Train Control Research Articles

Efficacy of Interval Training in Improving Body Composition and Adiposity in Apparently Healthy Adults: An Umbrella Review with Meta-Analysis.

Although the efficacy of interval training for improving body composition has been summarized in an increasing number of systematic reviews in recent years, discrepancies in review findings and conclusions have been observed. This study aims to synthesize the available evidence on the efficacy of interval training compared with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and nonexercise control (CON) in reducing body adiposity in apparently healthy adults. An umbrella review with meta-analysis was performed. A systematic search was conducted in seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) up to October 2023. Systematic reviews with meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing interval training and MICT/CON were included. Literature selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment (AMSTAR-2) were conducted independently by two reviewers. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the type of interval training [high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT)], intervention duration, body mass index, exercise modality, and volume of HIIT protocols. Sixteen systematic reviews, including 79 RCTs and 2474 unique participants, met the inclusion criteria. Most systematic reviews had a critically low (n = 6) or low (n = 6) AMSTAR-2 score. Interval training demonstrated significantly greater reductions in total body fat percent (BF%) compared with MICT [weighted mean difference (WMD) of - 0.77%; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 1.12 to - 0.32%] and CON (WMD of - 1.50%; 95% CI - 2.40 to - 0.58%). Significant reductions in fat mass, visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous abdominal fat, and android abdominal fat were also observed following interval training compared to CON. Subgroup analyses indicated that both HIIT and SIT resulted in superior BF% loss than MICT. These benefits appeared to be more prominent in individuals with overweight/obesity and longer duration interventions (≥ 12weeks), as well as in protocols using cycling as a modality and low-volume HIIT (i.e., < 15min of high-intensity exercise per session). This novel umbrella review with large-scale meta-analysis provides an updated synthesis of evidence with implications for physical activity guideline recommendations. The findings support interval training as a viable exercise strategy for reducing adiposity in the general population.

Greater hepatic lipid saturation is associated with impaired glycaemic regulation in men with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease but is not altered by 6 weeks of exercise training.

To examine the impact of impaired glycaemic regulation (IGR) and exercise training on hepatic lipid composition in men with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In Part A (cross-sectional design), 40 men with MASLD (liver proton density fat fraction [PDFF] ≥5.56%) were recruited to one of two groups: (1) normal glycaemic regulation (NGR) group (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] < 42 mmol∙mol-1 [<6.0%]; n = 14) or (2) IGR group (HbA1c ≥ 42 mmol∙mol-1 [≥6.0%]; n = 26). In Part B (randomized controlled trial design), participants in the IGR group were randomized to one of two 6-week interventions: (1) exercise training (EX; 70%-75% maximum heart rate; four sessions/week; n = 13) or (2) non-exercise control (CON; n = 13). Saturated (SI; primary outcome), unsaturated (UI) and polyunsaturated (PUI) hepatic lipid indices were determined using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Additional secondary outcomes included liver PDFF, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), and plasma cytokeratin-18 (CK18) M65, among others. In Part A, hepatic SI was higher and hepatic UI was lower in the IGR versus the NGR group (p = 0.038), and this hepatic lipid profile was associated with higher HbA1c levels, FPG levels, HOMA-IR and plasma CK18 M65 levels (rs ≥0.320). In Part B, hepatic lipid composition and liver PDFF were unchanged after EX versus CON (p ≥ 0.257), while FPG was reduced and VO2 peak was increased (p ≤ 0.030). ΔVO2 peak was inversely associated with Δhepatic SI (r = -0.433) and positively associated with Δhepatic UI and Δhepatic PUI (r ≥ 0.433). Impaired glycaemic regulation in MASLD is characterized by greater hepatic lipid saturation; however, this composition is not altered by 6 weeks of moderate-intensity exercise training.

Cardiac autonomic modulation and exercise capacity in older adults with intellectual disability: A 6-month randomised control trial.

