Machine Learning Optimized Orthogonal Basis Piecewise Polynomial Approximation

Piecewise Polynomials (PPs) are utilized in several engineering disciplines, like trajectory planning, to approximate position profiles given in the form of a set of points. While the approximation target along with domain-specific requirements, like Ck -continuity, can be formulated as a system of equations and a result can be computed directly, such closed-form solutions posses limited flexibility with respect to polynomial degrees, polynomial bases or adding further domain-specific requirements. Sufficiently complex optimization goals soon call for the use of numerical methods, like gradient descent. Since gradient descent lies at the heart of training Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), modern Machine Learning (ML) frameworks like TensorFlow come with a set of gradient-based optimizers potentially suitable for a wide range of optimization problems beyond the training task for ANNs. Our approach is to utilize the versatility of PP models and combine it with the potential of modern ML optimizers for the use in function approximation in 1D trajectory planning in the context of electronic cam design. We utilize available optimizers of the ML framework TensorFlow directly, outside of the scope of ANNs, to optimize model parameters of our PP model. In this paper, we show how an orthogonal polynomial basis contributes to improving approximation and continuity optimization performance. Utilizing Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind, we develop a novel regularization approach enabling clearly improved convergence behavior. We show that, using this regularization approach, Chebyshev basis performs better than power basis for all relevant optimizers in the combined approximation and continuity optimization setting and demonstrate usability of the presented approach within the electronic cam domain.Comment: Accepted at LION18 conferenc

Synthesis of Cyclic α-Diones, a Class of Natural Flavor Compounds

A practical and generally applicable synthesis of the important flavor ingredients corylone (5) and its alkyl homologues 11, 13, 15, and 16 is described, based on alkylation of methyl 4-methoxyacetoacetate (6) with an α-chloro-ketone and subsequent cyclization, hydrolysis, and decarboxylation. The one-pot transformation of methyl 4-chloroacetoacetate to 17 through four consecutive steps is demonstrated. The principle has also been used to prepare the six-membered ring analogues 23 and 24

Zufriedenheitsdynamik und Kundenbindung in Kfz-Kundendienstleistungsprozessen : Ergebnisse einer empirischen Studie

Als schwächstes Glied der Kette Zulieferer - Hersteller - Handel bekommen die vorwiegend klein- und mittelständisch geprägten Kfz-Betriebe den Wettbewerbsdruck in der Automobilbranche besonders zu spüren: stagnierende Fahrzeug-Inlandsnachfrage, überbesetzte Händlernetze und faktische Abnahmeverpflichtungen führen zu steigenden Lagerbeständen und rückläufigen Umschlagsgeschwindigkeiten. Daraus resultierende Liquiditätsengpässe erfordern steigende Verkaufszahlen. Diese sind im gesättigten Markt aber nur auf Kosten anderer Anbieter erreichbar, so daß sich viele Händler zu massiven Preiszugeständnissen und "Rabattschleuderei" vor allem im Intra-Brand-Wettbewerb gezwungen sehen. Verstärkt durch Reimporte aus anderen EU-Ländern führt dies bei vielen Händlern zu sinkenden Deckungsbeiträgen, mithin zu Verlusten im Neuwagengeschäft. Ähnlich negative Entwicklungen kennzeichnen den Kundendienstbereich. Verbesserte Produktqualität, verlängerte Serviceintervalle und reparaturfreundliche Konstruktionsprinzipien erfreuen zwar den Konsumenten, verursachen aber Auslastungsprobleme im Werkstattgeschäft vieler Kfz-Betriebe. Zudem erfordert die steigende technische Komplexität der Fahrzeuge einen erhöhten Kapitalbedarf für Investitionen in die Werkstatt- und Kundendienstausstattung der Betriebe sowie zusätzliche Ausgaben für Personalschulungsmaßnahmen. Im z.T. hochprofitablen Teile- und Zubehörgeschäft gehen Marktanteile an Spezialanbieter für Reifen, Bremsen, Auspuff, Car-Hifi etc. verloren. Außerdem entsteht zunehmender Konkurrenzdruck durch Einkaufszentren, die schnelldrehende Serviceteile wie z.B. Wischerblätter oder Ölfilter für den "Do it yourself"-Bereich preisgünstig anbieten. Folge der zuvor skizzierten Entwicklung ist eine drastische Verschlechterung der Ertrags- und Renditesituation im Kfz-Handel

Consensus Statement on Bone Conduction Devices and Active Middle Ear Implants in Conductive and Mixed Hearing Loss

Nowadays, several options are available to treat patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss. Whenever surgical intervention is not possible or contra-indicated, and amplification by a conventional hearing device (e.g., behind-the-ear device) is not feasible, then implantable hearing devices are an indispensable next option. Implantable bone-conduction devices and middle-ear implants have advantages but also limitations concerning complexity/invasiveness of the surgery, medical complications, and effectiveness. To counsel the patient, the clinician should have a good overview of the options with regard to safety and reliability as well as unequivocal technical performance data. The present consensus document is the outcome of an extensive iterative process including ENT specialists, audiologists, health-policy scientists, and representatives/technicians of the main companies in this field. This document should provide a first framework for procedures and technical characterization to enhance effective communication between these stakeholders, improving health care

