Background: Gait initiation is a major issue in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Moreover, the effect of current treatment on motor deficits vary alongside individual differences and disease severity. In some cases, postural instability has been documented as a major side-effect and refractory symptom to dopaminergic medication. Despite these shortcomings, research involving other forms of therapy including deep brain stimulation (DBS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), has evidenced the improvement of postural deficits in PD. In this regard, there is a strong rational for the modulation of subcortical brain activity via the application of non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to interconnected cortical brain structures. Purpose: Therefore, we sought to determine the effect of tDCS applied to the supplementary motor area (SMA), on gait initiation preparation and performance in PD. Methods: A within subjects repeated measures quasi-experimental design was used to investigate the effects of a 10-minute sham-controlled tDCS intervention. Clinically diagnosed participants (n=12) with idiopathic PD were tested on medication during two sessions that bookended one week. Those who had previously undergone other forms of brain stimulation, had diabetes, severe freezing of gait, or any other neurological or functional limitations that could interfere with gait initiation were excluded from the study. Statistical Analyses/Results: Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs with Bonferroni corrections and a post-hoc analyses when appropriate, revealed a significant reduction in the magnitude of center of pressure (CoP) displacement and velocity in the mediolateral (ML) direction following tDCS. Conclusions: Findings from this study provide insights that may guide scientific research regarding the effects of tDCS on gait initiation among those with PD. Additionally, our work may highlight the importance of ML postural stability for individuals with comorbid and/or pharmacologically induced postural instabilities.

Elektrische Maschinen werden heutzutage auf mannigfaltigen Gebieten eingesetzt. Sie verrichten ihre Aufgaben in leistungsstarken Industrieantrieben für Erzmühlen oder Stahlwalzen, als Synchrongeneratoren zur Elektroenergieerzeugung, in Fertigungsanlagen wie Backstraßen oder Fließbänder oder auch im Verkehr, in Zügen oder verstärkt nun auch in Automobilen. Sie erleichtern uns aber auch den Alltag an Stellen, wo sie oft gar nicht wahrgenommen werden. Sie ermöglichen nützliche Helferlein im Auto mithilfe von Servomotoren – Scheibenwischer, Fensterheber oder Seitenspiegelverstellung sind nur ausgewählte Beispiele. Aber auch Fensterrollläden, Klimaanlagen oder Fahrstühle benötigen elektrische Antriebe. Darüber hinaus verstecken sich sie sich als Klein- und Kleinstmaschinen in medizinischen Geräten wie dem Zahnarztbohrer oder in Pflegeprodukten des täglichen Bedarfs von der Haarschneidemaschine, über den Nasenhaartrimmer und Föhn bis hin zur elektrischen Zahnbürste. Da Elektromotoren also in immer mehr Geräten stecken, müssen auch immer größere Stückzahlen gefertigt werden, die am besten nichts kosten. Es besteht somit die große Herausforderung all die Bedürfnisse ressourcenschonend und kostengünstig zu bedienen. Aus diesem Gedanken heraus entstand am Lehrstuhl die Idee, Wicklungen elektrischer Kleinmaschinen zu drucken. Dies geschieht mithilfe der Siebdrucktechnik, wie es schon heute bei RFID-Chips die Regel ist. Es handelt sich also um ein erprobtes Verfahren, das eine günstige Fertigung großer Stückzahlen erlaubt. Erste Erfahrungen wurden bereits gesammelt, hier sei auf [10], [11] und [12] verwiesen. Im Rahmen dieser Diplomarbeit sollen diese Grundlagen nun ausgebaut, gefestigt, sowie erweitert werden. Um einen Eindruck und Überblick zu gewinnen, wird im Folgenden eine Reihe elektrischer Kleinmaschinen entworfen. Hierbei sollen Probleme ausfindig gemacht, Lösungen eruiert und Abweichungen zum konventionellen Entwurf aufgezeigt werden. Im Rahmen dessen werden Berechnungsvorschriften für siebgedruckte Wicklungen abgeleitet und diese schließlich zur Berechnung einer Maschinenreihe mit verschiedenen Außendurchmessern und Längen genutzt. Am Ende der Arbeit sollen ausgewählte Motoren aus der berechneten Reihe stehen, an denen Messungen stattfinden um die verwendeten Algorithmen zu verifizieren.:1 Einführung 2 Der prinzipielle Aufbau der zu entwerfenden Kleinmaschinen 2.1 Der Aufbau konventioneller Kleinmaschinen 2.2 Der mechanische Aufbau 2.3 Gedruckte Wicklungen 3 Theoretischer Entwurfs- und Rechengang 3.1 Maschinenentwurf 3.1.1 Magnetkreisentwurf 3.1.2 Abmessungen 3.1.3 Entwurf der Wicklung 3.2 Nachrechnung 3.2.1 Ohmscher Widerstand, Nennstrom und Stromdichte 3.2.2 Magnetische Spannungsabfälle 3.2.3 Induktivität und Reaktanz 3.2.4 Kraft, Drehmoment und mechanische Leistung 3.2.5 Verluste, Wirkungsgrad und Leistungsfaktor 3.2.6 Ausnutzungsfaktor, Strombelag und Charakteristisches Produkt 3.3 Bestimmung des Drehmoments 4 Ein zahlenmäßiger Entwurfsgang anhand einer Beispielmaschine 4.1 Vorgaben 4.2 Maschinenentwurf 4.2.1 Magnetkreisentwurf 4.2.2 Abmessungen 4.2.3 Entwurf der Wicklung 4.3 Nachrechnung 4.3.1 Ohmscher Widerstand, Nennstrom und Stromdichte 4.3.2 Magnetische Spannungsabfälle 4.3.3 Induktivität und Reaktanz 4.3.4 Kraft, Drehmoment und mechanische Leistung 4.3.5 Verluste, Wirkungsgrad und Leistungsfaktor 4.3.6 Ausnutzungsfaktor, Strombelag und Charakteristisches Produkt 5 Die Maschinenreihe im Detail 5.1 Die Maschinenreihe im Vergleich 5.2 Außendurchmesser 40 mm 5.3 Ein Vergleich mit am Markt erhältlichen Maschinen 6 Fertigung und Maschinenpraxis ausgewählter Modelle 6.1 Vorbereitungen 6.2 Die gedruckten Wicklungen 6.3 Ein praktischer Ausblick 6.4 Potenzial und Ausblick – Steigerung der Effizienz 7 Zusammenfassung A Das FEM-Modell zur Ermittlung der Läuferinduktion B Die Maschinenreihe C Praktische Ausführungen zum Maschinenentwurf

