Track damage comparison between conventional and articulated trains operating on a Great Britain railways ‘classic’ mainline route and a high-speed route

2018 ◽  
Vol 233 (7) ◽  
pp. 743-761 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Rhodes ◽  
Geoff Hunt ◽  
Neil Harwood ◽  
Naim Kuka ◽  
Laurent Baron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Great Britain ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Strategic Model ◽  
Design Characteristics ◽  
Architecture And Design ◽  
The Impact

The impact of train architecture and design characteristics on track deterioration accounts for a significant proportion of the whole-life costs of operating a railway. Introducing new train fleets with an expected life in excess of 30 years means that it is important to optimise train design to minimise track deterioration, maximise track life and realise long-term cost savings. Furthermore, higher traffic tonnage (from more frequent services) and increased train acceleration and speeds will cause increasing track deterioration rates; therefore, this issue is central to managing a sustainable railway in future. The track ‘friendliness’ of a train is determined by several ‘vehicle/track interaction’ parameters: train mass, axle load, number of axles, bogie unsprung mass, traction power, suspension ride forces and speed. The Vehicle/Track Interaction Strategic Model (VTISM) can be used to analyse the effect of these parameters on track forces and the resultant track deterioration and maintenance and renewal costs. This paper describes a study undertaken using the VTISM to investigate the impact of axle loads and train architecture on vertical deterioration and costs of ballasted track on a Great Britain railways ‘classic’ mainline route (up to 125 mph) and, following VTISM upgrading and validation, a high-speed route (up to 360 km/h). It identifies where potential cost advantages may be obtained when comparing conventional trains with new, alternative train architectures.

A Case Study - Life Extension of Offshore Bridge Bearings

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Abdelkhalek ◽  
Govindavilas Sudhesh ◽  
Anjan Sarkar ◽  
Mohammed Eissa
Keyword(s):  
Cost Savings ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Life Extension ◽  
Case Scenario ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Maintenance And Repair ◽  
Seasonal Monitoring ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Bridge Bearings

Abstract Structural bearings of 47 offshore platform-link bridges with average age of 40 years were inspected and recommended for replacements due to their poor condition. Replacement of bridge bearings involves major risk and production interruptions given the structural modifications, and critical piping and E&I disconnections required for safe jacking-lifting activities required during the process. This paper presents the approach adopted to assure the integrity of the bridges and extend their lives without the need to replace the bearings. The approach employed failure mode and effect analysis to identifying and narrowing down areas that need focused efforts while tackling the problem. Scenario based structural assessments were carried out to examine the impact of the level of movement-allowing bearings functionality on the integrity of the bridge and its supporting structures; identify critical locations to be targeted during focused inspections; and establish envelopes for monitoring thermal expansion and contraction of the bridges. Guidelines were developed and implemented for integrated inspection-maintenance and repair campaign, which aimed to tackle corrosion issues and to install movement-monitoring indicators. Indicator seasonal monitoring is employed to establish the functionality of bearings on the long-term. The what-if structural assessments revealed that even in the worst-case scenario (in which the bearing are completely jammed) the option of local strengthening of the bridge and its supporting elements is more attractive than bearing replacement. The integrated inspection-maintenance and repair campaigns revealed that excessive corrosion levels observed from historic visual inspections on external non-critical bearing components (e.g: guide plates, angles, etc.) is not indicative of the condition of the internal load-bearing components (pedestals) which experienced much lower corrosion levels. The seasonal monitoring of bridge movements revealed that the 40+ years old Teflon pads are still functional and allow the bridges expansion and contraction. The developed holistic approach enabled demonstration of the fitness for service of the bearings, and provided means for assuring their long-term performance through monitoring. The results assured safety, integrity and delivered significant cost savings through aversion brownfield modifications, and production loss associated with bridge jacking and bearing replacement operations.

scholarly journals Mixed methods evaluation of a hospital group model using an embedded research approach: study protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e027086
Author(s):  
Cecilia Vindrola-Padros ◽  
Estela Capelas Barbosa ◽  
Angus I G Ramsay ◽  
Simon Turner ◽  
Stephen Morris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Ethics Committee ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Group Model ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Mixed Methods Evaluation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hospital Group

