Side Rails Research Articles

Biodegradable Grids: An Effective Method for Eelgrass (Zostera marina) Restoration in Maine

ABSTRACT Kidder, G.W.; White, S.; Miller, M.F.; Norden, W.S.; Taylor, T., and Disney, J.E., 2015. Biodegradable grids: An effective method for eelgrass (Zostera marina) restoration in Maine. Restoration of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) beds is often done by tying vegetative plants to wire grids and transferring them to the ocean bottom. In our experience, rhizomes can grow over the grids, resulting in a significant loss of transplants when the grids are removed. We have tested two other methods that circumvent this problem that have proved successful in Maine. First, we “stapled” eelgrass plants into subtidal areas using bent bamboo skewers. This method is effective and avoids grid-removal losses but is slow, is laborious, and requires workers with equipment. More recently, we constructed a novel biodegradable grid (BDG) with spruce side rails, laced with sisal twine and weighted with small sandbags. We find that BDGs are even more successful than wire grids at establishing transplants and that the losses ...

SU-E-J-76: CBCT Reconstruction of a Full Couch Using Rigid Registration and Pre-Scanned Couch Image and Its Clinical Application

Purpose: Only a part of a treatment couch is reconstructed in CBCT due to the limited field of view (FOV). This often generates inaccurate results in the delivered dose evaluation with CBCT and more noise in the CBCT reconstruction. Full reconstruction of the couch at treatment setup can be used for more accurate exit beam dosimetry. The goal of this study is to develop a method to reconstruct a full treatment couch using a pre-scanned couch image and rigid registration. Methods: A full couch (Exact Couch, Varian) model image was reconstructed by rigidly registering and combining two sets of partial CBCT images. The full couch model includes three parts: two side rails and a couch top. A patient CBCT was reconstructed with reconstruction grid size larger than the physical field of view to include the full couch. The image quality of the couch is not good due to data truncation, but good enough to allow rigid registration of the couch. A composite CBCT image of the patient plus couch has been generated from the original reconstruction by replacing couch portion with the pre-acquired model couch, rigidly registered to the original scan. We evaluated the clinical usefulness of this method bymore » comparing treatment plans generated on the original and on the modified scans. Results: The full couch model could be attached to a patient CBCT image set via rigid image registration. Plan DVHs showed 1∼2% difference between plans with and without full couch modeling. Conclusion: The proposed method generated a full treatment couch CBCT model, which can be successfully registered to the original patient image. This method was also shown to be useful in generating more accurate dose distributions, by lowering 1∼2% dose in PTV and a few other critical organs. Part of this study is supported by NIH R01CA133539.« less

Effect of geometric imperfections on the ultimate moment capacity of cold-formed sigma-shape sections

In recent years, cold formed steel sections are used more and more as primary framing components and as a secondary structural system. They are used as purlins and side rails or floor joist, and after that in the building envelops. Beams are not perfectly straight and are usually associated with geometric imperfections. Initial geometric imperfections can significantly influence the stability response of cold-formed steel members. This paper reports a numerical investigation concerning the effect of these imperfections on the behavior of the simply supported beams subjected to a uniform bending moment. The beam profile is cold formed sigma sections. Group of beams with different overall member slenderness ratios were studied. Several approaches have been utilized to model the geometric imperfections. First, the elastic buckling modes were considered as the imperfect beam shape. In this approach, the elastic buckling analysis was done first to get the elastic buckling modes. In the second approach, the imperfections were considered by assuming the beam bent in a half sine wave along its length. Finally, combination of these two approaches was considered. Results reveal that, the ultimate bending moments of beams with short and intermediate overall slenderness ratios are sensitive to the imperfect shape that comprise compression flange local buckling.

Structural Performance of Cold-Formed Steel Section in Composite Structures: A Review

Cold-formed steel (CFS) sections are lightweight materials where their high structural performance is very suitable for building construction. Conventionally, they are used as purlins and side rails in the building envelopes of the industrial buildings. Recent research development on cold-formed steel has shown that the usage is expanding in the present era of building constructions and infrastructural applications. However, the study on cold-formed steel as composite structures is yet to be explored in the literature. Therefore, this review paper has presented research works done which investigate the structural improvement of cold-formed steel as composite structures. The use of cold-formed steel with self- compacting concrete (CFS-SCC) which can be considered as a unique composite entity is also presented. The significance of using the CFS-SCC as composite is also highlighted. The results of various researchers indicated that the robustness of the product (cold-formed steel-concrete) was significantly improved for both the shear resistance and the flexural resistance. The investigation on the behaviour of CFS-SCC designed as composite is a key issue where the innovative construction method and significant advantages are highlighted in this paper. The review papers have proven that the use of cold-formed steel as composite has enhanced the application of the cold-formed steel as competitive material for construction.

