ePublications
Not a member yet
19220 research outputs found
Sort by
Beyond Binary Dialogues: Research and Development of a Linguistically Nuanced Conversation Design for Social Robots in Group–Robot Interactions
Get PDFIn this paper, we detail the technical development of a conversation design that is sensitive to group dynamics and adaptable, taking into account the subtleties of linguistic variations between dyadic (i.e., one human and one agent) and group interactions in human–robot interaction (HRI) using the German language as a case study. The paper details the implementation of robust person and group detection with YOLOv5m and the expansion of knowledge databases using large language models (LLMs) to create adaptive multi-party interactions (MPIs) (i.e., group–robot interactions (GRIs)). We describe the use of LLMs to generate training data for socially interactive agents including social robots, as well as a self-developed synthesis tool, knowledge expander, to accurately map the diverse needs of different users in public spaces. We also outline the integration of a LLM as a fallback for open-ended questions not covered by our knowledge database, ensuring it can effectively respond to both individuals and groups within the MPI framework
Trend Mining with Orange – Using Topic Modeling in Futures Research with the Example of Urban Mobility
Get PDFToday, assumptions about probable future developments (at least as far as they make use of quantifiable scientific methods and are not pure speculation) are generally based on data from the past. An interesting way to analyze the future through this type of data is text mining or individual methods out of the spectrum of text mining, such as topic modeling. Topic Modeling itself is a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodology and is based on the full spectrum of social science methodology. Therefore, the method is an interesting way for futures research to analyze futures. This publication addresses the question of how a combination of different methods can contribute to trend monitoring or trend mining. For this purpose, a set of scientific publications was first generated with the help of a search query in the Web of Science (WoS), which is the basis for all evaluations and statements and topics. In essence, the method considered here should be more fully integrated into the scientific practice of futures research because it can make a valuable contribution to estimating future development based on past development
Thermal Performance Evaluation of a Single-Mouth Improved Cookstove: Theoretical Approach Compared with Experimental Data
Get PDFThis work aims to address the knowledge gap in the thermal efficiency performance of a locally made cookstove in Mali. Despite the fact that the thermal efficiency of cookstoves is a crucial aspect of cooking, the performance of commercially produced cookstoves in Mali has not been thoroughly studied. In this context, the thermal efficiency of a single-mouth biomass stove has been investigated using a theoretical and experimental approach. First, the fundamental principles of physics for the three forms of heat transfer were applied. Then, the theoretical thermal efficiency of the stove was calculated based on the percentage share of energy gains and losses for the respective heat transfer modes. This analysis shows that the highest energy gain is achieved by radiation heat transfer from the flame and the fuel bed, followed by convection heat transfer to the bottom and sides of the pot, respectively. In order to validate the findings, the theoretical results have been compared with the experimental data at a case study site in Katibougou, Mali. Accordingly, the experimental thermal efficiency is slightly lower than the theoretical value, with a measured value of 27% compared to the theoretical value of 31.45%. The theoretical thermal efficiency can be closer to the experimental efficiency if the combustion losses caused by incomplete combustion of the fuel are taken into account
Hydrogen Generation by Nickel Electrodes Coated with Linear Patterns of PTFE
Get PDFPrevious studies have shown that partially coating electrode surfaces with patterns of ‘islands’ of hydrophobic tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; Teflon) may lead to more energy efficient gas generation. This occurred because the gas bubbles formed preferentially on the PTFE, thereby freeing up the catalytically active metallic surfaces to produce the gas more efficiently. This work examined electrochemically induced hydrogen bubble formation on a nickel electrode surface that had been coated with linear patterns of PTFE. The impact of the PTFE line size (width) and degree of coverage was examined and analyzed. No improvement in electrical energy efficiency was observed up to 15 mA/cm 2 when comparing the PTFE-coated electrodes with the control bare uncoated electrode. However, increasing PTFE coverage up to 15% generally improved electrolysis performance. Moreover, samples with 50% wider lines performed better (at the equivalent PTFE coverage), yielding an overpotential decline of up to 3.9% depending on the PTFE coverage. A ‘bubble-scavenging’ phenomenon was also observed, wherein bubbles present on the PTFE lines rapidly shrunk until they disappeared
Increasing the Sustainability of Pharmaceutical Grade Water Production
Get PDFWater serves for the production of pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates and final products. Accordingly, the quality requirements are particularly high. Next to quality, sustainability of the production and climate change mitigation will play an increasingly important role. For instance, in 2015, the total global emissions of the pharma sector was significantly higher than the CO2 emissions generated by the automotive sector. Thus, efforts must be made at all stages of production of pharmaceuticals to reduce the environmental impact
On the Timescale of Drought Indices for Monitoring Streamflow Drought Considering Catchment Hydrological Regimes
