@article{PourshahidiAchtsnichtNambipareecheeetal.2021, author = {Pourshahidi, Ali Mohammad and Achtsnicht, Stefan and Nambipareechee, Mrinal Murali and Offenh{\"a}usser, Andreas and Krause, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Multiplex detection of magnetic beads using offset field dependent frequency mixing magnetic detection}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {21}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {17}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s21175859}, pages = {16 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Magnetic immunoassays employing Frequency Mixing Magnetic Detection (FMMD) have recently become increasingly popular for quantitative detection of various analytes. Simultaneous analysis of a sample for two or more targets is desirable in order to reduce the sample amount, save consumables, and save time. We show that different types of magnetic beads can be distinguished according to their frequency mixing response to a two-frequency magnetic excitation at different static magnetic offset fields. We recorded the offset field dependent FMMD response of two different particle types at frequencies ƒ₁ + n⋅ƒ₂, n = 1, 2, 3, 4 with ƒ₁ = 30.8 kHz and ƒ₂ = 63 Hz. Their signals were clearly distinguishable by the locations of the extremes and zeros of their responses. Binary mixtures of the two particle types were prepared with different mixing ratios. The mixture samples were analyzed by determining the best linear combination of the two pure constituents that best resembled the measured signals of the mixtures. Using a quadratic programming algorithm, the mixing ratios could be determined with an accuracy of greater than 14\%. If each particle type is functionalized with a different antibody, multiplex detection of two different analytes becomes feasible.}, language = {en} } @article{BiewendtBlaschkeBoehnert2021, author = {Biewendt, Marcel and Blaschke, Florian and B{\"o}hnert, Arno}, title = {Motivational factors in organisational change}, series = {SocioEconomic Challenges}, volume = {5}, journal = {SocioEconomic Challenges}, number = {3}, publisher = {ARMG}, address = {Sumy}, issn = {2520-6214}, doi = {10.21272/sec.5(3).15-27.2021}, pages = {15 -- 27}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The presented paper gives an overview of the most important and most common theories and concepts from the economic field of organisational change and is also enriched with quantitative publication data, which underlines the relevance of the topic. In particular, the topic presented is interwoven in an interdisciplinary way with economic psychological models, which are underpinned within the models with content from leading scholars in the field. The pace of change in companies is accelerating, as is technological change in our society. Adaptations of the corporate structure, but also of management techniques and tasks, are therefore indispensable. This includes not only the right approaches to employee motivation, but also the correct use of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors. Based on the hypothesis put forward by the scientist and researcher Rollinson in his book "Organisational behaviour and analysis" that managers believe motivational resources are available at all times, socio-economic and economic psychological theories are contrasted here in order to critically examine this statement. In addition, a fictitious company was created as a model for this work in order to illustrate the effects of motivational deficits in practice. In this context, the theories presented are applied to concrete problems within the model and conclusions are drawn about their influence and applicability. This led to the conclusion that motivation is a very individual challenge for each employee, which requires adapted and personalised approaches. On the other hand, the recommendations for action for supervisors in the case of motivation deficits also cannot be answered in a blanket manner, but can only be solved with the help of professional, expert-supported processing due to the economic-psychological realities of motivation. Identifying, analysing and remedying individual employee motivation deficits is, according to the authors, a problem and a challenge of great importance, especially in the context of rapidly changing ecosystems in modern companies, as motivation also influences other factors such as individual productivity. The authors therefore conclude that good motivation through the individual and customised promotion and further training of employees is an important point for achieving important corporate goals in order to remain competitive on the one hand and to create a productive and pleasant working environment on the other.