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Using widely available spatial data to identify river confluences with high resource diversity
No full textConfluences, defined as the meeting point of two or more streams, are key zones of connectivity in river networks and as such of high ecological relevance. While it has been established that certain confluences have considerable effects, many of the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Especially the identification of significant confluences has proved challenging so far. We developed the Watershed Differentiation Model (WDM), a tool designed to identify confluences characterized by high differentiation in land use, geology, and terrain, assuming that a high differentiation in watershed characteristics results in high heterogeneity in ecological conditions. To test this hypothesis, we propose the idea of chemically significant confluences, meaning confluences that, due to strong differences between contributing catchments, display distinct chemical patterns. Using widely available spatial data, the model analysed 685 confluence points within our study area in western Austria. The model revealed that only a small number of confluences exhibited very high differentiation, most of which were associated with contributing catchments of moderately small to intermediate average basin size. A complementary field study, consisting of chemical sampling at 32 selected confluence sites, served as ground-truthing. A redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed significant relationships between specific watershed characteristics (slope, mica schist, and limestone) and water chemistry variables. We used multiple linear regression (MLR) to assess the predictive power of the WDM regarding water chemistry. While the direct correlation between watershed differentiation and chemical variability proved weak, model performance improved markedly when descriptive variables like the elevation and the surrounding landscape type were included. The WDM successfully identified confluences with high watershed differentiation. Moreover, our results also showed starting points for further refinements of the model to improve its applicability as a screening tool for significant confluences.Masterarbeit Universität Innsbruck 202
The Human Performance: Computational Methods for the Analysis of Played Classical Piano Music
No full textPerformance brings music to life. It imbues an abstract notated score with expressiveness and character. Listeners perceive music through performance first and foremost, it is what draws us in and what occupies professional performers. Many questions in music computing focalize the performance as primary object of interest: how can machines keep track of and entrain to the passing of musical time? how can they match a performance to its score? or how can they discern and characterize performances? In this thesis, we address these questions for MIDI performances, fine-grained recordings that encode individual notes and their attributes as played by expert pianists.
As a prerequisite for most quantitative performance analyses, the performance needs to first be connected to its musical score — to differentiate what is being played from how it is being played. In practice, this means one has to align the performance to the score, the technical solution of which is the focus of the first part of this thesis. We present both classical as well as machine learning-based models for offline symbolic music alignment. The three models presented surpass the technical state of the art in offline alignment, each with strengths in specific special cases. One of those cases is alignment in the presence of anchor points, which we use to produce the largest note-aligned performance and score dataset. We further present two symbolic tracking methods, again both a method classical as well as one based on machine learning. They present a new benchmark for symbolic music tracking and were successfully combined with real-time transcription for audio tracking.
