@article{BoehnertBlaschkeBiewendt2023, author = {B{\"o}hnert, Arno and Blaschke, Florian and Biewendt, Marcel}, title = {Impact of sustainability on the strategic direction of luxury companies}, series = {European Journal of Marketing and Economics}, volume = {6}, journal = {European Journal of Marketing and Economics}, number = {1}, publisher = {Revistia}, address = {London}, issn = {2601-8659}, pages = {70 -- 85}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Today's society is undergoing a paradigm shift driven by the megatrend of sustainability. This undeniably affects all areas of Western life. This paper aims to find out how the luxury industry is dealing with this change and what adjustments are made by the companies. For this purpose, interviews were conducted with managers from the luxury industry, in which they were asked about specific measures taken by their companies as well as trends in the industry. In a subsequent evaluation, the trends in the luxury industry were summarized for the areas of ecological, social, and economic sustainability. It was found that the area of environmental sustainability is significantly more focused than the other sub-areas. Furthermore, the need for a customer survey to validate the industry-based measures was identified.}, language = {en} } @article{StapenhorstZabekHildebrand2018, author = {Stapenhorst, Carolin and Zabek, Magdalena and Hildebrand, Linda}, title = {Communication process and information flow in the architectural planning context}, series = {Creativity game : theory and practice of spatial planning}, journal = {Creativity game : theory and practice of spatial planning}, number = {6}, publisher = {University of Ljubljana}, address = {Ljubljana}, doi = {10.15292/IU-CG.2018.06.066-073}, pages = {66 -- 73}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Against the background of growing data in everyday life, data processing tools become more powerful to deal with the increasing complexity in building design. The architectural planning process is offered a variety of new instruments to design, plan and communicate planning decisions. Ideally the access to information serves to secure and document the quality of the building and in the worst case, the increased data absorbs time by collection and processing without any benefit for the building and its user. Process models can illustrate the impact of information on the design- and planning process so that architect and planner can steer the process. This paper provides historic and contemporary models to visualize the architectural planning process and introduces means to describe today's situation consisting of stakeholders, events and instruments. It explains conceptions during Renaissance in contrast to models used in the second half of the 20th century. Contemporary models are discussed regarding their value against the background of increasing computation in the building process.}, language = {en} } @article{StapenhorstDutto2016, author = {Stapenhorst, Carolin and Dutto, Andrea Alberto}, title = {Notes on conceptual learning in architecture}, series = {Cartha - The Form of Form}, journal = {Cartha - The Form of Form}, address = {Basel}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{RakeEnningKurthetal.1994, author = {Rake, Heinrich and Enning, Manfred and Kurth, Johannes and Schr{\"o}der, Walter}, title = {Automatic uncoupler completes automation at the hump}, series = {RGI - Railway Gazette International}, volume = {150}, journal = {RGI - Railway Gazette International}, number = {6}, publisher = {Reed Business}, address = {Sutton}, issn = {0373-5346}, pages = {371 -- 374}, year = {1994}, language = {en} } @article{HafidiElHatkaSchmitzetal.2024, author = {Hafidi, Youssef and El Hatka, Hicham and Schmitz, Dominik and Krauss, Manuel and Pettrak, J{\"u}rgen and Biel, Markus and Ittobane, Najim}, title = {Sustainable soil additives for water and micronutrient supply: swelling and chelating properties of polyaspartic acid hydrogels utilizing newly developed crosslinkers}, series = {Gels}, volume = {10}, journal = {Gels}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2310-2861}, doi = {10.3390/gels10030170}, pages = {Artikel 170}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Drought and water shortage are serious problems in many arid and semi-arid regions. This problem is getting worse and even continues in temperate climatic regions due to climate change. To address this problem, the use of biodegradable hydrogels is increasingly important for the application as water-retaining additives in soil. Furthermore, efficient (micro-)nutrient supply can be provided by the use of tailored hydrogels. Biodegradable polyaspartic acid (PASP) hydrogels with different available (1,6-hexamethylene diamine (HMD) and L-lysine (LYS)) and newly developed crosslinkers based on diesters of glycine (GLY) and (di-)ethylene glycol (DEG and EG, respectively) were synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and regarding their swelling properties (kinetic, absorbency under load (AUL)) as well as biodegradability of PASP hydrogel. Copper (II) and zinc (II), respectively, were loaded as micronutrients in two different approaches: in situ with crosslinking and subsequent loading of prepared hydrogels. The results showed successful syntheses of di-glycine-ester-based crosslinkers. Hydrogels with good water-absorbing properties were formed. Moreover, the developed crosslinking agents in combination with the specific reaction conditions resulted in higher water absorbency with increased crosslinker content used in synthesis (10\% vs. 20\%). The prepared hydrogels are candidates for water-storing soil additives due to the biodegradability of PASP, which is shown in an exemple. The incorporation of Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions can provide these micronutrients for plant growth.