}, language = {en} } @article{WerkhausenWillwacherAlbracht2021, author = {Werkhausen, Amelie and Willwacher, Steffen and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicles shorten throughout stance during sprint acceleration}, series = {Scandinavian Journal of Medicine \& Science in Sports}, volume = {31}, journal = {Scandinavian Journal of Medicine \& Science in Sports}, number = {7}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0905-7188 (Druckausgabe)}, doi = {10.1111/sms.13956}, pages = {1471 -- 1480}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The compliant nature of distal limb muscle-tendon units is traditionally considered suboptimal in explosive movements when positive joint work is required. However, during accelerative running, ankle joint net mechanical work is positive. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how plantar flexor muscle-tendon behavior is modulated during fast accelerations. Eleven female sprinters performed maximum sprint accelerations from starting blocks, while gastrocnemius muscle fascicle lengths were estimated using ultrasonography. We combined motion analysis and ground reaction force measurements to assess lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics, and to estimate gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit length during the first two acceleration steps. Outcome variables were resampled to the stance phase and averaged across three to five trials. Relevant scalars were extracted and analyzed using one-sample and two-sample t-tests, and vector trajectories were compared using statistical parametric mapping. We found that an uncoupling of muscle fascicle behavior from muscle-tendon unit behavior is effectively used to produce net positive mechanical work at the joint during maximum sprint acceleration. Muscle fascicles shortened throughout the first and second steps, while shortening occurred earlier during the first step, where negative joint work was lower compared with the second step. Elastic strain energy may be stored during dorsiflexion after touchdown since fascicles did not lengthen at the same time to dissipate energy. Thus, net positive work generation is accommodated by the reuse of elastic strain energy along with positive gastrocnemius fascicle work. Our results show a mechanism of how muscles with high in-series compliance can contribute to net positive joint work.}, language = {en} } @article{KaschSchmidtJahnetal.2021, author = {Kasch, Susanne and Schmidt, Thomas and Jahn, Simon and Eichler, Fabian and Thurn, Laura and Bremen, Sebastian}, title = {L{\"o}sungsans{\"a}tze und Verfahrenskonzepte zum Laserstrahlschmelzen von Glas}, series = {Schweissen und Schneiden}, volume = {73}, journal = {Schweissen und Schneiden}, number = {Heft 1-2}, publisher = {DVS Verlag}, address = {D{\"u}sseldorf}, isbn = {0036-7184}, pages = {32 -- 39}, year = {2021}, language = {de} } @article{AkimbekovDigelTastambeketal.2021, author = {Akimbekov, Nuraly S. and Digel, Ilya and Tastambek, Kuanysh T. and Sherelkhan, Dinara K. and Jussupova, Dariya B. and Altynbay, Nazym P.}, title = {Low-rank coal as a source of humic substances for soil amendment and fertility management}, series = {Agriculture}, volume = {11}, journal = {Agriculture}, number = {12}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2077-0472}, doi = {10.3390/agriculture11121261}, pages = {25 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Humic substances (HS), as important environmental components, are essential to soil health and agricultural sustainability. The usage of low-rank coal (LRC) for energy generation has declined considerably due to the growing popularity of renewable energy sources and gas. However, their potential as soil amendment aimed to maintain soil quality and productivity deserves more recognition. LRC, a highly heterogeneous material in nature, contains large quantities of HS and may effectively help to restore the physicochemical, biological, and ecological functionality of soil. Multiple emerging studies support the view that LRC and its derivatives can positively impact the soil microclimate, nutrient status, and organic matter turnover. Moreover, the phytotoxic effects of some pollutants can be reduced by subsequent LRC application. Broad geographical availability, relatively low cost, and good technical applicability of LRC offer the advantage of easy fulfilling soil amendment and conditioner requirements worldwide. This review analyzes and emphasizes the potential of LRC and its numerous forms/combinations for soil amelioration and crop production. A great benefit would be a systematic investment strategy implicating safe utilization and long-term application of LRC for sustainable agricultural production.