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Urogynakologie und plastische Beckenbodenchirurgie beschaftigen sich mit der Diagnostik und konservativen sowie operativen Therapie von Erkrankungen des weiblichen Beckenbodens. Dabei spielt insbesondere die gestorte Sexualfunktion infolge von anatomischen Verletzungen nach vaginalen Entbindungen eine zentrale Rolle. Die chirurgische Rekonstruktion der Scheide, der Faszien und Sehnen sowie von Harnrohre, Vulva und Anus nach traumatischen Entbindungen ist eine Voraussetzung fur die Funktionalitat, und somit ist die Behandlung des Beckenbodens immer auch eine Sexualtherapie. Korperliche Defizite fuhren zu somatischen und psychosomatischen Storungen, die einem lustvollen Erleben des Sexuallebens entgegenstehen. Somatisch konnen Inkontinenz, Senkung- und Fremdkorpergefuhl, Weitegefuhl, Kontaktverlust zum Penis, Empfindungs- und Orgasmusverlust, Ein- und Austritt von Wasser oder Luft in und aus der Scheide, Harn- und Stuhlinkontinenz sowie Stuhlentleerungsstorungen bestehen. Hierdurch konnen Unsicherheit und das Gefuhl von Unattraktivitat erzeugt und die Libido reduziert werden, was tiefe Auswirkungen auf die Psyche der betroffenen Frau, aber auch auf deren soziales Umfeld und deren Paarbeziehung hat. Die haufig gewunschte sexuelle Aktivitat im Senium kann durch gesundheitliche Beeintrachtigungen im Allgemeinen und Beckenbodenstorungen im Besonderen gestort sein. Arztinnen und Arzte mussen die Tabuisierung der Sexualitat im Alter und von Sexualstorungen generell durch aktives Nachfragen durchbrechen. Sowohl konservative als auch operative Therapieansatze konnen hier Abhilfe schaffen, wobei insbesondere die breitflachige Netzchirurgie hohe Risiken fur die Dyspareunie birgt.

A transparent planar electrode from thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) incorporated with a photoconductive thin film of zinc oxide (ZnO) was successfully employed in a visible-blind ultraviolet (UV) photodetector. The TRGO layer was obtained from thermal reduction of drop-cast GO layer at the temperature of 400 °C after which the electrical resistance of layer decreased four orders of magnitude to ~100 Ω. Then a pure and uniform ZnO thin film with the thickness of ~80 nm was sputtered on the TRGO layer. High UV absorption and visible transparency with the average transmittance of 92% in the range of 400–800 nm (T400−800) were obtained for the ZnO thin film. Moreover, the TRGO layer was highly capable in collecting photogenerated electrons from ZnO thin film and efficient transport of charge carriers to the contact electrodes. The ZnO/TRGO device showed an ideal Ohmic behavior and high visible-light transparency with T400−800 = 80%. Furthermore, the results of current–time measurements with cyclic exposure of the device to UV light indicated stable ON/OFF switching states and highly repeatable photoresponse.

High quality indium tin oxide/polyethylene terephthalate (ITO/PET) electrode with sheet resistance as low as 1.16 Ω/□ and the optical transmittance of 91 % at the wavelength of 600 nm was fabricated. The room-temperature radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique was used to deposit ITO thin film on PET substrate under low RF power without oxygen flow or post treatment. The remarkable value of 118.5 × 10−3 Ω−1 was achieved for the figure of merit in the 93 nm thick ITO thin film, due to the fine tuning of the sputtering parameters. An entirely Ohmic behavior was recorded for the ITO/PET electrode on the copper contacts suggesting that the product is highly capable for application in optoelectronic devices. The results of field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy demonstrated film consistency with a desired surface morphology giving a Rrms value of 2.073 nm. The elemental, chemical and phase analyses further revealed that the deposited ITO thin film on the PET substrate was pure and amorphous.

Graphene, an outstanding material with remarkable electrical, mechanical and thermal properties, has found tremendous potential in electronic devices. Here we report the direct and irreversible reduction of graphene oxide (GO) ultrathin film (UTF) by application of 30 V bias on GO device under the ambient condition. During the process, an ultrahigh current density flowed through UTF resulting in the Joule-heat generation. The heat effectively removed the oxygen-containing groups from GO and restored graphene layer π-conjugated system reducing the electrical resistance down to ~10.7 Ω. The film also exhibited a linear, symmetric and hysteresis-free current response to the biases in the range of −2 to 2 V. Moreover, the sheet resistance as low as ~125 Ω/□ and optical transmittance of 91 % at 550 nm demonstrated that the reduced GO (rGO) UTF is superior to the conventional transparent electrodes. The rGO transparent conductive film sustained an ultrahigh current density in the order of 107 A cm−2 and showed high current stability in the saturated state, which make it an ideal candidate for transparent electrode applications.