Presented Diploma Thesis is focused on electroanalytical determination of the herbicide Aclonifen, which belongs to a group of herbicides derived from diphenylether. These herbicides are used due to their effects - inhibition of protoporfyrinogen oxidase synthesis and also inhibition of biosynthesis of carotenoids. Due to its widespread use in agricultural, toxical effects on humans and because of its negative impacts particularly on aquatic ecosystems there is a need for methods capable of determining the presence of Aclonifen in the environment to monitor its ecological impacts. Optimal conditions for the determination of Aclonifen have been investigated in BR buffer - methanolic solution and in BR buffer. Electrochemical behavior of the substance has been studied using direct current voltammetry (DCV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPP) and adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) on the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) and by using TAST polarography and differential pulse polarography (DPP) on the dropping mercury electrode (DME). UV/VIS spectrophotometric detection was used for comparison to electrochemical detection. Used wavelengths were 308 nm and 388 nm. For electrochemical determination of Aclonifen the above mentioned techniques were used and following results were obtained: DCV...

The main goal of this thesis is to get an insight into a field of non-destructive testing using potential drop techniques that have nowadays become the standard not only in the fatigue and loading tests but also in the industry. These methods can serve to non-destructively and continuously measure material specimens, thickness, corrosion losses, deformations, spectroscopy and detection and analysis of crack geometry. They can help to identify materials and measure material changes over time. The second part of this thesis deals with designing the aperture for detection of cracks in steam and product piping using potential drop technique modified by Ing. Ladislav Korec, CSc. Last part deals with extensive testing, experimenting and evaluation of the aperture.

Energy from solar photovoltaic (PV) are generated as direct current (DC) and almost all of today’s electrical loads in residential buildings, household appliances and HVAC system (Heating Ventilation and Air-conditioning) are operated on DC. For a conventional alternating current (AC) distribution system this requires the need for multiple conversion steps before the final user-stage. By switching the distribution system to DC, conversion steps between AC to DC can be avoided and, in that way, losses are reduced. Including a battery storage–the system’s losses can be reduced further and the generated PV energy is even better utilised. This thesis investigates and quantifies the energy savings when using a direct current distribution topology in a residential building together with distributed energy generation from solar photovoltaic and a battery storage. Measured load and PV generation data for a single-family house situated in Borås, Sweden is used as a case study for the analysis. Detailed and dynamic models–based on laboratory measurements of the power electronic converters and the battery–are also used to more accurately reflect the system’s dynamic performance. In this study a dynamic representation of the battery’s losses is presented which is based on laboratory measurements of the resistance and current dependency for a single lithium-ion cell based on Lithium iron phosphate (LFP). A comparative study is made with two others, commonly used, loss representations and evaluated with regards to the complete system’s performance, using the PV and load data from the single-family house. Results show that a detailed battery representation is important for a correct loss prediction when modelling the interaction between loads, PV and the battery. Four DC system topologies are also modelled and compared to an equivalent AC topology using the experimental findings from the power electronic converters and the battery measurements. Results from the quasi-dynamic modelling show that the annual energy savings potential from the suggested DC topologies ranges between 1.9–5.6%. The DC topologies also increase the PV utilisation by up to 10 percentage points, by reducing the associated losses from the inverter and the battery conversion. Results also show that the grid-tied converter is the main loss contributor and when a constant grid-tied efficiency is used, the energy savings are overestimated.