}, language = {en} } @article{AkimbekovDigelAbdievaetal.2021, author = {Akimbekov, Nuraly S. and Digel, Ilya and Abdieva, Gulzhamal and Ualieva, Perizat and Tastambek, Kuanysh}, title = {Lignite biosolubilization and bioconversion by Bacillus sp.: the collation of analytical data}, series = {Biofuels}, volume = {12}, journal = {Biofuels}, number = {3}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {London}, issn = {1759-7277}, pages = {247 -- 258}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The vast metabolic potential of microbes in brown coal (lignite) processing and utilization can greatly contribute to innovative approaches to sustainable production of high-value products from coal. In this study, the multi-faceted and complex coal biosolubilization process by Bacillus sp. RKB 7 isolate from the Kazakhstan coal-mining soil is reported, and the derived products are characterized. Lignite solubilization tests performed for surface and suspension cultures testify to the formation of numerous soluble lignite-derived substances. Almost 24\% of crude lignite (5\% w/v) was solubilized within 14 days under slightly alkaline conditions (pH 8.2). FTIR analysis revealed various functional groups in the obtained biosolubilization products. Analyses of the lignite-derived humic products by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrometry as well as elemental analysis yielded compatible results indicating the emerging products had a lower molecular weight and degree of aromaticity. Furthermore, XRD and SEM analyses were used to evaluate the biosolubilization processes from mineralogical and microscopic points of view. The findings not only contribute to a deeper understanding of microbe-mineral interactions in coal environments, but also contribute to knowledge of coal biosolubilization and bioconversion with regard to sustainable production of humic substances. The detailed and comprehensive analyses demonstrate the huge biotechnological potential of Bacillus sp. for agricultural productivity and environmental health.}, language = {en} } @article{BergsMonakhovaDiehletal.2021, author = {Bergs, Michel and Monakhova, Yulia and Diehl, Bernd W. and Konow, Christopher and V{\"o}lkering, Georg and Pude, Ralf and Schulze, Margit}, title = {Lignins isolated via catalyst-free organosolv pulping from Miscanthus x giganteus, M. sinensis, M. robustus and M. nagara: a comparative study}, series = {Molecules}, volume = {26}, journal = {Molecules}, number = {4}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1420-3049}, doi = {10.3390/molecules26040842}, year = {2021}, abstract = {As a low-input crop, Miscanthus offers numerous advantages that, in addition to agricultural applications, permits its exploitation for energy, fuel, and material production. Depending on the Miscanthus genotype, season, and harvest time as well as plant component (leaf versus stem), correlations between structure and properties of the corresponding isolated lignins differ. Here, a comparative study is presented between lignins isolated from M. x giganteus, M. sinensis, M. robustus and M. nagara using a catalyst-free organosolv pulping process. The lignins from different plant constituents are also compared regarding their similarities and differences regarding monolignol ratio and important linkages. Results showed that the plant genotype has the weakest influence on monolignol content and interunit linkages. In contrast, structural differences are more significant among lignins of different harvest time and/or season. Analyses were performed using fast and simple methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Data was assigned to four different linkages (A: β-O-4 linkage, B: phenylcoumaran, C: resinol, D: β-unsaturated ester). In conclusion, A content is particularly high in leaf-derived lignins at just under 70\% and significantly lower in stem and mixture lignins at around 60\% and almost 65\%. The second most common linkage pattern is D in all isolated lignins, the proportion of which is also strongly dependent on the crop portion. Both stem and mixture lignins, have a relatively high share of approximately 20\% or more (maximum is M. sinensis Sin2 with over 30\%). In the leaf-derived lignins, the proportions are significantly lower on average. Stem samples should be chosen if the highest possible lignin content is desired, specifically from the M. x giganteus genotype, which revealed lignin contents up to 27\%. Due to the better frost resistance and higher stem stability, M. nagara offers some advantages compared to M. x giganteus. Miscanthus crops are shown to be very attractive lignocellulose feedstock (LCF) for second generation biorefineries and lignin generation in Europe.