Theoretical cross-wind speed against rail vehicle derailment considering the cross-running wind of trains and the dynamic wheel-rail effects

In this paper, a theoretical formula was proposed that predicts the derailment index due to a cross wind applied to a rail vehicle considering the cross running wind condition of two running trains as well as the dynamic wheel-rail effects. The recently developed derailment theory on a wheelset was applied to this new cross wind derailment formula. Contrary to the conventional formulas, this new derailment formula was derived considering a dynamic derailment coefficient (Q/P) under normal running, the friction coefficient between the wheel and the rail, the wheel load variation, the cross running wind effects, and the cross wind. Using this proposed formula, the derailment pattern and the critical cross wind speed of derailment could be predicted for various cross running wind conditions of two running trains. Finally, for some typical examples, the results of this proposed formula were compared and verified with those of the conventional formulas and the numerical simulation of multi-body dynamics software, Recurdyn.     

A suggested color scheme for reducing perception-related accidents on construction work sites

Changes in workforce demographics have led to the need for more sophisticated approaches to addressing the safety requirements of the construction industry. Despite extensive research in other industry domains, the construction industry has been passive in exploring the impact of a color scheme; perception-related accidents have been effectively diminished by its implementation. The research demonstrated that the use of appropriate color schemes could improve the actions and psychology of workers on site, thereby increasing their perceptions of potentially dangerous situations. As a preliminary study, the objects selected by rigorous analysis on accident reports were workwear, safety net, gondola, scaffolding, and safety passage. The colors modified on site for temporary facilities were adopted from existing theoretical and empirical research that suggests the use of certain colors and their combinations to improve visibility and conspicuity while minimizing work fatigue. The color schemes were also tested and confirmed through two workshops with workers and managers currently involved in actual projects. The impacts of color schemes suggested in this paper are summarized as follows. First, the color schemes improve the conspicuity of facilities with other on site components, enabling workers to quickly discern and orient themselves in their work environment. Secondly, the color schemes have been selected to minimize the visual work fatigue and monotony that can potentially increase accidents.     

New Multiplier for a Double‐Base Number System Linked to a Flash ADC

The double‐base number system has been used in digital signal processing systems for over a decade because of its fast inner product operation and low hardware complexity. This letter proposes an innovative multiplier architecture using hybrid operands. The multiplier can easily be linked to flash analog‐to‐digital converters or digital systems through a double‐base number encoder (DBNE) for realtime signal processing. The design of the DBNE and the multiplier enable faster digital signal processing and require less hardware resources compared to the binary processing method.     

Effects of probiotic yoghurt on symptoms and intestinal microbiota in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of probiotic yoghurt Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in the treatment of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Eighty‐three IBS patients yielded data to be analysed from this 9‐week, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind and randomized trial. The patients consumed either a LGG‐containing probiotic yoghurt (treatment group; n = 44) or a placebo (n = 39) twice daily for 6 weeks. The results indicate that this probiotic yoghurt was effective in alleviating some IBS symptoms and resulted in slight changes in certain gut microbiota. Probiotic yoghurt may represent a treatment for some gastrointestinal disorders.     

Optimal Reference Vector Selection Algorithm in Subspace Interference Alignment to Maximize System Throughput

Arbitrary reference vectors have been adopted in conventional subspace alignment as transmitting vectors at the transmitter side. Inter-cell interference among users can be eliminated using orthogonal vectors to the chosen reference vectors at the receiver side. However, in this case, the sum-rate varies using different reference vectors, even though the channel values remain constant, and vice versa. In this paper, we analyzed the variation of sum-rate corresponding to reference vectors. An optimal reference vector selection algorithm based on subspace interference alignment is proposed to increase multi-cell capacity. The proposed algorithm adopts reference vectors with small variance. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithms provide about 50 % higher sum-rate than does the conventional subspace interference alignment algorithm.     

Development of Predictive Model based Control Scheme for a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) Process

International Journal of Control, Automation and Systems - To improve availability and performance of fuel cells, the operating temperature of a molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) stack should be...     

Evolution of high temperature stability of Inconel 617 by surface modification

A comparative study on the high temperature stability of bare Inconel 617 and Inconel 617 surface-modified by TiAlN overlay- and Al diffusion-coating was performed, and a remarkable improvement in high temperature stability was achieved by surface modification. Microstructural analysis revealed that the formation of brittle and unstable Cr₂O₃ crusts which makes Inconel 617 vulnerable at high temperatures was inhibited both by a TiO₂-rich top layer with an Al-containing subsurface layer (TiAlN overlay-coated), and by an Al_xNi_1?x (x=0.4?C0.6) alloy layer (Al diffusion-coated). Both TiAlN overlay- and Al diffusion-coated Inconel 617 also showed enhanced wear resistance before and after heat treatment at 1000 °C.