bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DVB‐T based passive radar for simultaneous counter‐drone operations and civil air traffic surveillance
Authors: Martelli Tatiana , Colone Fabiola , Cardinali Roberta
Published: October 2019

The effectiveness of DVB‐T based passive radar (PR) in counter drones operations is investigated in this study aiming at monitoring airport terminal areas. In particular, the authors demonstrate that such sensors could be effectively employed to provide simultaneous short‐range surveillance against drones and long‐range monitoring of aircraft from civil air traffic. To this purpose, several experimental tests have been performed with the DVB‐T based AULOS® passive sensor developed by Leonardo S.p.A. using very small RCS drones as cooperative targets along with conventional air traffic as targets of opportunity. An appropriate signal processing architecture is proposed for the two search tasks to be accomplished simultaneously. This is extensively applied against the collected datasets, based on the algorithmic solutions devised by the research group at Sapienza University. The reported results clearly prove the capability of a DVB‐T based PR of simultaneously detecting and localising drones flying around the airport area as well as the typical civil aircraft at longer distances.
Conceptual-innovative and energy-resource management on motor transport
Authors: Khabutdinov Ramazan , Khabutdinov Arseniy
Published: October 2019

This paper discusses elements of the theory of conceptual-innovation and energy-resource management based on the system concept of technologically innovative providing of resource synergistic transport integration of a discontinuous terminal infrastructure of a transport system (TS) in accordance with transport demand and the systemic requirement of an innovative increase in the energy-resource quality of transportation services (ERQTS). It has been established that for the system enhancement of ERQTS are actual the development of innovation management theory and the implementation of conceptual improvement strategies for a number of subsystem and system factors: transport resources and technical properties, transport technologies, as well as innovative reproduction functions of the motor transport subsystem (MT) and integrative-equifinal functions of the motor transport system (MTS). The existing theory of service commercial management in MT is based on a simplified non-production and empirically conservative paradigm of knowledge about MT as a sphere of transport services (without product description) , therefore it does not fundamentally correspond to the above-mentioned concept of development of MTS and MT. This theory uses computational schemes for virtual transportation and service past costs, so it is non-innovative and technologically degenerate. A theory of conceptual and technologically innovative improvement of ERQTS, as well as the functions of MT and MTS, has been developed. A comprehensive model of the target function of the system-conceptual management of ERQTS is proposed, taking into account the improvement of the MTS and MT functions according to the principle of energy-resource synergy in the transport services life cycle. It takes into account: ways to eliminate the paradoxical fragmentation of types of knowledge about transport operations and processes, improving the properties of a car as a resource-technical means of transport production and reproduction, the essence of transport operations and technologies, as well as dysfunctions of subsystems of MTS.
Technological aspects of energy optimization during operating vehicles and increase their environmental safety
Authors: Karnaukh Mykola , Muzylyov Dmitriy , Shramenko Natalya
Published: October 2019

The paper discusses an actual scientific and practical problem of expanding the fuel base of the transport means by using biodiesel fuel in the form of ethyl esters made of rapeseed, sunflower and soybean oils. The choice of the optimal blend composition of diesel and biodiesel in appropriate operating conditions helps to provide the energy independence of transport companies on mineral hydrocarbons, reduce the anthropogenic influence on the environment and improve the environmental safety of transport. The research offers a new technological model for the production of biodiesel, which improves the quality and reduces the cost of biodiesel, reduces its negative impact on the elements of the vehicle fuel system. Reliability of fuel system elements is calculated. Mathematical expressions were obtained to determine the probability of failure-free operation of the fuel system and the probability of failure of its elements during operation at various fuel mixes. The assessment of the economic efficiency of the use of biodiesel as a fuel for vehicles was made.
Risk assessment in case of toxic chemical emission at railway transport
Authors: Biliaieva Viktoriia , Mashykhina Polina , Kalashnikov Ivan , Berlov Oleksandr , Kravets Ivan
Published: October 2019

Risk assessment during emission of toxic chemicals at railway transport is the problem of great scientific interest. To make such assessment we need special computer models. At present, in Ukraine,we have lack of such models. The authors present numerical models for territorial risk assessment in case of organized emissionsat railway transport (for example, emissions during locomotive movement) and in case of accident emissions (accident spills of dangerous cargo, emissions of NH3 from railway tank, etc.). The basis of the developed numerical models is the system of fundamental equations of fluid dynamics. These equations are solved numerically using implicit schemes of splitting. The developed models allow to take into account some important factors which influence the territorial risk value: probability of atmosphere conditions, train route, transport infrastructure at railway stations, probability of emission site.Also the process of pollutant chemical transformation in the atmosphere is taken into account in the developed models. The developed models allow to predict territorial risk in case of moving source of emission (moving damaged railway tank).The results of numerical experiments are presented. These results illustrate territorial risk maps for different sites near Prydniprovska railway.
Test guidelines for evaluation real driving emission two-way vehicles
Authors: Kamińska Michalina , Rymaniak Łukasz , Daszkiewicz Paweł , Lijewski Piotr
Published: October 2019