Despite reported physical and functional improvements with aerobic and sprint interval training (SIT) protocols in individuals with intellectual disability (ID), it is not known if these interventions' effectivity would promote improvements in cardiac autonomic modulation. This study aimed to investigate if a 6-month SIT or a continuous aerobic programme could enhance physical performance and cardiac autonomic modulation at rest, during physical activity (PA) and after it in older adults with an ID. This is a randomised control trial. Participants with ID (age: 50.58±7.25) were allocated to one of three groups [multicomponent aerobic training group (MATG), multicomponent interval sprint training group (MISTG) and control group (CG)]. The programmes lasted 24weeks, with three sessions/week, 75-90min per session. The HRV was analysed at rest and recovery, the delta of heart rate (HR) was analysed during 6MWT, and the HR t-off kinetics was analysed in recovery after 6MWT. There were not found differences between groups, moments, or interaction for cardiac autonomic modulation at rest and recovery. During exercise, only MSITG showed a significant increase of HR between rest and the first 30s of exercise (P<0.05). Physical performance increased only in MSITG (P<0.05), while CG showed a significant reduction (P<0.01). The MSITG improved the physical performance and the vagal withdrawal at the beginning of the submaximal exercise. These findings suggest that high-intensity exercise may positively impact baroreflex function, mitigating the decline in autonomic reflex response capacity associated with aging in individuals with ID.

Effect of resistance training on physical function during chemotherapy in colon cancer.

The decline of physical function during chemotherapy predicts poor quality of life and premature death. It is unknown if resistance training prevents physical function decline during chemotherapy in colon cancer survivors. This multicenter trial randomly assigned 181 colon cancer survivors receiving postoperative chemotherapy to home-based resistance training or usual care control. Physical function outcomes included the short physical performance battery, isometric handgrip strength, and the physical function subscale of the Medical Outcomes Short-Form 36-item questionnaire. Mixed models for repeated measures quantified estimated treatment differences. At baseline, participants had a mean (SD) age of 55.2 (12.8) years; 67 (37%) were 60 years or older, and 29 (16%) had a composite short physical performance battery score of no more than 9. Compared with usual care control, resistance training did not improve the composite short physical performance battery score (estimated treatment difference = -0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.32 to 0.31; P = .98) or the short physical performance battery scores for balance (estimated treatment difference = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.10 to 0.11; P = .93), gait speed (estimated treatment difference = 0.08, 95% CI = -0.06 to 0.22; P = .28), and sit-to-stand (estimated treatment difference = -0.08, 95% CI = -0.29 to 0.13; P = .46). Compared with usual care control, resistance training did not improve isometric handgrip strength (estimated treatment difference = 1.50 kg, 95% CI = -1.06 to 4.05; P = .25) or self-reported physical function (estimated treatment difference = -3.55, 95% CI = -10.03 to 2.94); P = .28). The baseline short physical performance battery balance score (r = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.35) and handgrip strength (r = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.36) correlated with chemotherapy relative dose intensity. Among colon cancer survivors with relatively high physical functioning, random assignment to home-based resistance training did not prevent physical function decline during chemotherapy. NCT03291951.

A Comprehensive Survey of Social Engineering Attacks: Taxonomy of Attacks, Prevention, and Mitigation Strategies

Social engineering attacks pose a significant threat to individuals, organizations, and governments globally. These attacks leverage human psychology, manipulating individuals into divulging sensitive information or undertaking actions that jeopardize security. The various forms of social engineering attacks can lead to dire consequences for the targeted victims. However, with preventive and mitigation strategies such as security awareness training, policy formulation, and technical controls, the risks associated with social engineering attacks can be diminished. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of social engineering attacks, delving into their diverse types and methodologies. It further discusses various strategies to counteract and alleviate the threats posed by these attacks. The study introduces a taxonomy of social engineering attacks, categorizing them based on the operator, prevention measures, and mitigation techniques. This thorough analysis underscores the current challenges in the domain and suggests potential future trajectories in the field.

Robust Constrained Cooperative Control for Multiple Trains

Robust Constrained Cooperative Control for Multiple Trains

Интеллектуальная система контроля бдительности и действий машиниста

Objective: the article considers an approach to the development of a system for monitoring the vigilance and actions of the driver using technical vision and neural network models. The main purpose of the research is to improve the safety of railway transport. Methods: data collection from various sources, annotation, data purification and normalization, neural network training based on video recordings of drivers’ faces in various states and data on their behavior. Neural network learning algorithms based on the architecture of convolutional neural networks, teaching methods with a teacher, mask segmentation methods and proportional resizing of the area of interest, mask segmentation methods for determining the contour of an object in an image, deep learning algorithms such as stochastic gradient descent and error back propagation. Results: a system has been developed that determines the emotional state of the driver based on a real-time video stream, detecting signs of fatigue or distraction, warning of possible dangerous situations. This approach will allow you to quickly respond to the risks that arise in the process of train control, which allows you to increase the level of train safety. Practical significance: a system for monitoring the vigilance and actions of the driver has been developed and can be implemented on locomotives or motor-car rolling stock for real monitoring and prevention of emergency situations.