}, language = {en} } @article{YoshinobuSchoening2021, author = {Yoshinobu, Tatsuo and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Light-addressable potentiometric sensors (LAPS) for cell monitoring and biosensing}, series = {Current Opinion in Electrochemistry}, journal = {Current Opinion in Electrochemistry}, number = {In Press, Journal Pre-proof}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2451-9103}, doi = {10.1016/j.coelec.2021.100727}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{WeldenJablonskiWegeetal.2021, author = {Welden, Rene and Jablonski, Melanie and Wege, Christina and Keusgen, Michael and Wagner, Patrick Hermann and Wagner, Torsten and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Light-Addressable Actuator-Sensor Platform for Monitoring and Manipulation of pH Gradients in Microfluidics: A Case Study with the Enzyme Penicillinase}, series = {Biosensors}, volume = {11}, journal = {Biosensors}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2079-6374}, doi = {10.3390/bios11060171}, pages = {Artikel 171}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The feasibility of light-addressed detection and manipulation of pH gradients inside an electrochemical microfluidic cell was studied. Local pH changes, induced by a light-addressable electrode (LAE), were detected using a light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) with different measurement modes representing an actuator-sensor system. Biosensor functionality was examined depending on locally induced pH gradients with the help of the model enzyme penicillinase, which had been immobilized in the microfluidic channel. The surface morphology of the LAE and enzyme-functionalized LAPS was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the penicillin sensitivity of the LAPS inside the microfluidic channel was determined with regard to the analyte's pH influence on the enzymatic reaction rate. In a final experiment, the LAE-controlled pH inhibition of the enzyme activity was monitored by the LAPS.}, language = {en} } @article{BlankeRegerDoeringetal.2021, author = {Blanke, Tobias and Reger, Vitali and D{\"o}ring, Bernd and G{\"o}ttsche, Joachim and Kuhnhenne, Markus}, title = {Koaxiale Stahlenergiepf{\"a}hle}, series = {Stahlbau}, volume = {90. 2021}, journal = {Stahlbau}, number = {6}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, pages = {417 -- 424}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Ein entscheidender Teil der Energiewende ist die W{\"a}rmewende im Geb{\"a}udesektor. Ein Schl{\"u}sselelement sind hier W{\"a}rmepumpen. Diese ben{\"o}tigen eine W{\"a}rmequelle, der sie Energie entziehen k{\"o}nnen, um sie auf ein h{\"o}heres Temperaturniveau zu transformieren. Diese W{\"a}rmequelle kann bspw. das Erdreich sein, dessen W{\"a}rme durch Erdsonden erschlossen werden kann. In diesem Beitrag werden in Stahlpf{\"a}hle integrierte Koaxialsonden mit dem Stand der Technik von Erdsonden gleichen Durchmessers bez{\"u}glich ihrer thermischen Leistungsmerkmale verglichen. Die Stahlenergiepf{\"a}hle bieten neben der W{\"a}rmegewinnung weitere Vorteile, da sie auch eine statische Funktion {\"u}bernehmen und r{\"u}ckstandsfrei zur{\"u}ckgebaut werden k{\"o}nnen. Es werden analytische und numerische Berechnungen vorgestellt, um die thermischen Potenziale beider Systeme zu vergleichen. Außerdem wird ein Testaufbau gezeigt, bei dem Stahlenergiepf{\"a}hle in zwei verschiedenen L{\"a}ngen mit vorhandenen g{\"a}ngigen Erdsonden verglichen werden k{\"o}nnen. Die Berechnungen zeigen einen deutlichen thermischen Mehrertrag zwischen 26 \% und 148 \% der Stahlenergiepf{\"a}hle gegen{\"u}ber dem Stand der Technik abh{\"a}ngig vom Erdreich. Die Messergebnisse zeigen einen thermischen Mehrertrag von {\"u}ber 100 \%. Es l{\"a}sst sich also signifikante Erdsondenl{\"a}nge einsparen. Dabei ist zu beachten, dass sich damit der thermisch genutzte Bereich des Erdreichs reduziert, wodurch die thermische Regeneration und/oder das Langzeitverhalten des Erdreichs an Bedeutung gewinnt.}, language = {de} } @article{BurgerRumpfDoetal.2021, author = {Burger, Ren{\´e} and Rumpf, Jessica and Do, Xuan Tung and Monakhova, Yulia and Diehl, Bernd W. K. and Rehahn, Matthias and Schulze, Margit}, title = {Is NMR combined with multivariate regression applicable for the molecular weight determination of randomly cross-linked polymers such as lignin?