The second part considers what can, could, and cannot be derived from such performances once connected to scores in three analyses. First, we connect audio and performance features to listener judgment of the character of performances. Second, we assess and compare computational and expert semantic similarity ratings of terms used to describe piano performances. Lastly, we investigate listeners’ capacity to discern slight changes in expressive features in otherwise real recordings. Our emphasis here lies on ecologically valid concert and studio recording data. Specifically, we design listening tests of modified human performances instead of artificial stimuli, and analyze free text annotations and term associations instead of predefined categorical ratings.Author Silvan David PeterDissertation Johannes Kepler Universität Linz 202
Neural Network Inference on Embedded Systems
No full textLocated at the intersection of machine learning and computer science, the deployment of machine learning models on resource-limited embedded systems is crucial for numerous application domains. This thesis delves into this interdisciplinary field of study through the illustrative application of handwritten digit classification using the MNIST dataset. An initial exploratory data analysis of the MNIST dataset was performed to gain insights into its underlying structure and anticipate inherent challenges of the subsequent classification task. Following this, a LeNet-5 model was trained and deployed across three distinct microcontroller-based embedded systems, and a comprehensive evaluation of its performance and resource metrics were conducted. To mitigate resource constraints, several inference optimization techniques were explored and formalized into an auto-optimization algorithm designed to improve efficiency while maintaining acceptable levels of accuracy.Author Klaus-Jürgen Pendl, MScMasterarbeit Johannes Kepler Universität Linz 202
Digital Beamforming Radiometer with Over-The-Air Channel Synchronization
No full textMicrowave radiometry is used to measure the thermal emissions of objects, which has applications in various scientific fields. This thesis presents a four channel digital passive microwave radiometer that utilizes commercial K-band satellite communications low-noise block converters within each receiver channel. Starting with a theoretical analysis of radiometric sensitivity, one receiver channel of the system is modeled with its various hardware impairments, such as receiver gain variations and quantization noise. In addition, the theory of digital beamforming is applied to radiometry, which is used to estimate the position of a thermal noise source. However, the estimation accuracy is significantly limited by phase and frequency differences between the channels, which result from erroneous downconversions in the used low-noise block converters. To mitigate these effects, over the-air synchronization is employed, which utilizes a single continuous wave reference to align the receiver channels in phase and frequency. To validate the theoretical findings and demonstrate the effectiveness of the described synchronization method, multiple measurements of a thermal noise source and a human were conducted.Die Mikrowellenradiometrie wird zur Messung der Wärmeabstrahlung von Objekten eingesetzt und findet in verschiedenen wissenschaftlichen Bereichen Anwendung. In dieser Arbeit wird ein passives Mikrowellenradiometer mit vier Empfangskanälen vorgestellt, welches kommerzielle, rauscharme Signalumsetzer in jedem Empfangskanal verwendet, die typischerweise als Satellitenempfänger im K-Band eingesetzt werden. Ausgehend von einer theoretischen Analyse der radiometrischen Empfindlichkeit wird ein Empfängerkanal des Systems mit seinen verschiedenen Hardwarebeeinträchtigungen, wie z.B. Schwankungen der Empfängerverstärkung und dem Quantisierungsrauschen, modelliert. Darüber hinaus wird die Theorie der digitalen Strahlformung auf die Radiometrie angewandt, die zur Schätzung der Position einer thermischen Rauschquelle verwendet wird. Die Genauigkeit der Schätzung wird jedoch durch Phasen- und Frequenzunterschiede zwischen den Kanälen erheblich eingeschränkt, die durch fehlerhafte Abwärtswandlungen in den verwendeten rauscharmen Signalumsetzer entstehen. Um diese Effekte abzuschwächen, wird die „Over-the-Air“ Synchronisierung eingesetzt, bei der eine einzige Referenzquelle verwendet wird, um die Empfängerkanäle in Phase und Frequenz anzugleichen. Um die theoretischen Erkenntnisse zu validieren und die Wirksamkeit der beschriebenen Synchronisationsmethode zu demonstrieren, wurden mehrere Messungen an einer thermischen Rauschquelle und einem Menschen durchgeführt.Author Michael WinklehnerMasterarbeit Johannes Kepler Universität Linz 202
Cancer Treatment Reviews / Selecting systemic treatment for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors of the lung - current evidence and clinical implications
