Computing surfaces invariant under subdivision

In this paper, we propose a general subdivision algorithm for generating surfaces. The algorithm has as motivation our earlier work on the design of free form curves where similar ideas were investigated. Here we describe some properties of uniform refinement algorithms for surface generation. A detail analysis of their properties will be given later by one of us.     

Apparatus for steady-state kinetic measurements of the catalytic reduction of nitric oxide by ammonia on iron oxide

The reduction of nitric oxide with ammonia on an unsupported iron oxide catalyst has been studied in a continuous-flow recycle reactor using simulated flue gas. The responses of the employed reactor system to step and pulse inputs of tracer indicate that the system could be regarded as a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). Preliminary tests were carried out to determine the effect of temperature and particle size on the measured reaction rates. Additional experiments were performed in order to study the influence of oxygen and water concentration on these rates. A gas chromatographic system has been developed to analyze the gas components NO, N₂O, NO₂, NH₃, H₂O, O₂, CO₂ and N₂. In addition, the concentrations of NO and NO₂ were measured with a nondisperse infrared (NDUV/NDIR) analyzer.     

Energieinformatik

Due to the increasing importance of producing and consuming energy more sustainably, Energy Informatics (EI) has evolved into a thriving research area within the CS/IS community. The article attempts to characterize this young and highly dynamic field of research by describing current EI research topics and methods and provides an outlook of how the field might evolve in the future. It is shown that two general research questions have received the most attention so far and are likely to dominate the EI research agenda in the coming years: How to leverage information and communication technology (ICT) to (1) improve energy efficiency, and (2) to integrate decentralized renewable energy sources into the power grid. Selected EI streams are reviewed, highlighting how the respective research questions are broken down into specific research projects and how EI researchers have made contributions based on their individual academic background.     

Adaptive training interfaces for less-experienced,elderly users of electronic devices

A great number of complex electronic devices are now part of our everyday lives. While many of us learn to handle these products by trial and error; others, especially older users with little experience in using electronic devices, need support. In order to allow the user maximum flexibility in terms of learning time and location, a training programme is presented which is implemented as part of the software embedded in the product itself. Particular focus is placed on the effect of adaptive training on learning. In this study, the training versions differed in their ability to adjust their complexity to the user's experience (adaptive user interface complexity) and their capability to support the learner by prompting them during the learning process (adaptive training advice). The results show that the adjustment of complexity had a positive effect on users’ experience: elderly users who trained with an adaptive interface were more successful in learning to use a mobile phone. Adaptive training advice, however, was found to have no significant effects on learners’ success and reduced their self-efficacy. This work offers guidelines on how to design integrated training applications for electronic devices that successfully help elderly users with little prior experience.     

Reasoning with graph constraints

Graph constraints were introduced in the area of graph transformation, in connection with the notion of (negative) application conditions, as a form to limit the applicability of transformation rules. However, we believe that graph constraints may also play a significant role in the area of visual software modelling or in the specification and verification of semi-structured documents or websites (i.e. HTML or XML sets of documents). In this sense, after some discussion on these application areas, we concentrate on the problem of how to prove the consistency of specifications based on this kind of constraints. In particular, we present proof rules for two classes of graph constraints and show that our proof rules are sound and (refutationally) complete for each class. In addition, we study clause subsumption in this context as a form to speed up refutation.     

Discrete retardance second harmonic generation ellipsometry

A new instrument was constructed to perform discrete retardance nonlinear optical ellipsometry (DR-NOE). The focus of the design was to perform second harmonic generation NOE while maximizing sample and application flexibility and minimizing data acquisition time. The discrete retardance configuration results in relatively simple computational algorithms for performing nonlinear optical ellipsometric analysis. NOE analysis of a disperse red 19 monolayer yielded results that were consistent with previously reported values for the same surface system, but with significantly reduced acquisition times.     

Mikromethode zur quantitativen Bestimmung von Coffein

Zusammenfassung Zur quantitativen Bestimmung von Coffein in biologischem Material wird ein kombiniertes Verfahren aus Dünnschichtchromatographie und Densitometrie beschrieben. Das Verfahren läßt Bestimmungen im Nanogramm-Bereich zu. Das Probenvolumen liegt unter 100 l.Die Proben — Capillarblut — werden zunächst mit dem gleichen Volumen Chloroform extrahiert. Anschließend wird das Coffein mittels Dünnschichtchromatographie von Begleitstoffen und störenden Substanzen abgetrennt. Es werden Kieselgel-60-Fertigplatten und Chlorofom/Aceton (9 + 1; v/v) als Fließmittel verwendet, dabei beträgt die Laufzeit 30 min.Die quantitative densitometrische Auswertung erfolgt durch Remissionsmessung bei 273 nm. Im Bereich von 10–60 ng Coffein/Fleck verläuft die Eichkurve linear. 1 mg/I Coffein kann noch sicher quantitativ erfaßt werden. Die Nachweisgrenze liegt bei 0,1 mg/1.

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A quantitative micromethod for the caffeine determination

Summary A combined procedure with thin-layer-chromatography and densitometry is described for the quantitative estimation of caffeine in biological material. This method ist applicable in the nanogram range. Test samples of less than 100 l may be used. The samples (capillary-blood) are extracted with the same volume of chloroform. Caffeine is separated from interfering compounds by thin-layer-chromatography. Commercial silica-60-plates with chloroform/acetone (9 + 1; v/v) as solvent are used. The running time is about 30 min. The quantitative densitometric determinations are performed in the remission mode at 273 nm. In the range from 10 to 60 ng/spot the calibration curve is linear. Accurate quantitative data will be obtained even at concentrations of 1 mg/1 caffeine. The detection limit is at about 0.1 mg/1.