Tgm

Listening tests provide a framework for evaluating the subjective perception of sound in a controlled laboratory environment. In the literature, a number of publications can be found that use this method to study a variety of acoustic aspects, including the impact of sound insulation on indoor noise annoyance. Several publications deal with the validation/rejection of so-called single number quantities, and based on this, derive guidelines on the performance rating of construction elements. Nevertheless, there is no consensus regarding this topic in the scientific community. The outcome of these studies is greatly dependent on the sound stimuli used, which in this context are sound events filtered through the attenuation spectra of the walls. Therefore, to achieve relevant guidelines based on subjective evaluation, the stimuli must realistically reflect the range of noise exposure in buildings, and the SNQs must cover all aspects of annoyance. This work presents an overview of the methodology and sound stimuli used in the studies aimed at the impact of sound insulation on noise annoyance. Based on this overview, recommendations for future research are put forward to better incorporate all aspects of noise annoyance.

Quality assurance (QA) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requires test objects. ‘Phantoms’ provided by MR manufacturers are homogeneously filled spheres or cylinders, and commercially available products are often too small for abdominal imaging, particularly for enlarged polycystic kidneys. Here we present the design, manufacturing and testing of a dedicated, yet versatile, abdominal MRI phantom, that can be reproduced with relatively low costs. The phantom mimics a human abdomen in size and shape and comprises seven test fluids, representing various tissue types at 3 T. The conductivity and permittivity of the test fluids match the average abdomen and kidney with a relative permittivity (ε) 65 and 72 as well as conductivity 0.6 and 0.7 S/m, respectively. The T1 and T2 relaxation times cover healthy average abdomen and kidney tissue values (T1(abd): 856 ms and T1(kid): 1,106 ms; T2(abd): 52 ms and T2(kid): 67 ms), intermediate (T1: 1,183 ms and 1,271 ms; T2: 128 and 189 ms), and disease values for (polycystic) kidney (T1: 1,428 ms, 1,561 ms and 1763 ms; T2: 319 ms, 424 and 647 ms). T1 and T2 relaxation times were stable over 73 weeks. Our reasonably priced, durable and reproducible abdominal phantom enables single and multi-center QA for future collaborative studies aiming for various challenges around abdominal and, particularly, kidney imaging.

Abstract The paper shows best-practice examples to bring “Smart Cities” with focus on self-driving cars into a classroom. Target group are students from engineering education institutions.Theory concepts and practical concepts of Smart Cities are implemented with students of the department of mechanical engineering at the TGM Vienna, a higher technical college. The students with whom the experimental set-up is being developed focus on robotics and vehicle technology.Existing systems such as a racetrack, self-driving model cars with Arduino microcontrollers are used. The simulation of electronics and programming is partly done via distance learning due to the limitations of the Covid-19 pandemic. Together with the students, a demo system is built step by step in which central aspects of Smart Cities in relation to self-driving cars can be investigated.Because there are so many disciplines combined in Smart Cities, we split them into different learning sessions. The topics are basics of autonomous driving and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. We use available online tools, so that the students can do their exercises at home.The concept of Smart Cities is presented and implemented jointly by students and teachers in the classroom with demonstrative practical concepts. Teamwork and interdisciplinary learning are actively supported. The experimental set-up can be reused and extended. The paper discusses key aspects and concepts and gives useful examples of how this topic can be taught in class using a demo system.KeywordsSmart CitiesAutonomous drivingInternet of ThingsVehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication

BRAIINS (BRingAIIN Schools) 2020–2023 Erasmus+ project is first and foremost a bottom-up educational alliance between schools in EU with different backgrounds, expertise and focus and among students. Although already permeating our world, AI is not explicitly taught in most schools and has not found an appropriate place in curricula yet. While some platforms for kids and professional tools can be found, BRAIINS is targeting 15–18 year olds with a peer-to-peer approach. This paper explains how students with technical background provide online-learning materials and a ready to use website for their peers from the partner schools using ML4Kids, KNIME, the ML Kit for Firebase and robotic platforms such as Misty, Nao, Botball. This will give them the opportunity to learn from each other, collaborate to enhance the website with self-written exercises and examples as well as use it for their discussions about ethics and creative mindsets.

Retrofit and design of thermal cladding systems provide an opportunity to improve the acoustic properties of a building. However, the complexity of the calculation process to predict sound insulation improvement may inhibit rather than encourage novelty and innovation. This paper investigates whether it is realistic to calculate the frequency dependant sound insulation improvement due to modern thermal insulation wall lining systems with just a few input parameters. The calculation procedure is tested using measured results for one external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) and three curtain wall systems. The accuracy of the procedure is examined using three factors: (1) precision of the measurement, (2) variation of some of the basic parameters of the calculation procedure, and (3) an estimation of the standard error of the calculation. For the ETICS, agreement within <6.0 dB is achieved across much of the frequency range and the trend of the extended dip due to the spring-mass action of the panel is corroborated. The case for using this methodology on curtain wall systems is adequate, however, the trend of calculated results is mostly outside of the 95% confidence limits of the measured results. Possible reasons for this include lack of airtightness of all curtain wall systems and additional transmission due to radiation into and out of the cavity, neither of which are included in the model. The assumption of radiating points or lines, rather than a radiating surface involving the whole panel, gave better agreement at high frequencies for three of the four measured systems (f ≥ 2500 Hz).

In diese Studie wurde das Outcome bei chronischen Kreuzschmerzpatienten nach medizinischer Trainingstherapie mit verschiedenen Messinstrumenten bei den vier Subgruppen des Angst-Vermeidungsmodells [Angst-Vermeider (AV), Eustress Durchhalter (ED), Distress Durchhalter (DD) und adaptive Responders (AR)] evaluiert.