Automated Evaluation of One-Loop Six-Point Processes for the LHC

In the very near future the first data from LHC will be available. The searches for the Higgs boson and for new physics will require precise predictions both for the signal and the background processes. Tree level calculations typically suffer from large renormalization scale uncertainties. I present an efficient implementation of an algorithm for the automated, Feynman diagram based calculation of one-loop corrections to processes with many external particles. This algorithm has been successfully applied to compute the virtual corrections of the process $u\bar{u}\to b\bar{b}b\bar{b}$ in massless QCD and can easily be adapted for other processes which are required for the LHC.Comment: 232 pages, PhD thesi

Heat capacities of ethane over a wide range of temperature and pressure

The effects of pressure and temperature on the isobaric heat capacity, the constant volume heat capacity, and the ratio of heat capacities of ethane are presented. The range of conditions covered are pressures from 0 to 10,000 psia and temperatures from 180 to 1400°F. The calculation of these effects is based on equations derived from the Benedict-Webb-Rubin equation of state. The derived equations express the deviations of the heat capacities from ideal gas behavior. The results show that ignoring the effect of pressure en the heat capacities of ethane may lead to large errors in engineering calculations. Graphs and tables are presented to permit an evaluation of the heat capacities over the range investigated. Comparisons are made with data of previous investigators, and relative accuracies are discussed

Laryngoscopic Image Stitching for View Enhancement and Documentation - First Experiences

One known problem within laryngoscopy is the spatially limited view onto the hypopharynx and the larynx through the endoscope. To examine the complete larynx and hypopharynx, the laryngoscope can be rotated about its main axis, and hence the physician obtains a complete view. If such examinations are captured using endoscopic video, the examination can be reviewed in detail at a later time. Nevertheless, in order to document the examination with a single representative image, a panorama image can be computed for archiving and enhanced documentation. Twenty patients with various clinical findings were examined with a 70 rigid laryngoscope, and the video sequences were digitally stored. The image sequence for each patient was then post-processed using an image stitching tool based on SIFT features, the RANSAC approach and blending. As a result, endoscopic panorama images of the larynx and pharynx were obtained for each video sequence. The proposed approach of image stitching for laryngoscopic video sequences offers a new tool for enhanced visual examination and documentation of morphologic characteristics of the larynx and the hypopharynx

Development of a Communication Tool to Frame a Vision for Changing Neighbourhoods

Post war neighborhoods all over Europe are facing different kind of challenges in order to adapt them for the use in the future. The predominant factor in many concepts of neighborhood refurbishments is the energy demand of the buildings. In connection, many research projects focus on the reduction of CO2 emissions omitting the fact that this specific value does not have any immediate benefit on the residents themselves, neither on a psychological nor on an economical level. Benefits are solely on a macro-economic level, which rarely is calculated and most likely cannot be communicated as a benefit to the residents in a comprehensible fashion. The methodological approach presented in this paper reflects an iterative process of establishing a vision for a neighborhood development strategy. Its core is an iterative process, using the tools of questionnaires, workshops and focus group discussions, which includes the owners of the buildings, the local energy provider, policy makers, representation of the residents and research experts. Singular priorities were harmonized in the form of a questionnaire and multiple workshops. Based on this process, five key areas of action (energy, living space, open space, social and mobility) have been identified. It is valid for an urban area with mostly social housing, erected between 1966 and 1976. The reference neighborhood houses approximately 2,500 inhabitants and is situated in the town of Salzburg/Austria. The developed iterative process is multipliable and transferrable to comparable urban areas, which share a set of similarities. It is the basis for future decisions and gives orientation to the building owners, the energy provider and policy makers. Besides the methodology the outcome of this process are a poster, a folder and a detailed catalog of measures. The poster and the folder visualise the neighborhood development strategy. A set of characters, icons and photos including easily comprehensible comics were developed. Those design features are important in order to create a recognition value and to stimulate acceptance among the inhabitants of the neighborhood. Moreover, the low-threshold approach of the design facilitates future communication with the concerned public. The methodology of the neighborhood development strategy guarantees the inclusion of all stakeholders and supports a prioritization in order to decide on future measures that can lead to a more energy-efficient and liveable development of neighborhoods in need of adaptation