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The effect of fluctuating maskers on speech understanding of high-performing cochlear implant users
(2016)
Objective: The present study evaluated whether the poorer baseline performance of cochlear implant (CI) users or the technical and/or physiological properties of CI stimulation are responsible for the absence of masking release. Design: This study measured speech reception thresholds (SRTs) in continuous and modulated noise as a function of signal to noise ratio (SNR). Study sample: A total of 24 subjects participated: 12 normal-hearing (NH) listeners and 12 subjects provided with recent MED-EL CI systems. Results: The mean SRT of CI users in continuous noise was −3.0 ± 1.5 dB SNR (mean ± SEM), while the normal-hearing group reached −5.9 ± 0.8 dB SNR. In modulated noise, the difference across groups increased considerably. For CI users, the mean SRT worsened to −1.4 ± 2.3 dB SNR, while it improved for normal-hearing listeners to −18.9 ± 3.8 dB SNR. Conclusions: The detrimental effect of fluctuating maskers on SRTs in CI users shown by prior studies was confirmed by the current study. Concluding, the absence of masking release is mainly caused by the technical and/or physiological properties of CI stimulation, not just the poorer baseline performance of many CI users compared to normal-hearing subjects. Speech understanding in modulated noise was more robust in CI users who had a relatively large electrical dynamic range.
In this paper, the temperature dependent cyclic mechanical properties of the martensitic hot work tool steel 1.2367 after tempering are investigated. To this end, hardness measurements as well as monotonic and cyclic tests at temperatures in the range from room temperature to 650 °C are performed on material tempered for different tempering times and temperatures. To describe the observed time and temperature dependent softening during tempering a kinetic model for the evolution of the mean size of secondary carbides based on Ostwald ripening is developed. Furthermore, mechanism-based as well as phenomenological relations for the cyclic mechanical properties of the Ramberg-Osgood model depending on carbide size and temperature are introduced. A good overall agreement of the measured and the calculated stress-strain hysteresis loops for different temperatures and heat treatments is obtained using the determined material properties of the kinetic and mechanical model.
Printed systems spark immense interest in industry, and for several parts such as solar cells or radio frequency identification antennas, printed products are already available on the market. This has led to intense research; however, printed field-effect transistors (FETs) and logics derived thereof still have not been sufficiently developed to be adapted by industry. Among others, one of the reasons for this is the lack of control of the threshold voltage during production. In this work, we show an approach to adjust the threshold voltage (Vth) in printed electrolyte-gated FETs (EGFETs) with high accuracy by doping indium-oxide semiconducting channels with chromium. Despite high doping concentrations achieved by a wet chemical process during precursor ink preparation, good on/off-ratios of more than five orders of magnitude could be demonstrated. The synthesis process is simple, inexpensive, and easily scalable and leads to depletion-mode EGFETs, which are fully functional at operation potentials below 2 V and allows us to increase Vth by approximately 0.5 V.
Silicon (Si) has turned out to be a promising active material for next‐generation lithium‐ion battery anodes. Nevertheless, the issues known from Si as electrode material (pulverization effects, volume change etc.) are impeding the development of Si anodes to reach market maturity. In this study, we are investigating a possible application of Si anodes in low‐power printed electronic applications. Tailored Si inks are produced and the impact of carbon coating on the printability and their electrochemical behavior as printed Si anodes is investigated. The printed Si anodes contain active material loadings that are practical for powering printed electronic devices, like electrolyte gated transistors, and are able to show high capacity retentions. A capacity of 1754 mAh/gSi is achieved for a printed Si anode after 100 cycles. Additionally, the direct applicability of the printed Si anodes is shown by successfully powering an ink‐jet printed transistor.
A series of isostructural 3D coordination polymers (3)∞[M(tdc)(bpy)] (M(2+) = Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Co(2+), Fe(2+); tdc(2-) = 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate; bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine) was synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and gas adsorption measurements. The materials show high thermal stability up to approximately 400 °C and a solvent induced phase transition. Single crystal X-ray structure determination was successfully performed for all compounds after the phase transition. In the zinc-based coordination polymer, various amounts of a second type of metal ions such as Co(2+) or Fe(2+) could be incorporated. Furthermore, the catalytic behavior of the homo- and heteronuclear 3D coordination polymers in an oxidation model reaction was investigated.
A laser-operated, angle-tunable transducer was employed to excite selectively elastic waves guided along the apex of a solid wedge. The propagation of wedge waves at anisotropic monocrystalline silicon edges with different symmetry properties was studied by optical detection. The reduced symmetry in crystals, as compared to isotropic media, causes a number of new features, such as the existence of supersonic leaky wedge waves, tilted spatial pulse profiles, and other peculiarities of their localization. Experimental and theoretical results are presented for three different types of symmetry configurations: the wedge symmetric about its midplane, the wedge symmetric about the plane normal to its apex line, and the wedge symmetric about one of its faces. The experiments include accurate measurements of the phase velocity and the wave field distribution, providing information on localization and coupling of wedge waves with other waves. Theoretically, the wedge waves were treated by the Laguerre function method, extended to modes that are not localized at the tip of the wedge. This approach allowed an accurate description of the observed localized and leaky wedge waves in anisotropic wedges.