}, language = {en} } @article{AsarStapenhorst2020, author = {Asar, Hande and Stapenhorst, Carolin}, title = {Zvi Hecker: Drawing on drawing}, series = {Archives of Design Research}, volume = {33}, journal = {Archives of Design Research}, number = {3}, publisher = {Korean Society of Design Science}, address = {Seongnam}, issn = {1226-8046}, doi = {10.15187/adr.2020.08.33.3.45}, pages = {45 -- 53}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background: Architectural representation, nurtured by the interaction between design thinking and design action, is inherently multi-layered. However, the representation object cannot always reflect these layers. Therefore, it is claimed that these reflections and layerings can gain visibility through 'performativity in personal knowledge', which basically has a performative character. The specific layers of representation produced during the performativity in personal knowledge permit insights about the 'personal way of designing' [1]. Therefore, the question, 'how can these layered drawings be decomposed to understand the personal way of designing', can be defined as the beginning of the study. On the other hand, performativity in personal knowledge in architectural design is handled through the relationship between explicit and tacit knowledge and representational and non-representational theory. To discuss the practical dimension of these theoretical relations, Zvi Hecker's drawing of the Heinz-Galinski-School is examined as an example. The study aims to understand the relationships between the layers by decomposing a layered drawing analytically in order to exemplify personal ways of designing. Methods: The study is based on qualitative research methodologies. First, a model has been formed through theoretical readings to discuss the performativity in personal knowledge. This model is used to understand the layered representations and to research the personal way of designing. Thus, one drawing of Hecker's Heinz-Galinski-School project is chosen. Second, its layers are decomposed to detect and analyze diverse objects, which hint to different types of design tools and their application. Third, Zvi Hecker's statements of the design process are explained through the interview data [2] and other sources. The obtained data are compared with each other. Results: By decomposing the drawing, eleven layers are defined. These layers are used to understand the relation between the design idea and its representation. They can also be thought of as a reading system. In other words, a method to discuss Hecker's performativity in personal knowledge is developed. Furthermore, the layers and their interconnections are described in relation to Zvi Hecker's personal way of designing. Conclusions: It can be said that layered representations, which are associated with the multilayered structure of performativity in personal knowledge, form the personal way of designing.}, language = {en} } @article{RieplPettrakFaulstichetal.2010, author = {Riepl, Herbert Matthias and Pettrak, J{\"u}rgen and Faulstich, Martin and Herrmann, Wolfgang Anton}, title = {Self metathesis of fatty alcohols and amines to provide monomers for polyester and polyamide products}, series = {Macromolecular Symposia}, volume = {293}, journal = {Macromolecular Symposia}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1521-3900 (eISSN)}, doi = {10.1002/masy.200900041}, pages = {39 -- 42}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Self metathesis of oleochemicals offers a variety of bifunctional compounds, that can be used as monomer for polymer production. Many precursors are in huge scales available, like oleic acid ester (biodiesel), oleyl alcohol (tensides), oleyl amines (tensides, lubricants). We show several ways to produce and separate and purify C18-α,ω-bifunctional compounds, using Grubbs 2nd Generation catalysts, starting from technical grade educts.}, language = {en} } @article{UysalFiratCreutzetal.2022, author = {Uysal, Karya and Firat, Ipek Serat and Creutz, Till and Aydin, Inci Cansu and Artmann, Gerhard and Teusch, Nicole and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l}, title = {A novel in vitro wound healing assay using free-standing, ultra-thin PDMS membranes}, series = {membranes}, volume = {2023}, journal = {membranes}, number = {13(1)}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/membranes13010022}, pages = {Artikel 22}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Advances in polymer science have significantly increased polymer applications in life sciences. We report the use of free-standing, ultra-thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes, called CellDrum, as cell culture substrates for an in vitro wound model. Dermal fibroblast monolayers from 28- and 88-year-old donors were cultured on CellDrums. By using stainless steel balls, circular cell-free areas were created in the cell layer (wounding). Sinusoidal strain of 1 Hz, 5\% strain, was applied to