Analyzing the Combination Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Motor Control Training on Balance Function and Gait in Patients with Stroke-Induced Hemiplegia

Objective:To analyze the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with motor control training on the treatment of stroke-induced hemiplegia,specifically focusing on the impact on patients’balance function and gait.Methods:Fifty-two cases of hemiplegic stroke patients were randomly divided into two groups,26 in the control group and 26 in the observation group,using computer-generated random grouping.All participants underwent conventional treatment and rehabilitation training.In addition to these,the control group received repetitive transcranial magnetic pseudo-stimulation therapy+motor control training,while the observation group received repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy+motor control training.The balance function and gait parameters of both groups were compared before and after the interventions and assessed the satisfaction of the interventions in both groups.Results:Before the invention,there were no significant differences in balance function scores and each gait parameter between the two groups(P>0.05).However,after the intervention,the observation group showed higher balance function scores compared to the control group(P<0.05).The observation group also exhibited higher step speed and step frequency,longer step length,and a higher overall satisfaction level with the intervention compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and motor control training in the treatment of stroke-induced hemiplegia has demonstrated positive effects.It not only improves the patient’s balance function and gait but also contributes to overall physical rehabilitation.

Increasing realism in modelling energy losses in railway vehicles and their impact to energy-efficient train control

The reduction of energy consumption is an increasingly important topic of the railway system.Energy-efficient train control(EETC)is one solution,which refers to mathematically computing when to accelerate,which cruising speed to hold,how long one should coast over a suitable space,and when to brake.Most approaches in literature and industry greatly simplify a lot of nonlinear effects,such that they ignore mostly the losses due to energy conversion in traction components and auxiliaries.To fill this research gap,a series of increasingly detailed nonlinear losses is described and modelled.We categorize an increasing detail in this representation as four levels.We study the impact of those levels of detail on the energy optimal speed trajectory.To do this,a standard approach based on dynamic programming is used,given constraints on total travel time.This evaluation of multiple test cases highlights the influence of the dynamic losses and the power consumption of auxiliary components on railway trajectories,also compared to multiple benchmarks.The results show how the losses can make up 50%of the total energy consumption for an exemplary trip.Ignoring them would though result in consistent but limited errors in the optimal trajectory.Overall,more complex trajectories can result in less energy consumption when including the complexity of nonlinear losses than when a simpler model is considered.Those effects are stronger when the trajectory includes many acceleration and braking phases.

Effect of Combined Low-frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Virtual Reality Training on Upper Limb Function in Subacute Stroke:a Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trail

The effect of combined low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation（LF r TMS） and virtual reality（VR） training in patients after stroke was assessed. In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, 112 patients with hemiplegia after stroke were randomly divided into two groups： experimental and control. In experimental group, the patients received LF r TMS and VR training treatment, and those in control group received sham r TMS and VR training treatment. Participants in both groups received therapy of 6 days per week for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint including the upper limb motor function test of Fugl-meyer assessment（U-FMA） and wolf motor function test（WMFT）, and the secondary endpoint including modified Barthel index（MBI） and 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire（SF-36） were assessed before and 4 weeks after treatment. Totally, 108 subjects completed the study（55 in experimental group and 53 in control group respectively）. After 4-week treatment, the U-FMA scores [mean difference of 13.2, 95% confidence interval（CI） 3.6 to 22.7, P〈0.01], WMFT scores（mean difference of 2.9, 95% CI 2.7 to 12.3, P〈0.01）, and MBI scores（mean difference 16.1, 95% CI 3.8 to 9.4, P〈0.05） were significantly increased in the experimental group as compared with the control group. The results suggested the combined use of LF r TMS with VR training could effectively improve the upper limb function, the living activity, and the quality of life in patients with hemiplegia following subacute stroke, which may provide a better rehabilitation treatment for subacute stroke.

Hybrid force control of astronaut rehabilitative training robot under active loading mode

In order to mitigate the effects of space adaptation syndrome(SAS) and improve the training efficiency of the astronauts, a novel astronaut rehabilitative training robot(ART) was proposed. ART can help the astronauts to carry out the bench press training in the microgravity environment. Firstly, a dynamic model of cable driven unit(CDU) was established whose accuracy was verified through the model identification. Secondly, to improve the accuracy and the speed of the active loading, an active loading hybrid force controller was proposed on the basis of the dynamic model of the CDU. Finally, the actual effect of the hybrid force controller was tested by simulations and experiments. The results suggest that the hybrid force controller can significantly improve the precision and the dynamic performance of the active loading with the maximum phase lag of the active loading being 9° and the maximum amplitude error being 2% at the frequency range of 10 Hz. The controller can meet the design requirements.