The Safety of Hospital Beds

To explore the safety of the standard and the low hospital bed, we report on a microanalysis of 15 patients’ ability to ingress, move about the bed, and egress. The 15 participants were purposefully selected with various disabilities. Bed conditions were randomized with side rails up or down and one low bed with side rails down. We explored the patients’ use of the side rails, bed height, ability to lift their legs onto the mattress, and ability to turn, egress, and walk back to the chair. The standard bed was too high for some participants, both for ingress and egress. Side rails were used by most participants when entering, turning in bed, and exiting. We recommend that side rails be reconsidered as a means to facilitate in-bed movement, ingress, and egress. Furthermore, single deck height settings for all patients are not optimal. Low beds as a safety measure must be re-evaluated.

Effects of misaligned rails on the friction force–displacement curves of a linear ball bearing system in low-speed operation

This paper investigates the effects of misaligned rails on the friction force–displacement curves of a linear ball bearing system (which consists of two sets of deep groove type non-recirculating linear ball bearings, a table and a bed). Experiments showed that the measured friction force–displacement curves, of the linear ball bearing system, with aligned rails were rectangular-shaped hysteresis loops, while the corresponding curves with misaligned rails were trapezoidal-shaped hysteresis loops. In addition, the hysteresis loop area increased as the distance between table side rails decreased. Next, calculations for the total friction force expression due to differential slip and elastic hysteresis loss, including the effects of the misaligned rails, are presented. It was confirmed that the calculated total friction force–displacement curves closely matched the measured friction force–displacement curves for both the aligned and misaligned rail cases.

Safety design of side rails for metal medical beds

Medicals metal side rails of beds are designed for patients who need protection from risk, falls, entrapment, slipping, sliding and injuries. Side rails are use increasingly after World War II, to forbid patients falling particularly in hospital setting or in nursing homes (a small private hospital, often for old people) or houses. [Reagan R. 2014]. When designing a side rail, there should be a documented comprehensive assessment of medical necessity which has been made by a team of health professionals. The resident patient must consent to the use of restraints. In obtaining consent, the nursing home is required to explain the risks and to benefit from the use side rails. Also requires the approval of the resident's attending physician. [Kuipers 2014]. Problem: State various side effects associated with medical metal bed side rails suffered by patients, as seen from the designers and team of health professional’s point of view. Objectives: The study objective has been to investigate the design of safety elements in medical bed side rails and hence set up certain design rules for the assessment and design according to real patient’s needs. It achieves safety of patients both in a hospital, a nursing home and even in their own homes. Research studied some factors as type of bed rails, categories of entrapment and side effects of side rails. And simulating technology was studied. Results and discussion showed that the decision to use medical metal bed side rails should be based on a comprehensive assessment according to identification of the patient’s needs, which include comparing the potential for entrapment or injury associated with use or non-use of them. By determining the design criteria and rules, a patient is offered a safe bed environment. When there is a definite need for using medical bed side rail, bed rails must be of variable heights or be adjustable enough to allow for ease of use. An alarm system should be implemented to alert medical staff that a patient has moved from their normal position and probably want to get out of bed.

MODERNIZATION OF THE KNI 140070 VIADUCT AND ITS INFLUENCE ON DYNAMIC RESPONSE UNDER SELECTED HIGH SPEED TRAIN

The paper develops a methodology of FE modelling and simulation of the bridge – track – moving train (BTT) system using LS-DYNA computer code. The KNI 140070 viaduct of span length 14.40 m with ballasted track was selected as a representative for the study. Two variants of the viaduct were taken into consideration – a version operated before the modernization in 2008 and the modernized version including additional flats welded to the bottom flanges of the main beams. The German high-speed train ICE-3 moving at 150–300 km/h was selected. The FE model of the BTT system was developed using Altair HyperMesh and LS-PrePost software. The platform of the viaduct was modelled using 8-node 48 DOF solid elements. The structure was symmetrised, homogenized and reflected by linear viscoelastic orthotropic materials. Discrete model of the track included the main and side rails, fastening systems, sleepers, crushed stone ballast and approach RC slabs. Components of the train FE model were considered as rigid bodies. Cylindrical and revolute constrained joints were applied for kinematic connections and relations between respective components. Discrete springs and dampers were applied for FE modelling of the primary and the secondary suspension systems. Numerical simulations were focused on determining the resonant velocities for both considered variants. Selected time histories for displacements and stresses, were shown as the results of the analyses.

