297 research outputs found
A Multi-Material Topology Optimization Method for the Resolution of Interfaces by means of the CISAMR-Algorithm
Holistic System Design and Efficient Optimization of a Liquid Cooled Battery Module Through 1D- and 3D-Simulations
Simulative development of the electronic component of Mössbauer spectroscopy with a focus on the controllability of a 2nd order transimpedance amplifier
In light-processing systems, light energy is converted into a photocurrent due to the photoelectric effect. This project focuses on the development of a high-precision energy-to-voltage conversion technique to optimize signal processing in light-processing systems, specifically for applications in space analytics or solid state physikcs, such as Mössbauer spectroscopy. Analog circuit development plays a vital role as downstream voltage conversion is necessary for signal processing. The objective is to enhance the signal quality and improve the signal-to-noise ratio through the design, optimization, and comparison of various circuits for voltage conversion. The development process involves the design and optimization of amplifier circuits, supplemented with the incorporation of filters and/or regulators for further improvement. A transimpedance amplifier is approximated as a second-order low-pass filter, while a state controller is designed and analyzed to efficient transient oscillation of the system towards optimal amplitude values for subsequent signal processing. The project's results contribute to the advancement of light-processing systems, enabling more precise analysis of light energy in Mössbauer spectroscopy. The findings are presented in a series of scientific publications, showcasing the effectiveness of the developed circuits and their impact on signal quality. Future work could focus on further optimization and validation of the circuits in real-world applications to confirm their performance and reliability. Overall, this project emphasizes the significance of meticulous circuit development and optimization for enhancing signal processing in light-processing systems, thus supporting their application in space analytics
Process-Specific Topology Optimization Method Based on Laser-Based Additive Manufacturing of AlSi10Mg Components: Material Characterization and Evaluation
Good Intentions: Adaptive Parameter Management via Intent Signaling
Parameter management is essential for distributed training of large machine
learning (ML) tasks. Some ML tasks are hard to distribute because common
approaches to parameter management can be highly inefficient. Advanced
parameter management approaches -- such as selective replication or dynamic
parameter allocation -- can improve efficiency, but to do so, they typically
need to be integrated manually into each task's implementation and they require
expensive upfront experimentation to tune correctly. In this work, we explore
whether these two problems can be avoided. We first propose a novel intent
signaling mechanism that integrates naturally into existing ML stacks and
provides the parameter manager with crucial information about parameter
accesses. We then describe AdaPM, a fully adaptive, zero-tuning parameter
manager based on this mechanism. In contrast to prior systems, this approach
separates providing information (simple, done by the task) from exploiting it
effectively (hard, done automatically by AdaPM). In our experimental
evaluation, AdaPM matched or outperformed state-of-the-art parameter managers
out of the box, suggesting that automatic parameter management is possible
Prospects for comparing European hospitals in terms of quality and safety
Purpose. Being able to compare hospitals in terms of quality and safety between countries is important for a number of
reasons. For example, the 2011 European Union directive on patients’ rights to cross-border health care places a requirement
on all member states to provide patients with comparable information on health-care quality, so that they can make an
informed choice. Here, we report on the feasibility of using common process and outcome indicators to compare hospitals
for quality and safety in five countries (England, Portugal, The Netherlands, Sweden and Norway).
Main Challenges Identified. The cross-country comparison identified the following seven challenges with respect to comparing
the quality of hospitals across Europe: different indicators are collected in each country; different definitions of the same
indicators are used; different mandatory versus voluntary data collection requirements are in place; different types of organizations
oversee data collection; different levels of aggregation of data exist (country, region and hospital); different levels of
public access to data exist; and finally, hospital accreditation and licensing systems differ in each country.
Conclusion. Our findings indicate that if patients and policymakers are to compare the quality and safety of hospitals across
Europe, then further work is urgently needed to agree the way forward. Until then, patients will not be able to make
informed choices about where they receive their health care in different countries, and some governments will remain in the
dark about the quality and safety of care available to their citizens as compared to that available in neighbouring countries
Modularisation Strategies for Individualised Precast Construction—Conceptual Fundamentals and Research Directions
Modular precast construction is a methodological approach to reduce environmental impacts and increase productivity when building with concrete. Constructions are segmented into similar precast concrete elements, prefabricated with integrated quality control, and assembled just-in-sequence on site. Due to the automatised prefabrication, inaccuracies are minimised and the use of high-performance materials is enabled. As a result, the construction process is accelerated, and the modules can be designed to be lightweight and resource-efficient. This contribution presents the fundamentals of modular constructions made from precast concrete components. Then, to elaborate the requirements of a contemporary modular precast construction, the historic developments are described. Further, concepts and technical processes–comprehensible to non-expert readers–are introduced to formalise the discussion about the current state-of-the-art methods. Three case studies treating ongoing research are introduced and related to the conceptual fundamentals. The research is evaluated with regard to current barriers and future directions. In conclusion, modular precast construction is able to reduce emissions and increase productivity in the sector if researchers and firms coordinate the development of suitable technologies that bring value to critical stakeholders
Prospects for comparing European hospitals in terms of quality and safety: lessons from a comparative study in five countries
Being able to compare hospitals in terms of quality and safety between countries is important for a number of reasons. For example, the 2011 European Union directive on patients' rights to cross-border health care places a requirement on all member states to provide patients with comparable information on health-care quality, so that they can make an informed choice. Here, we report on the feasibility of using common process and outcome indicators to compare hospitals for quality and safety in five countries (England, Portugal, The Netherlands, Sweden and Norway)
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