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Die Arbeit behandelt das Thema 3D-Gestensteuerungen als MIDI-Controller in Audioanwendungen. Es wird anhand der momentan verfügbaren 3D-Gesten-Steuerungstechnik erforscht, welche Einsatzmöglichkeiten im Bereich der Audiotechnik beziehungsweise im Sounddesign gegeben sind. Die Erforschung der technischen Grundlagen aus Software und Hardware-Modulen als auch die Performance-Bewertungen bilden die technischen Grundlagen ab, während anschliessend ausgewählte Audioanwendungen beschrieben werden, welche in einer Befragung auf ihre Nutzbarkeit überprüft werden. Es wird beschrieben wie man mit einer 3D-Gestensteuerung, wie dem Kinect-Sensor, Musik oder Sounds produzieren kann, und wie man diese Technik sinnvoll einsetzten kann.
Die vorliegende Bachelorthesis befasst sich mit der Reproduktion der ersten „eisernen Hand“ des Götz von Berlichingen. Die Aufgabenstellung ist es, einen Öffnungsmechanismus zu entwickeln, welcher die zwei Fingerblöcke in die geöffnete Grundstreckstellung zurückführt, wenn die Finger zur Handinnenfläche eingefahren sind. Außerdem sollen die Fingerblöcke in drei verschiedenen Positionen einrasten können, wenn sie nach innen gedrückt werden. Insgesamt soll die Mechanik der Fingerblöcke durch 3D-unterstützte Optimierung von Bauteilen verbessert und unterstützt werden.
Der neukonstruierte Öffnungsmechanismus beinhaltet eine Drehfeder pro Fingerblock. Zudem begünstigt die CAD-Optimierung des Daumensystems und des Fingersystems die Mechanik der Fingerblöcke.
In 4D printing, an additively manufactured component is given the ability to change its shape or function in an intended and useful manner over time. The technology of 4D printing is still in an early stage of development. Nevertheless, interesting research and initial applications exist in the literature. In this work, a novel methodical approach is presented that helps transfer existing 4D printing research results and knowledge into solving application tasks systematically. Moreover, two different smart materials are analyzed, used, and combined following the presented methodical approach to solving the given task in the form of recovering an object from a poorly accessible space. This is implemented by self-positioning, grabbing, and extracting the target object. The first smart material used to realize these tasks is a shape-memory polymer, while the second is a polymer-based magnetic composite. In addition to the presentation and detailed implementation of the methodical approach, the potentials and behavior of the two smart materials are further examined and narrowed down as a result of the investigation. The results show that the developed methodical approach contributes to moving 4D printing closer toward a viable alternative to existing technologies due to its problem-oriented nature.
5 Jahre OHRbits - Resümee und neue Ideen Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Untersuchung des privaten Rundfunks in kleinen Regionen wie der Ortenau, binnen der letzten 20 Jahre, gesondert der Privaten Rundfunkgesellschaft Ortenau KG. Hierzu wurden die Möglichkeiten von Kundenbindungsmassnahmen im Hörfunk, wie den seit fünf Jahren existierenden OHRbits, untersucht und deren Entwicklung, Stärken und Schwächen, untersucht. Um Konzepte für die Zukunft entwickeln zu können wurde eine Umfrage unter 800 Programmteilnehmern sowie einer Auswahl an Partnerunternehmen der OHRbits durchgeführt. Auf diesen Resultaten basierend wurden nun neue Konzepte entwickelt. Neben diesem Zweig wurden überregionale Systeme wie Payback oder Happy Digits untersucht und vorgestellt, sowie das OHRbits-System mit Systemen anderer Zeitungsverlage, verglichen, genauer mit der LeserPlus-Card der Mittelbadischen Presse, der BZCard der Badischen Zeitung, sowie der CleverKarte der Lüneburger Landeszeitung.
The Internet of Things (IoT) application has becoming progressively in-demand, most notably for the embedded devices (ED). However, each device has its own difference in computational capabilities, memory usage, and energy resources in connecting to the Internet by using Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). In order for this to be achievable, the WSNs that form the bulk of the IoT implementation requires a new set of technologies and protocol that would have a defined area, in which it addresses. Thus, IPv6 Low Power Area Network (6LoWPAN) was designed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) as a standard network for ED. Nevertheless, the communication between ED and 6LoWPAN requires appropriate routing protocols for it to achieve the efficient Quality of Service (QoS). Among the protocols of 6LoWPAN network, RPL is considered to be the best protocol, however its Energy Consumption (EC) and Routing Overhead (RO) is considerably high when it is implemented in a large network. Therefore, this paper would propose the HRPL to enchance the RPL protocol in reducing the EC and RO. In this study, the researchers would present the performance of RPL and HRPL in terms of EC, Control traffic Overhead (CTO) and latency based on the simulation of the 6LoWPAN network in fixed environment using COOJA simulator. The results show HRPL protocol achieves better performance in all the tested topology in terms of EC and CTO. However, the latency of HRPL only improves in chain topology compared with RPL. We found that further research is required to study the relationship between the latency and the load of packet transmission in order to optimize the EC usage.