In this study, a highly sensitive and high-gain metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector was successfully fabricated based on textured silicon substrates. Texturing of silicon substrate is an efficient technique to control its surface reflectivity by increasing the specific surface area. A combination of porous and pyramidal structures of silicon was introduced to dramatically enhance the light-capturing ability and minimize the reflection coefficient of the silicon substrates. To fabricate pyramidal structures, selective chemical dissolution of silicon was carried out. To form porous structures on pyramidal silicon, electrochemical etching process with different etching time was followed. The morphology and structure of samples were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The optical properties were investigated using Raman, photoluminescence (PL) and reflectance spectroscopy. Results indicated that the optical reflectivity can be minimized when an optimal etching time is applied which can be due to the enhancement in the exposed area and ability of light capturing. The enhanced porosity of the optimized substrate was illustrated by its elevated PL intensity. For studying the effect of porous layer on the optoelectrical properties of pyramidal structures, metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors were fabricated by deposition of Schottky contacts of Au on different samples. The device with the optimal porous layer exhibited enhanced sensitivity to the incident illumination due to the huge surface area and reduction in the reflection coefficient. Moreover, the ultrafast sensing behavior of this device reflects its improved optoelectrical performance in light detection.

Der Wunsch nach Sexualitat spielt auch im Senium eine erhebliche Rolle. Beeintrachtigt sein kann sie durch eine gestorte oder nicht vorhandene Paarbeziehung, andererseits zu einem entscheidenden Anteil durch mangelnde Gesundheit und Beckenbodenstorungen. Zu Beckenbodenstorungen gehoren Erkrankungen wie Harninkontinenz, Descensus genitalis, Blasenentleerungsstorungen oder Stuhlinkontinenz. Der Alterungsvorgang mit dem dadurch bedingten Verlust an Bindegewebe und Muskulatur sowie die vaginale Entbindung sind die beiden wichtigsten Ursachen fur eine symptomatische Beckenbodenstorung. Beckenbodenstorungen haben negativen Einfluss auf die Sexualfunktion der Frau im Senium. Konservative Behandlungsverfahren, wie Physiotherapie und lokale Ostrogenisierung, sollten unbedingt angeboten werden. Auch die Beckenbodenchirurgie zur Behandlung von Senkungs- und Inkontinenzerkrankungen kann sexuelle Funktionsstorungen beheben, ist aber nicht selten assoziiert mit einer negativen Beeinflussung der Erregungs- und Orgasmusphase. Levatorplastiken mit Muskelinterpositionen uber dem Rektum bzw. im Spatium rezii sowie die vaginale Fixatio sacrospinalis nach Amreich-Richter sollten der Vergangenheit angehoren. Auch grosflachige synthetische Netze zur Behandlung von Zystozele und Rektozele sollten speziell bei sexuell aktiven Frauen sehr streng indiziert werden. Urogynakologische Patientinnen sollten grundsatzlich bezuglich ihrer Sexualitat befragt werden.

In present study, the behavior of electrospun ZnO nanofibers under the application of low frequency alternating (AC) electric fields within the range of 1 Hz–20 kHz was investigated using planar parallel electrodes. In the first stage, ZnO nanofibers with diameters up to 100 nm were prepared by electrospinning. At 1 Hz, the strong electric field-induced fluid flow due to charge redistribution around the electrode swept the fibers on the electrode surface farther from the edges. As the frequency was increased to 1 kHz, most depositing fibers accumulated on the electrode edges and in the meantime, a small fraction of them was pushed into the surface as a result of AC electroosmosis effect. Above 1 kHz, the fibers were assembled within the electrode gap bridging the interelectrode space. The dielectrophoresis force was considered responsible for the assembly and relative alignment of ZnO nanofibers above 1 kHz.