Control and Management in Athletic Training of the Russian National Teams

The article presents wide experience in controlling athletic training aimed at preparation of the Russian national teams for major international competitions. Experimental part of the study has been carried out in the course of training camps and competitions since 2010. Forty Russian national teams in 15 winter and 3 summer Olympic sports participated in the research. Theoretical concepts set forth in the works of Anthony Stafford Beer made a basis of a system of control and management developed for the Russian national winter sports teams. In particular, a five-level system was applied to control athletic training. The authors point out that a system of control over athletic training in elite sport teams should take into account a few important issues： （1） each sport, team and athlete has distinctive features; （2） various aspects of athletic training and their interrelation must be aimed at raising effectiveness of training according to individual training plans; （3） coaches and sport managers must be provided with real-time information necessary for development of long-term and short-term training plans and their timely correction.

Real Time Control System for Metro Railways Using PLC & SCADA

This paper proposes to adopt SCADA and PLC technology for the improvement of the performance of real time signaling&train control systems in metro railways.The main concern of this paper is to minimize the failure in automated metro railways system operator and integrate the information coming from Operational Control Centre(OCC),traction SCADA system,traction power control,and power supply system.This work presents a simulated prototype of an automated metro train system operator that uses PLC and SCADA for the real time monitoring and control of the metro railway systems.Here,SCADA is used for the visualization of an automated process operation and then the whole opera-tion is regulated with the help of PLC.The PLC used in this process is OMRON(NX1P2-9024DT1)and OMRON’s Sysmac studio programming software is used for developing the ladder logic of PLC.The metro railways system has deployed infrastructure based on SCADA from the power supply system,and each station’s traction power control is connected to the OCC remotely which commands all of the stations and has the highest command priority.An alarm is triggered in the event of an emergency or system congestion.This proposed system overcomes the drawbacks of the current centralized automatic train control(CATC)system.This system provides prominent benefits like augmenting services which may enhance a network’s full load capacity and networkflexibility,which help in easy modification in the existing program at any time.

Virtual sample generation for model-based prognostics and health management of on-board high-speed train control system

In view of class imbalance in data-driven modeling for Prognostics and Health Management(PHM),existing classification methods may fail in generating effective fault prediction models for the on-board high-speed train control equipment.A virtual sample generation solution based on Generative Adversarial Network(GAN)is proposed to overcome this shortcoming.Aiming at augmenting the sample classes with the imbalanced data problem,the GAN-based virtual sample generation strategy is embedded into the establishment of fault prediction models.Under the PHM framework of the on-board train control system,the virtual sample generation principle and the detailed procedures are presented.With the enhanced class-balancing mechanism and the designed sample augmentation logic,the PHM scheme of the on-board train control equipment has powerful data condition adaptability and can effectively predict the fault probability and life cycle status.Practical data from a specific type of on-board train control system is employed for the validation of the presented solution.The comparative results indicate that GAN-based sample augmentation is capable of achieving a desirable sample balancing level and enhancing the performance of correspondingly derived fault prediction models for the Condition-based Maintenance(CBM)operations.

The GSM-R Implementation Plan of Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway

GSM-R system mainly provides dispatching communication servicessuch as train operation dispatching, realizes wired and wireless dispatchingcommunication, and provides safe and reliable train-ground informationtransmission services for high-speed train operation control system. Jakarta-Bandung HSR is the first “going global” HSR with whole industry chain built by China. It isconstructed based on CTCS-3 train control system standard. In order to ensure the safetransmission of train control system information under high-speed operation environment, aset of GSM-R system implementation scheme suitable for Jakarta-Bandung HSR is establishedin combination with the actual situation of Jakarta-Bandung HSR, referring to China's GSMRsystem technical standards and according to its actual business requirements. It includesGSM-R core network, wireless subsystem and data number, which can provide reference forthe construction of wireless communication system for China's HSR “going global”.

Modelling and Simulation for Train Movement Control Using Car-Following Strategy

Based on optimM velocity car-following model, in this paper, we propose a new railway tramc model for describing the process of train movement control. In the proposed model, we give an improved form of the optimal velocity function V^opt, which is considered as the desired velocity function for train movement control under different control conditions. In order to test the proposed model, we simulate and analyze the trajectories of train movements, moreover, discuss the relationship curves between the train allowable velocity and the site of objective point in detail. Analysis results indicate that the proposed model can well capture some realistic futures of train movement control.

How to Deal with Revolutions in Train Control Systems

Train control systems ensure the safety of railways. This paper begins with a summary of the typical train control systems in Japan and Europe. Based on this summary, the author then raises the following question regarding current train control systems： What approach should be adopted in order to enhance the functionality, safety, and reliability of train control systems and assist in commercial operations on railways？ Next, the author provides a desirable architecture that is likely to assist with the development of new train control systems based on current information and communication technologies. A new unified train control system （UTCS） is proposed that is effective in enhancing the robustness and com- petitiveness of a train control system. The ultimate architecture of the UTCS will be only composed of essential elements such as point machines and level crossing control devices in the field. Finally, a pro- cessing method of the UTCS is discussed.

