On the difficulities of real-time co-simulation

In a co-simulation, subsystems are coupled via their in- and outputs to simulate the overall system behaviour. The subsystems are modelled in their domain specfic simulation tools. The task changes if one coupled subsystem represents a real-time system. A real-time system which has to guarantees hard-real-time conditions influences the co-simulation concept: now the co-simulation also has to fulfill hard-real-time conditions. This type of co-simulation is called real-time co-simulation. The most important difference to a non-real-time co-simulation is the time correct overall simulation speed with respect to the involved real-time systems. To achieve this, all subsystems in form of non-real-time systems have to be synchronised to the involved real-time systems. The focus of this work lies on the problems that occur in a real-time co-simulation environment compared to a classical one. A concept to handle the additional problems is outlined and tested on an example real-time co-simulation

Bilateral Crystalline Corneal Deposits as First Clinical Manifestation of Monoclonal Gammopathy: A Case Report

Aims: To report the clinical and diagnostic findings of a patient with bilateral corneal deposits caused by an underlying monoclonal gammopathy. Methods: Slit-lamp biomicroscopy, confocal microscopy and additional serological tests were performed on a 35-year-old man presenting with bilateral crystalline corneal deposits. Results: The patient was diagnosed as having monoclonal gammopathy based on elevated levels of serum immunoglobulin G. Confocal microscopy showed highly reflective (protein) deposits throughout the entire cornea, with the highest density in the epithelium and anterior stromal keratocytes. Conclusions: Monoclonal gammopathy, a potential sign of a life-threatening disease, can lead to dense, bilateral corneal deposits. As such changes can occur long before ocular or systemic discomforts appear, an early diagnosis is crucial. Ophthalmologists should be aware of corneal deposits as potential warning signs of monoclonal gammopathy

Microcarrier-Based Expansion of Adult Murine Side Population Stem Cells

The lack of reliable methods to efficiently isolate and propagate stem cell populations is a significant obstacle to the advancement of cell-based therapies for human diseases. One isolation technique is based on efflux of the fluorophore Hoechst 33342. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), a sub-population containing adult stem cells has been identified in a multitude of tissues in every mammalian species examined. These rare cells are referred to as the ‘side population’ or SP due to a distinctive FACS profile that results from weak staining by Hoechst dye. Although the SP contains multi-potent cells capable of differentiating toward hematopoietic and mesenchymal lineages; there is currently no method to efficiently expand them. Here, we describe a spinner-flask culture system containing C2C12 myoblasts attached to spherical microcarriers that act to support the growth of non-adherent, post-natal murine skeletal muscle and bone marrow SP cells. Using FACS and hemocytometry, we show expansion of unfractionated EGFP+ SP cells over 6 wks. A significant number of these cells retain characteristics of freshly-isolated, unfractionated SP cells with respect to protein expression and dye efflux capacity. Expansion of the SP will permit further study of these heterogeneous cells and determine their therapeutic potential for regenerative and reparative therapies

Optimisation and investment analysis of two biomass-to-heat supply chain structures

As oil prices have risen dramatically lately, many people explore alternative ways of heating their residences and businesses in order to reduce the respective cost. One of the options usually considered nowadays is biomass, especially in rural areas with significant local biomass availability. This work focuses on comparing two different biomass energy exploitation systems, aiming to provide heat to a specific number of customers at a specific cost. The first system explored is producing pellets from biomass and distributing them to the final customers for use in domestic pellet boilers. The second option is building a centralised co-generation (CHP) unit that will generate electricity and heat. Electricity will be fed to the grid, whereas heat will be distributed to the customers via a district heating network. The biomass source examined is agricultural residues and the model is applied to a case study region in Greece. The analysis is performed from the viewpoint of the potential investor. Several design characteristics of both systems are optimised. In both cases the whole biomass-to-energy supply chain is modelled, both upstream and downstream of the pelleting/CHP units. The results of the case study show that both options have positive financial yield, with the pelleting plant having higher yield. However, the sensitivity analysis reveals that the pelleting plant yield is much more sensitive than that of the CHP plant, therefore constituting a riskier investment. The model presented may be used as a decision support system for potential investors willing to engage in the biomass energy field