The article discusses the results of tests carried out under real operating conditions, based on which a custom test for road-rail vehicles was developed. The proposed test reflects the working conditions in which road-rail vehicles are used. The measurements were performed for a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine during five stages of operation. Measuring cycles included driving on a paved road, rolling on tracks and running on a track without load, with a load of 90 tons and with a load of 140 tons. The article compares the legislative guidelines with actual operation, thanks to which guidelines for the road-rail test for assessing the exhaust emission of harmful gases were developed. Based on the recorded data, a test proposal was described, taking into account the operating time share during the test, the average speed of travel and the duration of the test cycle. In addition, guidelines on the test procedure in the proposed test are discussed.
Artificial neural network based detection of neutral relay defects
Authors: Havryliuk Volodymyr
Published: October 2019

The problem considered in the work is concerned to the automatic detecting and identifying defects in a neutral relay. The special design of electromechanical neutral relays is responsible for the strong asymmetry of its output signal for all possible safety-critical influences, and therefore neutral relays have negligible values of dangerous failures rate. To ensure the safe operation of relay-based train control systems, electromechanical relays should be periodically subjected to routine maintenance, during which their main operating parameters are measured, and the relays are set up in accordance with technical regulations. These measurements are mainly done manually, so they take a lot of time (up to four hours per relay), are expensive, and the results are subjective. In recent years, fault diagnosis methods based on artificial neural networks (ANN) have received considerable attention. The ANN-based classification of relay defects using the time dependence of the transient current in the relay coil during its switching is very promising for practical utilization, but for efficient use of ANN a lot of data is required to train the artificial neural network. To reduce the ANN training time, a pre-processing of the time dependence of relay transient current was proposed using wavelet transform and wavelet energy entropy, which makes it possible to reveal the features of the main defects of the relay armature, contact springs, and magnetic system. The effectiveness of the proposed approach for automatic detecting and identifying of the neutral relays defects was confirmed during testing of the relays with various artificially created defects.
Classification of quality conditions of a traction motor frame insulation of locomotives
Authors: Kapitsa Michail , Laguta Vasiliy , Kozik Yuriy
Published: October 2019

The objective of the article is to determine the quality conditions of a locomotive traction motor frame insulation based on observations over the recovery voltage and classification of a tested insulation wear degree as well as to determine estimates of operating time until the insulation restoration or replacement with a new one. To classify the insulation quality conditions and to forecast its residual life until the restoration, a cluster analysis and discriminant analysis are used based on indicators reflecting the properties of an insulation recovery voltage curve. The study defines an information content received from frame insulation recovery voltage readings as compared with its resistance from the perspective of testing the insulation condition and predicting its residual life. Statistical characteristics of clusters corresponding to the insulation condition stages allow determining the limit values of predicting parameters and estimating the residual insulation life prior the restoration. To classify the insulation condition, an integrated evaluation of the insulation condition quality is proposed. Integrated evaluation is performed according to the recovery voltage curve and is used as an indicator during clustering. An experimental study of the proposed method practically confirmed its effectiveness.
Determining the causes of rolling stock derailment from the track using modern research methods
Authors: Kuzyshyn Andriy , Batig Andriy , Sobolevska Julia , Kostritsa Sergei , Ursulyak Lyudmila , Dovhaniuk Stepan
Published: October 2019

The analysis of cases of rolling stock derailment from the track at PJSC «Ukrzaliznytsia» over the past 5 years has been carried out and their main types are given. It is noted that the rapid development and improvement of computer technology allows the use of computer and mathematical modelling in the study of cases of rolling stock derailment from the rail track, which makes it possible to take into account a combination of factors that have the main influence on the behavior of rolling stock when moving along the track. It has been established that the first step is the construction of a mathematical model of an object using a selected type of mathematical description: algebraic, differential, integral equations, discrete mathematics, set theory, and others. And the second step is the choice of a method for solving these models. The simulation methods are given, which, depending on the programming style, are divided into: procedural-oriented, object-oriented, logical-oriented, rule-oriented, and oriented to constraints. An object-oriented programming of a freight car has been developed, which will make it possible to evaluate its main dynamic indicators, in particular, indicators of stability from derailment. This in turn will facilitate the establishment of the main causes of rolling stock derailment from the rail track.
Investigation of train shunt problem in track circuits of signalling and interlocking devices
Authors: Razgonov Adam , Zhuravlyov Anton , Yashchuk Kateryna , Shcheka Vadym
Published: October 2019

