A novel operation system to detect train vibration and train weight using FBG sensing network has been designed and tested in Hong Kong. The purpose of the system is for real time condition monitoring of trains. Because of the fast response of optical systems, the trains can be monitored in real-time during its normal service without any special arrangement. Hence, the condition checking can be realized without any disruption on the operating condition of the railway system.

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Co-operative education involves teaching students both through formal lectures within educational institutions and placement in appropriate industrial undertakings. At the Hong KongPolytechnic, one form of co-operative education is sandwich courses. Because of the difficulty in locating appropriate and adequate placements, and the seeming ineffectiveness of the industrial training experienced, some of the departments are reverting from sandwich courses to full-time studies, or offering the option of full-time~sandwich modes. This change of structure has not been evaluated. A study was carried out to evaluate the academic and non-academic values of the system and the needs of local industries, using the building services engineering (BSE) course as a starting point. The opinion of the BSE Department staff, industrial sector, current and past students in the course were surveyed. Recommendations were discussed.

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