How certain are greenhouse gas reductions from bioenergy? Life cycle assessment and uncertainty analysis of wood pellet-to-electricity supply chains from forest residues

Climate change and energy policies often encourage bioenergy as a sustainable greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction option. Recent research has raised concerns about the climate change impacts of bioenergy as heterogeneous pathways of producing and converting biomass, indirect impacts, uncertainties within the bioenergy supply chains and evaluation methods generate large variation in emission profiles. This research examines the combustion of wood pellets from forest residues to generate electricity and considers uncertainties related to GHG emissions arising at different points within the supply chain. Different supply chain pathways were investigated by using life cycle assessment (LCA) to analyse the emissions and sensitivity analysis was used to identify the most significant factors influencing the overall GHG balance. The calculations showed in the best case results in GHG reductions of 83% compared to coal-fired electricity generation. When parameters such as different drying fuels, storage emission, dry matter losses and feedstock market changes were included the bioenergy emission profiles showed strong variation with up to 73% higher GHG emissions compared to coal. The impact of methane emissions during storage has shown to be particularly significant regarding uncertainty and increases in emissions. Investigation and management of losses and emissions during storage is therefore key to ensuring significant GHG reductions from biomass

The British Interests and the Suez Canal, 1882-1888

Abstract not availabl

Physical characterisation and chemical composition of densified biomass fuels with regard to their combustion behaviour

With respect to the use of densified biomass fuels in fully automatic heating systems for the residential sector a high quality of these fuels is required. Several European countries already have implemented standards for such fuels. In other countries such standards are in preparation or planned. Furthermore, in some countries also standards from associations are existing (e.g. from the Austrian Pellets Association). In addition to these national standards, European standards for solid biomass fuels are under development. For producers of densified biomass fuels, especially for pellet producers, it is therefore very important to produce high-quality fuels keeping the limiting values of the standards addressed. However, in this context it has to be considered that as a high fuel quality as is necessary for the combustion of densified biomass fuels in automatic small-scale furnaces is not necessary if these fuels are used in larger industrial furnaces as they are equipped with more sophisticated flue gas cleaning, combustion and process control systems. Two pellet qualities, one for industrial and one for small-scale consumers seem to be more meaningful.Within the framework of the EU-ALTENER-project "An Integrated European Market for Densified Biomass Fuels (INDEBIF)" a questionnaire survey of European producers of densified biomass fuels was performed. In this connection the possibility was offered to the producers to participate in an analysis programme with their fuels. An overview was obtained of the qualities of densified biomass fuels offered in the European market, covering pellets and briquettes from Austria, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway and the Czech Republic.The parameters analysed were the dimensions of the fuels, the bulk and the particle density, the water and the ash content, the gross and the net calorific value, the abrasion, the content of starch (as an indication for the use of biological binding agents), the concentrations of C, H, N, S, Cl, K as well as of the heavy metals Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, As and Hg. These parameters have been chosen following the Austrian, German, Swiss and Swedish standards for densified biomass fuels.The results showed that a majority of the participating producers produce fuels of high quality. However, wood pellets of some producers show a high abrasion, one of the most important quality parameters for pellets. An increased amount of fines often causes failures in the feeding systems used in the residential heating sector. In order to decrease abrasion, the addition of small amounts of biological binding agents (e.g. maize or rye) is possible. This kind of additive is most common in Austria.Moreover, some producers obviously use not only chemically untreated raw materials or additives, which increase the content of pollutants. Such fuels cause problems regarding emissions, deposit formation and corrosion. Emission problems are expected due to increased contents of N, Cl, S as well as heavy metals. Increased concentrations of heavy metals additionally contaminate the ash, increased Cl concentrations raise the risk of corrosion. Moreover, an increased content of K has a negative effect on the ash melting behaviour and causes higher aerosol formation, which enhances deposit formation and particulate emissions