The problems of electric track circuits calculating were investigated in the works of various authors, it is noted that there is no complete clarity on the definition of shunt resistance. The value of the calculated train shunt resistance in many respects affects the area of signaling systems rail channel stable operation and train traffic safety. It is relevant to study the possibilities of changing the standard value of and the conditions for the execution of track circuits shunt mode, especially for sections of railway with low resistance insulation of the rail line. The surface area of the “wheel-rail” skating, taking into account the different conditions of interaction dynamics and wear of rails and wheel elements were obtained in article. It is shown that the reduction of the normative value of the resistance of the train shunt is appropriate for signaling systems, especially for sections of railway with low resistance insulation of the rail line. An approximate estimate of the geometric parameters of the membrane that forms on the “wheel-rail” surface is obtained; proposed a more complete electrical replacing scheme for the train shunt circuit, which allows analyzing the influence of the circuit elements parameters values and the frequency of the signal current. A method for calculating the correlation dependence of the train shunt resistance from wheel-rail surface membrane parameters is proposed.
Non-destructive control data analysis of railroad foundation constructions
Authors: Trofimov Alexander , Kuzmenko Albina , Nesterenko Halyna , Avramenko Svitlana , Muzykin Mykhailo , Mormul Nikolaj , Sokhatsky Anatoliy
Published: October 2019

The evaluation of the parameters of multi-layered foundations (railroad basis, foundations of railway structures, etc.) plays an important role in ensuring the safe movement of trains. The method of estimating the mechanical and geometric parameters of such foundations based on the solutions of inverse problems for multi-layered elastic packets is proposed. As input data for such problems the measured displacements of certain points on the package surface are used. The method allows estimating the parameters of the a priori distribution of unknown variable parameters, identifying and excluding outliers of the measured data from the created model, and constructing a posteriori estimation of the unknown parameters probability density with acceptable resolution. Proposed method can be used to create a new generation of equipment intended for non-destructive monitoring and estimating of the condition of the railroad basis and the foundations of artificial structures. The appropriate software of such vehicles based on the developed methods of data processing can be developed. The use of such equipment allows to operatively analyzing the state of individual areas of the railroad to decide on the need of repairing or replacing the railroad base or foundation of other elements of railroad infrastructure.
Optimization of the design of relay valves for rail vehicles braking systems in the context of train traffic safety
Authors: Tomaszewski Sylwin , Tomaszewski Franciszek , Stawecki Włodzimierz , Urbański Patryk , Far Mariusz , Bolzhelarskyi Yaroslav
Published: October 2019

The article presents the functions of the relay valve and its place in brake systems of rail vehicles. The relay valve were divided according to their type, the structure and principle of their operation were discussed, and examples of rail vehicles and modules in which relay valves are installed are presented. Because of their function in braking systems the relay valves should be characterized by high reliability and correct carrying out the tasks in the braking system of rail vehicles. The article describes selected structural factors affecting the operation of the relay valve and which are important for ensuring the safety of train traffic. Such factors are the lubricants used in the relay valves and the way of controlling it simultaneously with two signals with the function of an alternative that eliminates unreliable elements of the braking system. The analysis of the test results of the lubricant parameters and the testing of the relay valves on the test bench showed that the correctness of the relay valves depends essentially on the properties of the lubricant used, especially at low temperatures. On the basis of the tests carried out, a grease was selected that at low temperatures meets the criteria for correct and reliable operation of relay valves in rail vehicles. In terms of the control method, a comparison of two control signal delivery systems to the relay valve has been made, a new design solution is presented that ensures greater operational reliability and thus greater safety of the train traffic.
Research on measurement of electromagnetic fields generated by electric and combustion powered rolling stock.
Authors: Adamski Dominik , Ortel Krzysztof , Furman Juliusz
Published: October 2019

Axle counters are more and more often applied in train detection systems. The wheel sensor is a main part of each axle counter system. In parallel, more and more complex railway vehicles, especially traction ones, are a potential source of interferences influencing the operation of these train detection systems. It is the reason to verify the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) between the signalling equipment, particularly train detection systems and new vehicles in the process of obtaining the permission for their exploitation. The measurement of interfering magnetic fields generated by vehicles is one of tests to be carried out. For the simplification and unification purpose of the applied interference test methods the EN 50238 standard and TS 50238-3 technical specification were developed. The specification defines unified testing procedures. However, it is necessary to verify if it may replace different testing methods used in particular European states. It is the goal of the European research project financed from the TEN-T network resources.
Stability of the Railway Subgrade under Condition of Its Elements Damage and Severe Environment
Authors: Kovalchuk Vitalii , Sysyn Mykola , Nabochenko Olga , Pentsak Andrii , Voznyak Oleh , Kinter Stepan
Published: October 2019

Investigation of damages of the subgrade slope in combination with its overwetting and rolling stock loading, which significantly affects safety traffic of the railway transport, has been carried out. The complex method of slope stability estimation of the subgrade is developed, which includes calculation of loads and vibration action of rolling stock on the main site of the subgrade, as well as the dynamic model of vibrations propagation in the body of the subgrade embankment and the model of plastic deformations accumulation. Dynamic and nonlinear plastic models are based on a finite-element model of the cross section of the subgrade. The plastic model takes into account the characteristics of soil strength of the subgrade, depending on the area of the vibration load impact. The developed method allows to carry out the estimation of external and internal factors impact on occurrence of subgrade destruction, which is of practical value for safety state estimation of the railway transport.
Study of rail vehicles movement characteristics improvement in curves using fuzzy logic mechatronic systems
Authors: Kapitsa Mikhail , Mikhailov Evgen , Kliuiev Sergii , Semenov Stanislav , Kovtanets Maksim
Published: October 2019