membranes for 30 min in 4 sessions. The gap circumference and closure rate of un-stretched samples (controls) and stretched samples were monitored over 4 days to investigate the effects of donor age and mechanical strain on wound closure. A significant decrease in gap circumference and an increase in gap closure rate were observed in trained samples from younger donors and control samples from older donors. In contrast, a significant decrease in gap closure rate and an increase in wound circumference were observed in the trained samples from older donors. Through these results, we propose the model of a cell monolayer on stretchable CellDrums as a practical tool for wound healing research. The combination of biomechanical cell loading in conjunction with analyses such as gene/protein expression seems promising beyond the scope published here.}, language = {en} } @article{GraesslRenzHezeletal.2013, author = {Gr{\"a}ßl, Andreas and Renz, Wolfgang and Hezel, Fabian and Dieringer, Matthias A. and Winter, Lukas and {\"O}zerdem, Celal and Rieger, Jan and Kellmann, Peter and Santoro, Davide and Lindel, Tomasz Dawid and Frauenrath, Tobias and Pfeiffer, Harald and Niendorf, Thoralf}, title = {Modular 32-channel transceiver coil array for cardiac MRI at 7.0T}, series = {Magnetic Resonance in Medicine}, volume = {72}, journal = {Magnetic Resonance in Medicine}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley-Liss}, address = {New York}, issn = {1522-2594}, doi = {10.1002/mrm.24903}, pages = {276 -- 290}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Purpose To design and evaluate a modular transceiver coil array with 32 independent channels for cardiac MRI at 7.0T. Methods The modular coil array comprises eight independent building blocks, each containing four transceiver loop elements. Numerical simulations were used for B1+ field homogenization and radiofrequency (RF) safety validation. RF characteristics were examined in a phantom study. The array's suitability for accelerated high spatial resolution two-dimensional (2D) FLASH CINE imaging of the heart was examined in a volunteer study. Results Transmission field adjustments and RF characteristics were found to be suitable for the volunteer study. The signal-to-noise intrinsic to 7.0T together with the coil performance afforded a spatial resolution of 1.1 × 1.1 × 2.5 mm3 for 2D CINE FLASH MRI, which is by a factor of 6 superior to standardized CINE protocols used in clinical practice at 1.5T. The 32-channel transceiver array supports one-dimensional acceleration factors of up to R = 4 without impairing image quality significantly. Conclusion The modular 32-channel transceiver cardiac array supports accelerated and high spatial resolution cardiac MRI. The array is compatible with multichannel transmission and provides a technological basis for future clinical assessment of parallel transmission techniques at 7.0T.}, language = {en} } @article{HoehrPaulssenBenardetal.2014, author = {Hoehr, Cornelia and Paulßen, Elisabeth and Benard, Francois and Lee, Chris Jaeil and Hou, Xinchi and Badesso, Brian and Ferguson, Simon and Miao, Qing and Yang, Hua and Buckley, Ken and Hanemaayer, Victoire and Zeisler, Stefan and Ruth, Thomas J. and Celler, Anna and Schaffer, Paul}, title = {⁴⁴ᶢSc production using a water target on a 13 MeV cyclotron}, series = {Nuclear medicine and biology}, volume = {41}, journal = {Nuclear medicine and biology}, number = {5}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1872-9614}, doi = {10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2013.12.016}, pages = {401 -- 406}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Access to promising radiometals as isotopes for novel molecular imaging agents requires that they are routinely available and inexpensive to obtain. Proximity to a cyclotron center outfitted with solid target hardware, or to an isotope generator for the metal of interest is necessary, both of which can introduce significant hurdles in development of less common isotopes. Herein, we describe the production of ⁴⁴Sc (t₁⸝₂ = 3.97 h, Eavg,β⁺ = 1.47 MeV, branching ratio = 94.27\%) in a solution target and an automated loading system which allows a quick turn-around between different radiometallic isotopes and therefore greatly improves their availability for tracer development. Experimental yields are compared to theoretical calculations.}, language = {en} } @article{OrzadaFiedlerBitzetal.2020, author = {Orzada, Stephan and Fiedler, Thomas M. and Bitz, Andreas and Ladd, Mark E. and Quick, Harald H.}, title = {Local SAR compression with overestimation control to reduce maximum relative SAR overestimation and improve multi-channel RF array performance}, series = {Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine}, journal = {Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine}, number = {34 (2021)}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Heidelberg}, isbn = {1352-8661}, doi = {10.1007/s10334-020-00890-0}, pages = {153 -- 164}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Objective In local SAR compression algorithms, the overestimation is generally not linearly dependent on actual local SAR. This can lead to large relative overestimation at low actual SAR values, unnecessarily constraining transmit array performance. Method Two strategies are proposed to reduce maximum relative overestimation for a given number of VOPs. The first strategy uses an overestimation matrix that roughly approximates actual local SAR; the second strategy uses a small set of pre-calculated VOPs as the overestimation term for the compression. Result Comparison with a previous method shows that for a given maximum relative overestimation the number of VOPs can be reduced by around 20\% at the cost of a higher absolute overestimation at high actual local SAR values. Conclusion The proposed strategies outperform a previously published strategy and can improve the SAR compression where maximum relative overestimation constrains the performance of parallel transmission.