Event risks and scenarios for the 1999 Paddington accident

The accident near London in October 1999 didn't just shocks the UK. The collision of the two trains showed the obvious inadequacy of the existing models of train control on the Great Western main line of the UK railways. Specialists from a wide variety of fields of knowledge repeatedly return to this problem, trying to find key ways to minimize risks in this very difficult transportation industry. In this paper, an attempt is made to create a model NS neural network, which makes it possible to predict the possible consequences of a variety of technologically programmed actions, and safe dispatching. The five-sync model is based on all known risk-forming events that contributed to the occurrence of an accident in one way or another. As a function of synapse neuron activation, the bifurcation dependence of the doubled accounting period was chosen due to the number and uncertainty of the content of the accounting indicators that affect the final result. This made it possible to take into account the uncertainties that accompany the occurrence of any intersynapse channels from each input event to the resulting protocol, which assumes only a binary mapping of the expected risk. Thanks to this model, potential and hidden sources of potential risks for any system of events equivalent to the Paddington system are identified, taking into account some of its drawbacks. It is shown that the prevention of such accidents using neural network models should is reduced to automatically tracking images of potential risk-forming events embedded in the trained NS and alerting at least one or two of the monitored ones. It should be noted that such an NS model can be useful not only for the conditions of the Great Western Main Line of the UK railways, but for other systems that are subject to the same operating rules as in our example

A Ranking Tool for "Category Killer" Microbial Biobanks.

Microbial biobanks preserve and provide microbial bioresources for research, training, and quality control purposes. They ensure the conservation of biodiversity, contribute to taxonomical research, and support scientific advancements. Microbial biobanks can cover a wide range of phylogenetic and metabolic diversity ("category killers") or focus on specific taxonomic, thematic, or disease areas. The strategic decisions about strain selection for certain applications or for the biobank culling necessitate a method to support prioritization and selection. Here, we propose an unbiased scoring approach based on objective parameters to assess, categorize, and assign priorities among samples in stock in a microbial biobank. We describe the concept of this ranking tool and its application to identify high-priority strains for whole genome sequencing with two main goals: (i) genomic characterization of quality control, reference, and type strains; (ii) genome mining for the discovery of natural products, bioactive and antimicrobial molecules, with focus on human diseases. The general concept of the tool can be useful to any biobank and for any ranking or culling needs.

Using Resistance-Band Tests to Evaluate Trunk Muscle Strength in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Test-Retest Reliability Study.

Exercise is a front-line intervention to increase functional capacity and reduce pain and disability in people with low strength levels or disorders. However, there is a lack of validated field-based tests to check the initial status and, more importantly, to control the process and make tailored adjustments in load, intensity, and recovery. We aimed to determine the test-retest reliability of a submaximal, resistance-band test to evaluate the strength of the trunk stability muscles using a portable force sensor in middle-aged adults (48 ± 13 years) with medically diagnosed chronic low back pain and healthy peers (n = 35). Participants completed two submaximal progressive tests of two resistance-band exercises (unilateral row and Pallof press), consisting of 5 s maintained contraction, progressively increasing the load. The test stopped when deviation from the initial position by compensation movements occurred. Trunk muscle strength (CORE muscles) was monitored in real time using a portable force sensor (strain gauge). Results revealed that both tests were highly reliable (intra-class correlation [ICC] > 0.901) and presented low errors and coefficients of variation (CV) in both groups. In particular, people with low back pain had errors of 14-19 N (CV = 9-12%) in the unilateral row test and 13-19 N (CV = 8-12%) in the Pallof press. No discomfort or pain was reported during or after the tests. These two easy-to-use and technology-based tests result in a reliable and objective screening tool to evaluate the strength and trunk stability in middle-aged adults with chronic low back pain, considering an error of measurement < 20 N. This contribution may have an impact on improving the individualization and control of rehabilitation or physical training in people with lumbar injuries or disorders.