No full textNeuroendocrine tumors (NET) of the lung are a slowly growing subtype of lung cancer that has a different treatment paradigm than aggressive and more common forms of lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) like small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Current guidelines for metastatic lung NET advocate a handful of treatment options, including somatostatin analogs (SSA), everolimus, temozolomide- or platin-based chemotherapy, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). However, there is no clear treatment sequence, and the therapy of choice may depend on several factors such as tumor grade / growth rate, tumor burden / symptoms, disease progression status, and somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression. In order to tailor treatment to each individual patient, the latest scientific findings and patient-specific clinical features must be considered together. This review critically evaluates the available evidence with regards to relevant patient characteristics, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and outcome metrics of clinical trials given the presumed natural disease course. Specific patient subgroups with an unmet therapeutic need are identified and discussed in the context of ongoing clinical trials
Bewertung junger innovativer Unternehmen durch Business Angel und Venture Capital auf Basis von Big Data und Artificial Intelligence
No full textausgeführt von: Philipp LechnerMasterarbeit Fachhochschule Technikum Wien 2025Arbeit gesperr
Experimentelle Untersuchung der Integration eines Vortex Tubes in einen thermodynamischen Kühlkreislauf
No full textAngesichts des steigenden Bedarfs an energieeffizienten Kühlsystemen untersucht diese Masterarbeit die Integration eines Vortex Tubes in einen thermodynamischen Kühlkreislauf, um dessen Leistungszahl (COP) zu erhöhen. Das Vortex Tube ist ein einfaches Gerät ohne bewegliche Teile und trennt Druckluft in einen warmen und kalten Luftstrom. Die Idee ist es, die jeweiligen Luftströme dem Verdampfer und Verflüssiger zuzuführen, um eine gezielte Optimierung und Effizienzsteigerung dieser Komponenten zu generieren.Vier Szenarien wurden entwickelt und analysiert: Szenario 1 (Referenzszenario, Kühlschrank ohne Integration des Vortex Tubes), Szenario 2 (Warmluft auf Verdampfer), Szenario 3 (Kaltluft auf Verflüssiger) und Szenario 4 (Kombination beider Luftströme). Die theoretische Analyse ergab COP-Werte von 4,00 (Szenario 1), 5,44 (+36 %, Szenario 2), 6,09 (+52,3 %, Szenario 3) und 7,44 (+86 %, Szenario 4). Für die experimentelle Untersuchung wurde ein Kühlschrank („Bomann“ KB7235, Deutschland) modifiziert, indem die Schaumstoffisolierung entfernt und Pneumatikschläuche für die Luftströme des Vortex Tubes an dem Verdampfer und Verflüssiger angebracht wurden. Eine aluminisierte Hitzeschutzmatte ersetzte die Werksisolierung, um Wärmeverluste zu minimieren. Die Kühlleistung wurde anhand der Temperaturabnahme eines Wasserbehälters im Kühlschrank über einem Zeitraum von 30 Minuten gemessen.Die experimentellen COP-Werte betrugen 1,62 (Szenario 1), 1,71 (+6,2 %, Szenario 2), 2,01 (+24,2 %, Szenario 3) und 1,98 (+22,2 %, Szenario 4).Zukünftige Forschung sollte sich aus diesem Grund auf die Optimierung der VT-Geometrie und die Verbesserung der Energieeffizienz von Druckluftquellen konzentrieren, um dadurch das volle Potenzial dieser Technologie auszuschöpfen.In view of the increasing demand for energy-efficient cooling systems, this master's thesis investigates the integration of a vortex tube into a thermodynamic cooling circuit in order to increase its coefficient of performance (COP). The Vortex Tube, a simple device with no moving parts, separates compressed air into a hot and cold air stream. The idea is to feed the respective air flows to the evaporator and condenser, thereby generating a targeted optimisation and increase in efficiency of these components.Four scenarios were developed and analysed: Scenario 1 (reference scenario, refrigerator without integration of vortex tube), Scenario 2 (hot air to evaporator), Scenario 3 (cold air to condenser) and Scenario 4 (combination of both air flows). The theoretical analysis resulted in COP values of 4.00 (scenario 1), 5.44 (+36 %, scenario 2), 6.09 (+52.3 %, scenario 3) and 7.44 (+86 %, scenario 4). For the experimental study, a refrigerator (“Bomann” KB7235, Germany) was