Covert channels have been known for a long time because of their versatile forms of appearance. For nearly every technical improvement or change in technology, such channels have been (re-)created or known methods have been adapted. For example, the introduction of hyperthreading technology has introduced new possibilities for covert communication between malicious processes because they can now share the arithmetic logical unit as well as the L1 and L2 caches, which enable establishing multiple covert channels. Even virtualization, which is known for its isolation of multiple machines, is prone to covert- and side-channel attacks because of the sharing of resources. Therefore, it is not surprising that cloud computing is not immune to this kind of attacks. Moreover, cloud computing with multiple, possibly competing users or customers using the same shared resources may elevate the risk of illegitimate communication. In such a setting, the “air gap” between physical servers and networks disappears, and only the means of isolation and virtual separation serve as a barrier between adversary and victim. In the work at hand, we will provide a survey on vulnerable spots that an adversary could exploit trying to exfiltrate private data from target virtual machines through covert channels in a cloud environment. We will evaluate the feasibility of example attacks and point out proposed mitigation solutions in case they exist.
Propagation of acoustic waves is considered in a system consisting of two stiff quarter-spaces connected by a planar soft layer. The two quarter-spaces and the layer form a half-space with a planar surface. In a numerical study, surface waves have been found and analyzed in this system with displacements that are localized not only at the surface, but also in the soft layer. In addition to the semi-analytical finite element method, an alternative approach based on an expansion of the displacement field in a double series of Laguerre functions and Legendre polynomials has been applied.
It is shown that a number of branches of the mode spectrum can be interpreted and remarkably well described by perturbation theory, where the zero-order modes are the wedge waves guided at a rectangular edge of the stiff quarter-spaces or waves guided at the edge of a soft plate with rigid surfaces.
For elastic moduli and densities corresponding to the material combination PMMA–silicone–PMMA, at least one of the branches in the dispersion relation of surface waves trapped in the soft layer exhibits a zero-group velocity point.
Potential applications of these 1D guided surface waves in non-destructive evaluation are discussed.
Structured Innovation with TRIZ in Science and Industry - Creating Value for Customers and Society
(2016)
Pure component sorption isotherms of n-butane, isobutane, 1-butene and isobutene on the metal–organic framework (MOF) 3∞[Cu4(μ4-O)(μ2-OH)2(Me2trz-pba)4] at various temperatures between 283 K and 343 K and pressures up to 300 kPa are presented. The isotherms show a stepwise pore filling which is typical for structurally flexible materials with broad adsorption–desorption hysteresis loops. Gate opening pressures in their endemic characteristic depend on the used hydrocarbon gases. From all investigated gases only the isotherms of 1-butene present a second step at a relative pressure above p/p0 = 0.55. As a consequence, only 1-butene can fully open the framework resulting in a pore volume of 0.54 cm3 g−1. This result is in good agreement with the value of 0.59 cm3 g−1 calculated based on single crystal structure data. The isosteric heat of adsorption was calculated from the experimental isotherms for all C4-isomers. At low loadings the isosteric heat is in a narrow region between 41 and 49 kJ mol−1. Moreover, in situ XRD measurements at different relative hydrocarbon pressures were performed at 298 K for the C4-isomers. The differences in the pressure-depending powder diffraction patterns indicate phase transitions as a result of adsorption. Similar diffraction patterns were observed for all C4-hydrocarbons, except 1-butene, where the second step at higher relative pressure (p/p0 > 0.55) is accompanied by an additional phase transition. This powder pattern resembles that of the as-synthesized MOF material containing solvent molecules in the pore system. The resulting structural changes of the material during guest and pressure induced external stimuli are evidenced by the new coupled XRD adsorption equipment.
Streustrahlung in der Ultraschall-Computertomographie zur Verifizierung der Echtheit von Perlen
(2017)
This paper describes a new analysis method developed to distinguish real from fake
pearls using non-ionizing, non-destructive ultrasound computed tomography (USCT): In the USCT Shepp-Logan-filtered time-of-flight image, a fake pearl shows irregular, asymmetric
scattering of ultrasound, whereas the pattern in a natural pearl is regular and symmetric.
We strongly assume that pattern recognition of the scattering of ultrasound cannot only
play an important role in verifying pearls, but also in testing other materials and tissues in
(bio-)medical engineering. Furthermore, and most importantly, this new approach could
be helpful for a variety of clinical diagnoses using high-resolution 3D-USCT, such as the
detection of X-ray-negative micro-calcifications in early breast cancer. Moreover looking
at scattering patterns in dedicated positron emission tomography systems may promote
new developments in nuclear medicine diagnostics.