Rock'n'Roll Akrobatik in der Schule

Rock'n'Roll Akrobatik ist eine Sportart, die sich durch die Kombination von ausdrucksstarkem Tanz und spektakulären Akrobatikfiguren auszeichnet. Trotz ihrer hohen Publikumsattraktivität zählt sie noch immer zu den Randsportarten. In den vergangenen Jahren stieg das Leistungsniveau der auf Turnieren präsentierten Darbietungen enorm, was zur Folge hatte, dass sich der Rock'n'Roll Sport aufgrund des erforderlichen Zeit- und Kostenaufwandes vom Breiten- und Freizeitsport zum Leistungssport entwickelte. Diese Entwicklung brachte mit sich, dass sich Hobbysportler/innen angesichts des hohen Leistungsniveaus vom Turniersport zurückzogen und die Mitgliederzahlen in den Vereinen sanken. Um das in Vergessenheit geratene Potential des Rock'n'Rolls im Bereich des Freizeitsports zu zeigen, bedarf es neuer Wege. Ein möglicher Weg wäre die Integration des Rock'n'Roll Sports in den Schulsport. Inwiefern sich die Sportart Rock'n'Roll Akrobatik dafür eignet und wie eine solche Einbindung realisiert werden kann, versucht die vorliegende Diplomarbeit aufzuzeigen. Die ersten beiden Kapitel behandeln die historische Entwicklung der Rock'n'Roll Musik und des Rock'n'Roll Tanzes. In Kapitel drei werden die Anfänge des Rock'n'Roll Sports in Österreich beschrieben. Das vierte Kapitel beinhaltet einen Überblick über die Sportart Rock'n'Roll, deren unterschiedliche Tanzklassen, eine detaillierte Beschreibung der beiden Elemente Tanz und Akrobatik und Hinweise zur Durchführung und Vermittlung einzelner Figuren. In Kapitel fünf wird der Rock'n'Roll mit den im Lehrplan der allgemein bildenden höheren Schulen angeführten Bildungszielen in Bezug gesetzt. Das nächste Kapitel zeigt eine Möglichkeit, die Sportart Rock'n'Roll Akrobatik in Form eines Anfängerkurses in die Schule einzubinden. Es beinhaltet sieben Stundenbilder, deren Interpretation und hilfreiche Tipps zur Abhaltung eines Kurses. Im letzten Kapitel wird ein Blick auf die mögliche Zukunft des Rock'n'Rolls in der Schule geworfen.Acrobatic Rock'n'Roll is a type of sport that is characterised by the unique combination of expressive dance and spectacular acrobatic elements. Although it has the potential to attract a large audience, it is still a relatively unknown sport. In the last couple of years the dancers' performances at competitions have improved significantly. Due to the time and costs involved, Acrobatic Rock'n'Roll has become a competitive sport. Although this can be considered a positive development, the massive improvement on the level of performance has discouraged amateur athletes and as a result, the number of club members decreased. In order to show Acrobatic Rock'n'Roll's potential as a recreational sport, it is necessary to break new ground. The main aim of this diploma thesis is to illustrate whether it is possible to integrate Acrobatic Rock'n'Roll into a school's sports program and, furthermore, how this idea could be put into practice. The first two chapters deal with the historical development of rock'n'roll music and rock'n'roll dance. Chapter three includes a description of the sport's development in Austria. The fourth chapter gives an overview of Acrobatic Rock'n'Roll, its various dance categories, a detailed description of the elements dance and acrobatics and, furthermore, provides helpful hints for performing and teaching single acrobatic elements. The main aim of chapter five is to establish a connection between Acrobatic Rock'n'Roll and the educational objectives listed in the Austrian curriculum (Lehrplan der allgemein bildenden höheren Schulen). The last but one chapter shows a possible way for integrating Acrobatic Rock'n'Roll into school sports. It includes seven lesson plans, interpretations and useful information on how to design a beginners' course. The final chapter covers future prospects for Acrobatic Rock'n'Roll in schools.vorgelegt von Simone ThekZsfassungen in dt. u. engl. SpracheGraz, Univ., Dipl.-Arb., 2012(VLID)25199