Eine überaktive Überwachung eigener Handlungen, welche sich in erhöhten Amplituden der error-related negativity (ERN) zeigt, scheint eine zentrale Rolle in der Pathophysiologie der Zwangsstörung zu spielen. Die funktionelle Bedeutsamkeit der ERN, die Mechanismen, die zur erhöhten ERN bei Zwangsstörungen beitragen und der Nutzen der ERN als Ansatzpunkt für Interventionen sind jedoch nicht vollständig geklärt. Diese Dissertation umfasst drei Studien, deren Ziel es war, diese Aspekte zu untersuchen. Studie 1 untersuchte die affektive Bewertung eigener Handlungen und zeigte, dass Handlungen automatisch affektive Valenz zugeschrieben wird. Darauf aufbauend untersuchte Studie 2, ob die ERN die Valenzbewertung von Fehlern widerspiegelt und ob eine veränderte Fehlerbewertung zur erhöhten ERN bei Zwangsstörungen beiträgt. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass Personen mit Zwangsstörung eine verminderte Valenzbewertung von Fehlern aufweisen, lieferten aber keine Hinweise auf einen Zusammenhang zwischen ERN und Fehlerbewertung, was nahelegt, dass eine veränderte Fehlerbewertung nicht der erhöhten ERN bei Zwangsstörungen zugrunde liegt. Studie 3 untersuchte, ob die ERN durch nicht-invasive Hirnstimulation modulierbar ist und lieferte Hinweise darauf, dass kathodale transkranielle Gleichstromstimulation über dem prä-supplementär motorischen Areal die ERN bei gesunden Personen und Personen mit Zwangsstörung reduziert. Zusammenfassend zeigen die Studien, dass die Handlungsüberwachung die affektive Bewertung eigener Handlungen umfasst und dass dieser Prozess bei Zwangsstörungen verändert ist; eine veränderte Fehlerbewertung scheint jedoch nicht der erhöhten ERN bei Zwangsstörungen zugrunde zu liegen. Diese Erkenntnisse tragen zum Verständnis neurokognitiver Veränderungen bei dieser Störung bei. Zudem zeigen die Ergebnisse, dass nicht-invasive Hirnstimulation das Potenzial hat, die ERN bei Personen mit Zwangsstörung abzuschwächen. Dies könnte den Weg für neue Interventionsstrategien ebnen. / Overactive performance monitoring, as indicated by increased amplitudes of the error-related negativity (ERN), is considered to play a central role in the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, the functional significance of the ERN, the mechanisms contributing to increased ERN amplitudes in OCD, and the utility of the ERN as a target for intervention are not fully understood. This dissertation comprises three studies that aimed to shed light on these questions. Study 1 examined the affective evaluation of own actions, revealing that affective valence is automatically assigned to actions. Building upon this, Study 2 investigated whether the ERN reflects the valence evaluation of errors and whether altered error evaluation contributes to heightened ERN magnitude in OCD. The results indicated that individuals with OCD show reduced valence evaluation of errors, yet they provided no evidence for an association between ERN and error evaluation, suggesting that altered error evaluation may not underlie elevated ERN magnitude in OCD. Study 3 investigated whether the ERN can be modulated by non-invasive brain stimulation, and provided tentative evidence that cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the presupplementary motor area reduces the ERN in healthy individuals and individuals with OCD. In summary, the studies provide evidence that performance monitoring encompasses the affective evaluation of own actions and demonstrate that this process is altered in OCD; however, aberrant error evaluation does not seem to underlie heightened ERN amplitudes in OCD. These insights contribute to the understanding of neurocognitive alterations in this disorder. Additionally, the results suggest that non-invasive brain stimulation has the potential to attenuate the ERN in individuals with OCD, which may pave the way for novel intervention strategies.