Pediatric Occupant—Vehicle Contact Maps in Rollover Motor Vehicle Crashes

Objective: Rollover crashes account for more than 33% of all motor vehicle–related fatalities and have the highest fatality risk of all crash types, at 1.37% in the United States. There is increased awareness of the high fatality rate associated with this crash type, but there is very limited pediatric-specific data related to rollover crashes in the United States. Recent focus on rollover mitigation has resulted in implementation of countermeasures, making it important to evaluate injury causation for child occupants in rollover crashes with a more current data set.Methods: We queried the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) from case years 1998 through 2013. Rollover crashes for passenger vehicles of model year 1998 or newer with at least one restrained occupant (excluding drivers) between 0 and 19 years of age were included. Vehicle-involved physical component and occupant–vehicle contact maps were developed with the CIREN data set.Results and Conclusions: Of the 20 CIREN cases that met the inclusion criteria, 15 had one or more injuries attributed to contact with some part of the vehicle structure. The CIREN analyses revealed that the head was the most common seriously injured body region, primarily due to contact with the roof side rail and/or vehicle interior. This finding was true for both adolescents and younger pediatric passengers in outboard seating positions. Fifty percent of head injury causation scenarios involving the vehicle interior had component intrusion of 20+ cm at the point of contact. Further exploration of pediatric rollover injury mechanisms using computational modeling and real-world testing is recommended in order to improve upon current mitigation strategies.

Mode choice modeling for long-distance travel

Investments for improving long-distance travel infrastructure are substantial and may have significant impacts on travel demand, the environment, and the economy, and therefore, deserve careful analysis before implementation. A new nested multinomial logit mode choice model is presented that is sensitive to travel costs, distance, transit station accessibility, service frequency, number of transfers, and parking costs. On the auto side, the model considers the modes drive-alone and shared-ride with 2–4 or more passengers. The transit side models regional bus, rail, and air as modal options. Special attention was given to transit station choice, as the nearest station may not provide the best connectivity for a given trip. Parameters used in this model were carefully compared with those published in the literature to ensure reasonability of model results. To explore the model sensitivities, scenarios with increased gasoline prices and improved bus service are presented.

Design optimization of the S-frame to improve crashworthiness

In this paper, the S-frames, the front side rail structures of automobile, were investigated for crashworthiness. Various cross-sections including regular polygon, non-convex polygon and multi-cell with inner stiffener sections were investigated in terms of energy absorption of S-frames. It was determined through extensive numerical simulation that a multi-cell S-frame with double vertical internal stiffeners can absorb more energy than the other configurations. Shape optimization was also carried out to improve energy absorption of the S-frame with a rectangular section. The center composite design of experiment and the sequential response surface method (SRSM) were adopted to construct the approximate design sub-problem, which was then solved by the feasible direction method. An innovative double S-frame was obtained from the optimal result. The optimum configuration of the S-frame was crushed numerically and more plastic hinges as well as shear zones were observed during the crush process. The energy absorption efficiency of the structure with the optimal configuration was improved compared to the initial configuration.

Bilateral Luxatio Erecta: A Case Report

BackgroundLuxatio erecta humeri or inferior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint is a rare presentation in the emergency department that is typically caused by a direct loading force on a fully abducted arm. This type of shoulder dislocation represents only 0.5% of all shoulder dislocations, making bilateral cases even more unique. ObjectiveThe authors report a case of bilateral luxatio erecta to highlight some of the key clinical signs and discuss proper methods of care. Case ReportWe report a case of bilateral luxatio erecta after a forward fall on a treadmill in a senior male patient. The patient grabbed onto the side rails of the treadmill such that his abducted arms received the entire force of the fall. These injuries were successfully reduced in the emergency department of our institution using a two-step approach for each: 1) conversion to anterior dislocation and 2) full reduction. ConclusionsAlthough shoulder dislocations remain a commonly seen injury in the emergency department, it is important to consider that not all dislocations are simply anterior. Signature signs of luxatio erecta are fixed abduction at the shoulder with elbow flexion and forearm pronation. The humeral head should be palpable inferior to the glenoid fossa. The most effective treatments for this injury involve sufficient muscle relaxation for reduction, a methodical approach to reduction, and appropriate immobilization.