The article deals with the effectiveness of reducing the level of force interaction of the rail vehicle wheels with rails in curved sections of the track through the use of mechatronic position control systems for wheel pairs in the rail gauge in the horizontal plane. The approaches to the creation of such a mechatronic system operating on the principles of fuzzy logic are described. To determine the angles of attack of wheels on the rails, it was proposed to use the acoustic emission indicators of the contact of the wheel with the rail. To determine the direction of curvature of the rail track, it is advisable to use data from navigation systems. The study of the dynamics of the rail vehicle during the passage of a curved section of the track in real time was carried out using the Matlab/Simulink software package. The proposed mechatronic control system for the position of the wheel sets in the horizontal plane allows to ensure their optimal installation under various driving conditions in the rail gauge. This makes it possible to minimize the angles of attack of the wheels and reduce the forces of the horizontal interaction of the wheels with the rails.
Actual utilisation of maximum line speed - Polish and Ukrainian experience
Authors: Massel Andrzej
Published: October 2019

The overall condition of the Polish railway infrastructure has been recently improved. The condition of railway infrastructure and the level of its technical equipment are reflected in the maximum train speeds allowed on particular sections of railway lines. The analysis covers the utilisation of the maximum line speed by the long-distance trains in Poland in the 2018/2019 timetable. The database has been prepared, covering start-to-stop runs of Express Intercity Premium (EIP) trains). The analysis shows that typical value of speed utilisation ratio for EIP trains operated with ED250 EMU is approximately 0.82-0.83. The correlation ratio between the average maximum line speed and the train commercial (startto-stop) speed is rather good. The data from the Polish railways have been compared with Ukrainian ones. The results of the research show clearly, that the selection of passenger rolling stock for particular route can have significant impact on its day-to-day operation.
Capital investments in the context of sustainable development of railways
Authors: Kharchenko Olesia , Okorokov Andrii , Vernigora Roman , Tsuprov Pavlo , Papakhov Oleksandr , Logvinova Nataliia
Published: October 2019

Ukraine, due to its geographical position and developed transport infrastructure, has significant potential as a transit country, primarily in the supply chain of trade between Asia and Europe. According to the estimates of the British Institute for Transport Rendell Ukraine, the transit coefficient of Ukraine is 3,75 (with a maximum of 5); This is the best indicator among the countries of Europe (for comparison, in Poland, which occupies the second place, this indicator is 2,92).

Nowadays, Ukraine uses its transit potential extremely insufficiently and inefficiently; over the past 10 years, the volume of transit traffic through the territory of Ukraine has declined by more than 2,5 times, primarily due to the fall in transit traffic by rail. One of the reasons for this situation is, of course, the general political and economic situation in the country. However, there are a number of other negative factors that prevent Ukraine from fully and effectively using its transit potential. These problems lie both in the purely technical plane (deterioration of transport infrastructure and rolling stock, lack of capacity of the main transport routes, underdevelopment of logistics terminals in the country and at land borders, difference in width with the European railway system) and the legislato-thick (high level of port dues, bureaucratization and regulation of customs procedures, lack of flexible tariff policy for carriers, etc.).
Decision-making problems of designing database in the aspect of planning transport of cargoes by intermodal transport
Authors: Izdebski Mariusz , Jacyna Marianna , Klimek Piotr , Jacyna-Gołda Ilona , Vašek Rostislav
Published: October 2019

The article presents issues related to database design for problems of planning transport of cargoes by intermodal transport using road and air transport. The main aim of this paper is to develop the structure of the database used in the problems of planning transport of cargoes by intermodal transport. The issue of intermodal transport is a complex decision problem which requires taking into account many technical, economic and qualitative aspects of various modes of transport. The multitude of these aspects contributes to the processing of a large amount of input data used by advanced calculation algorithms developed to determine the optimal routes of cargo transportation. Designing database architecture depends on the number of modules responsible for the final determination of transport plans. It is assumed that the database is responsible not only for collecting input data about air, road infrastructure, processing of information necessary for transport but also for saving results generated by calculation modules. In the article, to understand the problem of the issue, a mathematical model of transporting loads by intermodal transport was included, and for its solution an ant algorithm was proposed. The developed structure of the database with the presented modules is a newly approach in problems of planning transport of cargoes by intermodal transport.
Improvement of international rail transportation of benzene between Ukraine and the European Union countries
Authors: Gaba Vasyl , Hrushevska Tetiana , Strelko Oleg , Kyrychenko Anna , Rudyuk Marina , Gusar Ievgen
Published: October 2019