Open markets, international trade and foreign direct investments are a source of prosperity in challenging times. This Special Section looks at developed economies and emerging markets, also taking into account the role of trade for impactful capacity-building in least developed countries (LDCs). Specific emphasis is placed on financing economic development and trade, analysing what roles trade and development finance should play in the quest for an efficient mobilisation of private capital for growth, trade and development.
Purpose
Although recent literature has examined diverse measures adopted by SMEs to navigate the COVID-19 turbulence, there is a shortage of evidence on how crisis-time strategy creation behaviour and digitalization activities increase (1) sales and (2) cash flow. Thus, predicated on a novel strategy creation perspective, this inquiry aims to investigate the crisis behaviour, sales and cash flow performance of 528 SMEs in Morocco.
Design/methodology/approach
Novel links between (1) aggregate wage cuts, (2) variable operating hours, (3) deferred payment to suppliers, (4) deferred payment to tax authorities and (5) sales performance are developed and tested. A further link between sales performance and cash flow is also examined and the analysis is conducted using a non-linear structural equation modelling technique.
Findings
While there is a significant association between strategy creation behaviours and sales performance, only variable operating hours have a positive effect. Also, sales performance increases cash flow and this relationship is substantially strengthened by e-commerce digitalization and innovation.
Originality/value
Theoretically, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first inquiries to espouse the strategy creation view to explain SMEs' crisis-time behaviour and digitalization. For practical purposes, to supplement Moroccan SMEs' propensity to seek tax deferrals, it is argued that debt and equity support measures are also needed to boost sales performance and cash flow.
Many SMEs are still faced with the problematic fact that their corporate structures and processes are not designed for efficient development and market positioning and there is a lack of appropriate methods and tools. SMEs are often inefficiently targeted to the internal or external demands for services. The following key questions are answered in this article: 1) Which studies are available in terms of strategic planning in young SMEs? 2) Which aspects should be considered in the implementation and control of these instruments?
Since their dawning, space communications have been among the strongest driving applications for the development of error correcting codes. Indeed, space-to-Earth telemetry (TM) links have extensively exploited advanced coding schemes, from convolutional codes to Reed-Solomon codes (also in concatenated form) and, more recently, from turbo codes to low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. The efficiency of these schemes has been extensively proved in several papers and reports. The situation is a bit different for Earth-to-space telecommand (TC) links. Space TCs must reliably convey control information as well as software patches from Earth control centers to scientific payload instruments and engineering equipment onboard (O/B) spacecraft. The success of a mission may be compromised because of an error corrupting a TC message: a detected error causing no execution or, even worse, an undetected error causing a wrong execution. This imposes strict constraints on the maximum acceptable detected and undetected error rates.
The accurate diagnosis of state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) is of utmost importance for battery users and for battery manufacturers. State diagnosis is commonly based on measuring battery current and using it in Coulomb counters or as input for a current-controlled model. Here we introduce a new algorithm based on measuring battery voltage and using it as input for a voltage-controlled model. We demonstrate the algorithm using fresh and pre-aged lithium-ion battery single cells operated under well-defined laboratory conditions on full cycles, shallow cycles, and a dynamic battery electric vehicle load profile. We show that both SOC and SOH are accurately estimated using a simple equivalent circuit model. The new algorithm is self-calibrating, is robust with respect to cell aging, allows to estimate SOH from arbitrary load profiles, and is numerically simpler than state-of-the-art model-based methods.
Improved separation of highly toxic contact herbicides paraquat (1,1′-dimethyl-4-4′-bipyridinium), diquat (6,7-dihydrodipyridol[ 1,2-a:2′,1′-c]pyrazine-5,8-di-ium), difenzoquat (1,2-dimethyl-3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazolium-methyl sulfate), mepiquat (1,1-dimethyl-piperidinium), and chloromequat (2-chloroethyltrimethylammonium) were presented by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The quantification is based on a derivatization reaction, using sodium tetraphenylborate. Measurements were made in the wavelength range from 500 to 535 nm, using a light-emitting diode (LED) for excitation purposes, which emits very dense light at 365 nm. For calculations, a new theory of standard addition method was used, thus leading to a minimal error if exactly the same amount of sample content is added as a standard. The method provides a fast and inexpensive approach to quantification of the five most important quats used for plant protection purposes. The method works reliably because it takes into account losses during pre-treatment procedure. The method meets the European legislation limits for paraquat and diquat in drinking water according to United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) method 549.2 which are 680 ng L−1 for paraquat and 720 ng L−1 for diquat. The method of standard addition in planar chromatography can be beneficially used to reduce systematic errors. Although recovery rates of 33.7% to 65.2% are observed, calculated contents according to the method of standard addition lie between 69% and 127% of the theoretical amounts.