In the last decade, IPv6 over Low power Wireless Personal Area Networks, also known as 6LoWPAN, has well evolved as a primary contender for short range wireless communication and holds the promise of an Internet of Things, which is completely based on the Internet Protocol. In the meantime, various 6LoWPAN implementations are available, be it open source or commercial. One of these implementations, which was developed by the authors' team, was tested on an Automated Physical Testbed for Wireless Systems at the Laboratory Embedded Systems and Communication Electronics of Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, which allows the flexible setup and full control of arbitrary topologies. It also supports time-varying topologies and thus helps to measure performance of the RPL implementation. The results of the measurements show a very good stability and short-term and long-term performance also under dynamic conditions. In addition, it can be proven that the performance predictions from other papers are consistent with real-life implementations.
Diese Fallstudien sind im Rahmen der Vorlesung "Integrationsseminar" von Bachelorstudenten/-innen des 5. Semesters an der DHBW Mannheim erarbeitet worden.Es handelt sich bei diesen Fallstudien ausschließlich um Unternehmen, die einen Onlinehandel betreiben.Jede Fallstudie beginnt mit der Beschreibung des Beispielunternehmens, deren Entwicklung und Ausrichtung. Anschließend werden die Marktsituation, sowie die Stärken und Schwächen dargestellt. Das Fazit und eine Handlungsempfehlung fassen die Schwerpunkte zusammen und die abschließenden Arbeitsfragen können für eine weitere Bearbeitung verwendet werden.
A simple measuring method for acquiring the radiation pattern of an ultrawide band Vivaldi antenna is presented. The measuring is performed by combining two identical Vivaldi antennas and some of the intrinsic properties of a stepped-frequency continue wave radar (SFCW radar) in the
range from 1.0 GHz to 6.0 GHz. A stepper-motor provided the azimuthal rotation for one of the antennas from 0 ◦ to 360 ◦. The tests have been performed within the conventional environment (laboratory / office) without using an anechoic chamber or absorbing materials. Special measuring devices have not been used either. This method has been tested with different pairs of Vivaldi antennas and it can be also used for different ones (with little or no change in the system), as long as their operational
bandwidth is within the frequency range of the SFCW radar.
Keywords — SFCW Radar, Antenna Gain Characterization,
Azimuthal Radiation Pattern
A benchmark analysis of Long Range (LoRaTM) Communication at 2.45 Ghz for safety applications
(2014)
The demand of wireless solutions in industrial applications increases since the early nineties. This trend is not only ongoing, it is further pushed by developments in the area of software stacks like the latest Bluetooth Low Energy Stack. It is also pushed by new chip-designs and powerful and highly integrated electronic hardware. The acceptance of wireless technologies as a possible solution for industrial applications, has overcome the entry barrier [1]. The first step to see wireless as standard for many industrial applications is almost accomplished. Nevertheless there is nearly none acceptance of wireless technology for Safety applications. One highly challenging and demanding requirement is still unsolved: The aspect safety and robustness. Those topics have been addressed in many cases but always in a similar manner. WirelessHART as an example addresses this topic with redundant so called multiple propagation paths and frequency hopping to handle with interferences and loss of network participants. So far the pure peer to peer link is rarely investigated and there are less safety solutions available. One product called LoRa™ can be seen as one possible solution to address this lack of safety within wireless links. This paper focuses on the safety performance evaluation of a modem-chip-design. The use of diverse and redundant wireless technologies like LoRa can lead to an increase acceptance of wireless in safety applications. Many measurements in real industrial application have been carried out to be able to benchmark the new chip in terms of the safety aspects. The content of this research results can help to raise the level of confidence in wireless. In this paper, the term “safety” is used for data transmission reliability.