Effects of upper limb low resistance exercises along with manual lymphatic drainage in subjects with post radical mastectomy – a pilot study

Introduction: Post radical mastectomy patients will have physical problems like reduced shoulder movements and upper limb muscles strength. The performance and overall function of upper limb and Quality of Life (QOL) will reduce followed by these muscle’s reduced activity. The aim of present study is to find the effects of manual lymphatic drainage with low resistance training of upper limb on shoulder function and QOL of post mastectomy patients. Generally, upper limb muscles like Trapezius, serratus anterior, pectoralis s group. 1 subject from experimental group withdrawal from study. The treatment duration is 12 weeks based on cancer Rehabilitation principle. Outcome measures are taken Lymph ICF (for QOL), anatomical circumferential measurements (for Lymphedema). Patients selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Experimental group patients receiving upper limb low resistance training and manual lymphatic drainage techniques and control group patients receiving only manual lymphatic drainage techniques. Both group of patients are advised to wear upper limb elastic stockings for 8 hours per day. Result: All Outcome measures taken in baseline (pre) and end of 12 weeks (post) in both groups. Data was analysed by using paired ’t’ test. Results analysed based on pre and post test values. Conclusion: The study has designed a structured low resistance upper limb exercise program for post radical mastectomy patients in improving shoulder function and QOL.

Використання засобів комп’ютерного моделювання з метою підвищення інтересу учнів до вивчення фізики

The article analyzes scientific research on the problem of the development of cognitive interest: the essence of the concept of "cognitive interest" is considered, the features of the formation of students' cognitive interest in physics classes are described. The directions of the introduction of information technologies into the educational process are characterized, which include the development and practical use of scientific and practical support, the high-quality and effective use of software, computer training and knowledge control systems, the systematic integration of these technologies into existing educational processes and organizational structures. It has been found that conducting experiments that are difficult or impossible to reproduce in a real experiment can be effectively implemented based on the use of multimedia models. Possibilities of using computer modeling during the study of physics are offered. It has been confirmed that the use of computer simulation elements is appropriate and justified during the study of educational material, for which conducting various kinds of educational physical experiments is limited. This is the study of the basic concepts of quantum physics. The peculiarities of the study of the "Quantum optics" section are described, in which special attention is paid to the study of the phenomenon of the photoeffect. Examples of interactive computer models are given, the use of which makes it possible to increase the interest of students in studying this material in physics, to stimulate the formation and development of cognitive activity and creative thinking, to form in students an idea of the phenomena of the microcosm, their regularities, and the modern physical picture of the world.

An artificial potential field approach for event-triggered cooperative control of multiple high-speed trains with free initial states

ABSTRACT In this paper, a multi-algorithm-fusion-based cooperative tracking control strategy is proposed for high-speed trains to achieve the control objectives of reference speed trajectory tracking and adjacent safety distance maintenance simultaneously. First, the multiple high-speed train (MHST) system is formulated as a multi-agent system (MAS) with a virtual leader. Second, a coordination controller that considers the dynamic tracking performance and input saturation is designed by combining the MAS leader-follower consensus algorithm and the improved artificial potential field (APF) method. In addition, within the train-to-train (T2T) communication network, an event-triggered mechanism is introduced in the continuous state transmission process to address the communication channel capacity protection limitation issue. Third, the closed-loop stability of the MHST system is ensured by the comprehensive analysis of a novel log-type Lyapunov function. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed event-triggered cooperative tracking control strategy is verified through a numerical example of the MHST system on a typical line.

