Untersuchung von Transport-, Umschlag- und Lagerprozessen bezüglich ihres Potenzials zur autarken Energieversorgung semi-aktiver multisensorischer RFID-Transponder

The aim of this doctoral thesis is to create a self-sufficient energy supply for a semi-active and multi-sensory RFID transponder. In this context the main focus lies on new scientific findings with regard to the ambient energy that is available on a single loading unit during the processes of transport, handling and storage. By using appropriate energy har-vesting technologies such as photovoltaic cells, thermoelectric generators or vibration-powered generators, it is possible to convert the ambient energy into electrical energy, which can therefore be used for sensor transponders. To define the potential amount of energy that can be harvested from light radiation, tempera-ture differences and vibrations in connection with the processes of transport, handling and storage on the level of a single loading unit, practical measurements are executed in the first instance. Moreover, the acceleration values recorded during the practical tests are evaluated in order to identify the frequency range within which the highest amplitudes of acceleration can be expected, because this information is essential for optimizing vibration generators. This is done by using a Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). Furthermore, a functional model of the self-sustaining and multi-sensory RFID transponder will be developed on the basis of the new scientific findings deduced from the practical research. It essentially consists of the energy harvesting modules which were con-sidered as the most appropriate for logistic processes, an energy management module as well as a sensor transponder for exemplary monitoring the surrounding humidity and temper-ature. The general functionality of the evaluation model is proven by extensive laboratory tests. Additionally, a comprehensive profitability analysis is elaborated. It contains concise statements about the economic efficiency of using self-sustaining and multi-sensory RFID transponders for monitoring the quality of individual loading units in distribution logistics

Edgar: Offloading Function Execution to the Ultimate Edge: Technical Report

Web applications are on the rise and rapidly evolve into mature replacements for their native counterparts. This trend is mainly driven by the attainment of platform-independence and instant deployability. While web applications are getting more and more complex, scalability and responsiveness remain key challenges that are addressed by rather costly approaches such as cloud computing. In this paper, we present Edgar, a novel middleware for web applications that enables client-side execution of code usually requiring server-side deployment due to missing trust in clients. Following the paradigm of Function-as-a-Service, applications consist of functions that can be distributed to browsers. Other nearby browsers can discover these functions and then directly invoke them on a peer-to-peer basis. Thus, client-side resources are used to provision the web application, which generates lower costs for service providers. Offering premium services such as liberation from ads can be used to incentivise users to provide their resources. In case of resource shortage or unresponsive clients, execution falls back to a cloud-based infrastructure. Edgar combines WebAssembly for executing workloads written in different languages at near-native speed, WebRTC for browser-to-browser communication and Intel SGX to establish trust in other browser’s computations.We evaluate Edgar by implementing a digital assistant as well as a recommendation system. Our evaluation shows that Edgar generates lower costs than traditional deployments, scales linearly with increasing client numbers and manages unresponsive clients well

Induced pseudoscalar coupling of the proton weak interaction

The induced pseudoscalar coupling $g_p$ is the least well known of the weak coupling constants of the proton's charged--current interaction. Its size is dictated by chiral symmetry arguments, and its measurement represents an important test of quantum chromodynamics at low energies. During the past decade a large body of new data relevant to the coupling $g_p$ has been accumulated. This data includes measurements of radiative and non radiative muon capture on targets ranging from hydrogen and few--nucleon systems to complex nuclei. Herein the authors review the theoretical underpinnings of $g_p$, the experimental studies of $g_p$, and the procedures and uncertainties in extracting the coupling from data. Current puzzles are highlighted and future opportunities are discussed.Comment: 58 pages, Latex, Revtex4, prepared for Reviews of Modern Physic

Treatment of High-grade Non–muscle-invasive Bladder Carcinoma by Standard Number and Dose of BCG Instillations Versus Reduced Number and Standard Dose of BCG Instillations: Results of the European Association of Urology Research Foundation Randomised Phase III Clinical Trial “NIMBUS”

Background: Intravesical instillation of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is an accepted strategy to prevent recurrence of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) but associated with significant toxicity. Objective: NIMBUS assessed whether a reduced number of standard-dose BCG instillations are noninferior to the standard number and dose in patients with high-grade NMIBC. Design, setting, and participants: A total of 345 patients from 51 sites were randomised between December 2013 and July 2019. We report results after a data review and safety analysis by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee based on the cut-off date of July 1, 2019. Intervention: The standard BCG schedule was 6 wk of induction followed by 3 wk of maintenance at 3, 6, and 12 mo (15 instillations). The reduced frequency BCG schedule was induction at wks 1, 2, and 6 followed by 2 wk (wks 1 and 3) of maintenance at 3, 6, and 12 mo (nine instillations). Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: The primary endpoint was time to first recurrence. Secondary endpoints included progression to ≥ T2 and toxicity. Results and limitations: In total, 170 patients were randomised to reduced frequency and 175 to standard BCG. Prognostic factors at initial resection were as follows: Ta/T1: 46/54%; primary/recurrent: 92/8%; single/multiple: 57/43%; and concomitant carcinoma in situ: 27%. After 12 mo of median follow-up, the intention-to-treat analysis showed a safety-relevant difference in recurrences between treatment arms: 46/170 (reduced frequency) versus 21/175 patients (standard). Additional safety analyses showed a hazard ratio of 0.40 with the upper part of the one-sided 97.5% confidence interval of 0.68, meeting a predefined stopping criterion for inferiority. Conclusions: The reduced frequency schedule was inferior to the standard schedule regarding the time to first recurrence. Further recruitment of patients was stopped immediately to avoid harm in the reduced frequency BCG arm. Patient summary: After surgical removal of the tumour, patients with high-grade non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer are treated with bacillus Calmette-Guérin to prevent recurrence and progression. This is associated with significant side effects. We report the results of a clinical trial showing a reduction in the number of instillations (from 15 to nine in total) being inferior to the standard protocol. From today's perspective, complete tumour resection and a standard number of instillations remain the standard of care