Gamification is increasingly successful in the field of education and health. However, beyond call-centers and applications in human resources, its utilization within companies remains limited. In this paper, we examine the acceptance of gamification in a large company (with over 17,000 employees) across three generations, namely X, Y, and Z. Furthermore, we investigate which gamification elements are suited for business contexts, such as the dissemination of company principles and facts, or the organization of work tasks. To this end, we conducted focus group discussions, developed the prototype of a gamified company app, and performed a large-scale evaluation with 367 company employees. The results reveal statistically significant intergenerational disparities in the acceptance of gamification: younger employees, especially those belonging to Generation Z, enjoy gamification more than older employees and are most likely to engage with a gamified app in the workplace. The results further show a nuanced range of preferences regarding gamification elements: avatars are popular among all generations, badges are predominantly appreciated by Generations Z and Y, while leaderboards are solely liked by Generation Z. Drawing upon these insights, we provide recommendations for future gamification projects within business contexts. We hope that the results of our study regarding the preferences of the gamification elements and understanding generational differences in acceptance and usage of gamification will help to create more engaging and effective apps, especially within the corporate landscape.
Inadequate mechanical compliance of orthopedic implants can result in excessive strain of the bone interface, and ultimately, aseptic loosening. It is hypothesized that a fiber-based biometal with adjustable anisotropic mechanical properties can reduce interface strain, facilitate continuous remodeling, and improve implant survival under complex loads. The biometal is based on strategically layered sintered titanium fibers. Six different topologies are manufactured. Specimens are tested under compression in three orthogonal axes under 3-point bending and torsion until failure. Biocompatibility testing involves murine osteoblasts. Osseointegration is investigated by micro-computed tomography and histomorphometry after implantation in a metaphyseal trepanation model in sheep. The material demonstrates compressive yield strengths of up to 50 MPa and anisotropy correlating closely with fiber layout. Samples with 75% porosity are both stronger and stiffer than those with 85% porosity. The highest bending modulus is found in samples with parallel fiber orientation, while the highest shear modulus is found in cross-ply layouts. Cell metabolism and morphology indicate uncompromised biocompatibility. Implants demonstrate robust circumferential osseointegration in vivo after 8 weeks. The biometal introduced in this study demonstrates anisotropic mechanical properties similar to bone, and excellent osteoconductivity and feasibility as an orthopedic implant material.
The Paper presents the design and development of a blended learning concept for an engineering course in the field of color representation and display technologies. A suitable learning environment is crucial for the success of the teaching scenario. A mixture of theoretical lectures and hands-on activities with practical applications and experiments, combined with the advantages of modern digital media is the main topic of the paper. Blended learning describes the didactical change of attendance periods and online periods. The e-learning environment for the online period is designed toward an easy access and interaction. Present digital media extends the established teaching scenarios and enables the presentation of videos, animations and augmented reality (AR). Visualizations are effective tools to impart learning contents with lasting effect. The preparation and evaluation of the theoretical lectures and the hands-on activities are stimulated and affects positively the attendance periods. The tasks and experiments require the students to work independently and to develop individual solution strategies. This engages and motivates the students, deepens the knowledge. The authors will present their experience with the implemented blended learning scenario in this field of optics and photonics. All aspects of the learning environment will be introduced.
Threat Modeling is a vital approach to implementing ”Security by Design” because it enables the discovery of vulnerabilities and mitigation of threats during the early stage of the Software Development Life Cycle as opposed to later on when they will be more expensive to fix. This thesis makes a review of the current threat Modeling approaches, methods, and tools. It then creates a meta-model adaptation of a fictitious cloud-based shop application which is tested using STRIDE and PASTA to check for vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and impact risk. The Analysis is done using Microsoft Threat Modeling Tool and IriusRisk. Finally, an evaluation of the results is made to ascertain the effectiveness of the processes involved with highlights of the challenges in threat modeling and recommendations on how security developers can make improvements.
Due to a controversial enrollment policy in most engineering programs at German Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), many freshmen show very low school grades in key subjects like Math and Physics. Nevertheless they expect to be entertained in the lectures and get demotivated easily. Despite initial reservations, a cheer-and-challenge approach was developed for teaching Mechanics to freshmen having very diverse school grades. When tested, it showed astonishing results.
The idea of this game is to use a flashcard system to create a short story in a foreign language. The story is developed by a group of people by exchanging sentences via a flashcard system. This way, people can learn from each other without fear of making mistakes because the group members are anonymous.