}, series = {ACS Omega}, volume = {6}, journal = {ACS Omega}, number = {44}, publisher = {ACS Publications}, address = {Washington, DC}, issn = {2470-1343}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.1c03574}, pages = {29516 -- 29524}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The molecular weight properties of lignins are one of the key elements that need to be analyzed for a successful industrial application of these promising biopolymers. In this study, the use of 1H NMR as well as diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY NMR), combined with multivariate regression methods, was investigated for the determination of the molecular weight (Mw and Mn) and the polydispersity of organosolv lignins (n = 53, Miscanthus x giganteus, Paulownia tomentosa, and Silphium perfoliatum). The suitability of the models was demonstrated by cross validation (CV) as well as by an independent validation set of samples from different biomass origins (beech wood and wheat straw). CV errors of ca. 7-9 and 14-16\% were achieved for all parameters with the models from the 1H NMR spectra and the DOSY NMR data, respectively. The prediction errors for the validation samples were in a similar range for the partial least squares model from the 1H NMR data and for a multiple linear regression using the DOSY NMR data. The results indicate the usefulness of NMR measurements combined with multivariate regression methods as a potential alternative to more time-consuming methods such as gel permeation chromatography.}, language = {en} } @article{BurmistrovaSobolevaMonakhova2021, author = {Burmistrova, Natalia A. and Soboleva, Polina M. and Monakhova, Yulia}, title = {Is infrared spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis a promising tool for heparin authentication?}, series = {Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis}, volume = {194}, journal = {Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis}, number = {Article number: 113811}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, isbn = {0731-7085}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113811}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The investigation of the possibility to determine various characteristics of powder heparin (n = 115) was carried out with infrared spectroscopy. The evaluation of heparin samples included several parameters such as purity grade, distributing company, animal source as well as heparin species (i.e. Na-heparin, Ca-heparin, and heparinoids). Multivariate analysis using principal component analysis (PCA), soft independent modelling of class analogy (SIMCA), and partial least squares - discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied for the modelling of spectral data. Different pre-processing methods were applied to IR spectral data; multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) was chosen as the most relevant. Obtained results were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Good predictive ability of this approach demonstrates the potential of IR spectroscopy and chemometrics for screening of heparin quality. This approach, however, is designed as a screening tool and is not considered as a replacement for either of the methods required by USP and FDA.}, language = {en} } @article{CapitainWagnerHummeletal.2021, author = {Capitain, Charlotte and Wagner, Sebastian and Hummel, Joana and Tippk{\"o}tter, Nils}, title = {Investigation of C-N Formation Between Catechols and Chitosan for the Formation of a Strong, Novel Adhesive Mimicking Mussel Adhesion}, series = {Waste and Biomass Valorization}, volume = {12}, journal = {Waste and Biomass Valorization}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1877-265X}, doi = {10.1007/s12649-020-01110-5}, pages = {1761 -- 1779}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{HacklNacovKammerlohretal.2021, author = {Hackl, Michael and Nacov, Julia and Kammerlohr, Sandra and Staat, Manfred and Buess, Eduard and Leschinger, Tim and M{\"u}ller, Lars P. and Wegmann, Kilian}, title = {Intratendinous Strain Variations of the Supraspinatus Tendon Depending on Repair Technique: A Biomechanical Analysis Regarding the Cause of Medial Cuff Failure}, series = {The American Journal of Sports Medicine}, volume = {49}, journal = {The American Journal of Sports Medicine}, number = {7}, publisher = {Sage}, address = {London}, issn = {1552-3365}, doi = {10.1177/03635465211006138}, pages = {1847 -- 1853}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{BrockhausBehbahaniMurisetal.2021, author = {Brockhaus, Moritz K. and Behbahani, Mehdi and Muris, Farina and Jansen, Sebastian V. and Schmitz-Rode, Thomas and Steinseifer, Ulrich and Clauser, Johanna C.