IntroductionHospital group models represent an organisational form that aims to bring together multiple provider organisations with a central headquarters and unified leadership responsible for locally managed operating units, standardised systems and a value-set shared across the group. These models seek to improve outcomes by reducing unwarranted variations in care provision and reducing costs through economies of scale. There is limited evidence on the impact and processes of implementing these models, so this study aims to evaluate one case study of a hospital group model.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a formative, mixed-methods evaluation using an embedded research approach to analyse the implementation of the model and its impact on outcomes and costs. We will carry out a multisited ethnography to analyse the programme theory for model design and implementation, the barriers and facilitators in the implementation; and wider contextual issues that influence implementation using semi-structured interviews (n=80), non-participant observations (n=80 hours), ‘shadowing’ (n=20 hours) and documentary analysis. We will also carry out an economic evaluation composed of a cost-consequence analysis and a return on investment analysis to evaluate the costs of creating and running the model and balance these against the potential cost-savings.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was reviewed by the local R&D Office and University College London Ethics Committee and classified as a service evaluation, not requiring approval by a research ethics committee. We will follow guidelines for informed consent, confidentiality and information governance, and address issues of critical distance prevalent in embedded research. Findings will be shared at regular time points to inform the implementation of the model. The evaluation will also generate: an evaluation framework to evaluate future changes; recommendations for meaningful baseline data and measuring improvement; identification of implementation costs and potential cost-savings; and lessons for the National Health Service on implementing these models.

An Assessment of the Impact That Chemotherapy Treatment Has on Employment Status in Individuals with Lymphoma.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 5492-5492
Author(s):  
Jeff Horn ◽  
Ann T. Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Hodgkin’S Lymphoma ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Hodgkin's Lymphoma ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Main Theme ◽  
Chemotherapy Treatment ◽  
Working Age ◽  
The Impact

Abstract A significant proportion of individuals undergoing treatment for lymphoma are of working age and are in employment prior to diagnosis and during subsequent chemotherapy treatment. This small-scale study seeks to explore the impact that chemotherapy treatments have on employment. Specifically, the reasons for the decision to continue to work or not, and any perceived benefits or disadvantages encountered as a result are explored. Methods: All individuals presenting with newly diagnosed lymphoma, over a 12 month period, were identified retrospectively. Individuals of official working age, and who were receiving out-patient chemotherapy (i.e. who had the ability to be working at the time) were invited to participate. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that was designed to explore their experiences of employment during this time. Results: A total of 33 patients were invited to participate. A return rate of 70% was achieved. Of those who responded, 5 (22%) had already retired prior to diagnosis. A total of 12 patients (52%) continued to work during their chemotherapy treatment. Of these, 6 (50%) continued to work the same hours in the same conditions, whereas 6 (50%) worked an altered or flexible pattern. 6 patients (26%) stopped working for the duration of treatment, one of whom has not returned since. There were no obvious differences in patients with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma as opposed to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The response rate was much higher in those who had received intravenous chemotherapy than oral preparations, preventing analysis of any potential variation in experiences. The qualitative data obtained gives a clearer insight into the many issues faced by the patient when undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Familiar themes were identified in many cases, and these were grouped into 5 main theme categories: Diversion from the reality of diagnosis and treatment Psychological Issues Issues of retained normality Practical Issues Physical or medical issues. Difficulty in coping with the side-effects of treatment, particularly fatigue, were commonly cited. Emotional effects such as stress and anxiety were also alluded to. Despite this, those who continued to work reported benefit from retaining a normal lifestyle, gained support from co-workers and experienced a diversion of focus from treatment. Several of those who continued to work cited financial reasons for this decision. Feedback suggested that advice given by the health-care team was often lacking or inconsistent. This did not reflect our perception of current practice, so it may suggest that it is the way that information is given that is ineffective. Conclusion: The majority of patients continued to work during their treatment and there appear to be many benefits to this. Difficulties encountered related mainly to treatment side-effects, logistical and practical problems associated with undergoing chemotherapy. It is envisaged that a greater understanding of the impact that lymphoma and its treatment has on employment may improve the level of support that can be offered by the multi-disciplinary team. The curative nature of many Lymphomas demands that long-term complications of the disease and treatment are fully addressed at the time of diagnosis. Social, economic and employment welfare are integral aspects to be considered, especially in a group of individuals who are likely to be long-term survivors.