}, language = {en} } @article{FiedlerLaddBitz2017, author = {Fiedler, Thomas M. and Ladd, Mark E. and Bitz, Andreas}, title = {SAR Simulations \& Safety}, series = {NeuroImage}, journal = {NeuroImage}, number = {Epub ahead of print}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1053-8119}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.03.035}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @article{BayerTemizArtmannDigeletal.2020, author = {Bayer, Robin and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Digel, Ilya and Falkenstein, Julia and Artmann, Gerhard and Creutz, Till and Hescheler, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Mechano-pharmacological testing of L-Type Ca²⁺ channel modulators via human vascular celldrum model}, series = {Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry}, volume = {54}, journal = {Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry}, publisher = {Cell Physiol Biochem Press}, address = {D{\"u}sseldorf}, issn = {1421-9778}, doi = {10.33594/000000225}, pages = {371 -- 383}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background/Aims: This study aimed to establish a precise and well-defined working model, assessing pharmaceutical effects on vascular smooth muscle cell monolayer in-vitro. It describes various analysis techniques to determine the most suitable to measure the biomechanical impact of vasoactive agents by using CellDrum technology. Methods: The so-called CellDrum technology was applied to analyse the biomechanical properties of confluent human aorta muscle cells (haSMC) in monolayer. The cell generated tensions deviations in the range of a few N/m² are evaluated by the CellDrum technology. This study focuses on the dilative and contractive effects of L-type Ca²⁺ channel agonists and antagonists, respectively. We analyzed the effects of Bay K8644, nifedipine and verapamil. Three different measurement modes were developed and applied to determine the most appropriate analysis technique for the study purpose. These three operation modes are called, particular time mode" (PTM), "long term mode" (LTM) and "real-time mode" (RTM). Results: It was possible to quantify the biomechanical response of haSMCs to the addition of vasoactive agents using CellDrum technology. Due to the supplementation of 100nM Bay K8644, the tension increased approximately 10.6\% from initial tension maximum, whereas, the treatment with nifedipine and verapamil caused a significant decrease in cellular tension: 10nM nifedipine decreased the biomechanical stress around 6,5\% and 50nM verapamil by 2,8\%, compared to the initial tension maximum. Additionally, all tested measurement modes provide similar results while focusing on different analysis parameters. Conclusion: The CellDrum technology allows highly sensitive biomechanical stress measurements of cultured haSMC monolayers. The mechanical stress responses evoked by the application of vasoactive calcium channel modulators were quantified functionally (N/m²). All tested operation modes resulted in equal findings, whereas each mode features operation-related data analysis.}, language = {en} } @article{LeidingerNoistenWollert2012, author = {Leidinger, Rafael and Noisten, Thomas and Wollert, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Realtime automation networks in moVing industrial environments}, series = {Journal of systemics, cybernetics and informatics}, volume = {10}, journal = {Journal of systemics, cybernetics and informatics}, number = {2}, publisher = {IIIC}, address = {Orlando}, issn = {1690-4532}, pages = {52 -- 56}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The radio-based wireless data communication has made the realization of new technical solutions possible in many fields of the automation technology (AT). For about ten years, a constant disproportionate growth of wireless technologies can be observed in the automation technology. However, it shows that especially for the AT, conventional technologies of office automation are unsuitable and/or not manageable. The employment of mobile services in the industrial automation technology has the potential of significant cost and time savings. This leads to an increased productivity in various fields of the AT, for example in the factory and process automation or in production logistics. In this paper technologies and solutions for an automation-suited supply of mobile wireless services will be introduced under the criteria of real time suitability, IT-security and service orientation. Emphasis will be put on the investigation and development of wireless convergence layers for different radio technologies, on the central provision of support services for an easy-to-use, central, backup enabled management of combined wired / wireless networks and on the study on integrability in a Profinet real-time Ethernet network.