Nachweise für die Stabilität von Regelkreisen, deren Stellgrößen an ihre Begrenzungen gelangen können und bei denen die Regler Integratoren oder andere dynamische Glieder sowie Anti-Windup-Maßnahmen enthalten, sind gewöhnlich sehr aufwändig zu führen. Bei PI-Zustandsreglern, die mittels der in [1] vorgestellten Methode in einem mehrstufigen Verfahren für Regelstrecken entworfen wurden, die bis auf die Stellgrößenbegrenzungen linear sind, lassen sich jedoch äußerst hilfreiche allgemeine Stabilitätsaussagen treffen, die den konkreten Stabilitätsnachweis für das Gesamtsystem– selbst unter Einbeziehung von Beobachtern – erheblich vereinfachen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die diesbezüglichen, auf Steuerbarkeitsbetrachtungen beruhenden, Zusammenhänge für zeitdiskrete Regelkreise aufgezeigt sowie daraus exemplarisch mittels Ljapunow-Funktionen eine einfache Reglerformel für Zustandsregler abgeleitet, die auch im Begrenzungsfall stabil arbeiten. Ein Beispielaus der elektrischen Antriebstechnik illustriert die Anwendbarkeit der vorgestellten Methode.
Im Beitrag wird für lineare, zeitinvariante, zeitdiskrete und stabile Regelstrecken beschrieben, wie zwei bekannte Zustandsraumverfahren zur Windup-Vermeidung so miteinander kombiniert werden können, dass dadurch für sämtliche PI-Zustandsregler Strecken- und Regler-Windup verhindert wird, sofern diese Regler im unbegrenzten Fall stabil sind. Zurückgegriffen wird hierbei auf das „Additional Dynamic Element“ (ADE) von Hippe zur Vermeidung von Strecken-Windup [Hippe, P.: Windup in control – Its effects and their prevention, 2006; at – Automatisierungstechnik, 2007], dessen Übertragung auf zeitdiskrete Systeme im Beitrag kurz skizziert wird, sowie auf das Verfahren der Führungsgrößenkorrektur [Nuß, U.: at – Automatisierungstechnik, 2017] zur Vermeidung von Regler-Windup. Das vorgestellte Kombinationsverfahren setzt für die jeweilige Regelstrecke lediglich die Einbeziehung eines bereits existierenden P-Zustandsreglers voraus, der Strecken-Windup vermeidet. Die Bereitstellung eines möglichst einfachen und dennoch nicht allzu einschränkenden Kriteriums zur Überprüfung, ob ein P-Zustandsregler diese Eigenschaft besitzt, ist ebenfalls ein Anliegen des Beitrags. Diesbezüglich wird auf der Basis einer geeigneten Ljapunow-Funktion ein hinreichendes Kriterium angegeben, das umfassender ist als das in [Nuß, U.: at – Automatisierungstechnik, 2017] verwendete. Ein Beispiel aus der elektrischen Antriebstechnik demonstriert die Leistungsfähigkeit der vorgestellten Methode.
Uphill training is applied to induce specific overload on the musculoskeletal system to improve sprinting mechanics. This study aimed to identify unique kinematic features of uphill sprinting at different slopes and to suggest practical implications based on comparisons we early stance phase. At take-off, steeper slopes induced significantly more extended joint angles and higher ROMs during the late stance phase. Compared with moderate slopes, more anti-phase coordination patterns were detected at steeper slopes. Thus, uphill sprinting at steeper slopes shares essential kinematic features with the early acceleration phase of level sprinting. Moderate inclinations induce biomechanical adaptations similar to those in the late acceleration phase of level sprinting. Hence, the specific transfer of uphill sprinting to acceleration depends on the slope inclinations.
Background
Internal tibial loading is influenced by modifiable factors with implications for the risk of stress injury. Runners encounter varied surface steepness (gradients) when running outdoors and may adapt their speed according to the gradient. This study aimed to quantify tibial bending moments and stress at the anterior and posterior peripheries when running at different speeds on surfaces of different gradients.
Methods
Twenty recreational runners ran on a treadmill at 3 different speeds (2.5 m/s, 3.0 m/s, and 3.5 m/s) and gradients (level: 0%; uphill: +5%, +10%, and +15%; downhill: –5%, –10%, and –15%). Force and marker data were collected synchronously throughout. Bending moments were estimated at the distal third centroid of the tibia about the medial–lateral axis by ensuring static equilibrium at each 1% of stance. Stress was derived from bending moments at the anterior and posterior peripheries by modeling the tibia as a hollow ellipse. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance were conducted using both functional and discrete statistical analyses.
Results
There were significant main effects for running speed and gradient on peak bending moments and peak anterior and posterior stress. Higher running speeds resulted in greater tibial loading. Running uphill at +10% and +15% resulted in greater tibial loading than level running. Running downhill at –10% and –15% resulted in reduced tibial loading compared to level running. There was no difference between +5% or –5% and level running.