modified by removing foam insulation and attaching pneumatic hoses for the air flows of the vortex tube to the evaporator and condenser. An aluminised heat protection mat replaced the factory insulation to minimise heat loss. The cooling capacity was measured via the temperature drop of a water tank in the refrigerator over 30 minutes.The experimental COP values were 1.62 (Scenario 1), 1.71 (+6.2 %, Scenario 2), 2.01 (+24.2 %, Scenario 3) and 1.98 (+22.2 %, Scenario 4).Future research should therefore focus on optimising the VT geometry and improving the energy efficiency of compressed air sources to exploit the full potential of this technology.ausgeführt von: Bartosz StoklosaMasterarbeit Fachhochschule Technikum Wien 202
The effects of the ketogenic diet in epilepsy on the gut microbiome and the associated challenges in nutritional therapy - a scoping review
No full textThe Goal Setting Method in Pediatric Physiotherapy in Austria - A Qualitative Study
No full textKontext: Die Goal Setting Method ist eine Motivationsstrategie der eigenen Zielsetzung, die durch das Setzen der Ziele den Patient*innen in der Therapie mehr Selbstbestimmung gibt. Durch das Zusammenarbeiten der Physiotherapeut*innen mit den Patient*innen können anspruchsvolle und geeignete Ziele und Maßnahmen entstehen. Spezifisch im pädiatrischen Bereich gibt es den Kindern die Möglichkeit, ihre Wünsche und Ziele zu äußern, um Einschränkungen im Alltag besser zu bewältigen. Ob diese Methode bereits in der pädiatrischen Physiotherapie in Österreich angewendet wird oder ob sie bekannt ist, ist mit dem aktuellen Studienstand nicht zu beantworten.
Methode: Daher wurde für diese Arbeit eine qualitative Forschung mit problemzentrierter online Experteninterviews im Dezember 2024 durchgeführt. Die Einschlusskriterien für die Rekrutierung über E-Mail-Verteiler waren aktiv tätige Physiotherapeut*innen im pädiatrischen Bereich. Der Interviewleitfaden richtet sich nach einem selbst erstellten Fallbeispiel, bei welchem die Goal Setting Method anwendbar war und beinhaltet offene Fragen bezüglich Herangehensweise der Therapeut*innen. Die Auswertung der Audiodaten erfolgte über MAXQDA und die Transkripte wurden nach Mayring erstellt und an die hochdeutsche Sprache angepasst.
Hauptergebnis: Keine der vier befragten Physiotherapeutinnen kennt den Begriff der Goal Setting Method oder setzt die Methode Schritt für Schritt um. Somit weist diese Studie darauf hin, dass in Österreich diese Motivationsmethode aktuell nicht explizit angewendet wird, Teile jedoch bereits in die Zielsetzung miteinfließen. Ebenso besteht keine Korrelation zwischen Alter, Berufserfahrung, Ausbildung oder Berufstätigkeit und der Herangehensweise des individuellen physiotherapeutischen Prozesses der befragten Physiotherapeutinnen.
Schlussfolgerung: Obwohl die Goal Setting Method in Österreich laut dieser Studie noch nicht bekannt ist, werden ähnliche Konzepte und Herangehensweisen in die Therapie eingefügt. Es fehlen weiterhin Richtlinien und Abgrenzungen zu anderen Methoden innerhalb der eigenen Zielsetzung, was aussagekräftige Ergebnisse erschwert. Ob eine klar definierte Methode notwendig ist, um die eigene Zielsetzung in den pädiatrischen Physiotherapie Prozess zu involvieren, bleibt bis auf weiteres ungeklärt.Context: The Goal Setting Method is a motivational strategy that emphasizes individual goal-setting to promote autonomy among patients. By collaborating with patients, meaningful and challenging goals and corresponding therapeutic actions can be developed. Specifically in pediatric settings, this approach allows children to express their goals and needs, helping them to better manage everyday challenges. However, current research does not clarify whether this method is known or applied in pediatric physiotherapy in Austria.
Method: To address this gap, a qualitative study was conducted in December 2024 using problem-centered online expert-interviews. Participants were actively practicing physiotherapists in the pediatric field, recruited via email distribution lists. The semi-structured interview guide, which included open-ended questions, was based on a self-constructed case study in which the Goal Setting Method could be applied. Participants were asked to describe their own therapeutic approach to the case. Audio recordings were analyzed using MAXQDA, and transcripts were produced according to Mayring’s qualitative content analysis and adapted into standardized German.