Printed electronics (PE) is a fast-growing field with promising applications in wearables, smart sensors, and smart cards, since it provides mechanical flexibility, and low-cost, on-demand, and customizable fabrication. To secure the operation of these applications, true random number generators (TRNGs) are required to generate unpredictable bits for cryptographic functions and padding. However, since the additive fabrication process of the PE circuits results in high intrinsic variations due to the random dispersion of the printed inks on the substrate, constructing a printed TRNG is challenging. In this article, we exploit the additive customizable fabrication feature of inkjet printing to design a TRNG based on electrolyte-gated field-effect transistors (EGFETs). We also propose a printed resistor tuning flow for the TRNG circuit to mitigate the overall process variation of the TRNG so that the generated bits are mostly based on the random noise in the circuit, providing a true random behavior. The simulation results show that the overall process variation of the TRNGs is mitigated by 110 times, and the generated bitstream of the tuned TRNGs passes the National Institute of Standards and Technology - Statistical Test Suite. For the proof of concept, the proposed TRNG circuit was fabricated and tuned. The characterization results of the tuned TRNGs prove that the TRNGs generate random bitstreams at the supply voltage of down to 0.5 V. Hence, the proposed TRNG design is suitable to secure low-power applications in this domain.
Seismic data has often missing traces due to technical acquisition or economical constraints. A compete dataset is crucial in several processing and inversion techniques. Deep learning algorithms, based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have shown alternative solutions that overcome limitation of traditional interpolation methods e.g. data regularity, linearity assumption, etc. There are two different paradigms of CNN methods for seismic interpolation. The first one, so-called deep prior interpolation (DPI), trains a CNN to map random noise to a complete seismic image using only the decimated image itself. The second one, referred as standard deep learning method, trains a CNN to map a decimated seismic image into a complete one using a dataset of complete and artificially decimated images. Within this research, we systematically compare the performance of both methods for different quantities of regular and irregular missing traces using 4 datasets. We evaluate the results of both methods using 5 well-known metrics. We found that DPI method performs better than the standard method if the percentage of missing traces is low (10%) and otherwise if the level of decimation is high (50%).
Radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas are popular for high frequency (HF) RFID, energy transfer and near field communication (NFC) applications. Particularly for wireless measurement systems the RFID/NFC technology is a good option to implement a wireless communication interface. In this context, the design of corresponding reader and transmitter antennas plays a major role for achieving suitable transmission quality. This work proves the feasibility of the rapid prototyping of a RFID/NFC antenna, which is used for the wireless communication and energy harvesting at the required frequency of 13.56 MHz. A novel and low-cost direct ink writing (DIW) technology utilizing highly viscous silver nanoparticle ink is used for this process. This paper describes the development and analysis of low-cost printed flexible RFID/NFC antennas on cost-effective substrates for a microelectronic vital parameter measurement system. Furthermore, we compare the measured technical parameters with existing copper-based counterparts on a FR4 substrate.
The Raman spectra from the chemical compounds toluene and cyclohexane obtained using a Fourier Transform (FT)-Raman spectrometer prototype have been contrasted with the Raman spectra of these same materials collected with two different commercial FT-Raman devices. The FT-Raman spectrometer consist of a Michelson interferometer, a self-designed photon counter and a reference photo-detector. The evaluation methodology of the spectral information, contrary to the commercial devices that commonly use the zero-crossing method, is carried out by re-sampling the Raman scattering and by accurately extracting the optical path information of the Michelson interferometer. The FTRaman arrangement has been built using conventional parts without disregarding the spectral frequency precision that usually such a FTRaman instruments deliver. No additional complex hardware components or costly software modules have been included in this FT-Raman device. The main Raman lines from the spectra obtained with the three FT-Raman devices have been compared with the Raman lines from the standard Raman spectra of these two materials. The values obtained using the FT-Raman spectrometer prototype have shown a frequency accuracy comparable to that obtained with the commercial devices without facing the need for a large investment. Although the proposed FT-Raman prototype cannot be directly compared to the last generation of FT-Raman spectrometers from the commercial manufacturers, such a device could give an opportunity to users that require high frequency precision in their spectral analysis and are provided with rather scarce resources.
The Internet of Things is spreading significantly in every sector, including the household, a variety of industries, healthcare, and emergency services, with the goal of assisting all of those infrastructures by providing intelligent means of service delivery. An Internet of Vulnerabilities (IoV) has emerged as a result of the pervasiveness of the Internet of Things (IoT), which has led to a rise in the use of applications and devices connected to the IoT in our day-to-day lives. The manufacture of IoT devices are growing at a rapid pace, but security and privacy concerns are not being taken into consideration. These intelligent Internet of Things devices are especially vulnerable to a variety of attacks, both on the hardware and software levels, which leaves them exposed to the possibility of use cases. This master’s thesis provides a comprehensive overview of the Internet of Things (IoT) with regard to security and privacy in the area of applications, security architecture frameworks, a taxonomy of various cyberattacks based on various architecture models, such as three-layer, four-layer, and five-layer. The fundamental purpose of this thesis is to provide recommendations for alternate mitigation strategies and corrective actions by using a holistic rather than a layer-by-layer approach. We discussed the most effective solutions to the problems of privacy and safety that are associated with the Internet of Things (IoT) and presented them in the form of research questions. In addition to that, we investigated a number of further possible directions for the development of this research.