}, language = {en} } @article{Alexopoulos2012, author = {Alexopoulos, Spiros}, title = {Biogas systems: basics, biogas multifunction, principle of fermentation and hybrid application with a solar tower for the treatment of waste animal manure}, series = {Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review}, volume = {5}, journal = {Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review}, number = {4}, publisher = {Kavala Institute of Technology}, address = {Kavala}, issn = {1791-2377}, pages = {48 -- 55}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Two of the main environmental problems of today's society are the continuously increasing production of organic wastes as well as the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the related green house effect. A way to solve these problems is the production of biogas. Biogas is a combustible gas consisting of methane, carbon dioxide and small amounts of other gases and trace elements. Production of biogas through anaerobic digestion of animal manure and slurries as well as of a wide range of digestible organic wastes and agricultural residues, converts these substrates into electricity and heat and offers a natural fertiliser for agriculture. The microbiological process of decomposition of organic matter, in the absence of oxygen takes place in reactors, called digesters. Biogas can be used as a fuel in a gas turbine or burner and can be used in a hybrid solar tower system offering a solution for waste treatment of agricultural and animal residues. A solar tower system consists of a heliostat field, which concentrates direct solar irradiation on an open volumetric central receiver. The receiver heats up ambient air to temperatures of around 700°C. The hot air's heat energy is transferred to a steam Rankine cycle in a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). The steam drives a steam turbine, which in turn drives a generator for producing electricity. In order to increase the operational hours of a solar tower power plant, a heat storage system and/ or hybridization may be considered. The advantage of solar-fossil hybrid power plants, compared to solar-only systems, lies in low additional investment costs due to an adaptable solar share and reduced technical and economical risks. On sunny days the hybrid system operates in a solar-only mode with the central receiver and on cloudy days and at night with the gas turbine only. As an alternative to methane gas, environmentally neutral biogas can be used for operating the gas turbine. Hence, the hybrid system is operated to 100\% from renewable energy sources}, language = {en} } @article{HasanKeilStaatetal.2012, author = {Hasan, Istabrak and Keil, Ludger and Staat, Manfred and Wahl, Gerhard and Bourauel, Christoph}, title = {Determination of the frictional coefficient of the implant-antler interface : experimental approach}, series = {Biomedical Engineering / Biomedizinische Technik}, volume = {57}, journal = {Biomedical Engineering / Biomedizinische Technik}, number = {5}, publisher = {De Gruyter}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {1862-278X}, pages = {359 -- 363}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The similar bone structure of reindeer antler to human bone permits studying the osseointegration of dental implants in the jawbone. As the friction is one of the major factors that have a significant influence on the initial stability of immediately loaded dental implants, it is essential to define the frictional coefficient of the implant-antler interface. In this study, the kinetic frictional forces at the implant-antler interface were measured experimentally using an optomechanical setup and a stepping motor controller under different axial loads and sliding velocities. The corresponding mean values of the static and kinetic frictional coefficients were within the range of 0.5-0.7 and 0.3-0.5, respectively. An increase in the frictional forces with increasing applied axial loads was registered. The measurements showed an evidence of a decrease in the magnitude of the frictional coefficient with increasing sliding velocity. The results of this study provide a considerable assessment to clarify the suitable frictional coefficient to be used in the finite element contact analysis of antler specimens.}, language = {en} } @article{ReisgenSchleserAbdurakhmanovetal.2012, author = {Reisgen, Uwe and Schleser, Markus and Abdurakhmanov, Aydemir and Gumenyuk, Andrey}, title = {Measuring of plasma properties induced by non-vacuum electron beam welding}, series = {Physics of plasma}, volume = {19}, journal = {Physics of plasma}, number = {1}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, address = {Melville, NY}, issn = {1089-7674 (E-Journal); 1070-664X (Print)}, doi = {10.1063/1.3675874}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Electron beam plasma measurement was realised by means of DIABEAM system invented by ISF RWTH Aachen. The Langmuir probe method is used for measurement. The relative simplicity of the method and the possibility of dispersion of high power on the probe allow its application for the investigation of high-power electron beams. The key element of the method is a rotating thin tungsten wire, which intersects the beam transversely on its axis and collects part of the current by itself. The signals, which are registered in the DIABEAM as a voltage, were taken in the form of amplitude. The conversion of the probe current into the distribution along the beam radius was realised using the Abel's method. A voltage-current characteristic was built for the beam current. The local electron density as well as the electron temperature, the floating potential and the plasma potential were measured and calculated by means of this characteristic.