Conclusion
Running at faster speeds and uphill on gradients ≥+10% increased internal tibial loading, whereas slower running and downhill running on gradients ≥–10% reduced internal loading. Adapting running speed according to the gradient could be a protective mechanism, providing runners with a strategy to minimize the risk of tibial stress injuries.
The free convection in a vertical gap is generalized to realize new analytical solutions of the Boussinesq-equations. The steady and time-dependent solutions for the temperature and velocity distribution are discussed in detail depending on the mass flux in vertical direction. The range of existence for flows with and without back flow is obtained. The transient behaviour of the solutions during the time-dependent development displays interesting physical behaviour.
The CO2 uptake on nanoscale AlO(OH) hollow spheres (260 mg g−1) as a new material is comparable to that on many metal–organic frameworks although their specific surface area is much lower (530 m2 g¬1versus 1500–6000 m2g¬1). Suited temperature–pressure cycles allow for reversible storage and separation of CO2 while the CO2 uptake is 4.3-times higher as compared to N2.
Die Kommunikationstechnik für die Zählerfernauslesung (Smart Metering) und für die Energieerzeugungs- und -verteilnetze (Smart Grid) hat das Potenzial, zu einer der ersten hoch skalierten M2M-Anwendungen zu werden. In den vergangenen Jahren konnten zwei vielversprechende Entwicklungen im Umfeld der drahtlosen Kommunikation für die Smart-Grid-Kommunikation vorbereitet werden, die das Marktgeschehen über Deutschland und über die Versorgungstechnik hinaus beeinflussen könnten. Neben der Spezifikation der OMS-Gruppe ist die Erarbeitung eines Schutzprofils (Protection Profile, PP) sowie einer Technischen Richtlinie (TR) für die Kommunikationseinheit eines intelligenten Messsystems (Smart Meter Gateway) durch das Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI) zu nennen. Diese greifen, wie der Beitrag beschreibt, den Stand der Technik auf und geben praxisorientierte Umsetzungen vor.
Private households constitute a considerable share of Europe's electricity consumption. The current electricity distribution system treats them as effectively passive individual units. In the future, however, users of the electricity grid will be involved more actively in the grid operation and can become part of intelligent networked collaborations. They can then contribute the demand and supply flexibility that they dispose of and, as a result, help to better integrate renewable energy in-feed into the distribution grids.
Background: The electrical field (E-field) of the biventricular (BV) stimulation is important for the success of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with cardiac insufficiency and widened QRS complex. The 3D modeling allows the simulation of CRT and high frequency (HF) ablation.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to model different pacing and ablation electrodes and to integrate them into a heart model for the static and dynamic simulation of atrial and BV stimulation and high frequency (HF) ablation in atrial fibrillation (AF).
Methods: The modeling and simulation was carried out using the electromagnetic simulation software CST (CST Darmstadt). Five multipolar left ventricular (LV) electrodes, one epicardial LV electrode, four bipolar right atrial (RA) electrodes, two right ventricular (RV) electrodes and one HF ablation catheter were modeled. Selected electrodes were integrated into the Offenburg heart rhythm model for the electrical field simulation. The simulation of an AV node ablation at CRT was performed with RA, RV and LV electrodes and integrated ablation catheter with an 8 mm gold tip.
Results: The right atrial stimulation was performed with an amplitude of 1.5 V with a pulse width of 0.5. The far-field potentials generated by the atrial stimulation were perceived by the right and left ventricular electrode. The far-field potential at a distance of 1 mm from the right ventricular electrode tip was 36.1 mV. The far-field potential at a distance of 1 mm from the left ventricular electrode tip was measured with 37.1 mV. The RV and LV stimulation were performed simultaneously at amplitude of 3 V at the LV electrode and 1 V at the RV electrode with a pulse width of 0.5 ms each. The far-field potentials generated by the BV stimulations could be perceived by the RA electrode. The far-field potential at the RA electrode tip was 32.86 mV. AV node ablation was simulated with an applied power of 5 W at 420 kHz and 10 W at 500 kHz at the distal 8 mm ablation electrode.
Conclusions: Virtual heart and electrode models as well as the simulations of electrical fields and temperature profiles allow the static and dynamic simulation of atrial synchronous BV stimulation and HF ablation at AF. The 3D simulation of the electrical field and temperature profile may be used to optimize the CRT and AF ablation.
Serendipities in der Medizin
(2016)
Zufälle begleiten unser Leben. Auch bei wichtigen Entdeckungen und Entwicklungen in der Medizin spielt der „Zufall“ (engl. „serendipity“) eine Rolle. Hierzu gehören u. a. die Mendelschen Gesetze, die Ermittlung der menschlichen Chromosomenzahl, die Entdeckung der DNS durch Watson und Crick, der PAP-Test oder die Entdeckung der Röntgenstrahlung und der Radioaktivität. Aber auch und gerade in der Pharmakologie gibt es viele Beispiele für Serendipitäten. Einige gehen eng mit Zufällen bei der Entdeckung der Bakteriologie einher.