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of approaches to the determination of isocontours and isosurfaces from given data sets. Different algorithms are reported in the literature for this purpose, which originate from various application areas, such as computer graphics or medical imaging procedures. In all these applications, the challenge is to extract surfaces with a specific isovalue from a given characteristic, so called isosurfaces. These different application areas have given rise to solution approaches that all solve the problem of isocontouring in their own way. Based on the literature, the following four dominant methods can be identified: the marching cubes algorithms, the tessellation-based algorithms, the surface nets algorithms and the ray tracing algorithms. With regard to their application, it can be seen that the methods are mainly used in the fields of medical imaging, computer graphics and the visualization of simulation results. In our work, we provide a broad and compact overview of the common methods that are currently used in terms of isocontouring with respect to certain criteria and their individual limitations. In this context, we discuss the individual methods and identify possible future research directions in the field of isocontouring.
The need for the logistics sector to timely respond to the increasing requirements of a globalised and digitalised world relies greatly on the com- petences and skills of its labour force. It becomes therefore essential to reinforce the cooperation between universities and business partners in the logistics and supply chain management fields across the European region and to build a logistics knowledge cluster supported by a communication and collaboration platform to foster continuous learning, skill acquisition and experience sharing anytime anywhere. In this paper we focus on designing the conceptual and technical framework for a communication and collaboration platform with the aim to establish the communication pipelines between the partner institutions, facilitating user interactions and exchange, leading to the creation of new knowledge and innovation in the logistics field. This framework is based on the requirements of the three main stakeholders: students, lecturers and companies, and consists of four functional areas defined according to the platform opera- tional requirements. A working prototype of the platform was developed using the Moodle learning management system and its core tools to determine its applicability and possible enhancement requirements. In the next stages of the project some additional tools like a knowledge base and the integration of the partners’ learning management systems to form the logistics knowledge cluster will be implemented.
With the increasing share of renewable energies and the nuclear phase-out, the energy transition is accelerating. From the perspective of building technology, there is great potential to support this transition given its large share in total energy consumption and the increasing number of flexible and controllable components and storages. However, a question often asked at the plant level is: "How do we use this flexibility to support the regional grid?". In this work, a grid-supportive controller of a real-world building energy plant was developed using mathematical optimisation methods and its technical feasibility was demonstrated. The results could convince actors from the energy industry and academia about the practicality of these methods and offer tools for their implementation.
The monitoring of industrial environments ensures that highly automated processes run without interruption. However, even if the industrial machines themselves are monitored, the communication lines are currently not continuously monitored in todays installations. They are checked usually only during maintenance intervals or in case of error. In addition, the cables or connected machines usually have to be removed from the system for the duration of the test. To overcome these drawbacks, we have developed and implemented a cost-efficient and continuous signal monitoring of Ethernet-based industrial bus systems. Several methods have been developed to assess the quality of the cable. These methods can be classified to either passive or active. Active methods are not suitable if interruption of the communication is undesired. Passive methods, on the other hand, require oversampling, which calls for expensive hardware. In this paper, a novel passive method combined with undersampling targeting cost-efficient hardware is proposed.
A crack opening stress equation for in-phase and out-of-phase thermomechanical fatigue loading
(2016)
In this paper, a crack opening stress equation for in-phase and out-of-phase thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) loading is proposed. The equation is derived from systematic calculations of the crack opening stress with a temperature dependent strip yield model for both plane stress and plane strain, different load ratios and different ratios of the temperature dependent yield stress in compression and tension. Using a load ratio scaled by the ratio of the yield stress in compression and tension, the equation accounts for the effect of the temperature dependent yield stress and the constraint on the crack opening stress. Based on the scaling relation established in this paper, Newman's crack opening stress equation for isothermal loading is enabled to predict the crack opening stress under TMF loading.