My diploma thesis is focused on a comparison of direct-current and high frequency (15-80 kHz) electric discharge, which generates non-thermal plasma in water solution of sodium chloride. Mainly current-voltage and Lissajous charts are discussed in the first part of this thesis. These charts describe different discharge phases: electrolysis, bubble formation, discharge breakdown and discharge regular operation in a pin-hole of a dielectric barrier. Influence of frequency, electrolyte conductivity, thickness of the diaphragm (or length of the capillary) and pin-hole diameter on discharge breakdown and bubble generation was studied, too. Measurements were realized in a polycarbonate reactor with total volume of 110 ml, which was divided by a changeable polyacetal insulating wall. This wall divided the reactor into two approximately equal spaces with one stainless steel planar electrode in each part. The Shapal-MTM ceramic discs (thickness of 0.3–1.5 mm and diameter of the central pin-hole of 0.3-0.9 mm) were mounted in the centre of the insulating wall. Initial conductivity of sodium chloride solution was chosen within the interval of 100900 S/cm. The second part of my thesis compares an influence of the direct-current (DC) and high frequency (HF) power sources on physical solution properties (conductivity, pH and temperature) and generation of hydrogen peroxide. A plasma reactor with total volume of 4 l and with mixing set up was divided into two equal spaces with one planar platinum electrode in each part. Diaphragm with thickness of 0.6 mm and pin-hole diameter of 0.6 mm was installed in the middle of the separating wall. Experiment was held at discharge operation of 45 W for 40 minutes with both power sources. Detection of hydrogen peroxide was realised by using a titanium reagent forming a yellow complex, which was analysed by absorption spectroscopy. If HF discharge power is plotted as a function of applied frequency, exponential decrease of frequency with increasing power can be observed. Higher breakdown voltage is necessary for thicker dielectric barriers, on the other hand for bigger diameter of the pin-hole lower breakdown voltage and higher power is needed in DC as well as in HF regime. Breakdown voltage is decreased by the increasing conductivity in both regimes; due to more charge carriers in the higher conductivity lower breakdown voltage is needed. However frequency in HF regime and DC discharge power increases. HF discharge power is decreased by the increasing conductivity. Solution conductivity and temperature are increased by initial conductivity value in both discharge regimes. Solution pH drops to acidic conditions when HF or DC positive regime is applied due to the generation of reactive species and electrolysis (in DC regime). However solution becomes alkaline when DC negative regime is applied. Concentration of hydrogen peroxide is produced linearly when HF or DC negative regime is applied and it depends on initial solution conductivity.

The diplomma thesis is dealing with possibilities of Signal to noise ratio measurement by method, which is based on direct measurement. It is chosen the most suitable method – signal and noise separation to two different parallel signal branches, where is measured signal strength in one branch and root mean square value in the other. The thesis is consisted of a concept of detail block scheme of Signal to noise ratio meter, which was designed in terms of theoretical knowledge. Particular functional blocks were circuit-designed, the active and passive parts were chosen and their function were described. There were made simulation and displayed input and output time flows. There is designed the whole connection of engineered Signal to noise ratio meter in the last part of my thesis. The double-sided board of printed circuit is contained too. It was created simple programme for supervisor micro-processor. Thereby were constructed complete bases for realization.

Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit der Fragestellung, inwiefern sich gegebene Verfahren zur Approximation von rationalen Krylow-Räumen zur Berechnung von Matrixfunktionen eignen. Als Modellproblem wird dazu eine 2.5D-Formulierung eines Problems aus der Gleichstrom-Geoelektrik mit finiten Elementen formuliert und dann mittels Matrixfunktionen auf rationalen Krylow-Unterräumen gelöst. Ein weiterer Teil beschäftigt sich mit dem Vergleich zweier Verfahren zur Transformation bestehender rationaler Krylow-Räume. Bei beiden Varianten werden die zugrunde liegenden Pole getauscht ohne dass ein explizites Invertieren von Matrizen notwendig ist. In dieser Arbeit werden die über mehrere Publikationen verteilten Grundlagen einheitlich zusammengetragen und fehlende Zusammenhänge ergänzt. Beide Verfahren eignen sich prinzipiell um rationale Krylow-Räume zu approximieren. Dies wird anhand mehrerer Beispiele gezeigt. Anhand des Modellproblems werden Beschränkungen der Methoden verdeutlicht.

This thesis deals with the design of automated system of electroplating. The first part is centered on designing the technological process for this electroplating and the setout of operating vats. It also deals with the project of mechanical construction, electrical system, with the computing procedure and the optimum choice of gear for galvanic line model. The work includes the design of a DC motor controller, the computing procedure and the construction of heating element for vats heater simulation. The last part of this thesis offers an insight to the control system and the assembled program. In the addendum, the photo of the realized model, the wiring scheme, and the programme transcript for control galvanic line model can be found.