Main Results: None of the four interviewed physiotherapists were familiar with the term Goal Setting Method or applied it in a structured, step-by-step manner. These findings suggest that, while the method is not explicitly utilized in Austrian pediatric physiotherapy, elements of it are being incorporated into therapeutic practice. Furthermore, there was no observable correlation between the therapists’ age, work experience, educational background, or employment status and their individual approaches to the physiotherapeutic process.
Conclusion: Although the Goal Setting Method is not yet widely recognized in Austrian pediatric physiotherapy, similar strategies and principles are already being integrated into practice. However, the lack of clear guidelines and distinctions between various goal-setting approaches poses a challenge to obtaining conclusive results. Whether a formally defined method is necessary to effectively integrate patient-centered goal-setting into pediatric physiotherapy remains an open question for future research
Professional Nursing Counseling by Continence and Stoma Care Nurses Support for Needs-Based Care in Initial Enterostomy Placement
No full textEinleitung:
Bei onkologischen Erkrankungen des Darmes oder chronisch-entzündlichen
Darmerkrankungen ist es teilweise notwendig, ein Enterostoma anzulegen. Diese
Operation, aber auch die darauffolgende Transition können für Patient*innen sehr
traumatisch sein und Ängste hervorrufen. Die vorliegende Bachelorarbeit zeigt die
Herausforderungen für Betroffene sowie die Aufgaben der Kontinenz- und
Stomaberatung auf.
Methode:
Eine systematische Literaturrecherche wurde ausgehend vom DBIS (Datenbank
Infosystem) der Universität Regensburg mit Zugang durch das FH Portal in
verschiedenen Datenbanken durchgeführt. Mithilfe der festgelegten Ein- und
Ausschlusskriterien wurden die Studien selektiert und insgesamt dreizehn Studien
ausgewählt.
Ergebnisse:
Besondere Herausforderungen für Personen mit Erstanlage eines Ileostomas sind
Stomadysfunktion, daraus resultierende Hautschädigungen sowie störende
Gerüche. Darüber hinaus haben Betroffene häufig mit Ängsten, Ekel oder
Schamgefühl zu kämpfen. Ihr Sexualleben aber auch ihre allgemeine
Lebensqualität können durch die neue Situation beeinträchtigt werden. Kontinenz-
und Stomaberater*innen können Personen mit Enterostoma mit Schulung,
Beratung, Markierung der Stomastelle beziehungsweise Organisation der korrekten
Versorgung unterstützen.
Schlussfolgerung:
Umfangreiche Unterstützung durch Kontinenz- und Stomaberater*innen kann
Personen mit Erstanlage eines Enterostomas auf verschiedenen Ebenen die
Transition in die neue Situation erleichtern.Introduction:
If a patient has a condition such as colorectal cancer or a chronic inflammatory
bowel disease, it can sometimes be a necessary to perform an enterostomy,
creating a stoma. This surgery, as well as the subsequent transition can be a
traumatic experience for patients and can evoke feelings of anxiety. This bachelor’s
thesis sums up challenges for those patients as well as the tasks of continence and
stoma counsellors.
Method:
A systematic literature review was conducted through the DBIS (Databank
infosystem) of the University of Regensburg with the FH portal access in multiple
databanks. Using the inclusion and exclusion criteria which were determined before,
the studies were filtered and a total of thirteen studies were chosen.
Results:
Challenges for patients undergoing a first-time enterostomy include stoma
dysfunction, skin damage and unpleasant odours. Also, patients can struggle with
anxiety, disgust or shame. Their sex life as well as their quality in life can be affected
by their new situation. Continence and stoma counsellors are a possible support for
patients by teaching and training, marking the stoma site and organizing the correct
materials.
Conclusion:
Extensive support by continence and stoma counsellors can help people with a first
time enterostomy in different ways to support their transition into their new situation