This paper describes the use of the single-linkage hierarchical clustering method in outlier detection for manufactured metal work pieces. The main goal of the study is to group defects that occur 5 mm into a work piece from the edge, i.e., the border of the metal work piece. The goal is to remove defects outside the area of interest as outliers. According to the assumptions made for the performance criteria, the single-linkage method has achieved better results compared to other agglomeration methods.
Air traffic is by nature crossing borders and organizations. The supporting infrastructure represents a federative distributed system of independent Air Traffic Service Units, typically each with its own proprietary system architecture. Interaction between the centers is taking place over dedicated protocols, often organized as a mesh of 1:1 bilateral data exchanges.
This contribution gives an overview of the ongoing efforts to standardize this data exchange. At the core is a data-centric view, using a shared virtual Flight Object as the IT counterpart of a real flight. It permits a uniform way to access and update a flight’s static and dynamic attributes. A middleware is presented that implements this abstraction and maps it onto a physical level, employing DDS (Data Distribution Service) technology for the 1:N dissemination of flight data.
A platform of an electronic capsule is being developed for multi-task medical assistant application. It includes a near field telemetry unit for bidirectional communication system of 115 KHz low carrier frequency for inductive data transmission suited for human body energy transfer. The system triggers an actuator for drug delivery in various time and release forms via wireless external control, it has the ability to record temperature, measure pH of the body (additional sensors), and retrieve data to the outside. It consists of a 32bit processor, memory, external peripheries, and detection facility. The complete system is designed to fit small-size mass medical application with low power consumption, size of 7x25mm. The system is designed, simulated and emulated on FPGA. A final layout of the complete chip design is still under progress.
The Go programming language is an increasingly popular language but some of its features lack a formal investigation. This article explains Go's resolution mechanism for overloaded methods and its support for structural subtyping by means of translation from Featherweight Go to a simple target language. The translation employs a form of dictionary passing known from type classes in Haskell and preserves the dynamic behavior of Featherweight Go programs.
This thesis focuses on the development and implementation of a Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) communication framework within the ns-3 network simulator, specifically targeting the LoRaWAN model network. The primary aim is to analyse the behaviour and performance of DTLS protocols across different network conditions within a LoRaWAN context. The key aspects of this work include the following.
Utilization of ns-3: This thesis leverages ns-3’s capabilities as a powerful discrete event network simulator. This platform enables the emulation of diverse network environments, characterized by varying levels of latency, packet loss, and bandwidth constraints.
Emulation of Network Challenges: The framework specifically addresses unique challenges posed by certain network configurations, such as duty cycle limitations. These constraints, which limit the time allocated for data transmission by each device, are crucial in understanding the real-world performance of DTLS protocols.
Testing in Multi-client-server Scenarios: A significant feature of this framework is its ability to test DTLS performance in complex scenarios involving multiple clients and servers. This is vital for assessing the behaviour of a protocol under realistic network conditions.
Realistic Environment Simulation: By simulating challenging network conditions, such as congestion, limited bandwidth, and resource constraints, the framework provides a realistic environment for thorough evaluation. This allows for a comprehensive analysis of DTLS in terms of security, performance, and scalability.
Overall, this thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of DTLS protocols by providing a robust tool for their evaluation under various and challenging network conditions.
The aim of this study was to develop a biomechanically validated finite element model to predict the biomechanical behaviour of the human lumbar spine in compression.
For validation of the finite element model, an in vitro study was performed: Twelve human lumbar cadaveric spinal segments (six segments L2/3 and six segments L4/5) were loaded in axial compression using 600 N in the intact state and following surgical treatment using two different internal stabilisation devices. Range of motion was measured and used to calculate stiffness.
A finite element model of a human spinal segment L3/4 was loaded with the same force in intact and surgically altered state, corresponding to the situation of biomechanical in vitro study.
The results of the cadaver biomechanical and finite element analysis were compared. As they were close together, the finite element model was used to predict: (1) load-sharing within human lumbar spine in compression, (2) load-sharing within osteoporotic human lumbar spine in compression and (3) the stabilising potential of the different spinal implants with respect to bone mineral density.
A finite element model as described here may be used to predict the biomechanical behaviour of the spine. Moreover, the influence of different spinal stabilisation systems may be predicted.
In this paper, the influence of the material hardening behavior on plasticity-induced fatigue crack closure is investigated for strain-controlled loading and fully plastic, large-scale yielding conditions by means of the finite element method. The strain amplitude and the strain ratio are varied for given Ramberg–Osgood material properties representing materials with different hardening behavior. The results show a pronounced influence of the hardening behavior on crack closure, while no significant effect is found from the considered strain amplitude and strain ratio. The effect of the hardening behavior on the crack opening stress cannot be described by existing crack opening stress equations.