Racial Disparities in the Use of Physical Restraints in U.S. Nursing Homes

The use of physical restraints in nursing homes among black and white residents was examined on the basis of data from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey to determine if black residents were more susceptible to the use of physical restraints. Odds ratios acquired through logistic regression are provided with 95 percent confidence intervals. Findings revealed that black residents are more likely than white residents to be restrained with bed rails, side rails, and trunk restraints. Findings suggest that racial disparities exist in the use of physical restraints. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.

Crashworthiness Study of S-Rail Behavior

In this study, a different design aspect of a simplified front side rail structure of an automobile body (S- Rail) from the point of view of crashworthiness parameters which are crushed energy absorption and force response and also weight efficiency is studied. Various orientations of cross section design and various material replacements have been applied to investigate their effects. The specific energy absorption (i.e. Energy absorption per unit weight) is taken as a measure of the performance of a structure. Effect of different cross section with model cross section horizontally ‘hat – type’ model (shape 5) given greatest energy absorbed. This model then being analyzed with different material such as mild steel, aluminum, Hastelloy X alloy and Fiberglass Polyamide (PA – 66). Hastelloy X alloy result the highest increment in ability to absorbed energy during collision. The consideration of various cross sections and the best material selection of replacement then been discussed and compared for suitability from the aspect of crashworthiness, safety of passengers, weight efficiency and cost to automobile industry.

Partnering with Parents: Preventing Infant Falls

<h2>Newborn Care Poster Presentation</h2><h3>Purpose for the Program</h3> In December 2011, a report generated from the online‐incident reporting system indicated that three infant falls (6.6 falls per 10,000 births) had occurred in 2011. Two infants falls (4.4 falls per 10,000 births) were reported in 2009 and no infant falls were reported in 2010. All incidents took place during the night shift and infant falls were due to the mother falling asleep. None of the newborns suffered serious injury. The mother–baby unit had just completed a project to increase exclusive breastfeeding and more infants (>70%) were rooming‐in with their mothers. There was concern on the part of the staff that the new mother–baby care delivery model would be blamed for the increased rate in falls. The hospital had also recently purchased new beds that may have been contributory to the increased rate in falls because the side rails were not as high when the head of the bed was elevated. <h3>Proposed Change</h3> To fully evaluate contributory factors related to infant falls in the mother–baby unit and develop safety strategies to reduce/eliminate infant falls by instituting a Newborn Safety Partnering Agreement for Parents. <h3>Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation</h3> An increased rate of infant falls in the mother–baby unit prompted review to identify potential contributory factors, which included exhaustion of the mother after delivery, bedside rail position, too many pillows, timing and type of pain medication, cultural issues, and unsafe parental behaviors. A query was sent out to the NY Organization of Nurse Executives list serve, which requested any infant fall prevention programs that were successful. The query and literature review yielded minimal results. An infant safety checklist was developed to include awareness for potential falls. Based on feedback, the checklist evolved into a Newborn Safety Partnering Agreement for Parents and fall debrief tool to be used after a fall to immediately identify contributing factors. The premise behind the partnering agreement was to increase parents' awareness of the potential of an infant fall beyond traditional patient education. The tool is used to educate and ask parents to partner with staff to keep their infant safe. A pilot to evaluate effectiveness was conducted. Minor changes to the tool and implementation of the agreement in the delivery room before delivery proved successful. Since the implementation of the Newborn Safety Partnering Agreement for Parents there have been no infant falls to date. <h3>Implications for Nursing Practice</h3> Implementation of a Newborn Safety Partnering Agreement for Parents on the mother–baby unit raises awareness to prevent infant falls and injury.

The Type, Level, and Distribution of Microorganisms within the Ward Environment: A Zonal Analysis of an Intensive Care Unit and a Gastrointestinal Surgical Ward