It is considered the possibility of improvement of the international railway transportation of benzene and other related cargoes between Ukraine and the European Union countries for the carriage of these cargoes in tank containers. The volume of chemical cargo transportation to the EU countries to the rolling stock types for 2018 has been analyzed. The research of the effectiveness of organization of international transportation according to the criterion of the total hours of downtime by wagons under accumulation. The mathematical model of chemical cargoes transportation by wagons, wagon groups and container trains with the accumulation to the technical standards on the cargo diversions was elaborated. The models take into account the unevenness of the wagon arrivals to the accumulation points and observance of the number of wagons to the established norm. A comparison of the effectiveness of the two models of the organization of the chemical cargo delivery and it was defined a more effective version of transportation. It has been established that for more efficient using of the rolling stock and for the rolling stock circulation decreasing is the cargo transportation by trains which consist of cisterns or/and tank container carriages. The influence of the components of the rolling stock circulation and its value are analyzed. The research of the cost of benzene transportation in cisterns and tank containers for the individual diversions was studied. According to the research results the cost of benzene transportation by platforms of the railways ownership is less than twice in comparison to private cisterns and tank-containers of the Ukrainian Railways fleet. These recommendations will improve the process of transportation and increase of volumes of international cargo by railroads between Ukraine and the EU countries.
Improvement of the analysis methods of the working hours` distribution of locomotive crews by the types of train operation in freight traffic
Authors: Kozachenko Dmytro , Berezovyi Mykola , Malashkin Vyacheslav , Bolvanovska Tetiana , Grimak Yurii
Published: October 2019

The work is aimed to increase the efficiency of cargo transportation by railway transport by improving the work organization of locomotive crews. The research is based on the methods of organization of operational work of railways and the methods of mathematical statistics. The problem of increasing the use efficiency of working hours of locomotive crews in freight traffic is considered in the article. Based on the statistical data processing of drivers’ routes, the working hours` distribution of locomotive crews for different types of train operation in freight traffic for four locomotive depots was performed. During the research, a conditional division of the working time of locomotive crew by the type of work was performed, if the crew worked with trains of various categories. The algorithm for assigning the idle time and empty running of locomotive to certain types of train operation was also developed. The work originality lies in the fact that it improves the methods of analysis of the working hours` distribution of locomotive crews for certain types of train operation in freight traffic. The developed methods give an opportunity to evaluate the work specifics of individual locomotive depots and provide the initial data for planning the use of locomotives and the work and rest schedule of locomotive crews.
Improving the performance parameters of railway wheels with the help of optimal design technologies of their electric pulse processing
Authors: Vakulenko Igor , Kuzin Nickolay , Vakulenko Leonid , Raksha Sergey , Proidak Svetlana
Published: October 2019

The processing by pulses of electric current (PEC) of a fragment of the rim of a railway wheel was carried out on the DS10D equipment. When the density of the electric current is from 3 to 17 A/mm2, the processing cycle consisted of the action of a pulse with a duration of 2.5-3 s and a pause between pulses of 4 s. After 150 cycles of PEC, the hardness of cold-formed metal was reduced from 10 to 20%. Studies of the parameters of the metal structure of the wheels have determined that the processing of PEC leads to a decrease in the number of defects in the internal structure, which are accumulated as a result of cold deformation of the rim along the rolling surface of the railway wheel. It has been established that, according to the nature of the influence on the hardness distribution of carbon steel, the PEC treatment corresponds to changes during tempering in the average temperature range and allows to significantly increase the operating parameters of the wheels of railway equipment.
Operative technical tricks and 12-month outcomes of diverticular peroral endoscopic myotomy (D-POEM) in patients with symptomatic esophageal diverticula
Authors: Maydeo Amit , Patil Gaurav K. , Dalal Ankit
Published: October 2019

Background Submucosal tunneling diverticular septotomy by diverticular peroral endoscopic myotomy (D-POEM) has emerged as an alternative to surgery for symptomatic esophageal diverticula, but its medium to long-term outcomes are currently unexplored.

Methods D-POEM for patients with symptomatic esophageal diverticula was prospectively studied to assess its safety and the 12-month outcomes.

Results 25 patients (72 % male; median age 61 years [range 48 – 88]) with a Zenker’s diverticulum (n = 20) or epiphrenic diverticulum (n = 5) were included. Major indications were dysphagia, recurrent bronchoaspiration, and foreign body sensation in 20 patients (80 %), with a mean symptom duration of 2.5 years (range 1 – 4). Complete submucosal tunneling septotomy was achieved in a mean of 36 minutes (range 25 – 45), with 100 % technical success. The median hospitalization was 5 days (range 4 – 10). The mean (standard deviation) Eckardt Score improved significantly from 13.2 (1.0) at baseline to 3.2 (1.4) at 12 months (P < 0.001) with clinical success in 19/22 patients (86 %) and no long-term adverse events.