Multi-phase management is crucial for performance and durability of electrochemical cells such as batteries and fuel cells. In this paper we present a generic framework for describing the two-dimensional spatiotemporal evolution of gaseous, liquid and solid phases, as well as their interdependence with interfacial (electro-)chemistry and microstructure in a continuum description. The modeling domain consists of up to seven layers (current collectors, channels, electrodes, separator/membrane), each of which can consist of an arbitrary number of bulk phases (gas, liquid, solid) and connecting interfaces (two-phase or multi-phase boundaries). Bulk and interfacial chemistry is described using global or elementary kinetic reactions. Multi-phase management is coupled to chemistry and to mass and charge transport within bulk phases. The functionality and flexibility of this framework is demonstrated using four application areas in the context of post-lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells, that is, lithium-sulfur (Li-S) cells, lithium-oxygen (Li-O) cells, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEFC). The results are compared to models available in literature and properties of the generic framework are discussed.
6LoWPAN (IPv6 over Low Power Wireless Personal Area Networks) is gaining more and more attraction for the seamless connectivity of embedded devices for the Internet of Things. It can be observed that most of the available solutions are following an open source approach, which significantly leads to a fast development of technologies and of markets. Although the currently available implementations are in a pretty good shape, all of them come with some significant drawbacks. It was therefore decided to start the development of an own implementation, which takes the advantages from the existing solutions, but tries to avoid the drawbacks. This paper discussed the reasoning behind this decision, describes the implementation and its characteristics, as well as the testing results. The given implementation is available as open-source project under [15].
A Gamified and Adaptive Learning System for Neurodivergent Workers in Electronic Assembling Tasks
(2020)
Learning and work-oriented assistive systems are often designed to fit the workflow of neurotypical workers. Neurodivergent workers and individuals with learning disabilities often present cognitive and sensorimotor characteristics that are better accommodated with personalized learning and working processes. Therefore, we designed an adaptive learning system that combines an augmented interaction space with user-sensitive virtual assistance to support step-by-step guidance for neurodivergent workers in electronic assembling tasks. Gamified learning elements were also included in the interface to provide self-motivation and praise whenever users progress in their learning and work achievements.
A report from the World Economic Forum (2019) stated loneliness as the third societal stressor in the world, mainly in western countries. Moreover, research shows that loneliness tends to be experienced more severely by young adults than other age groups (Rokach, 2000), which is the case of university students who face profound periods of loneliness when attending university in a new place (Diehl et al., 2018). Digital technology, especially mental health apps (MHapps), have been viewed as promising solutions to address this distress in universities, however, little evidence on this topic reveals uncertainty around how these resources impact individual well-being. Therefore, this research proposed to investigate how the gamified social mobile app Noneliness reduced loneliness rates and other associated mental health issues of students from a German university. As little work has focused on digital apps targeting loneliness, this project also proposed to describe and discuss the app’s design and development processes. A multimethod approach was adopted: literature review on high-efficacy MHapps design, gamification for mental health and loneliness interventions; User Experience Design and Human-centered Computing. Evaluations occurred according to the app’s development iterations, which assessed four versions (from prototype to Beta) through quantitative and qualitative studies with university students. The main results obtained regarding the design aspects were: users' preference for minimalistic interfaces; importance in maintaining privacy and establishing trust among users; students' willingness to use an online support space for emotional and educational support. Most used features were those related to group discussions, private chats and university social events. Preferred gamification elements were those that provided positive reinforcement to motivate social interactions (e.g. Points, Levels and Achievements). Results of a pilot randomized controlled trial with university students (N = 12), showed no statistically significant interactions in reducing loneliness among experimental group members (n = 7, x² = 3.500, p-value = 0.477, Cramer’s V = 0.27) who made continued use of the app for six weeks. On the other hand, the app showed effects of moderate magnitude on loneliness reduction in this group. The app also demonstrated relatively strong magnitude effects on other associated variables, such as depression and stress in the experimental group. In addition to motivating the conduct of further studies with larger samples, the findings point to a potential app effectiveness not only to reduce loneliness, but also other variables that may be associated with the distress.