OBJECTIVE. To investigate the distribution of hospital pathogens within general and critical care ward environments and to determine the most significant bacterial reservoirs within each ward type. DESIGN. Prospective 4-month microbiological survey. SETTING. The intensive care unit (ICU) and gastrointestinal (GI) surgical ward of a London teaching hospital. PATIENTS. Sampling was conducted in and around the bed space of 166 different patients (99 in the ICU and 67 in the GI ward). METHODS. Conventional agar contact methodology was used to sample 123 predetermined sites twice a week for 17 weeks. Sixty-one surfaces were located within the ICU, and 62 were located within the GI ward. Each surface was located within a theoretical zone of increasing distance from the patient. Aerobic colony counts were determined, and confirmatory testing was conducted on all presumptive pathogens. RESULTS. Regardless of ward type, surfaces located closest to the patient, specifically those associated with the bed (side rails, bed control, and call button), were the most heavily contaminated. Elsewhere, the type of surfaces contaminated differed with ward type. In the ICU, bacteria were most likely to be on surfaces that were regularly touched by healthcare workers (e.g., telephones and computer keyboards). In the GI ward, where the patients were mobile, the highest numbers of bacteria (including potential nosocomial pathogens) were on surfaces that were mainly touched by patients, particularly their toilet and shower facilities. CONCLUSIONS. In terms of cleaning, a hospital should not be considered a single entity. Different ward types should be treated as separate environments, and cleaning protocols should be adjusted accordingly.

Pediatric falls: Effect of prevention measures and characteristics of pediatric wards

This study aimed to identify the effect of fall prevention measures and characteristics of wards on the rate of pediatric falls. Data on study variables were collected using a cross-sectional design and questionnaires of 603 randomized general hospitals in Japan. Among the hospitals that were contacted, 252 (41.8%) returned their questionnaires. The questionnaires included the annual number of falls, whether fall prevention measures were implemented, and characteristics of the wards. Data were analyzed from questionnaires from 162 of the hospitals, which included those that answered the number of falls. The pediatric fall rate was 1.36/1000 patient-days. Facilities were more likely to have a lower fall rate if they had a longer "length of stay" (P < 0.001), "shared information in high-risk patients and monitored them carefully" (P < 0.001), had higher totals for the "number of study sessions for novice nurses" (P = 0.01),and "used a pamphlet to educate patients and caregivers regarding appropriate use of side rails" (P < 0.001). Facilities that had a "playroom" (P < 0.001), higher "novice nurse-to-nurse ratio" (P < 0.001), and those at which "caregivers were necessary for hospitalization" (P = 0.04) were more likely to have a higher fall rate. The results of the present study suggest that education of parents and novice nurses on fall prevention is the most effective method of reducing pediatric falls. It is important to implement intensive fall prevention for high-risk patients and develop valid pediatric fall risk assessment tools.

Measuring Rail Seat Pressure Distribution in Concrete Crossties

A sustained increase in gross rail loads and cumulative freight tonnages as well as growing interest in high-speed passenger rail development is placing an increasing demand on North American railway infrastructure. To meet this demand, improvements to the performance and durability of concrete crossties and fastening systems are necessary. One of the typical failure modes for concrete crossties in North America is rail seat deterioration, and researchers have hypothesized that localized crushing of the concrete in the rail seat is one of the potential mechanisms that contributes to this failure mode. To understand this mechanism better, the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign is using a matrix-based tactile surface sensor to measure and quantify the forces and pressure distribution acting at the contact interface between the concrete rail seat and the bottom of the rail pad. Preliminary data collected during laboratory experimentation have shown that a direct relationship existed between rail pad modulus and maximum rail seat pressure. In addition, under a constant vertical load, a direct relationship between the lateral-to-vertical force ratio and the maximum field side rail seat pressure was observed. Given that all preliminary results indicate that various combinations of pad modulus, track geometry, and lateral-to-vertical force ratio create localized areas of high pressure, crushing remains a potential mechanism leading to rail seat deterioration. Through the analysis of rail seat pressure data, valuable insight can be gained that can be applied to the development of designs for concrete crosstie and fastening system components that meet current and projected service demands.

On-Line Detection Method for Automobile Frame Side Rail Process Holes

On-line detection method for automobile frame side rail process holes is proposed in this articled. It is achieved by virtue of machine vision technology detection method. Many images captured by CCD camera are processed and analyzed to finally complete the automatic detection of automobile chassis frame process holes. Machine vision technology is applied to achieve the on-line detection of machining quality of frame side rail mounting holes. The developed detection system prototype has very high detection accuracy.

Lightweight Design and Research of Box Girder for Double Girder Bridge Crane

With a design of the box girder of bridge crane for the rectangular right track girder, rectangular side rail girder and two trapezoidal side rail girder, MATLAB optimization tool is carried out to calculate the discrete variable by homing method one by one. Then the discrete variable which is the thickness of the steel plate used in box girder is used to determine the shape of the cross-section of box girder.