Digital Twins of Business Processes as Enablers for IT / OT Integration

The vision of Industry 4.0 introduces new requirements to Operational Technology (OT) systems. Solutions for these requirements already exist in the Information Technology (IT) world, however, due to the different characteristics of both worlds, these solutions often cannot be directly used in the world of OT. We therefore propose an Industrial Business Process Twin (IBPT), allowing to apply methods of one world to another not directly but, instead, to a representation, that is in bidirectional exchange with the other world. The proposed IBPT entity acts as an intermediary, decoupling the worlds of IT and OT, thus allowing for an integration of IT and OT components of different manufacturers and platforms. Using this approach, we demonstrate the four essential Industry 4.0 design principles information transparency, technical assistance, interconnection and decentralized decisions based on the gamified Industry 4.0 scenario of playing the game of Nine Men's Morris. This scenario serves well for agent based Artificial Intelligence (AI)-research and education. We develop an Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) information and communication model and then evaluate the IBPT component with respect to the different views of the Reference Architecture Model Industry 4.0 (RAMI4.0).Comment: Submitted to INDIN2023 conferenc

A Concept Study for Feature Extraction and Modeling for Grapevine Yield Prediction

Yield prediction in viticulture is an especially challenging research direction within the field of yield prediction. The characteristics that determine annual grapevine yields are plentiful, difficult to obtain, and must be captured multiple times throughout the year. The processes currently used in grapevine yield prediction are based mainly on manually captured data and rigid statistical measures derived from historical insights. Experts for data acquisition are scarce, and statistical models cannot meet the requirements of a changing environment, especially in times of climate change. This paper contributes a concept on how to overcome those drawbacks, by (1) proposing a deep learning driven approach for feature recognition and (2) explaining how Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) can be utilized for yield prediction based on those features, while being explainable and computationally inexpensive. The methods developed will be influential for the future of yield prediction in viticulture

Metabolic responses to high-fat diets rich in n-3 or n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in mice selected for either high body weight or leanness explain different health outcomes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Increasing evidence suggests that diets high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) confer health benefits by improving insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism in liver, muscle and adipose tissue.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The present study investigates metabolic responses in two different lines of mice either selected for high body weight (DU6) leading to rapid obesity development, or selected for high treadmill performance (DUhTP) leading to a lean phenotype. At 29 days of age the mice were fed standard chow (7.2% fat, 25.7% protein), or a high-fat diet rich in <it>n</it>-3 PUFA (n-3 HFD, 27.7% fat, 19% protein) or a high-fat diet rich in <it>n</it>-6 PUFA (n-6 HFD, 27.7% fat, 18.6% protein) for 8 weeks. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of these PUFA-rich high-fat diets on the fatty acid profile and on the protein expression of key components of insulin signalling pathways.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Plasma concentrations of leptin and insulin were higher in DU6 in comparison with DUhTP mice. The high-fat diets stimulated a strong increase in leptin levels and body fat only in DU6 mice. Muscle and liver fatty acid composition were clearly changed by dietary lipid composition. In both lines of mice n-3 HFD feeding significantly reduced the hepatic insulin receptor β protein concentration which may explain decreased insulin action in liver. In contrast, protein kinase C ζ expression increased strongly in abdominal fat of n-3 HFD fed DUhTP mice, indicating enhanced insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A diet high in <it>n</it>-3 PUFA may facilitate a shift from fuel deposition in liver to fuel storage as fat in adipose tissue in mice. Tissue specific changes in insulin sensitivity may describe, at least in part, the health improving properties of dietary <it>n</it>-3 PUFA. However, important genotype-diet interactions may explain why such diets have little effect in some population groups.</p

IMHOTEP: cross-professional evaluation of a three-dimensional virtual reality system for interactive surgical operation planning, tumor board discussion and immersive training for complex liver surgery in a head-mounted display

Background Virtual reality (VR) with head-mounted displays (HMD) may improve medical training and patient care by improving display and integration of different types of information. The aim of this study was to evaluate among different healthcare professions the potential of an interactive and immersive VR environment for liver surgery that integrates all relevant patient data from different sources needed for planning and training of procedures. Methods 3D-models of the liver, other abdominal organs, vessels, and tumors of a sample patient with multiple hepatic masses were created. 3D-models, clinical patient data, and other imaging data were visualized in a dedicated VR environment with an HMD (IMHOTEP). Users could interact with the data using head movements and a computer mouse. Structures of interest could be selected and viewed individually or grouped. IMHOTEP was evaluated in the context of preoperative planning and training of liver surgery and for the potential of broader surgical application. A standardized questionnaire was voluntarily answered by four groups (students, nurses, resident and attending surgeons). Results In the evaluation by 158 participants (57 medical students, 35 resident surgeons, 13 attending surgeons and 53 nurses), 89.9% found the VR system agreeable to work with. Participants generally agreed that complex cases in particular could be assessed better (94.3%) and faster (84.8%) with VR than with traditional 2D display methods. The highest potential was seen in student training (87.3%), resident training (84.6%), and clinical routine use (80.3%). Least potential was seen in nursing training (54.8%). Conclusions The present study demonstrates that using VR with HMD to integrate all available patient data for the preoperative planning of hepatic resections is a viable concept. VR with HMD promises great potential to improve medical training and operation planning and thereby to achieve improvement in patient care