A Statistical Approach to Evaluating Wheel-Rail Contact Dynamics

Author(s):  
Sayedmohammad Hosseini ◽  
Arash Hosseinian Ahangarnejad ◽  
Ahmad Radmehr ◽  
Ali Tajaddini ◽  
Mehdi Ahmadian

Abstract This paper provides a statistical analysis of the effects of wheel load, angle of attack (AoA), and creepage on longitudinal traction force at the wheel-rail contact using experimental data collected on the Virginia Tech-Federal Railroad Administration (VT-FRA) Roller Rig. The VT-FRA Roller Rig is a unique piece of equipment designed and built with the specific goal of evaluating the wheel-rail contact mechanics and dynamics with a high degree of precision. Longitudinal traction forces are of great importance to the railroad industry since they provide the motive power needed to move a train. Various experiments are conducted in different settings to study the relationship between the aforementioned variables and the longitudinal traction force. The test data is split into “training” and “testing” sets, and the training sets (a total of four) are used to entertain statistical models in a standard parametric regression framework. The study carefully assesses whether the assumptions of the classical linear regression model hold by studying the empirical histogram and the normal Q-Q plot of the residuals. In the case of non-linearities, different transformations are applied to the explanatory variable to find the closest functional form that captures the relationship between the response and the explanatory variables. The developed models are then compared with their non-parametric counterparts such as natural cubic splines in terms of goodness of fit, and prediction error on the testing set. The study develops regression models that are able to accurately explain the relationship between longitudinal traction and creepage and AoA. The models are intended to be used for predicting traction under various operating conditions.

1986 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred S. Zufryden

A model is formulated to express the relationship between first-order Markov transition probabilities for a multibrand market and explanatory variables. The author shows that the parameters of the model can be estimated through a proposed restricted weighted least squares procedure. An empirical implementation of the estimation procedure illustrates the structure, goodness of fit, and predictive validity of the proposed model.


2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-194
Author(s):  
Anna Svedberg ◽  
Tom Lindström

Abstract A pilot-scale fourdrinier former has been developed for the purpose of investigating the relationship between retention and paper formation (features, retention aids, dosage points, etc.). The main objective of this publication was to present the R-F (Retention and formation)-machine and demonstrate some of its fields of applications. For a fine paper stock (90% hardwood and 10% softwood) with addition of 25% filler (based on total solids content), the relationship between retention and formation was investigated for a microparticulate retention aid (cationic polyacrylamide together with anionic montmorillonite clay). The retention-formation relationship of the retention aid system was investigated after choosing standardized machine operating conditions (e.g. the jet-to-wire speed ratio). As expected, the formation was impaired when the retention was increased. Since good reproducibility was attained, the R-F (Retention and formation)-machine was found to be a useful tool for studying the relationship between retention and paper formation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3522
Author(s):  
Konstantinos-Marios Tsitsilonis ◽  
Gerasimos Theotokatos

In this study a coupled thermodynamics and crankshaft dynamics model of a large two-stroke diesel engine was utilised, to map the relationship of the engine Instantaneous Crankshaft Torque (ICT) with the following frequently occurring malfunctioning conditions: (a) change in Start of Injection (SOI), (b) change in Rate of Heat Release (RHR), (c) change in scavenge air pressure, and (d) blowby. This was performed using frequency analysis on the engine ICT, which was obtained through a series of parametric runs of the coupled engine model, under the various malfunctioning and healthy operating conditions. This process demonstrated that engine ICT can be successfully utilised to identify the distinct effects of malfunctions (c) or (d), as they occur individually in any cylinder. Furthermore by using the same process, malfunctions (a) and (b) can be identified as they occur individually for any cylinder, however there is no distinct effect on the engine ICT among these malfunctions, since their effect on the in-cylinder pressure is similar. As a result, this study demonstrates the usefulness of the engine ICT as a non-intrusive diagnostic measurement, as well as the benefits of malfunctioning conditions mapping, which allows for quick and less resource intensive identification of engine malfunctions.