Learning Scalable Decentralized Controllers for Heterogeneous Robot Swarms with Graph Neural Networks

Abstract Distributed multi-agent systems are becoming increasingly crucial for diverse applications in robotics because of their capacity for scalability, efficiency, robustness, resilience, and the ability to accomplish complex tasks. Controlling these large-scale swarms by relying on local information is very challenging. Although centralized methods are generally efficient or optimal, they face the issue of scalability and are often impractical. Given the challenge of finding an efficient decentralized controller that uses only local information to accomplish a global task, we propose a learning-based approach to decentralized control using supervised learning. Our approach entails training controllers to imitate a centralized controller's behavior but uses only local information to make decisions. The controller is parameterized by aggregation graph neural networks (GNNs) that integrate information from remote neighbors. The problems of segregation and aggregation of a swarm of heterogeneous agents are explored in 2D and 3D point mass systems as two use cases to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. The decentralized controller is trained using data from a centralized (expert) controller derived from the concept of artificial differential potential. Our learned models successfully transfer to actual robot dynamics in physics-based Turtlebot3 robot swarms in Gazebo/ROS2 simulations and hardware implementation and Crazyflie quadrotor swarms in Pybullet simulations. Our experiments show that our controller performs comparably to the centralized controller and demonstrates superior performance compared to a local controller. Additionally, we showed that the controller is scalable by analyzing larger teams and diverse groups up to 100 robots.

Hamstrings Hypertrophy Is Specific to the Training Exercise: Nordic Hamstring versus Lengthened State Eccentric Training.

The hamstring muscles play a crucial role in sprint running but are also highly susceptible to strain injuries, particularly within the biceps femoris long head (BFlh). This study compared the adaptations in muscle size and strength of the knee flexors, as well as BFlh muscle and aponeurosis size, after two eccentrically focused knee flexion training regimes: Nordic hamstring training (NHT) vs lengthened state eccentric training (LSET, isoinertial weight stack resistance in an accentuated hip-flexed position) vs habitual activity (no training controls: CON). Forty-two healthy young males completed 34 sessions of NHT or LSET over 12 wk or served as CON ( n = 14/group). Magnetic resonance imaging-measured muscle volume of seven individual knee flexors and BFlh aponeurosis area, and maximum knee flexion torque during eccentric, concentric, and isometric contractions were assessed pre- and post-training. LSET induced greater increases in hamstrings (+18% vs +11%) and BFlh (+19% vs +5%) muscle volumes and BFlh aponeurosis area (+9% vs +3%) than NHT (all P ≤ 0.001), with no changes after CON. There were distinctly different patterns of hypertrophy between the two training regimes, largely due to the functional role of the muscles; LSET was more effective for increasing the size of knee flexors that also extend the hip (2.2-fold vs NHT), whereas NHT increased the size of knee flexors that do not extend the hip (1.9-fold vs LSET; both P ≤ 0.001). Changes in maximum eccentric torque differed only between LSET and CON (+17% vs +4%; P = 0.009), with NHT (+11%) inbetween. These results suggest that LSET is superior to NHT in inducing overall hamstrings and BFlh hypertrophy, potentially contributing to better sprint performance improvements and protection against hamstring strain injuries than NHT.

Fault-tolerant control of bullet train based on fuzzy adaptive control

Abstract For the trajectory tracking problem of a single-particle train dynamics model under the condition of partial loss of power in the train power unit due to actuator failure during the operation of the EMU, considering the situation where the system exists with uncertain dynamics from the model and unknown external disturbers, a control method based on fuzzy adaptive fault-tolerant control method for EMU is proposed. Under the framework of the backstepping method, the fuzzy system is used to approach the system function, and a fuzzy adaptive controller is designed. It is proved that the designed control law can enable the train system to track the given speed and displacement trajectory under partial power loss. Using the CRH3 train as the research object, the results show that the designed controller can complete the trajectory tracking control task.

Effects of endurance resistance exercise on knee joint cartilages in young male rats – a randomized controlled trial

To study the effects of endurance resistance exercise on the cellularity of knee joint hyaline cartilages and fibrocartilage in young male rats, twelve healthy young male Sprague Dawley rats were equally divided into Endurance resistance training (ERT) and Sedentary or Control (C). ERT group climbed a ladder carrying 5% of body weight with 3 sets for adaptation. From week 2, 10% and 3 sets then progressed to 20% and 4 sets, 30% and 5 sets, and 40% of the body weight and 6 sets every week till week 5 with 12-15 repetitions per set and 2-minute intervals and 5 days per week. Each training session’s duration was 30 minutes. The effects on the number of chondrocytes per lacuna of fibrocartilage and tibial hyaline cartilage were found to be significantly better in ERT group. For the number of chondrocytes per lacuna of femoral hyaline cartilage, no significant difference was observed between the group analyses. These results collectively imply that endurance resistance training has potential for enhancing cartilage integrity and general health, specifically the fibrocartilage and tibial hyaline cartilage.