The past decade has seen VSC-HVDC systems deployed to establish transmission schemes both onshore and offshore, often for interconnectors utilizing underground or subsea cables but also a few systems designed to operate on long overhead transmission lines (OHTLs) [1]. In specific literature, it is referred to the capability of VSC schemes being able to feed power into passive AC grids, hence with a short-circuit capacity equal to zero. However, for proper AC grid operation, there are constraints and power transmission limitations, which come inherently from the physical nature of the AC systems on the receiving and sending ends of the power interconnector, related to their capability to keep stable operating voltage. This paper intends to examine this aspect in order to shed some light on the issue of power transmission limitations for VSC HVDC interconnectors as a function of AC grid characteristics.

The model of the machine layout problem MLP in a cellular manufacturing environment attains additional dimensions as it should satisfy the qualitative interconnections between the machines and the location restrictions of an existing factory environment. A new MLP model based on merging pre-emptive goal programming and simulated annealing has been developed for machine layout in cells. This model seeks to find feasible solutions by addressing practical issues of implementation as well as reducing the total travel distances for parts between machines. The new model can also be applied to facility layout problems FLP . The computational work is demonstrated by applying the model to problems of both quantitative and qualitative types, and has produced encouraging results. This model is particularly attractive for layout problems with realistic goals and constraints. To show the performance of the model in handling real-world problems, a practical example has been introduced and solved using the proposed model.

This paper discusses the application of Phasor Measurement Units (PMU's) to improve power system stability. The focus is on using PMU data to influence power system primary equipment and secondary controls to provide real time improvement. Modal analysis of PMU data from multiple locations is used to identify inter-area stability issues and local oscillation modes. Oscillatory stability monitoring techniques based on PMU data were validated against standard systems with known frequency components. A virtual PMU which includes IEEE C37.118 communication was created to be able to run in a PC environment. Key system stability metrics are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the control actions. This paper also discusses the use of remote measurements to improve local power system stability. The paper specifically looks at improving the Power Oscillation Damping (POD) feature of HVDC technology through the use of remote measurements. The paper also looks at small signal stability issues and the improvement through Wide area measurements (WAM).

This paper develops a novel hybrid intelligent method, which is combined Petri Net (PN) model with Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) to solve target network reconfiguration strategy for power system restoration. The target network is firstly modeled by Petri Net (PN) theory. In order to find the shortest restored energized path effectively, the transition rules of PN and the ACO algorithm are integrated elaborately. Finally, the case studies for IEEE 30-bus system as benchmark are applied to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed model and method. (4 pages)

In this paper we conduct a feasibility study using simulation for AirTran Airways at their hub in Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). This study pertains to using super-tug to transport aircraft to and from the airline's maintenance facility. The purchasing price for these super-tugs is around a quarter of a million dollars. This study attempts to investigate the possibility of reducing costs through saving jet fuel. This study adopts simulation to analyze the annual savings by studying the numbers needed, as well as the utilization and operation cost for these super-tugs. The results are very interesting, enabling the airline to clearly evaluate the cost and benefits of purchasing new super-tugs.

This paper reports results of research that developed a computerized simulation model for the aircraft line maintenance department in Continental Airlines. The original AUTOMOD model that was created duplicated the maintenance operations at Continental's major maintenance station at Newark. Modeling the day-to-day maintenance activities lead to the development of enhanced staffing models and a better understanding of resource requirements on a daily basis. This study had immediate and practical application as well as advancing an important frontier in operations research. Simulation modeling was effectively used in the estimation of technician requirements on a subshift basis. Simulation modeling generated performance measures, like technician utilization and work overflow, which could not be estimated earlier. The model gave objective justification for simple solutions like staggered shifts and part-time labor, which can meet resistance in a workforce. Simulation offers a viable tool for studying the impact of changing flight schedule on system parameters, like technician requirements. The optimization studies showed that changing the shift schedule could greatly enhance the efficiency of the existing system by spreading the workload more uniformly across shifts. Simulation, especially stochastic simulation, has advantages over mathematical modeling, especially in situations where flows have an apparent randomness in their character. Airline maintenance operations, and many maintenance operations in general, are plagued by planning difficulties because failures seem random at high levels of analysis, and/or because scheduling is tightly coupled with (and slaved to) other operations which are erstwhile irregular in their natures. Airline maintenance is one of the most important applications of maintenance in industry, as it has a profound impact on cost, customer satisfaction, and safety. This study applied stochastic modeling to flightline maintenance at an important airline, and illustrated the opportunity for improved maintenance management that only hints of its overall potential.