A Data Pretreatment Method about Power System Load Modeling

2012 ◽  
Vol 263-266 ◽  
pp. 125-130
Author(s):  
Yan Ping Wang
Keyword(s):  
Power System ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Load Forecasting ◽  
Multiple Time ◽  
Load Modeling ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Data Pretreatment ◽  
Load Increase ◽  
The Impact

Short-term load forecasting is one of the most important routine works for power dispatch departments. The accuracy of load forecasting will exert direct effects on the safety, economy and stabilization of the power system running. Portrait and transverse comparability are employed to distinguish and correct bad load data, while wavelet analysis and multiple-time-period analysis used to eliminate long-term increasing weights, thus reducing the impact of the high-speed load increase on the accuracy of load forecasting.

scholarly journals Public health air pollution impacts of pathway options to meet the 2050 UK Climate Change Act target: a modelling study

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 1-124
Author(s):  
Martin L Williams ◽  
Sean Beevers ◽  
Nutthida Kitwiroon ◽  
David Dajnak ◽  
Heather Walton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Climate Change ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Great Britain ◽  
Road Transport ◽  
Air Pollutant ◽  
Life Years ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundThe UK’sClimate Change Act 2008(CCA; Great Britain.Climate Change Act 2008. Chapter 27. London: The Stationery Office; 2008) requires a reduction of 80% in carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions by 2050 on a 1990 base. This project quantified the impact of air pollution on health from four scenarios involving particulate matter of ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3). Two scenarios met the CCA target: one with limited nuclear power build (nuclear replacement option; NRPO) and one with no policy constraint on nuclear (low greenhouse gas). Another scenario envisaged no further climate actions beyond those already agreed (‘baseline’) and the fourth kept 2011 concentrations constant to 2050 (‘2011’).MethodsThe UK Integrated MARKAL–EFOM System (UKTM) energy system model was used to develop the scenarios and produce projections of fuel use; these were used to produce air pollutant emission inventories for Great Britain (GB) for each scenario. The inventories were then used to run the Community Multiscale Air Quality model ‘air pollution model’ to generate air pollutant concentration maps across GB, which then, combined with relationships between concentrations and health outcomes, were used to calculate the impact on health from the air pollution emitted in each scenario. This is a significant improvement on previous health impact studies of climate policies, which have relied on emissions changes. Inequalities in exposure in different socioeconomic groups were also calculated, as was the economic impact of the pollution emissions.ResultsConcentrations of NO2declined significantly because of a high degree of electrification of the GB road transport fleet, although the NRPO scenario shows large increases in oxides of nitrogen emissions from combined heat and power (CHP) sources. Concentrations of PM2.5show a modest decrease by 2050, which would have been larger if it had not been for a significant increase in biomass (wood burning) use in the two CCA scenarios peaking in 2035. The metric quantifying long-term exposure to O3is projected to decrease, while the important short-term O3exposure metric increases. Large projected increases in future GB vehicle kilometres lead to increased non-exhaust PM2.5and particulate matter of ≤ 10 µm emissions. The two scenarios which achieve the CCA target resulted in more life-years lost from long-term exposures to PM2.5than in the baseline scenario. This is an opportunity lost and arises largely from the increase in biomass use, which is projected to peak in 2035. Reduced long-term exposures to NO2lead to many more life-years saved in the ‘CCA-compliant’ scenarios, but the association used may overestimate the effects of NO2itself. The more deprived populations are estimated currently to be exposed to higher concentrations than those less deprived, the contrast being largest for NO2. Despite reductions in concentrations in 2050, the most socioeconomically deprived are still exposed to higher concentrations than the less deprived.LimitationsModelling of the atmosphere is always uncertain; we have shown the model to be acceptable through comparison with observations. The necessary complexity of the modelling system has meant that only a small number of scenarios were run.ConclusionsWe have established a system which can be used to explore a wider range of climate policy scenarios, including more European and global scenarios as well as local measures. Future work could explore wood burning in more detail, in terms of the sectors in which it might be burned and the spatial distribution of this across the UK. Further analyses of options for CHP could also be explored. Non-exhaust emissions from road transport are an important source of particles and emission factors are uncertain. Further research on this area coupled with our modelling would be a valuable area of research.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Public Health Research programme.