We present a video-densitometric quantification method for the pain killer known as diclofenac and ibuprofen. These non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were separated on cyanopropyl bonded plates using CH2Cl2, methanol, cyclohexane (95 + 5 + 40, v/v) as mobile phase. The quantification is based on a bio-effective-linked analysis using Vibrio fisheri bacteria. Within 10 min a CCD-camera registered the white light of the light-emitting bacteria. Diclofenac and ibuprofen effectively suppressed the bacterial light emission which can be used for quantification within a linear range of 10 to 2000 ng. The detection limit for ibuprofen is 20 ng and the limit of quantification 26 ng per zone. Measurements were carried out using a 16-bit ST-1603ME CCD camera with 1.56 megapixels (from Santa Barbara Instrument Group, Inc., Santa Barbara, USA). The range of linearity covers more than two magnitudes because the extended Kubelka-Munk expression is used for data transformation. The separation method is inexpensive, fast, and reliable.
Eine repräsentative Studie mit 2.400 deutschen Arbeitnehmern zeigt, dass Mitarbeiter seltener krank werden, wenn sie sich an ihr Unternehmen gebunden fühlen. Die Studie offenbart auch, dass die Intensität des Commitment maßgeblich von fünf Einflussfaktoren abhängt. Die Kenntnis dieser Faktoren ermöglicht es Personalmanagern, Mitarbeiter gezielter an das Unternehmen zu binden, um so den Krankenstand positiv zu beeinflussen.
Selective separation of CO2-CH4 mixed gases via magnesium aminoethylphosphonate nanoparticles
(2016)
We present a novel scheme for Slotted ALOHA random access systems that combines physical-layer network coding (PLNC) with multiuser detection (MUD). The PLNC and MUD are applied jointly at the physical layer to be able to extract any linear combination of messages experiencing a collision within a slot. The set of combinations extracted from a whole frame is then processed by the receiver to recover the original packets. A simple precoding stage at the transmitting terminals allows the receiver to further decrease the packet loss rate. We present results for the decoding at the physical layer as well as several performance measures at frame level, namely, throughput, packet loss rate, and energy efficiency. The results we present are promising and suggest that a cross-layer approach leveraging on the joint use of PLNC and MUD can significantly improve the performance of random access systems in the presence of slow fading.
High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), as the modern form of TLC (thin-layer chromatography), is suitable for detecting pharmaceutically active compounds over a wide polarity range using the gradient multiple development (GMD) technique. Diode-array detection (DAD) in conjunction with HPTLC can simultaneously acquire ultraviolet‒visible (UV‒VIS) and fluorescence spectra directly from the plate. Visualization as a contour plot helps to identify separated zones. An orange peel extract is used as an example to show how GMD‒DAD‒HPTLC in seven different developments with seven different solvents can provide an overview of the entire sample. More than 50 compounds in the extract can be separated on a 6-cm HPTLC plate. Such separations take place in the biologically inert stationary phase of HPTLC, making it a suitable method for effect-directed analysis (EDA). HPTLC‒EDA can even be performed with living organism, as confirmed by the use of Aliivibrio fischeri bacteria to detect bioluminescence as a measure of toxicity. The combining of gradient multiple development planar chromatography with diode-array detection and effect-directed analysis (GMD‒DAD‒HPTLC‒EDA) in conjunction with specific staining methods and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF‒MS) will be the method of choice to find new chemical structures from plant extracts that can serve as the basic structure for new pharmaceutically active compounds.
A wide range catalyst screening with noble metal and oxide catalysts for a metal–air battery with an aqueous alkaline electrolyte was carried out. Suitable catalysts reduce overpotentials during the charge and discharge process, and therefore improve the round-trip efficiency of the battery. In this case, the electrodes will be used as optimized cathodes for a future lithium–air battery with an aqueous alkaline electrolyte. Oxide catalysts were synthesized via atmospheric plasma spraying. The screening showed that IrO2, RuO2, La0.6Ca0.4Co3, Mn3O4, and Co3O4 are promising bi-functional catalysts. Considering the high price for the noble metal catalysts further investigations of the oxide catalysts were carried out to analyze their electrochemical behavior at varied temperatures, molarities, and in case of La1−x Ca x CoO3 a varying calcium content. Additionally all catalysts were tested in a longterm test to proof cyclability at varied molarities. Further investigations showed that Co3O4 seems to be the most promising bi-functional catalyst of the tested oxide catalysts. Furthermore, it was shown that a calcium content of x = 0.4 in LCCO has the best performance.
