Characterization of Micro-Powders for the Fabrication of Compression Molded THz Lenses

We investigate different micro-powders that can be used as base materials for THz lenses fabricated by compression molding. For this application materials with a very weak THz absorbance and low dispersion are required. By measuring the THz absorption coefficient and refractive index of pellets pressed from the different micro-powders, we identify several materials that are well suited for the fabrication of compression molded THz lenses (CMLs). In addition, a considerable range of the refractive index is covered by the samples, which will allow for the fabrication of CMLs with different focal lengths for one and the same lens design.     

Image-based rendering of complex scenes from a multi-camera rig

Image-based rendering is a method to synthesise novel views from a set of given real images. Two methods to extrapolate novel views of complex scenes with occlusions and large depth discontinuities from images of a moving uncalibrated multi-camera rig are described. The real camera viewpoints are calibrated from the image data and dense depth maps are estimated for each real view. Novel views are synthesised from this representation with view-dependent image-based rendering techniques at interactive rates. Since the 3D scene geometry is available in this approach, it is well suited for mixed reality applications where synthetic 3D objects are seamlessly embedded in the novel view.     

Reliability Potential Of Epoxy Based Encapsulants For Automotive Applications

Automotive under-the-hood electronics often have to withstand temperatures up to 175 °C in combination with harsh environment conditions. This paper gives an overview about the reliability potential of epoxy based encapsulants for automotive applications. Therefore the resistance of epoxy molding compound against typical automotive fluids at temperature of use is analyzed. Six epoxy molding compounds available on the market, showing high temperature automotive potential have been carefully selected to undergo a media resistance testing. For this purpose a dedicated mold tool has been designed and manufactured to prepare these encapsulants for material testing. Thermo-mechanical, mechanical and thermal properties had been determined in initial state directly after molding and after storage in aggressive fluids typical for automotive applications as e.g. gas oil, automatic transmission fluid (ATF), brake fluid or accumulator acid at the respective temperature of use.     

50 Jahre Kybernetik in Österreich

The term “cybernetics” is very old, but in the middle of the last century it gained new importance as steering brought new aspects to the area of information technology. This paper deals with the general history of cybernetics and then describes the beginning of this field at Vienna University of Technology. In this context it was an important step, when the book “Cybernetics” by Norbert Wiener first came to Vienna; thus the interest in cybernetic models evolved. Originating from the interest in cybernetic models, three models were recreated (and refined):

1. the model of the conditioned reflex (artificial tortoise),
2. the model of orientation in a maze (mouse), and
3. the model of homeostasis (homeostat).

The third and final part of this paper illustrates the gradual transition to artificial intelligence (AI). Hopes that were tied up with this term are discussed. Apart from that the question of how much has been left of cybernetics and artificial intelligence today is raised. The mouse in the maze is very closely connected to our Emeritus: He built the Viennese version of it as part of his diploma thesis.     

Terahertz characterisation of building materials

To obtain realistic models for propagation channels in future pico-cellular indoor terahertz communication systems it is necessary to know the reflective properties of building materials found in a typical office environment. The angular dependent reflection coefficients of different building materials were determined using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in transmission geometry and Fresnel's equations. This approach is more efficient than a set of measurements in reflection geometry for different angles. Verification of the method with a set of such reflection measurements shows an excellent agreement.     

Pressure-shift freezing and its influence on texture,colour, microstructure and rehydration behaviour of potato cubes

Temperature changes during pressure-shift freezing (400 MPa) of potato cubes and its effects on the drip loss (weight and conductivity), texture (shear and compression tests), colour (L, a, b values), drying behaviour, rehydration properties (water uptake, texture after rehydration) and visible cell damage after thawing (micrographs) were investigated and compared with conventional freezing (0.1 MPa, -30 °C), subsequent frozen storage (-18 °C) or pressure treatment (400 MPa) at +15 :C. Pressure-shift freezing resulted in increased crystallization rates compared to conventional freezing at -30 °C. Crystallization and cooling to ?8 =C took 2.5 min during and after pressure release versus 17 min at atmospheric pressure. Drip loss was reduced from 12.0 to 10.8g/100g. Water uptake during 10 min of rehydration (93.9g/100g compared to 77.4g/100g and incomplete rehydration) and texture values were improved. Browning after thawing or after fluidized bed drying was reduced (increased a value, lower L value), suggesting partial enzyme inactivation during pressure treatment. Differences in colour and texture to the untreated controls were smaller after pressure-shift freezing than after conventional freezing. Cooling to ?30 °C after pressure-shift freezing did not significantly affect the results, whereas subsequent frozen storage at ?18 °C resulted in quality deterioration, as observed after frozen storage of conventionally frozen samples. The improved preservation of cell structure was demonstrated using scanning electron microscopy.     

IT-Security in der Energieautomatisierung

The increasing use of information technology in energy distribution and the wide interconnection of such systems bring security issues into the focus of interest. This contribution introduces the essential concepts and concentrates on specific security requirements and risks in energy automation. At the example of the two different data acquisition systems REMPLI and JEVis a possible implementation of security concepts is discussed.     

Adaptierung der sensorischen Texturprofilanalyse 1. Mitteilung: Skalierung mechanischer Textureigenschaften

Zusammenfassung Die in den USA entwickelte sensorische Texturprofilanalyse stellt die aussagestärkste Methode zur quantitativen und qualitativen Bewertung der Texturunterschiede von Lebensmitteln dar. Vor der Anwendung in Regionen mit anderen Konsumgewohnheiten bedarf sie jedoch einer entsprechenden Adaptierung. Mitteilung 1 berichtet über modifizierte standardisierte Intensitätsskalen zur quantitativen Einstufung der mechanischen Textureigenschaften Festigkeit, Brüchigkeit, Kaubarkeit, weichelastisches Verhalten, Viskosität und Adhäsivität. Die Anpassung an das österreichische Lebensmittelspektrum erfolgte mittels rheologischer Vorprüfungen potentieller Standardpunkte und anschließender Fixierung der Normskalen durch ein geschultes Prüferpanel unter guter Korrelation zwischen instrumentellen und sensorischen Prüfungen.

---

Adaption of sensory texture profile analysis 1. Scaling of mechanical properties

Summary Texture profile analysis, originally developed in the United States, represents the most complete system of both quantitative and qualitative sensory texture measurements of foodstuffs. Due to regionally varying habits of consumption, an adequate adaptation is necessary prior to application. This paper deals with the evaluation of the mechanical properties firmness, brittleness, chewiness, gumminess, viscosity and adhesiveness. Modifications of standard rating scales for typical Austrian food materials are reported. Rheological examination of commodities was followed by final establishment of standard scales with a trained panel. Good correlation between instrumental and sensory results was obtained.

     

Insights on the Side Panels of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Franciscan Triptych</Emphasis> by Fra Angelico Using Terahertz Time-Domain Imaging (THz-TDI)

The side panels of the Franciscan Triptych (St. Jerome, St. John the Baptist, and the Archangel Gabriel and St. Francis, St. Onofrio, and the Virgin Annunciate, by Fra Angelico, before 1429) were scanned by means of terahertz time-domain imaging (THz-TDI). THz analysis supplied information on the stratigraphy of the panel paintings and the associated construction, “gessoing” and gilding techniques. Furthermore, THz-TDI provided information regarding the location of restoration materials within the painting stratigraphy on St. Jerome, St. John the Baptist, and the Archangel Gabriel, as well as on the extension and nature of subsurface cracks in the panel painting of St. Francis, St. Onofrio, and the Virgin Annunciate.