scholarly journals The role of patient preferences in adherence to treatment in chronic disease: a narrative review

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 13-20
Author(s):  
Serena Losi ◽  
Cesare Celeste Federico Berra ◽  
Riccardo Fornengo ◽  
Dario Pitocco ◽  
Giovanni Biricolti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Preference ◽  
Patient Preferences ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Duration Of Treatment ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Adherence To Therapy

Adherence to prescribed medication is important to the management of all diseases, especially those of chronic nature. Drug effectiveness is substantially compromised by therapy nonadherence. We reviewed the available evidences on the impact of patient preferences for therapy on adherence to a prescribed treatment in chronic diseases requiring long-term treatment. A search on PubMed retrieved 699 publications, leading to a selection of 12 publications: 6 on osteoporosis, 2 on moderate-to-severe asthma, 1 on type 1 diabetes, 1 on type 2 diabetes, 1 on kidney transplantation, and 1 on atrial fibrillation. Overall, 8 studies found a positive association between patient preference and adherence to therapy, while the others found no association. In general, overall adherence was considered to be high in the published studies. The reasons for a positive association included reduced dosing frequency, route of administration, lower costs, and favorable safety profile, which is related to the diverse nature of the pathology and its type and duration of treatment. A literature review suggests that achieving good adherence and persistence to therapy requires evaluation of patient preferences. In a period of increasingly limited resources, more effort is warranted to promote better adherence to therapy, especially when patients must self-manage their disease in the long term. Our results further highlight that insufficient attention has been given to the relationship between patient preference and adherence and point out the complex nature of adherence and the need for adequate patient education. More efforts are also needed to better understand the entity of cost savings for payers for specific treatments and the link with patient preference.

Abstract 19302: Long Term High Endurance Exercise and the Heart: Too Much of a Good Thing?

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Merghani ◽  
Viviana Maestrini ◽  
Stefania Rosmini ◽  
Harshil Dhutia ◽  
Andrew Cox ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ventricular Tachycardia ◽  
Myocardial Fibrosis ◽  
Endurance Exercise ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Cardiac Remodelling ◽  
Male Athletes ◽  
Intensive Exercise ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: The benefits of regular moderate exercise are well documented, however, there is a burgeoning group of veteran athletes who have been exercising vigorously since youth and the impact of life long intensive exercise on the heart is unknown. Hypothesis: Life-long intensive exercise may promote adverse cardiac remodelling. Methods: A large cohort of veteran athletes and gender, age and Framingham matched controls were studied comprehensively to investigate any detrimental effects of chronic life-long intensive exercise among veteran athletes. Veteran athletes were defined as >40 years of age and having competed in multiple endurance events over a 10 year period. Controls were recruited from University staff. All individuals were subjected to a cardiopulmonary exercise test, 24 hour Holter monitor, cardiac MRI (CMR) and CT coronary angiography. Results: A total of a 178 veteran athletes (m=128 f=50, mean age:54.8) and 123 controls (m=75 f=48, mean age 55.3) were recruited. Athletes demonstrated enlargement of all chamber sizes compared to sedentary controls on CMR. A significant proportion of male athletes (17.5%) exhibited myocardial fibrosis compared to none of the sedentary men (p=0.008) although this difference wasn’t observed in females (2.5% vs 0%, p=1.0). In 45% of cases fibrosis was subendocardial in distribution suggesting a prior ischaemic event. Male athletes with myocardial fibrosis had a 15% prevalence of ventricular tachycardia on a 24hour ECG compared to 1.06% of fibrosis free athletes (p=0.017). Compared to controls, male athletes had a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis (28.2% ≥2vessel disease vs 3.45%, p=0.009). Female athletes had similar indices of atherosclerosis compared to controls but they did demonstrate a U shaped relationship between V02 max and atherosclerosis: The lower and upper tertile of V02 Max had a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis (20%, and 26.7%) than those in the middle tertile(6.7%). Conclusions: Long term endurance exercise is associated with adverse cardiac remodelling. Myocardial fibrosis is common in male veteran athletes and is associated with ventricular tachycardia. Chronic endurance exercise also promotes atherosclerosis in males and females and this is likely to be dose dependent.