Lithium-ion batteries exhibit slow voltage dynamics on the minute time scale that are usually associated with transport processes. We present a novel modelling approach toward these dynamics by combining physical and data-driven models into a Grey-box model. We use neural networks, in particular neural ordinary differential equations. The physical structure of the Grey-box model is borrowed from the Fickian diffusion law, where the transport domain is discretized using finite volumes. Within this physical structure, unknown parameters (diffusion coefficient, diffusion length, discretization) and dependencies (state of charge, lithium concentration) are replaced by neural networks and learnable parameters. We perform model-to-model comparisons, using as training data (a) a Fickian diffusion process, (b) a Warburg element, and (c) a resistor-capacitor circuit. Voltage dynamics during constant-current operation and pulse tests as well as electrochemical impedance spectra are simulated. The slow dynamics of all three physical models in the order of ten to 30 min are well captured by the Grey-box model, demonstrating the flexibility of the present approach.
A highly scalable IEEE802.11p communication and localization subsystem for autonomous urban driving
(2013)
The IEEE802.11p standard describes a protocol for car-to-X and mainly for car-to-car-communication. It has found its place in hardware and firmware implementations and is currently tested in various field tests. In the research project Ko-TAG, which is part of the research initiative Ko-FAS, cooperative sensor technology is developed for the support of highly autonomous driving. A secondary radar principle based on communication signals enables localization of objects with simultaneous data transmission. It mainly concentrates on the detection of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users (VRU), but also supports pre crash safety applications. Thus it is mainly targeted for the support of traffic safety applications in intra-urban scenarios. This contribution describes the Ko-TAG part of the overall initiative, which develops a subsystem to improve the real-time characteristics of IEEE802.11p needed for precise time of flight real-time localization. In doing this, it still fits into the regulatory schemes. It discusses the approach for definition and verification of the protocol design, while maintaining the close coexistence with existing IEEE802.11p subsystems. System simulations were performed and hardware was implemented. Test results are shown in the last part of the paper.
The IEEE802.11p standard describes a protocol for car-to-X and mainly for car-to-car-communication. It has found its place in hardware and firmware implementations and is currently tested in various field tests. In the research project Ko-TAG, which is part of the research initiative Ko-FAS, cooperative sensor technology is developed and its benefit for traffic safety applications is evaluated. A secondary radar principle based on communication signals enables localization of objects with simultaneous data transmission. It mainly concentrates on the detection of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users (VRU), but also supports pre crash safety applications. The Ko-TAG proposal enriches the current IEEE802.11p real-time characteristics needed for precise time-of-flight real-time localization. This contribution describes the development of a subsystem, which extends the functionality of IEEE802.11p and fits into the regulatory schemes. It discusses the approach for definition and verification of the protocol design, while maintaining the close coexistence with existing IEEE802.11p subsystems. System simulations were performed and hardware was implemented. The next step will be field measurements to verify the simulation results.
Given the looming threats of climate change and the rapid worldwide urbanization, it is a necessity to prioritize the transition towards a carbon-free built environment. This research study provides a holistic digital methodology for parametric design of urban residential buildings with regard to the Mediterranean semi-arid climate zone of Morocco in the early design phase. The morphological parameters of the urban residential buildings, namely the buildings’ typology, the distance between buildings, the urban grid’s orientation, and the window-towall ratio, are evaluated in order to identify the key combinations of passive and active solar design strategies that determine the high energy performing configurations, based on the introduced Energy Performance Index (EPI), which is the ratio between solar BIPV production to maximum available installed BIPV capacity and the normalized thermal energy needs. Through an automated processing of 2187 iterations via Grasshopper, we simulate daylight autonomy, indoor thermal comfort and solar rooftop photovoltaic and building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) energy potential. Then, we analyze the conflicting objectives of energy efficiency measures, active solar design strategies, and indoor visual comfort in the decision-making process that supports our goal of getting closer to net zero urban residential buildings. The digital workflow showed interesting trends in reaching a balanced equilibrium between performance metrics influenced by the contrasting impact of solar exposure on indoor daylight autonomy and thermal energy demand. Furthermore, the study’s findings indicate that it is possible to achieve an annual load match exceeding 66,56 % while simultaneously ensuring an acceptable visual indoor comfort (sDA higher than 0.4). The findings also highlight the important role of the BIPV system in shifting towards the net zero energy goal, by contributing up to 30 % of the overall solar energy output and covering up to 20 % of the yearly self-consumption. Moreover, the energy balance evaluation on an hourly basis indicates that BIPV system notably enhances the daily load cover factor by up to 5.5 %, particularly in the case of slab SN typology, throughout the different seasons. Graphical representations of the yearly, monthly and hourly load matches and the hourly energy balance of the best performing configurations provide a thorough understanding of the potential evolution of the urban energy system over time as a result of the gradual integration of active solar electricity production.