounts for derailment probability and derailment consequences simultaneously. Due to the low frequency of broken-rail derailments, it is desirable to estimate the probability of broken rail-caused derailments through the broken rail occurrence. The estimation of the probability of broken rail-caused derailment includes the conditional probability of derailment given broken rail occurrence and the probability of broken rail occurrence. More specially, the probability of broken-rail derailment given a broken rail can be estimated by the statistical relationship between broken-rail derailment and broken rail, given specific variables (e.g., track curvature, signal condition, and annual traffic). The probability of broken rails can be estimated using machine learning techniques based on railroad big data, including maintenance, track layout, traffic and historical inspection records. In terms of derailment consequence, it is defined as the number of cars (both loaded and empty) derailed per derailment that would be estimated based on potentially affecting factors, such as train length, train speed, and train tonnage. The quantitative estimation and analysis of broken rail-caused derailments are based upon the historical records from one Class I railroad company from 2012 to 2016, covering over 20,000 track miles on mainlines. The developed integrated risk model is able to contribute to the prediction of location-centric broken rail-caused derailment risk. Ultimately, the identification of high-risk locations can ultimately aid the railroads to mitigate broken rail risk in a cost-efficient manner and improve railroad safety.
Sharing Tracks With High Speed Trains in Urban Area: Risk due to Drivers and Pedestrian Perception
Authors: Masory Oren
Published: August 2020

Sharing operations of high-speed passenger and heavy slow freight trains on the same rail tracks presents additional risks to vehicle and pedestrians who cross the tracks. This is due to increase in rail traffic at crossing; drivers and pedestrians overestimate the amount of time they have to cross the intersection in front of a higher speed train; and due to the fact that circuited crossings are not adaptable and might lead to confusion and bad decisions. From human perception point of view these accidents happen in particular when the high speed trains were just introduced since the drivers as well as the pedestrians are used to interact with slower trains. Looming is a major factor that contributes to the perception error experiences by a driver or pedestrian. On one hand a faster train is being detected at farther distance than a slower one but its time to contact (the time it will reach the crossing) is shorter. Thus, a pedestrian might think that he has enough time to cross the railroad but actually he does not. Horn sound has the same effect on human perception. This paper discusses issues related to human perception which contribute to accidents in these cases.
A Stereovision System for Rail Neutral Temperature Measurements and Effects of the Heating Method
Authors: Knopf K. , Rizos D. C. , Qian Y. , Sutton M.
Published: August 2020

Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) practice is used in modern railroads to alleviate maintenance issues associated with joints and to improve ride quality. The absence of expansion joints, however, leads to long rail segments that are prone to the development of longitudinal thermal stresses that may cause track buckling, or rail pull-apart. A critical parameter in the susceptibility of the track to failure due to thermal loading is the Rail Neutral Temperature. This parameter is the temperature at which the rail is stress free. Rail stress management practices depend on the knowledge of the total net stress in the rail and the RNT. Current in-situ rail stress measurement techniques are destructive and disruptive of service. A new non contacting, nondestructive methodology is under development at the University of South Carolina for RNT and longitudinal stress measurements. The method is based on stereo vision image acquisition and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for acquiring the full field shape, deformation and strain measurements taken during a thermal cycle. The thermal cycle can be natural or induced. This paper discusses the effects of the way the rail is heated on the RNT and stress measurements.
Design and Bench Tests of a Smart Railroad Tie for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Pan Yu , Zuo Lei , Ahmadian Mehdi
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the design, modeling and bench testing of a smart railroad tie for energy harvesting from the motion of railway track. The system is intended for applications that require trackside power in remote locations, such as wayside electrical devices and safety equipment, signal lights, crossing gates, wireless communication, as well as rail health monitoring systems. The smart tie, which is designed to have similar dimensions to a conventional railroad tie, is installed in the same manner as a standard tie on the track. In particular, the mechanical energy harvesting module and its corresponding power management unit can be both embedded inside a composite, concrete or wooden tie, in order to shield the components from the harsh environment and protect the system against any potential theft or vandalism. Different from other railway track harvesters that typically harvest energy from bidirectional track deflections, the proposed smart tie only harvests the kinetic energy of the track when the wheels push it downwards, which resolves the preload and installation challenges of bidirectional harvesting and increases the overall system reliability. A nonlinear analytical model is developed to analyze the dynamic characteristic of the system and the simulation is conducted to predict the performance. Bench tests are subsequently carried out under both harmonic and recorded tie displacement inputs to validate the model and assess the harvesting performance. During the bench tests, the generator shaft was observed to start rotation at 0.1 mm vibration amplitude, indicating that the overall prototype has a relatively small backlash. In-lab test results indicate that an average power of 26.1–42.2W on 4 Ohms and 2 Ohms external loads were achieved under simulated tie movement recorded from a service track.
Non-Uniqueness in Model Parameterization and its Potential Contribution to Uncertainty
Authors: Guo Jun , Segalman Daniel
Published: August 2020