Der Beitrag behandelt ausgewählte Themenkomplexe im Zusammenhang mit der Vorspannung von Schraubenverbindungen im Stahlbau. Es werden verschiedene Anwendungen und damit verbundene Aspekte beleuchtet und diskutiert, zum Beispiel die Schraubensicherung durch Vorspannung oder die Steifigkeit der Verbindung. Dem vorangestellt ist eine kurze Einführung in die mechanische Wirkung der Vorspannung in der Verbindung sowie eine Vorstellung der Vorspannverfahren.
The building sector is one of the main consumers of energy. Therefore, heating and cooling concepts for renewable energy sources become increasingly important. For this purpose, low-temperature systems such as thermo-active building systems (TABS) are particularly suitable. This paper presents results of the use of a novel adaptive and predictive computation method, based on multiple linear regression (AMLR) for the control of TABS in a passive seminar building. Detailed comparisons are shown between the standard TABS and AMLR strategies over a period of nine months each. In addition to the reduction of thermal energy use by approx. 26% and a significant reduction of the TABS pump operation time, this paper focuses on investment savings in a passive seminar building through the use of the AMLR strategy. This includes the reduction of peak power of the chilled beams (auxiliary system) as well as a simplification of the TABS hydronic circuit and the saving of an external temperature sensor. The AMLR proves its practicality by learning from the historical building operation, by dealing with forecasting errors and it is easy to integrate into a building automation system.
Background: R-wave synchronised atrial pacing is an effective temporary pacing
therapy in infants with postoperative junctional ectopic tachycardia. In the technique
currently used, adverse short or long intervals between atrial pacing and ventricular
sensing (AP–VS) may be observed during routine clinical practice.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyse outcomes of R-wave synchronised
atrial pacing and the relationship between maximum tracking rates and AP–VS
intervals.
Methods: Calculated AP–VS intervals were compared with those predicted by experienced
pediatric cardiologist.
Results: A maximum tracking rate (MTR) set 10 bpm higher than the heart rate (HR)
may result in undesirable short AP–VS intervals (minimum 83 ms). A MTR set 20 bpm
above the HR is the hemodynamically better choice (minimum 96 ms). Effects of either
setting on the AP–VS interval could not be predicted by experienced observers. In our
newly proposed technique the AP–VS interval approaches 95 ms for HR > 210 bpm
and 130 ms for HR < 130 bpm. The progression is linear and decreases strictly
(− 0.4 ms/bpm) between the two extreme levels.
Conclusions: Adjusting the AP–VS interval in the currently used technique is complex
and may imply unfavorable pacemaker settings. A new pacemaker design is advisable
to allow direct control of the AP–VS interval.
In recent years simple CAD systems have entered the market, which are offered as freeware or open source projects. These systems prove to be a key technology especially for the further expansion of 3D printing, because a 3D model of the object to be printed is a prerequisite for the use of a 3D printer. Therefore, this contribution reviews several common simple CAD systems. Thus technical and economic criteria are evaluated. It is also demonstrated how the models designed in this manner can be used in 3D printing. A case study shows the possibilities and limitations to be expected when using simple CAD systems.
Printed electronics (PE) circuits have several advantages over silicon counterparts for the applications where mechanical flexibility, extremely low-cost, large area, and custom fabrication are required. The custom (personalized) fabrication is a key feature of this technology, enabling customization per application, even in small quantities due to low-cost printing compared with lithography. However, the personalized and on-demand fabrication, the non-standard circuit design, and the limited number of printing layers with larger geometries compared with traditional silicon chip manufacturing open doors for new and unique reverse engineering (RE) schemes for this technology. In this paper, we present a robust RE methodology based on supervised machine learning, starting from image acquisition all the way to netlist extraction. The results show that the proposed RE methodology can reverse engineer the PE circuits with very limited manual effort and is robust against non-standard circuit design, customized layouts, and high variations resulting from the inherent properties of PE manufacturing processes.
Cloud computing is the emerging technology providing IT as a utility through internet. The benefits of cloud computing are but not limited to service based, scalable, elastic, shared pool of resources, metered by use. Due to mentioned benefits the concept of cloud computing fits very well with the concept of m-learning which differs from other forms of e-learning, covers a wide range of possibilities opened up by the convergence of new mobile technologies, wireless communication structure and distance learning development. The concept of cloud computing like any other concept has not only benefits but also introduces myriad of security issues, such as transparency between cloud user and provider, lack of standards, security concerns related to identity, Service Level Agreements (SLA) inadequacy etc. Providing secure, transparent, and reliable services in cloud computing environment is an important issue. This paper introduces a secured three layered architecture with an advance Intrusion Detection System (advIDS), which overcomes different vulnerabilities on cloud deployed applications. This proposed architecture can reduce the impact of different attacks by providing timely alerts, rejecting the unauthorized access over services, and recording the new threat profiles for future verification. The goal of this research is to provide more control over data and applications to the cloud user, which are now mainly controlled by Cloud Service Provider (CSP).