Author(s):  
Mark David Walker ◽  
Mihály Sulyok

Abstract Background Restrictions on social interaction and movement were implemented by the German government in March 2020 to reduce the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Apple's “Mobility Trends” (AMT) data details levels of community mobility; it is a novel resource of potential use to epidemiologists. Objective The aim of the study is to use AMT data to examine the relationship between mobility and COVID-19 case occurrence for Germany. Is a change in mobility apparent following COVID-19 and the implementation of social restrictions? Is there a relationship between mobility and COVID-19 occurrence in Germany? Methods AMT data illustrates mobility levels throughout the epidemic, allowing the relationship between mobility and disease to be examined. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were established for Germany, with mobility categories, and date, as explanatory variables, and case numbers as response. Results Clear reductions in mobility occurred following the implementation of movement restrictions. There was a negative correlation between mobility and confirmed case numbers. GAM using all three categories of mobility data accounted for case occurrence as well and was favorable (AIC or Akaike Information Criterion: 2504) to models using categories separately (AIC with “driving,” 2511. “transit,” 2513. “walking,” 2508). Conclusion These results suggest an association between mobility and case occurrence. Further examination of the relationship between movement restrictions and COVID-19 transmission may be pertinent. The study shows how new sources of online data can be used to investigate problems in epidemiology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3396
Author(s):  
Óscar Gavín-Chocano ◽  
David Molero ◽  
Inmaculada García-Martínez

(1) Background: Early intervention professionals are involved in the reconceptualisation of their service due to the exceptional situation caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, within the family context and aware of the children’s needs, with an impact on their emotional well-being to ensure sustainability. An analysis of their socio–emotional profile and training is increasingly needed to face their professional development effectively; (2) Methods: In this study, 209 early intervention professionals participated (n = 209), with an average age of 37.62 (±9.02). The following instruments were used: Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Wong Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS-S) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9). The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between early intervention (EI) and engagement as predictors of greater life satisfaction using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). (3) Results: There exists a relationship between some dimensions of the instruments used (p < 0.01). The model obtained good structural validity (χ² = 3.264; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) =.021; Goodness-of-Fit Index (GFI) = 0.991; Comparative Goodness of Fit Index (CFI) = 0.999; Incremental Fit Index (IFI) = 0.999). Subsequently, the results described above were verified through Bayesian statistics, thereby reinforcing the evidence provided; (4) Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of providing professionals with emotional tools and strategies, from the educational context, in order to carry out their activity effectively and ensure the sustainability within the current situation, while remaining fully engaged.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1207
Author(s):  
Misato Uehara ◽  
Makoto Fujii ◽  
Kazuki Kobayashi

Research on stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic has been dominated by the cases of healthcare workers, students, patients, and their stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the relationship between the amount of stress change under the COVID-19 pandemic and demographic factors (age, sex, occupation, etc.) in residents of a large city and a rural area of Japan. A total of 1331 valid responses were received in June 2020 from residents of Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagano registered with a private research firm. We were able to identify 15 statistically significant variables out of 36 explanatory variables, which explained the significant increase in stress compared to the pre-pandemic period. Multiple-factor analysis showed that the relationship with people is a more significant explanatory variable for the level of increase in stress than the difference in environment between big cities (Tokyo, Osaka) and rural areas (Nagano), the type of housing, and the decrease in income compared to the pre-pandemic period.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 1200
Author(s):  
Yong-Joon Jun ◽  
Seung-ho Ahn ◽  
Kyung-Soon Park

The Green Remodeling Project under South Korea’s Green New Deal policy is a government-led project intended to strengthen the performance sector directly correlated with energy performance among various elements of improvement applicable to building remodeling by replacing insulation materials, introducing new and renewable energy, introducing high-efficiency equipment, etc., with public buildings taking the lead in green remodeling in order to induce energy efficiency enhancement in private buildings. However, there is an ongoing policy that involves the application of a fragmentary value judgment criterion, i.e., whether to apply technical elements confined to the enhancement of the energy performance of target buildings and the prediction of improvement effects according thereto, thus resulting in the phenomenon of another important value criterion for green remodeling, i.e., the enhancement of the occupant (user) comfort performance of target buildings as one of its purposes, being neglected instead. In order to accurately grasp the current status of these problems and to promote ‘expansion of the value judgment criteria for green remodeling’ as an alternative, this study collected energy usage data of buildings actually used by public institutions and then conducted a total analysis. After that, the characteristics of energy usage were analyzed for each of the groups of buildings classified by year of completion, thereby carrying out an analysis of the correlation between the non-architectural elements affecting the actual energy usage and the actual energy usage data. The correlation between the improvement performance of each technical element and the actual improvement effect was also analyzed, thereby ascertaining the relationship between the direction of major policy strategies and the actual energy usage. As a result of the relationship analysis, it was confirmed that the actual energy usage is more affected by the operating conditions of the relevant building than the application of individual strategic elements such as the performance of the envelope insulation and the performance of the high-efficiency system. In addition, it was also confirmed that the usage of public buildings does not increase in proportion to their aging. The primary goal of reducing energy usage in target buildings can be achieved if public sector (government)-led green remodeling is pushed ahead with in accordance with biased value judgment criteria, just as in the case of a campaign to refrain from operating cooling facilities in aging public buildings. However, it was possible to grasp through the progress of this study that the remodeling may also result in the deterioration of environmental comfort and stability, such as the numerical value of the indoor thermal environment. The results of this study have the significance of providing basic data for pushing ahead with a green remodeling policy in which the value judgment criteria for aging existing public buildings are more expanded, and it is necessary to continue research in such a direction that the quantitative purpose of green remodeling, which is to reduce energy usage in aging public buildings, and its qualitative purpose, which is to enhance their environmental performance for occupants’ comfort, can be mutually balanced and secured at the same time.