In the ordinary process of estimating uncertainty in model predictions one usually looks to some set of calibration experiments from which the model can be parameterized and then the resulting discrete set of model parameters are used to approximate the joint probability distribution of parameter vectors. That parameter uncertainty is propagated through the model to obtain predictive uncertainty. A key observation here is that usually, the modeler will attempt to find a unique “best” vector of parameters to match each calibration experiment and these “best” parameter vectors are used to estimate parameter uncertainty.

In the work presented here, it is shown how for complex models — having more than a few parameters — it can happen that each experiment can befit equally well by a multitude of parameter vectors. It is also shown that when these large numbers of candidate parameter vectors are compiled the resulting model predictions may manifest substantially more variance than would be the case without consideration of the non-uniqueness issue.

The contribution of non-uniqueness to prediction uncertainty is illustrated on two very different sorts of model. In the first case Johnson-Cook models for a titanium alloy are parameterized to match calibration experiments on three different alloy samples at different temperatures and strain rates. The resulting ensemble of parameter vectors are used to predict peak stress in a different experiment. In the second case, an epidemiological model is calibrated to history data and the parameter vectors are used to calculate a quantity of interest and uncertainty of that quantity.
Meaning by Doing: The Making of Endurance Activism on the 1986 Great Peace March for Global Nuclear Disarmament
Authors: TePoel Dain
Published: August 2020

This article offers a consideration of physical activity within the contexts of social movement philosophies, decision making, strategies, and tactics through an examination of the 1986 Great Peace March for Global Nuclear Disarmament. Drawing from interviews with twenty activists on the Great Peace March, the author argues that physicality and endurance actions—literally, but also symbolically—signify particular meanings of movement for social movements, such as persistence, focus, and determination, to stretch sociopolitical limits and boundaries. Participants endeavor to accomplish difficult physical challenges and maintain the solidarity of their communities to analogize the coming into existence of equally extraordinary visions of social or political transformation. Physical and symbolic expressions of what the author terms “endurance activism” sustained the marchers’ vision of community and the survival of their organization. The article encourages sport historians to use a wider framework to interpret the links between physical activity, social activism, and oppositional movements.
The development of a quality improvement project to improve infection prevention and management in patients with asplenia or hyposplenia
Authors: O'Neill Natalya Elizabeth , Baker Jillian , Ward Richard , Johnson Colleen , Taggart Linda , Sholzberg Michelle
Published: August 2020

Asplenia and hyposplenia (a/hyposplenia) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality from complications including infection. The recommended measures to reduce the risks associated with infection include patient education, vaccination and early initiation of antibiotic therapy for fever. Despite these recommendations, there is poor adherence to best practice management of patients with asplenia or hyposplenia (PWA/H). We present the development methodology and pilot data of a quality improvement project that explored whether a programme involving a novel medical alert card together with a patient and healthcare provider educational booklet increased vaccination rates and improved awareness and understanding of the infectious implications of a/hyposplenia. Our aim was to increase the proportion of those appropriately vaccinated and the proportion of patients with proper understanding of fever management by twofold in 18 months. Questionnaires were used locally as a root-cause-analysis to confirm the need for education and evaluate the effectiveness of the programme, as well as patient satisfaction. An interdisciplinary team developed a toolkit composed of a medical alert card and booklet. The toolkit was distributed to PWA/H who presented for a haematology clinic visit at a tertiary care centre. A separate set of questionnaires was then used to evaluate satisfaction and obtain feedback from patients and practitioners receiving the toolkit for the first time. Changes suggested by patients and practitioners with unanimous agreement among study investigators were made to the toolkit. The pilot study showed an increase in vaccination rates and awareness of vaccination status and appropriate fever management. The majority of the patients and practitioners found the information provided by the toolkit helpful. Given these promising single-centre findings, the intervention is being extended to another tertiary care centre with a large red blood cell disorders programme to evaluate its generalisability. The next step will be to expand the scope to paediatric PWA/H.