Hydrogen chloride and sulphur dioxide are gaseous by-products of chloridization processes that employ thionyl chloride. Absorption would be a feasible method to clean the rich gas stream. Two serial connectable absorption columns were equipped with the latest generation of packings to effect product recovery. Therefore, several tests concerning the baffle properties had to be performed. In the first experimental section, the hydraulic parameters pressure drop and hold-up were investigated. The hold up value range of the new baffles Raschig Super Ring (RSR) and Raschig Super Pak (RSP) was clearly below that of the former installed packing, Raschig Ring (RR). However, due to the low maximal flow rate, the range of stagnation and flooding could not be measured. The maximal measured pressure drop value was, for RR, only 0.3 mbar/m, which is very low compared to the measurement error. Batch experiments, where the waste gases were produced by reaction of thionyl chloride in water, showed that for the steady state determination of the separation steps it is advisable to use just one column in simplex mode with a defined gas supply by a gas cylinder. The HTU determination for RSR and a HCl/H2O system delivered a value of HTUHCl,OG = 0.14 ± 0.01 m with a variation coefficient of 24.2%.
The aim of this review was to determine whether smartphone applications are reliable and valid to measure range of motion (RoM) in lower extremity joints. A literature search was performed up to October 2020 in the databases PubMed and Cochrane Library. Studies that reported reliability or validity of smartphone applications for RoM measurements were included. The study quality was assessed with the QUADAS-2 tool and baseline information, validity and reliability were extracted. Twenty-five studies were included in the review. Eighteen studies examined knee RoM, whereof two apps were analysed as having good to excellent reliability and validity for knee flexion (“DrGoniometer”, “Angle”) and one app showed good results for knee extension (“DrGoniometer”). Eight studies analysed ankle RoM. One of these apps showed good intra-rater reliability and excellent validity for dorsiflexion RoM (“iHandy level”), another app showed excellent reliability and moderate validity for plantarflexion RoM (“Coach’s Eye”). All other apps concerning lower extremity RoM had either insufficient results, lacked study quality or were no longer available. Some apps are reliable and valid to measure RoM in the knee and ankle joint. No app can be recommended for hip RoM measurement without restrictions.
Fünf Jahre vor seinem Tod, im Jahr 1932, wurde der berühmte französische Komponist Maurice Ravel (1875–1937), der an einer frontotemporalen Demenz (M. Pick) mit primär progressiver Aphasie litt, bei einem Unfall verletzt, als er in einem Pariser Taxi saß. In diesem Fallbericht wird der Unfallmechanismus unter bestimmten Annahmen dargestellt und diskutiert. Ausgehend von diesen Überlegungen ist ein Unfall bei geringer Kollisionsgeschwindigkeit wahrscheinlich. Trotz eines Unfalls mit nur geringer Geschwindigkeit ist nicht von der Hand zu weisen, dass dieser Unfall zumindest zu einer deutlichen Verschlimmerung der Krankheitssymptome geführt haben könnte, da Ravel seit diesem Taxiunfall bis zu seinem Tod keine weiteren Kompositionen mehr vollendet hat.
Eine Regelung zur optimalen Kraftschlußausnutzung von Lokomotiven setzt das Erreichen folgender Ziele voraus: Frühzeitiges Erkennen der Schleudergrenze zur Vermeidung von Gleitvorgängen; Fahren eines optimalen Kraftschlusses vom Fahr- und Bremsbetrieb ohne Überschreitung des Kraftschlußmaximums und schnelle Anpassung an wechselnde Arbeitspunkte, zum Beispiel an wechselnde Schienenzustände. Die vorgestellte optimale Regelung der Kraftschlußausnutzung erfaßt Schleuder- und Gleitzustände, die mit bisher eingesetzten Verfahren nicht erkannt werden können und ist Basis für ein Konzept, das ein quasi permanentes Fahren in der Nähe des Kraftschlußmaximums ermöglicht.
Der Entwurf von Strukturen zum reflexionsarmen Einbetten von Halbleiterbauteilen in Mikrostreifenleitungsschaltungen gestaltet sich mit steigender Frequenz kritischer. Deshalb wird ein Verfahren vorgestellt, das es ermöglicht, das Streuverhalten solcher Strukturen unter Anwendung der dreidimensionalen Finite-Differenzen-Methode auf die Maxwellschen Gleichungen numerisch zu berechnen. Hierauf aufbauend wurde das Programmpaket F3D entwickelt. Das Streuverhalten einer Verbindung zweier GaAs-Chips durch eine dielektrische Wand wird in Abhängigkeit von Geometrieparametern diskutiert. Außerdem werden Ersatzschaltbilder unterschiedlicher Komplexität für CAD-Anwendungen vorgestellt. Diese ermöglichen zudem eine rechenzeiteffektive Optimierung dieser Struktur, die somit Filteraufgaben übernehmen kann. Dies wird am Beispiel eines Tiefpasses gezeigt.