Image Labeling by Assignment

We introduce a novel geometric approach to the image labeling problem. Abstracting from specific labeling applications, a general objective function is defined on a manifold of stochastic matrices, whose elements assign prior data that are given in any metric space, to observed image measurements. The corresponding Riemannian gradient flow entails a set of replicator equations, one for each data point, that are spatially coupled by geometric averaging on the manifold. Starting from uniform assignments at the barycenter as natural initialization, the flow terminates at some global maximum, each of which corresponds to an image labeling that uniquely assigns the prior data. Our geometric variational approach constitutes a smooth non-convex inner approximation of the general image labeling problem, implemented with sparse interior-point numerics in terms of parallel multiplicative updates that converge efficiently.     

Electronic mobility market platforms – a review of the current state and applications of business analytics

In recent years, the number of urban travel modes has increased significantly and now includes services such as carsharing, e-hailing, ridesharing and bikesharing. This development potentially contributes to more sustainable urban mobility, but also creates complexity for the customer. To simplify customer offerings, so-called multimodal mobility platforms (MMPs) have emerged, bundling the different mobility services to find the best route for the user. These platforms also function as marketplaces where customers can purchase mobility services from different suppliers. As part of this process, data is being generated, which can be utilized to yield valuable insights for suppliers and platform operators. In this paper, we describe the business model of MMPs and provide an overview of currently active solutions. Subsequently we present specific use cases, showing how suppliers can leverage the analytics possibilities of MMPs and how this affects the business model.     

Einfluss der Kontaktbedingungen des Walzprozesses auf den Dichtetiefenverlauf von PM Zahnrädern

Forschung im Ingenieurwesen - Pulvermetallurgische (PM) Zahnräder weisen durch die endkonturnahe Fertigung und die, im Vergleich zur konventionellen Fertigung, verkürzte Prozesskette,...     

消费者对生物基包装的态度——跨文化比较研究

人们越来越意识到传统产品包装对环境的危害,因此对绿色、环保或可持续包装产生了浓厚的兴趣。研究告诉我们很多关于包装的环保如何影响消费者的购买决定,但我们对影响消费者对环保看法的属性缺乏科学的见解。因此,我们考察了环境友好型包装属性的相互作用如何影响环境友好型的总体评价,调查了来自西方三种消费文化的态度:德国、法国和美国,我们发现消费者主要关注的是包装的生命周期属性,尽管不同文化在衡量可回收性、可重用性和生物降解性的相对价值时存在差异。我们发现,消费者对可再生能源来源的关注较少,对生产、运输和零售使用方面的活动几乎完全不关心。我们还发现,对生物测定法的广泛误解仍然存在;此外,如果产品不是可生物降解的,那么生物甲烷是生物填充物这一事实在消费者评价中并不重要。使用农业土地生产沼气的伦理问题主要是由德国消费者提出的。与LCA对包装的研究结果进行比较后发现,消费者对不同包装的选择,对环境影响的看法,与事实之间存在许多差异。     

MeterPU: a generic measurement abstraction API

We present MeterPU, an easy-to-use, generic and low-overhead abstraction API for taking measurements of various metrics (time, energy) on different hardware components (e.g., CPU, DRAM, GPU) in a heterogeneous computer system, using pluggable platform-specific measurement implementations behind a common interface in C++. We show that with MeterPU, not only legacy (time) optimization frameworks, such as autotuned skeleton back-end selection, can be easily retargeted for energy optimization, but also switching between measurement metrics or techniques for arbitrary code sections now becomes trivial. We apply MeterPU to implement the first energy-tunable skeleton programming framework, based on the SkePU skeleton programming library.     

A review on process-induced distortions of carbon fiber reinforced thermosets for large-scale production

During the manufacturing process of carbon fiber reinforced plastics, residual stresses and shape distortions occur. Analytical or numerical models can be employed to accurately predict these stresses and deformations. For a virtual compensation of a part’s geometry, an understanding of the main driving mechanisms behind process-induced distortions is essential. The present study shows main sources as well as influencing factors on stresses and distortions that arise during large-scale production of composites based on thermoset resin systems. Besides basic information on the thermal, chemical and mechanical behavior of thermoset resins and carbon fibers, state-of-the-art numerical approaches are reviewed with a focus on finite element discretization and constitutive modeling. Current virtual compensation strategies as well as possible influences of the forming operation are discussed. Finally, a conclusion is drawn that includes recommendations for future developments in the field of process-induced distortions.     

Integrated Computational Life Cycle Engineering — Application to the case of electric vehicles

Modelling and analysing lifecycle environmental impacts of product systems demands often specialized knowledge and is time-demanding. Product systems are typically defined by complex technical foreground systems and immersed in highly diverse contexts and background systems. Available software tools fail to streamline the modelling and analysis of this complexity, leading to extensive iterations or rough simplifications. The approach introduced in this paper supports the modelling of complex systems and their interactions with diverse backgrounds. This enables developing flexible and comprehensive environmental assessment tools. The applicability and advantages of the approach developed is demonstrated through its application for the environmental assessment of electric vehicles.     

Metastatic pulmonary calcification in a dialysis patient: case report and a review

A 19-year-old male presented with chest pain and dyspnea. He was anephric following nephrectomy for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, had a subsequent failed transplant, and had been dialysis dependent for 3 years. Workup revealed hyperparathyroidism and an abnormal chest X-ray and computed tomography scan, significant for massive extra-skeletal pulmonary calcification. A markedly abnormal Technitium99 methylene diphosphonate (Tc99m-MDP) bone scan confirmed the clinical suspicion of metastatic pulmonary calcification. Metastatic pulmonary calcification (MPC) is common, occurring in 60% to 80% of dialysis patients on autopsy and bone scan series. It may lead to impaired oxygenation and restrictive lung disease. Typically, the calcium crystal is whitlockite rather than hydroxyapatite, which occurs in vascular calcification. Four major predisposing factors may contribute to MPC in dialysis patients. First, chronic acidosis leaches calcium from bone. Second, intermittent alkalosis favors deposition of calcium salts. Third, hyperparathyroidism tends to cause bone resorption and intracellular hypercalcemia. Finally, low glomerular filtration rate can cause hyperphosphatemia and an elevated calcium-phosphorus product. There may be other factors. Some authors suggest that the incidence of MPC in recent years may be lower due to improved dialysis techniques. The diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy, but can be suspected by typical findings on a Tc99m-MDP bone scan. Therapy is limited to ensuring adequate dialysis, correcting calcium-phosphorus product, and hyperparathyroidism; discontinuing vitamin D analogues may help. Conflicting reports show that transplantation may either improve or worsen the situation. MPC should be considered in dialysis patients who have characteristic abnormal chest radiography and/or pulmonary symptoms.