Finite difference time-domain analysis of planar microwave circuits

Contents The application of finite difference time domain analysis techniques to planar microwave integrated circuit design is discussed. It is shown that using this technique, three-dimensional discontinuity problems in planar microstrip and coplanar circuits can be analyzed in a full-wave approach.

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Finite-Differenzen-Analyse von planaren Mikrowellen-schaltungen im Zeitbereich

Übersicht Es wird die Anwendung der Finiten-Differenzen-Analyse elektromagnetischer Felder im Zeitbereich auf den Entwurf integrierter Mikrowellenschaltungen diskutiert. Es wird gezeigt, daß durch Anwendung dieser Technik eine Lösung der Beschreibungsprobleme für dreidimensionale Schaltkreis-Diskontinuitäten in planarer Mikrostreifenleitungstechnik und in koplanarer Leitungstechnik unter Berücksichtigung der vollen Welleneigenschaften gefunden werden kann. Verschiedene Beispiele von Analysen planarer Mikrowellenbauelemente werden diskutiert und die Ergebnisse mit Messungen verglichen.

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Dedicated to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Herbert Döring on the occasion of his 80th birthday     

Optimizing the solar photo-Fenton process in the treatment of contaminated water. Determination of intrinsic kinetic constants for scale-up

The elimination of aromatic compounds present in surface water by photo-Fenton with sunlight as the source of radiation was studied. The concentrations of Fe³⁺ and H₂O₂ are key factors for this process. A solar simulator and a prototype parabolic collector were used as laboratory-scale reactors to find the parameters of those key factors to be used in the CPC (compound parabolic collector) pilot plant reactor. The initial mineralization rate constant (k_obs) was determined and evaluated at different Fe³⁺ and H₂O₂ concentrations to find the best values for maximum efficiency. In all the experiments the mineralization of an aqueous phenol solution was described by assuming a pseudo-first-order reaction. The intrinsic kinetic constants not dependent on the lighting conditions were also estimated for scale-up.     

Management of R&D projects under uncertainty: a multidimensional approach to managerial flexibility

In this paper, we describe the practical application of a flexibility-based management approach to new product development, highlighting advantages, and limitations of this methodology. The model is concerned with the resolution of uncertainty over the product development life cycle and deals with technical, market, and cost factors all together. To this end, we consider a real options model, which uses multidimensional decision trees, to assess the development process of a high-technology product, namely, the Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope. Moreover, we show how this project could be managed by estimating its value and determining optimal managerial actions to be taken at each review stage of the new product development process. Finally, we draw conclusions about this model's general utility and particular challenges associated with its use as a product development tool, and emphasize the need to consider a multidimensional model, instead of a single dimensional one.     

Breakdown voltage of a plasma-filled gap

The letter reports a series of measurements on the breakdown voltage of a two-electrode gap immersed in an arc plasma.     

Adsorption of soy oil free fatty acids by rice hull ash

Studies demonstrated that free fatty acids can be adsorbed from a soybean oil/hexane miscella by inorganic rice hull ash. A 1% dose was effective in diminishing free fatty acid concentrations but acid activation reduced the adsorption. Binding of free fatty acids followed a Freundlich isotherm with smaller doses of ash adsorbing more efficiently. Addition of isopropanol to the miscella promoted the adsorption, while water deactivation of the ash had no effect, possibly because water occupied sites not accessible to free fatty acids. Impaired adsorption behavior of ash heated above 700°C could have been due to disruption of the crystal form. The adsorption behavior of rice hull ash may be more fully understood with a better knowledge of adsorbent structure.     

Einflüsse von Triazolapplikationen auf Kornertrag und -qualität von Winterraps

Effects of Growth Substance Applications (Triazole) on Yield Formation and Grain Quality of Winter Rape Field trials have been conducted for two years (1986/87 and 1987/88) with cv. Lirabon (low erucic acid and low glucosinolate content). At several growth stages uptil beginning of flowering and at different rates the triazole RSW 0411 (Bayer) was applied. The problem was to investigate growth regulator effects on agronomically important traits, the utilization of yield potential and on seed quality. Applications during stem elongation reduced plant height phoma lingam infestation and lodging. Branching and numbers of pods/plant increased, partly on costs of pod filling. In 1986/87 grain yields/ha indicated (not significant) increases without any effects on grain quality. In 1987/88 grain yield/ha decreased significantly combined with increasing protein- and glucosinolate contents.     

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.     

The polymerase chain reaction: Applications for the detection of foodborne pathogens

Faster methods for the detection of foodborne microbial pathogens are needed. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can amplify specific segments of DNA and is used to detect and identify bacterial genes responsible for causing diseases in humans. The major features and requirements for the PCR are described along with a number of important variations. A considerable number of PCR‐based assays have been developed, but they have been applied most often to clinical and environmental samples and more rarely for the detection of foodborne microorganisms. Much of the difficulty in implementing PCR for the analysis of food samples lies in the problems encountered during the preparation of template DNAs from food matrices; a variety of approaches and considerations are examined. PCR methods developed for the detection and identification of particular bacteria, viruses, and parasites found in foods are described and discussed, and the major features of these reactions are summarized.     

Oxidatively modified LDL and atherosclerosis: An evolving plausible scenario

Much evidence has accumulated that implicates the oxidative modification of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) in the early stages of atherogenesis. The antioxidant nutrients alpha‐tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and beta‐carotene have been shown to inhibit in vitro LDL oxidation. In addition, they have been shown to increase the resistance of LDL to oxidation when given to animals and humans. Because plasma levels of these nutrients can be increased by dietary supplementation with minimal side effects, they may show promise in the prevention of coronary artery disease.     

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.