}, language = {en} } @article{ReisgenOlschokJakobsetal.2012, author = {Reisgen, Uwe and Olschok, Simon and Jakobs, Stefan and Schleser, Markus and Mokrov, Oleg and Rossiter, Eduardo}, title = {Laser beam submerged arc hybrid welding}, series = {Physics procedia}, volume = {39}, journal = {Physics procedia}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1875-3892}, doi = {10.1016/j.phpro.2012.10.016}, pages = {75 -- 83}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The laser beam-submerged arc hybrid welding method originates from the knowledge that, with increasing penetration depth, the laser beam process has a tendency to pore formation in the lower weld regions. The coupling with the energy-efficient submerged-arc process improves degassing and reduces the tendency to pore formation. The high deposition rate of the SA process in combination with the laser beam process offers, providing the appropriate choice of weld preparation, the possibility of welding plates with a thickness larger than 20° mm in a single pass, and also of welding thicker plates with the double-sided single pass technique.}, language = {en} } @article{SchifferFerreinLakemeyer2012, author = {Schiffer, Stefan and Ferrein, Alexander and Lakemeyer, Gerhard}, title = {Caesar: an intelligent domestic service robot}, series = {Intelligent service robotics}, volume = {5}, journal = {Intelligent service robotics}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {1861-2776}, doi = {10.1007/s11370-012-0118-y}, pages = {259 -- 276}, year = {2012}, abstract = {In this paper we present CAESAR, an intelligent domestic service robot. In domestic settings for service robots complex tasks have to be accomplished. Those tasks benefit from deliberation, from robust action execution and from flexible methods for human-robot interaction that account for qualitative notions used in natural language as well as human fallibility. Our robot CAESAR deploys AI techniques on several levels of its system architecture. On the low-level side, system modules for localization or navigation make, for instance, use of path-planning methods, heuristic search, and Bayesian filters. For face recognition and human-machine interaction, random trees and well-known methods from natural language processing are deployed. For deliberation, we use the robot programming and plan language READYLOG, which was developed for the high-level control of agents and robots; it allows combining programming the behaviour using planning to find a course of action. READYLOG is a variant of the robot programming language Golog. We extended READYLOG to be able to cope with qualitative notions of space frequently used by humans, such as "near" and "far". This facilitates human-robot interaction by bridging the gap between human natural language and the numerical values needed by the robot. Further, we use READYLOG to increase the flexible interpretation of human commands with decision-theoretic planning. We give an overview of the different methods deployed in CAESAR and show the applicability of a system equipped with these AI techniques in domestic service robotics}, language = {en} } @article{BassamHeschelerTemizArtmannetal.2012, author = {Bassam, Rasha and Hescheler, J{\"u}rgen and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Artmann, Gerhard and Digel, Ilya}, title = {Effects of spermine NONOate and ATP on the thermal stability of hemoglobin}, series = {BMC Biophysics}, volume = {5}, journal = {BMC Biophysics}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {2046-1682}, doi = {10.1186/2046-1682-5-16}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background Minor changes in protein structure induced by small organic and inorganic molecules can result in significant metabolic effects. The effects can be even more profound if the molecular players are chemically active and present in the cell in considerable amounts. The aim of our study was to investigate effects of a nitric oxide donor (spermine NONOate), ATP and sodium/potassium environment on the dynamics of thermal unfolding of human hemoglobin (Hb). The effect of these molecules was examined by means of circular dichroism spectrometry (CD) in the temperature range between 25°C and 70°C. The alpha-helical content of buffered hemoglobin samples (0.1 mg/ml) was estimated via ellipticity change measurements at a heating rate of 1°C/min. Results Major results were: 1) spermine NONOate persistently decreased the hemoglobin unfolding temperature T u irrespectively of the Na + /K + environment, 2) ATP instead increased the unfolding temperature by 3°C in both sodium-based and potassium-based buffers and 3) mutual effects of ATP and NO were strongly influenced by particular buffer ionic compositions. Moreover, the presence of potassium facilitated a partial unfolding of alpha-helical structures even at room temperature. Conclusion The obtained data might shed more light on molecular mechanisms and biophysics involved in the regulation of protein activity by small solutes in the cell.}, language = {en} }