Effects of Mat Pilates online on the depressive symptoms and quality of life of older people during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled clinical trial

The objective is to verify the effects of an online Mat Pilates intervention on the depressive symptoms and quality of life of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a randomized controlled clinical trial involving 56 healthy and sedentary older adults (64.38 ± 3.45 years), randomized into two groups: Mat Pilates Training Group (PTG, n = 28) and Control Group (CG, n = 28). The intervention lasted 12 weeks, with two weekly 45-minute sessions using a video calling application. In the main part, the Basic Mat Pilates sequence was performed with progressions in the intensity, volume, and complexity of the exercises. The CG received a booklet with guidance on exercising without supervision and weekly health education lectures. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the PHQ-9 questionnaire. Quality of life was assessed using two questionnaires (WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-OLD) and their respective domains. The analyses were carried out using the Generalized Estimating Equations model. In the per protocol analysis, there were no significant differences either in time (p = 0.352) or between groups (p = 0.739) for depressive symptoms (Pre: 3.50 ± 2.61 and 4.20 ± 5.92; Post: 3.08 ± 2.57 and 3.40 ± 3.86; PTG and CG respectively). No significant interactions (p = 0.969) were observed in overall quality of life (Pre: 75.00 ± 14.10 and 73.75 ± 13.76; Post: 76.04 ± 8.36 and 75.00 ± 17.68; PTG and CG respectively) nor in the domains analysis of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Regarding WHOQOL-OLD, there was an improvement in the Death and Dying domain (p = 0.042) for both groups (Pre: 70.31 ± 21.67 and 71.88 ± 20.04; Post: 79.69 ± 15.34 and 74.38 ± 23.65; PTG and CG respectively), with no interactions for overall quality of life (p = 0.820) or for the other domains. Conclusion: Remote Mat Pilates was able to maintain low levels of depressive symptoms and improve some aspects of the quality of life of older adults.

Interior noise prediction of inter-coach space of high-speed maglev trains based on wavenumber decomposition on aerodynamic excitation

Current research on noise and vibration control of high-speed maglev trains pays more attention to far-field noise, while the level of interior noise has a direct impact on the ride comfort and should be placed equal weight on. In this paper, inter-coach space, one of the main pressure fluctuation sources of a specific type of high-speed maglev train with a design speed of 600 km·h−1, is taken as the research object. The turbulent and acoustic components of wall pressure fluctuations (WPF) are separated based on a wavenumber-frequency analysis approach, and then each component is applied as different forms of source input to the vibroacoustic model, namely, finite element method-boundary element method (FEM-BEM) and statistical energy analysis (SEA) for low- and high-frequency ranges respectively, to investigate the contribution of both components to interior acoustic cavity in all frequency range. It can be seen quantitatively from the results that the amplitude of turbulent component is generally much higher than that of the acoustic one, but it can be vice versa when it comes to the interior response. The conclusion drawn in this paper are able to provide guidance for future researches on more targeted interior noise control of high-speed maglev trains.

Nominal GSM-R Radio Network Design for Signalling and Train Control Systems: Case Study Dar-Moro Electrified SGR Line in Tanzania

The recent development of High-Speed Trains (HST) operations requires real-time information transfer, high network capacity, and reliable communication for train signalling and control purposes. Rail operators face challenges as the high-speed railroad traffic grows. In a high-speed driving profile, the communication must be able to overcome fast handover, large Doppler shift, high penetration losses, limited visibility in tunnels, and the harsh electromagnetic environment. Global System for Mobile Communications for Railway (GSM-R) is still a standard-bearer for railway signalling communications. The link capacity and coverage prediction of the predefined Base Transceiver Station (BTS) locations are simulated using the Radio Planner RF planning tool and Matlab®. The terrain map and the signal levels along the railway corridor are observed. The analysis of the GSM-R for a fast-moving train is performed. Signal level coverage prediction, Doppler-shift effect and the received carrier frequencies due to Doppler shift along Dar–Pugu stations have been presented. The critical sites (locations) with weak signals of the first three BTSs have been identified. It is also observed that the Doppler effect may limit the proposed speed.