Optimized Sensors Network and Dynamical Maps for Monitoring Traffic Noise in a Large Urban Zone

Railway Line Occupancy Control Based on Distance Determination Sound Method

The purpose of this research paper is to present the application of the developed sound method as a supporting tool to deal with railway traffic flow control. It is found that controlling railway line occupancy is the main issue associated with railway traffic flow. For this purpose, the line occupancy control based on a sound method has been developed. The concept of using sound waves as a source of information about approaching people, animals, vehicles, etc., has been known for centuries, and is due to the natural properties of the sense of hearing. There are many engineering attempts on the use of this phenomenon, which are mostly based on applications of distributed fiber-optic sensing technology. This paper presents the results of the sound pressure measurement in the immediate proximity of the rail to analyze and evaluate the use of the acoustic wave as an information carrier on approaching rail vehicles. The purpose of this research is to discuss the sound method introduced here, and apply it in different circumstances.

Sensing Technology Applications in the Mining Industry-A Systematic Review

Introduction Industry 4.0 has enhanced technological development in all fields. Currently, one can analyse, treat, and model completely different variables in real time; these include production, environmental, and occupational variables. Resultingly, there has been a significant improvement in the quality of life of workers, the environment, and in businesses in general, encouraging the implementation of continuous improvement measures. However, it is not entirely clear how the mining industry is evolving alongside this industrial evolution. With this in mind, this systematic review aimed to find sensing technology applications within this sector, in order to assist the mining industry in its goal to evolve digitally. Methodology: The research and reporting of this article were carried out by means of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results and discussion: A total of 29 papers were included in the study, with sensors being applied in several fields, namely safety, management, and localisation. Three different implementation phases were identified regarding its execution: prototype, trial, and (already) implemented. The overall results highlighted that many mechanisms are in need of improvement in underground settings. This might be due to the fact that underground mining has particular safety challenges. Conclusions: Ventilation and mapping are primary issues to be solved in the underground setting. With regard to the surface setting, the focus is directed toward slope stability and ways of improving it regarding monitoring and prevention. The literature screening revealed a tendency in these systems to keep advancing in technologically, becoming increasingly more intelligent. In the near future, it is expected that a more technologically advanced mining industry will arise, and this will be created and sustained by the optimisation of processes, equipment, and work practices, in order to improve both the quality of life of people and the health of the environment.