Conclusions D-POEM appears safe and durable in patients with esophageal diverticula. Further multicenter studies with a larger patient cohort are warranted.
Erweiterte Rollenfunktionen der Physiotherapie im Akutkrankenhaus – Umfrage unter Physiotherapeuten der Ostschweiz
Authors: Oesch Peter , Tomovic Sara , Sonderer Patrizia , Bovard Cynthia
Published: October 2019

Hintergrund Die medizinische Versorgung im akutstationären Bereich steht im Fokus politischer Debatten. Damit einher geht die Diskussion über Übernahmen von erweiterten Rollenfunktionen (ER) durch nicht ärztliche Gesundheitsfachpersonen. ER von Physiotherapeuten sind als Aufgaben definiert, die traditionellerweise nicht von diesen durchgeführt werden und eine zur Grundausbildung zusätzliche Ausbildung benötigen.

Ziel Erfassung der ER von Physiotherapeuten in Akutspitälern der Ostschweiz.

Methode Bei der Online-Umfrage unter Physiotherapeuten der Ostschweiz mittels Snow Ball Sampling wurden Form und Anzahl der ER, benötigte Aus- und Weiterbildungen, Aufführung der ER in Stellenbeschreibungen und deren Lohnrelevanz sowie demografische und arbeitsspezifische Angaben zu den Befragten und ihren Institutionen erfasst. Die statistische Analyse erfolgte mehrheitlich deskriptiv. Die multivariate Regressionsanalyse umfasste die Beurteilung der Einflüsse von Alter, Geschlecht, Erfahrung im Akutspital, Bildungsgrad, Hierarchiestufe, Spitalform, Spitalgröße und organisatorische Zuordnung der Physiotherapeuten zur Anzahl der ausgeübten ER.

Ergebnisse An der Umfrage nahmen 179 Physiotherapeuten teil, die alle mindestens eine ER ausführten. Es bestand ein signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen der Anzahl ausgeführter ER und der Hierarchiestufe, den Jahren Berufserfahrung im Akutspital, dem Alter und der Spitalform. Die am häufigsten genannten Barrieren für ER waren Mangel an Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten und Zeit. Die Durchführung von ER war bei 37 % der Befragten lohnrelevant und bei 56 % in der Stellenbeschreibung vermerkt. 87,2 % der Physiotherapeuten würden gerne vermehrt ER ausüben und 98,3 % erachten ER als wichtig für die Berufsentwicklung.

Schlussfolgerungen Physiotherapeuten im Akutspital üben häufig ER aus, ohne dass dies bekannt ist oder honoriert wird. ER können Versorgungsengpässe in der medizinischen Versorgung im Akutspital mindern und bei entsprechender Anerkennung und Entlohnung attraktive Karrieremodelle für PT darstellen.
Endocuff vision-assisted vs. standard polyp resection in the colorectum (the EVASTA study): a prospective randomized study
Authors: von Figura Guido , Hasenöhrl Moritz , Haller Bernhard , Poszler Alexander , Ulrich Jörg , Brown Hayley , Abdelhafez Mohamed , Schmid Roland M. , von Delius Stefan , Klare Peter
Published: October 2019

Background Cap-assisted colonoscopy is frequently used to facilitate adenoma detection during endoscopy. However, data on how cap assistance influences polyp resection are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the impact of cap assistance with the Endocuff vision device (EVD) on the resection time for colorectal polyps in patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Methods A randomized, prospective study was performed in a university hospital in Germany. A total of 250 patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to undergo either colonoscopy with the EVD (EVD arm) or standard colonoscopy without the use of a cap (standard arm). The primary outcome was the average duration of polypectomy. Secondary outcomes included adenoma detection rate, cecal and ileal intubation times, and propofol dosage.

Results The use of EVD led to a significant reduction in the median polypectomy time in the EVD vs. standard arm (54 vs. 80 seconds, respectively; P = 0.02). This effect was strongest for polyps ≥ 6 mm. Compared with the standard group, Endocuff assistance also resulted in a shorter cecal intubation time (6 vs. 8 minutes; P = 0.03) and overall colonoscopy time (23 vs. 27 minutes; P = 0.02). In contrast, no difference in withdrawal time was observed. The polyp and adenoma detection rates did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy reduces the duration of polypectomy, which may be due to a more stable scope position during resection. Further studies are needed to investigate whether comparable effects will be seen for other interventions, such as clipping or biopsy sampling.
Der KINDL-Fragebogen zur Erfassung der allgemeinen Lebensqualität bei adenotonsillärer Hyperplasie
Authors: Stupp Franziska , Hoffmann Thomas Karl , Sommer Fabian , Grossi Anna-Sophia , Lindemann Jörg
Published: October 2019

Hintergrund Bisher liegen zur allgemeinen kindlichen Lebensqualität (LQ) bei Adenotomie und Adenotonsillotomie kaum systematische Studien vor, obwohl Eingriffe an den „Polypen“ und „Mandeln“ die häufigsten Operationen im Kindesalter in Deutschland darstellen. Daher wurde erstmals bei dieser Fragestellung der etablierte KINDL-Fragebogen zur Erhebung der kindlichen Lebensqualität eingesetzt.