Get PDFThere is a wide variety of drought indices, yet a consensus on suitable indices and temporal scales for monitoring streamflow drought remains elusive across diverse hydrological settings. Considering the growing interest in spatially distributed indices for ungauged areas, this study addresses the following questions: (i) What temporal scales of precipitation-based indices are most suitable to assess streamflow drought in catchments with different hydrological regimes? (ii) Do soil moisture indices outperform meteorological indices as proxies for streamflow drought? (iii) Are snow indices more effective than meteorological indices for assessing streamflow drought in snow-influenced catchments? To answer these questions, we examined 100 near-natural catchments in Chile with four hydrological regimes, using the standardised precipitation index (SPI), standardised precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), empirical standardised soil moisture index (ESSMI), and standardised snow water equivalent index (SWEI), aggregated across various temporal scales. Cross-correlation and event coincidence analysis were applied between these indices and the standardised streamflow index at a temporal scale of 1 month (SSI-1), as representative of streamflow drought events. Our results underscore that there is not a single drought index and temporal scale best suited to characterise all streamflow droughts in Chile, and their suitability largely depends on catchment memory. Specifically, in snowmelt-driven catchments characterised by a slow streamflow response to precipitation, the SPI at accumulation periods of 12–24 months serves as the best proxy for characterising streamflow droughts, with median correlation and coincidence rates of approximately 0.70–0.75 and 0.58–0.75, respectively. In contrast, the SPI at a 3-month accumulation period is the best proxy over faster-response rainfall-driven catchments, with median coincidence rates of around 0.55. Despite soil moisture and snowpack being key variables that modulate the propagation of meteorological deficits into hydrological ones, meteorological indices are better proxies for streamflow drought. Finally, to exclude the influence of non-drought periods, we recommend using the event coincidence analysis, a method that helps assessing the suitability of meteorological, soil moisture, and/or snow drought indices as proxies for streamflow drought events
REALLABOR AUFZANDERS
Get PDFVom Kalandersaal der Papierfabrik Zanders zum REALLABOR AUFZANDERS - Strategien zur Umnutzung in mehreren Ausbauschritte
Analysis of Climate Change Adaptive Capacity among Landowners in Mara Siana in Kenya and Identification of appropriate Measures
Get PDFDue to the global phenomenon of climate change the region of Mara Siana is projected to increasingly face extreme weather events that particularly comprise prolonged droughts and
heavier rainfalls. To be able to adequately adapt to these changing circumstances and maintain their livelihoods communities need to build respective capacities. As the main objective, this research aims at determining landowners’ climate change adaptative capacity (CCAC) across different villages in Mara Siana. Accordingly, a semi-quantitative approach was carried out including qualitative interviews and the subsequent quantitative calculation of CCAC based on a multidimensional indicator set and a respective coding
system. In addition to predominantly positive results of socio-cultural characteristics and the quality of natural resources, this work reveals clear weaknesses and potential for improvement in the areas of income security and financial stability, the expansion and resilience of infrastructure, and the relationship between communities and local authorities. Moreover, differences in capacity results are not only identified between the investigated villages as well as between individual households but also systemic disadvantage in capacity building affecting female landowners and community members can be indicated from the obtained interview data. Therefore, this research gives concrete recommendations for the implementation and verification of suitable adaptive measures that are particularly tailored for the improvement of low-performance indicators while following a gendertransformative approach and thus hold the potential to increase CCAC in the long-term
Inline Inspection of Packaged Food Using Microwave/Terahertz Sensing—An Overview with Focus on Confectionery Products
Get PDFElectromagnetic systems, in particular microwave/terahertz sensing technologies, are the newest among nondestructive sensing technologies. Currently, increased attention is pointed towards their use in various applications. Among these, food inspection stands out as a primary area due to its potential risk to human safety. As a result, substantial efforts are currently focused on utilizing microwave/terahertz imaging as a tool to enhance the efficacy of food quality assessments. This paper deals with the exploitation of microwave/terahertz imaging technology for food quality control and assessment. In particular, the work aims at reviewing the latest developments regarding the detection of internal quality parameters, such as foreign bodies, i.e., plastic, glass, and wood substances/fragments, as well as checking the completeness of the packaged food under consideration. Emphasis is placed on the (inline) inspection of wrapped/packaged food, such as chocolates, cookies, pastries, cakes, and similar confectionery products, moving along production conveyor belts. Moreover, the paper gives a recent overview of system prototypes and industrial products and highlights emerging research topics and future application directions in this area
Web based sizing and evaluation of electrolysis projects – The Electrolysis Calculator
Get PDFThe decarbonization and the substitution of fossil fuels with hydrogen have emerged as critical objectives in the ongoing energy transition. However, the lack of understanding and awareness surrounding industrial-scale hydrogen projects and their potential hinder progress in addressing these challenges. To expedite the transition process, it is imperative to cultivate a sense of awareness and sensitivity among industrial-scale hydrogen projects, dimensions of generation plants, and potential use cases for hydrogen and its co-products from electrolysis.
This research endeavors to answer the fundamental question: "How can a general sense of awareness and sensitivity for hydrogen projects be established in a manner that is easily comprehensible?" To accomplish this goal, a systematic approach is proposed. The research leverages renewable generation profiles in hourly resolution data from photovoltaic plants and onshore/offshore wind turbines, to ascertain the available electricity that can be utilized for electrolysis. By employing scientifically grounded assumptions about the parameters of electrolysis plants, the design and resource requirements will be determined and visually represented. Additionally, predefined use cases for the produced hydrogen and its by-products will be considered, and diverse supply capacities will be visualized across sectors such as mobility, industry, and housing, considering in non-cumulative manner. In addition, the potential of hydrogen as a long-term storage media for renewable electricity can be assessed.
The outcome of this research manifests as an accessible web tool called the "Electrolysis Calculator". This user-friendly tool necessitates four user-input values and performs calculations for primary electrolysis design parameters, encompassing full-load hours, resource consumption, generated energy, and substance quantities. Furthermore, the web tool provides intuitive visualizations of typical use case capacities, aimed at fostering awareness and understanding of hydrogen projects among its users.
The web tool enables decision-making and promoting widespread adoption of hydrogen as an alternative energy carrier and long term storage media