Study on key technologies of GNSS-based train state perception for traincentric railway signaling

The application of Global Navigation Satellite Systems(GNSSs)in the intelligent railway systems is rapidly developing all over the world.With the GNSs-based train positioning and moving state perception,the autonomy and flexibility of a novel train control system can be greatly enhanced over the existing solutions relying on the track-side facilities.Considering the safety critical features of the railway signaling applications,the GNSS stand-alone mode may not be sufficient to satisfy the practical requirements.In this paper,the key technologies for applying GNSS in novel train-centric railway signaling systems are investigated,including the multi-sensor data fusion,Virtual Balise(VB)capturing and messaging,train integrity monitoring and system performance evaluation.According to the practical characteristics of the novel train control system under the moving block mode,the details of the key technologies are introduced.Field demonstration results of a novel train control system using the presented technologies under the practical railway operation conditions are presented to illustrate the achievable performance feature of autonomous train state perception using BeiDou Navigation Satellite System(BDS)and related solutions.It reveals the great potentials of these key technologies in the next generation train control system and other GNSS-based railway implementations.

A train timetable rescheduling approach based on multi-train tracking optimization of high-speed railways

Purpose–This paper aims to propose a train timetable rescheduling(TTR)approach from the perspective of multi-train tracking optimization based on the mutual spatiotemporal information in the high-speed railway signaling system.Design/methodology/approach–Firstly,a single-train trajectory optimization(STTO)model is constructed based on train dynamics and operating conditions.The train kinematics parameters,including acceleration,speed and time at each position,are calculated to predict the arrival times in the train timetable.A STTO algorithm is developed to optimize a single-train time-efficient driving strategy.Then,a TTR approach based on multi-train tracking optimization(TTR-MTTO)is proposed with mutual information.The constraints of temporary speed restriction(TSR)and end of authority are decoupled to calculate the tracking trajectory of the backward tracking train.The multi-train trajectories at each position are optimized to generate a timeefficient train timetable.Findings–The numerical experiment is performed on the Beijing-Tianjin high-speed railway line and CR400AF.The STTO algorithm predicts the train’s planned arrival time to calculate the total train delay(TTD).As for the TSR scenario,the proposed TTR-MTTO can reduce TTD by 60.60%compared with the traditional TTR approach with dispatchers’experience.Moreover,TTR-MTTO can optimize a time-efficient train timetable to help dispatchers reschedule trains more reasonably.Originality/value–With the cooperative relationship and mutual information between train rescheduling and control,the proposed TTR-MTTO approach can automatically generate a time-efficient train timetable to reduce the total train delay and the work intensity of dispatchers.

Modeling research of train tracing based on UML sequence diagram and UPPAAL

The zone control subsystem is a real-time control system,which requests the correctness of the control process.Train tracing scene is an important function of the zone controller(ZC)in the communication based train control(CBTC)system.In the process of deep development and design,to ensure the safety of the system,the system needs to be modeled,simulated and verified to discover the system design flaws.Unified modeling language(UML)is combined with timed automata,and timed automata network models of train-filter and train tracing demarcation-point are established.At the same time,the verification tool of UPPAAL is applied to simulate the system,and verify the requirements of performance and function of system.The results show that the function of train tracing demaraction-point meets the requirements of system safety and limited activity.Therefore,the method is feasible and can be applied to the modeling and verification of other scenes of train control system.

Modeling and simulation of high-speed passenger train movements in the rail line

In this paper, we propose a new formula of the real-time minimum safety headway based on the relative velocity of consecutive trains and present a dynamic model of high-speed passenger train movements in the rail line based on the proposed formula of the minimum safety headway. Moreover, we provide the control strategies of the high-speed passenger train operations based on the proposed formula of the real-time minimum safety headway and the dynamic model of highspeed passenger train movements. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control strategies of the passenger train operations can greatly reduce the delay propagation in the high-speed rail line when a random delay occurs.

Scheduling of high-speed rail traffic based on discrete-time movement model

In this paper, a new simulation approach for solving the mixed train scheduling problem on the high-speed double-track rail line is presented. Based on the discrete-time movement model, we propose control strategies for mixed train movement with different speeds on a high-speed double-track rail line, including braking strategy, priority rule, travelling strategy, and departing rule. A new detailed algorithm is also presented based on the proposed control strategies for mixed train movement. Moreover, we analyze the dynamic properties of rail traffic flow on a high-speed rail line. Using our proposed method, we can effectively simulate the mixed train schedule on a rail line. The numerical results demonstrate that an appropriate decrease of the departure interval can enhance the capacity, and a suitable increase of the distance between two adjacent stations can enhance the average speed. Meanwhile, the capacity and the average speed will be increased by appropriately enhancing the ratio of faster train number to slower train number from 1.