Methoden Das Studienkollektiv (n = 111) sowie eine Kontrollgruppe (n = 35) im Wartedesign wurden konsekutiv aus Kindern (3–6 Jahre) rekrutiert, welche eine Adenotomie (66 %) oder Adenotonsillotomie (34 %) erhielten. Die prospektive Elternbefragung zur allgemeinen LQ der Kinder wurde für die Interventionsgruppe mit dem Kiddy-KINDL®-Fragebogen am Operationstag und 3,5 Monate postoperativ durchgeführt. Die Befragung der Vergleichsgruppe erfolgte am Tag der OP-Terminvergabe und am Operationstag nach ca. 3 Monaten.

Ergebnisse Der Gesamtskalen-Score des Kiddy-KINDL von max. 100 Punkten verbesserte sich in der Interventionsgruppe von präoperativ 75,9 ± 10,8 (95 %-KI [73,8–77,9]) leicht, jedoch nicht signifikant auf 77,2 ± 9,2 Punkte (95 %-KI [75,1–79,0]; p = 0,365). Auch in der Vergleichsgruppe zeigte sich keine signifikante Abweichung im Verlauf (77,9 ± 9,7; 95 %-KI [74,1–81,7] vs. 77,3 ± 11,3; 95 %-KI [72,8–81,8]; p = 0,949) oder im Vergleich zum präoperativen Score der Interventionsgruppe (p = 0,894). In den Subskalen-Scores für „körperliches Wohlbefinden“ (p < 0,01), „Schule“ (p = 0,034) und „Eltern“ (p < 0,01) ergaben sich für die Interventionsgruppe dagegen signifikante Verbesserungen. Kinder mit zusätzlicher Tonsillotomie zeigten auch einen signifikanten postoperativen Anstieg des Gesamtskalen-Scores (p = 0,049).

Schlussfolgerung Die verwendete Version des Kiddy-KINDL eignet sich demnach nicht uneingeschränkt zur Erfassung der allgemeinen LQ bei adenotonsillärer Hyperplasie, da eine Verbesserung der LQ nur in Teilbereichen erfasst werden konnte. Da jedoch insbesondere die Tonsillotomie einen relevanten Einfluss auf die LQ zu haben scheint, sollte bei Hyperplasie der Gaumenmandeln die Indikation zur Tonsillotomie im Rahmen einer Adenotomie durchaus großzügiger gestellt werden.
Effect of Bleaching and Ca(OH)2 Dressing on the Bond Strength of Fiberglass Posts to Root Dentine
Authors: Nery-Silva Iane Souza , Rover Gabriela , Tedesco Maybell , Garcia Lucas da Fonseca Roberti , Bortoluzzi Eduardo Antunes , Alves Ana Maria Hecke , Teixeira Cleonice Silveira
Published: October 2019

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the intracoronary bleaching and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) dressing use, on the bond strength (BS) of fiberglass posts to root dentine.

Materials and Methods After root canal filling of 40 bovine incisors, a 2-mm thick cervical plug was fabricated 2 mm below the cementum–enamel junction. Seven days later, teeth were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 10), as follows: G1 no bleaching, followed by immediate post cementation; G2 bleaching and immediate post cementation; G3 bleaching, dressing with Ca(OH)2 for 7 days, and post cementation; and G4 bleaching, no dressing, and post cementation after 7 days. The roots were transversally cut into 1-mm thick slices to perform the push-out test (0.5 mm/min). Failure modes were assessed under scanning electron microscopy.

Statistical Analysis The analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) was performed, followed by the supplementary Tukey multiple comparison test (a = 5%).

Results No significant difference for BS was observed among groups. Considering the different root thirds, G1 had higher BS values for the cervical third in comparison with the apical one (p < 0.05). The most frequent failure modes were adhesive between cement/dentine (G1); cohesive at the post (G2 and G3), and mixed (G4).

Conclusions The BS of the fiberglass posts to root dentine was not affected by the intracoronary bleaching and the use of Ca(OH)2 dressing.
A Clinically Integrated mHealth App and Practice Model for Collecting Patient-Reported Outcomes between Visits for Asthma Patients: Implementation and Feasibility
Authors: Rudin Robert S. , Fanta Christopher H. , Qureshi Nabeel , Duffy Erin , Edelen Maria O. , Dalal Anuj K. , Bates David W.
Published: October 2019

Objective Mobile health (mHealth) apps may prove to be useful tools for supporting chronic disease management. We assessed the feasibility of implementing a clinically integrated mHealth app and practice model to facilitate between-visit asthma symptom monitoring as per guidelines and with the help of patient-reported outcomes (PRO).

Methods We implemented the intervention at two pulmonary clinics and conducted a mixed-methods analysis of app usage data and semi-structured interview of patients and clinician participants over a 25-week study period.