2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (16) ◽  
pp. 1039-1039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adilson Marques ◽  
Diana A Santos ◽  
Charles H Hillman ◽  
Luís B Sardinha

ObjectiveThis report aimed to systematically review the evidence for a differential association between objective and self-reported physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness on academic achievement.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesStudies were identified from searches in Embase, Education Resources Information Center, PubMed, PsycINFO, SPORTdiscus and Web of Science databases from January 2000 to December 2016.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesEligibility criteria included cross-sectional, longitudinal and interventional study designs. Outcomes included students’ school grade or a standardised test or measure of academic achievement. Explanatory variables were cardiorespiratory fitness and objective and self-reported physical activity. Inclusion criteria included school-aged children and adolescents aged–18 years (or students from primary to secondary school when student’s participants age was not described) and articles published in English, Portuguese or Spanish.ResultsA total of 51 articles met inclusion criteria: 41 cross-sectional, 2 intervention and 8 longitudinal studies. Results from 11 studies were inconsistent regarding the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and academic achievement. Ten of the 16 articles reported positive associations between self-reported physical activity and academic achievement. From the 22 studies that analysed the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and academic achievement, it was verified that they all generally support the beneficial effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on students’ academic achievement.ConclusionHigher cardiorespiratory fitness may be important to enhance children and adolescents’ health and, additionally, academic achievement. Due to a lack of consensus across studies, methodological issues associated with the assessment of physical activity should be considered when investigating physical activity and academic achievement.


BioResources ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 4891-4904
Author(s):  
Selahattin Bardak ◽  
Timucin Bardak ◽  
Hüseyin Peker ◽  
Eser Sözen ◽  
Yildiz Çabuk

Wood materials have been used in many products such as furniture, stairs, windows, and doors for centuries. There are differences in methods used to adapt wood to ambient conditions. Impregnation is a widely used method of wood preservation. In terms of efficiency, it is critical to optimize the parameters for impregnation. Data mining techniques reduce most of the cost and operational challenges with accurate prediction in the wood industry. In this study, three data-mining algorithms were applied to predict bending strength in impregnated wood materials (Pinus sylvestris L. and Millettia laurentii). Models were created from real experimental data to examine the relationship between bending strength, diffusion time, vacuum duration, and wood type, based on decision trees (DT), random forest (RF), and Gaussian process (GP) algorithms. The highest bending strength was achieved with wenge (Millettia laurentii) wood in 10 bar vacuum and the diffusion condition during 25 min. The results showed that all algorithms are suitable for predicting bending strength. The goodness of fit for the testing phase was determined as 0.994, 0.986, and 0.989 in the DT, RF, and GP algorithms, respectively. Moreover, the importance of attributes was determined in the algorithms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 041-048
Author(s):  
Benson Chinweuba Udeh

This study is on the production of quicklime from Ashaka limestone through calcination process. Effects of temperature, particle size and time on quicklime yield were determined. The experiment was carried out at temperatures of 800, 900, 1000, 1100 and 1200 0C, particle sizes of 80mm, 90mm, 100mm, 300mm and 425mm and times of 0.5hr, 1hr, 2hrs, 3hrs and 4hrs. Analyses of the results showed that quicklime was successfully produced from Ashaka limestone through the calcination process. Quadratic model adequately described the relationship between quicklime yield and calcination factors of temperature, particle size and time. Recorded model F-value of 134.35 implies that the model is significant. The predicted R² of 0.9597 is in reasonable agreement with the adjusted R² of 0.9844; the difference is less than the critical value of 0.2. Optimum yield of 73.48% was obtained at optima operating conditions; temperature of 1000 0C, particle size of 90 µm and time of 3 hrs.


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