High-Speed Sealift Technology

1998 ◽  
Vol 35 (03) ◽  
pp. 135-150
Author(s):  
Colen Kennell ◽  
David R. Lavis ◽  
Michael T. Templeman
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Empirical Method ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Sea Transport ◽  
Relative Risks ◽  
Speed Range ◽  
Near Term ◽  
Design Characteristics ◽  
Impact Of Technology ◽  
The Impact

This paper describes a process that is currently being used within DoD and industry to examine the possibilities offered by technology to enhance the transport performance of high-speed commercial and military sealift. Technology projections are presented for both the near-term and the far-term. The impact of technology projections on transport performance properties is assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively. These assessments provide significant insight into the overall transport performance potential of hullforms and other technologies of interest, considerably in advance of detailed design studies. The quantitative assessment uses a derivation of the empirical method published by Kennell[1]4, which provides simple parametric relationships between mission requirements, expressed in terms of speed, range and payload, and design characteristics, expressed in terms of displacement, installed power and fuel weight, to compare the various hullforms and other technologies of interest. The qualitative assessment applies an established decision-making method to ascertain the relative capabilities and relative risks of hullforms and other technologies of interest for significant aspects of sea transport, other than speed, range and payload. While the methods used are generic, the data selected and results presented are aimed at ships capable of rapidly transporting heavy cargo over long distances.

Long-Term Antibiotics in Bronchiectasis

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (04) ◽  
pp. 606-615
Author(s):  
Guillermo Suarez-Cuartin ◽  
Marta Hernandez-Argudo ◽  
Lidia Perea ◽  
Oriol Sibila
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Bacterial Resistance ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Exacerbation Rate ◽  
Inhaled Antibiotics ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
The Impact

AbstractA significant proportion of bronchiectasis patients are chronically infected by potentially pathogenic microorganisms which may lead to frequent exacerbations and worse clinical outcomes. Current bronchiectasis guidelines recommend long-term inhaled antibiotics and/or oral macrolides as a part of patient management. In recent years, an increasing amount of evidence assessing the impact of these treatments on patient outcomes has been collected. Inhaled antibiotics have demonstrated significant improvements in sputum bacterial load, but their impact on patient quality of life, lung function, and exacerbation rate has not been consistent across trials. In this regard, recent post hoc analyses of inhaled antibiotics trials in bronchiectasis patients have shown that sputum bacterial load may be a key biomarker to predict treatment response in these patients. Oral macrolides, on the other hand, have proven to reduce exacerbation frequency and improve quality of life, but potential drug-related adverse effects and the increase in bacterial resistance are relevant. This review aims to summarize current important evidence for long-term antibiotic treatment in bronchiectasis patients.

scholarly journals The benefit of a tough skin: bullet holes, weathering and the preservation of heritage

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 160335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Mol ◽  
M. Gomez-Heras ◽  
C. Brassey ◽  
O. Green ◽  
T. Blenkinsop
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Surface Hardness ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Building Stone ◽  
Rock Surface ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Moisture Movement ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
The Impact

Projectile damage to building stone is a widespread phenomenon. Sites damaged 100 years ago during the First World War still see daily use, while in a more contemporary setting numerous reports show the damage to buildings in Babylon, Mosul and Palmyra. While research has been carried out on the long-term effects of conflict such as fire damage, little is known about the protracted damage sustained through the impact of bullets, shrapnel and other metal projectiles outside of the field of engineering focused on ceramics and metals. To investigate alterations to mineral structure caused by projectile damage, impacts were created in medium-grained, well-compacted, mesoporous sandstone samples using 0.22 calibre lead bullets shot at a distance of 20 m. Half these samples were treated with a surface consolidant (Wacker OH 100), to mimic natural cementation of the rock surface. These samples were then tested for changes to surface hardness and moisture movement during temperature cycles of 15–65°C. Petrographic thin section analysis was carried out to investigate the micro-scale deformation associated with high-speed impact. The results surprisingly show that stress build-up behind pre-existing cementation of the surface, as found in heritage sites that have been exposed to moisture and temperature fluctuations for longer periods of time, can be alleviated with a bullet impact. However, fracture networks and alteration of the mineral matrices still form a weak point within the structure, even at a relatively low impact calibre. This initial study illustrates the need for geomorphologists, geologists, engineers and heritage specialists to work collectively to gain further insights into the long-term impact of higher calibre armed warfare on heritage deterioration.

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