Analysis of external noise spectrum of high-speed railway

A schematic to make the spectra of the exterior noise of high speed railway was put forward. The exterior noise spectrum was defined based on the characteristics of the high-speed train exterior noise. Its characteristics considered here include identifying the exterior main sources and their locations, their frequency components including the Doppler effect due to the noise sources moving at high speed, the sound field intensity around the train in high-speed operation, the sound radiation path out of the train, and the pressure level and frequency components of the noise at the measuring points specified by the International Organization for Standardization(ISO). The characteristics of the high-speed train exterior noise of the high speed railways in operation were introduced. The advanced measuring systems and their principles for clearly indentifying the exterior noise sources were discussed in detail. Based on the concerned noise results measured at sites, a prediction model was developed to calculate the sound level and the characteristics of the exterior noise at any point where it is difficult to measure and to help to make the exterior noise spectrums. This model was also verified with the test results. The verification shows that there is a good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results.

High-Speed EMU TCMS Design and LCC Technology Research

This paper introduces the high-speed electrical multiple unit （EMO） life cycle, including the design, manufacturing, testing, and maintenance stages. It also presents the train control and monitoring system （TCMS） software development platform, the TCMS testing and verification bench, the EMU driving simulation platform, and the EMU remote data transmittal and maintenance platform. All these platforms and benches combined together make up the EMU life cycle cost （LCC） system. Each platform facilitates EMU LCC management and is an important part of the system.

Can coordination variability identify performance factors and skill level in competitive sport? The case of race walking

Background:Marginal changes in the execution of competitive sports movements can represent a significant change for performance success.However,such differences may emerge only at certain execution intensities and are not easily detectable through conventional biomechanical techniques.This study aimed to investigate if and how competition standard and progression speed affect race walking kinematics from both a conventional and a coordination variability perspective.Methods:Fifteen experienced athletes divided into three groups(elite,international,and national) were studied while race walking on a treadmill at two different speeds(12.0 and 15.5 km/h).Basic gait parameters,the angular displacement of the pelvis and lower limbs,and the variability in continuous relative phase between six different joint couplings were analyzed.Results:Most of the spatio-temporal,kinematic,and coordination variability measures proved sensitive to the change in speed.Conversely,non-linear dynamics measures highlighted differences between athletes of different competition standard when conventional analytical tools were not able to discriminate between different skill levels.Continuous relative phase variability was higher for national level athletes than international and elite in two couplings(pelvis obliquity—hip flex/extension and pelvis rotation—ankle dorsi/plantarflexion) and gait phases(early stance for the first coupling,propulsive phase for the second) that are deemed fundamental for correct technique and performance.Conclusion:Measures of coordination variability showed to be a more sensitive tool for the fine detection of skill-dependent factors in competitive race walking,and showed good potential for being integrated in the assessment and monitoring of sports motor abilities.

Smoke movement in a tunnel of a running metro train on fire

Research on the distribution of smoke in tunnels is significant for the fire emergency rescue after an operating metro train catches fire. A dynamic grid technique was adopted to research the law of smoke flow diffusion inside the tunnel when the bottom of a metro train was on fire and to compare the effect of longitudinal ventilation modes on the smoke motion when the burning train stopped. Research results show that the slipstream curves around the train obtained by numerical simulation are consistent with experimental data. When the train decelerates, the smoke flow first extends to the tail of the train. With the decrease of the train's speed, the smoke flow diffuses to the head of the train. After the train stops, the slipstream around the train formed in the process of train operation plays a leading role in the smoke diffusion in the tunnel. The smoke flow quickly diffuses to the domain in front of the train. After forward mechanical ventilation is provided, the smoke flow inside the tunnel continues to diffuse downstream. When reverse mechanical ventilation operates, the smoke in front of the train flows back rapidly and diffuses to the rear of the train.

Train crossing modeling based on measurements and best numerical approximation in subway tunnels

Communication based train control systems （CBTC） must work even in the worst situation-- train crossing. This paper models the propagation characteristics in one of the most common and piv- otal scenarios--train crossing in subway tunnels which is rarely mentioned in previous publications. Firstly, measurements for train crossing scenario at 2.4 GHz in a real subway line in Madrid have been made. The field measurement is the most reliable way to reveal the propagation characteristics involving shadowing effect and fast fading. Moreover, to precisely describe the fast fading distribu- tion and eliminate the inevitable weak points of traditional fitting way, a best numerical approxima- tion method using Legendre orthogonal polynomials has been proposed. Comparisons show that this method works better and is of greater physical significance. Finally, a complete statistical model is given and all the coefficients can be applied by system designers for the link and system level simu- lations.