Results Five physicians, 1 physician's assistant, 1 nurse, and 26 patients participated. Twenty-four patients (92%) were still participating in the intervention at the end of the 25-week study period. On average, each patient participant completed 21 of 25 questionnaires (84% completion rate). Weekly completion rates were higher for participants who were female (88 vs. 73%, p = 0.02) and obtained a bachelor's degree level or higher (94 vs. 74%, p = 0.04). On average, of all questionnaires, including both completed and not completed (25 weekly questionnaires times 26 patient participants), 25% had results severe enough to qualify for a callback from a nurse; however, patients declined this option in roughly half of the cases in which they were offered the option. We identified 6 key themes from an analysis of 21 patients and 5 clinician interviews. From the patient's perspective, these include more awareness of asthma, more connected with provider, and app simplicity. From the clinician's perspective, these include minimal additional work required, facilitating triage, and informing conversations during visits.

Conclusion Implementation of a clinically integrated mHealth app and practice model can achieve high patient retention and adherence to guideline-recommended asthma symptom monitoring, while minimally burdening clinicians. The intervention has the potential for scaling to primary care and reducing utilization of urgent and emergency care.
Proton acceleration through a charged cavity created by ultraintense laser pulse
Authors: Ter-Avetisyan S. , Singh P. K. , Cho M. H. , Andreev A. , Kakolee K. F. , Ahmed H. , Scullion C. , Sharif S. , Hadjisolomou P. , Borghesi M.
Published: October 2019

The potential of laser-driven ion beam applications is limited by high quality requirements. The excellent “point-source” characteristics of the laser accelerated proton beam in a broad energy range were found by using proton radiographs of a mesh. The “virtual source” of protons, the point where the proton trajectories are converging and form a waist, gradually decreases and moves asymptotically to the target with increasing particles' energy. Computer simulations confirmed that the beam profile at the center is fully conserved, the virtual source of higher energy protons gradually moves closer to the target, and if the particle energy is further increased, the virtual source will be located on the target front surface (for portions above 13 MeV, in this case) with a size comparable to the laser spot size. The laser ponderomotive force pushes the electrons deep into the target creating a bipolar charge structure, i.e., an electron cavity and spike which produces strong accelerating field, realizing a point-size source of accelerated protons. This behavior has not previously been predicted. These results contribute to the development of next generation laser-accelerators suitable for many applications.
Thermal tuning of negative effective mass density in a two-dimensional acoustic metamaterial with hexagonal lattice
Authors: Li Zhen , Li Yueming , Kumar Sanjay , Lee Heow Pueh
Published: October 2019

The unique characteristics like periodic and locally resonant behaviors of acoustic metamaterials result in an anomalous response to the wave propagation and exhibit complete elastic wave bandgaps. However, these unusual properties arise from the geometry of the artificially designed metastructure and can be significantly affected under the exposure of the thermal environment. In this paper, we present a thermally tunable two-dimensional acoustic metamaterial with a hexagonal lattice. The numerical results demonstrated that by adjusting the externally applied temperature to the structure and imposing several different load conditions like thermal deformation and thermal stress, a tunable effective mass density of the metamaterial could be obtained. The proposed concept further extends the ongoing research in the field of tunable acoustic metamaterials.
High-pressure synthesis of superhard and ultrahard materials
Authors: Le Godec Yann , Courac Alexandre , Solozhenko Vladimir L.
Published: October 2019

A brief overview of the high-pressure synthesis of superhard and ultrahard materials is presented in this tutorial paper. Modern high-pressure chemistry represents a vast exciting area of research which can lead to new industrially important materials with exceptional mechanical properties. This field is only just beginning to realize its huge potential, and the image of “terra incognita” is not misused. We focus on three facets of this expanding research ﬁeld by detailing the following: (i) the most promising chemical systems to explore (i.e., “where to search”); (ii) the various methodological strategies for exploring these systems (i.e., “how to explore”); and (iii) the technological and conceptual tools to study the latter (i.e., “the research tools”). These three aspects that are crucial in this research are illustrated by examples of the recent results on high-pressure–high-temperature synthesis of novel super- and ultrahard phases (orthorhombic γ-B28, diamondlike BC5, rhombohedral B13N2, and cubic ternary B–C–N phases). Finally, some perspectives of this research area are briefly reviewed.
Improved optoelectronic properties in solution-processed epitaxial rare-earth-doped BaSnO3 thin films via grain size engineering
Authors: Wei R. H. , Hu L. , Shao C. , Tang X. W. , Luo X. , Dai J. M. , Yang J. , Song W. H. , Zhu X. B. , Sun Y. P.
Published: October 2019

Epitaxial BaSnO3 (BSO) thin films doped with different rare-earth elements (La, Pr, and Nd) were prepared by a simple solution deposition method. Grain size engineering through processing was achieved to tune both lateral and vertical grain sizes, resulting in obvious increments in carrier mobility. Improved performance with the room-temperature mobility exceeding 35 cm2 V−1 s−1 and resistivity as low as 0.55 mΩ cm was realized. The results will open a low-cost route for preparation of large-area BSO thin films with improved optoelectronic properties through the solution method.