}, title = {In vitro thrombogenicity testing of pulsatile mechanical circulatory support systems: Design and proof-of-concept}, series = {Artificial Organs}, volume = {45}, journal = {Artificial Organs}, number = {12}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1525-1594}, doi = {10.1111/aor.14046}, pages = {1513 -- 1521}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Thrombogenic complications are a main issue in mechanical circulatory support (MCS). There is no validated in vitro method available to quantitatively assess the thrombogenic performance of pulsatile MCS devices under realistic hemodynamic conditions. The aim of this study is to propose a method to evaluate the thrombogenic potential of new designs without the use of complex in-vivo trials. This study presents a novel in vitro method for reproducible thrombogenicity testing of pulsatile MCS systems using low molecular weight heparinized porcine blood. Blood parameters are continuously measured with full blood thromboelastometry (ROTEM; EXTEM, FIBTEM and a custom-made analysis HEPNATEM). Thrombus formation is optically observed after four hours of testing. The results of three experiments are presented each with two parallel loops. The area of thrombus formation inside the MCS device was reproducible. The implantation of a filter inside the loop catches embolizing thrombi without a measurable increase of platelet activation, allowing conclusions of the place of origin of thrombi inside the device. EXTEM and FIBTEM parameters such as clotting velocity (α) and maximum clot firmness (MCF) show a total decrease by around 6\% with a characteristic kink after 180 minutes. HEPNATEM α and MCF rise within the first 180 minutes indicate a continuously increasing activation level of coagulation. After 180 minutes, the consumption of clotting factors prevails, resulting in a decrease of α and MCF. With the designed mock loop and the presented protocol we are able to identify thrombogenic hot spots inside a pulsatile pump and characterize their thrombogenic potential.}, language = {en} } @article{LowisFergusonPaulssenetal.2021, author = {Lowis, Carsten and Ferguson, Simon and Paulßen, Elisabeth and Hoehr, Cornelia}, title = {Improved Sc-44 production in a siphon-style liquid target on a medical cyclotron}, series = {Applied Radiation and Isotopes}, volume = {172}, journal = {Applied Radiation and Isotopes}, number = {Art. 109675}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0969-8043}, doi = {10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.109675}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{DickhoffHorikawaFunke2021, author = {Dickhoff, Jens and Horikawa, Atsushi and Funke, Harald}, title = {Hydrogen Combustion - new DLE Combustor Addresses NOx Emissions and Flashback}, series = {Turbomachinery international : the global journal of energy equipment}, volume = {62}, journal = {Turbomachinery international : the global journal of energy equipment}, number = {4}, publisher = {MJH Life Sciences}, address = {Cranbury}, issn = {2767-2328}, pages = {26 -- 27}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{ErpicumCrookstonBombardellietal.2021, author = {Erpicum, Sebastien and Crookston, Brian M. and Bombardelli, Fabian and Bung, Daniel Bernhard and Felder, Stefan and Mulligan, Sean and Oertel, Mario and Palermo, Michele}, title = {Hydraulic structures engineering: An evolving science in a changing world}, series = {Wires Water}, volume = {8}, journal = {Wires Water}, number = {2}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {2049-1948}, doi = {10.1002/wat2.1505}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{GrundlachBaumannEngelmann2021, author = {Grundlach, Michael and Baumann, Martin and Engelmann, Ulrich M.}, title = {How Multimodal Examinations Can Increase Sustainable Student Gain by Aligning Teaching and Assessment}, series = {Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering}, volume = {7}, journal = {Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering}, number = {7/2}, editor = {D{\"o}ssel, Olaf}, publisher = {De Gruyter}, address = {Berlin}, isbn = {2364-5504}, doi = {10.1515/cdbme-2021-2019}, pages = {73 -- 76}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Modern industry and multi-discipline projects require highly trained individuals with resilient science and engineering back-grounds. Graduates must be able to agilely apply excellent theoretical knowledge in their subject matter as well as essential practical "hands-on" knowledge of diverse working processes to solve complex problems. To meet these demands, university education follows the concept of Constructive Alignment and thus increasingly adopts the teaching of necessary practical skills to the actual industry requirements and assessment routines. However, a systematic approach to coherently align these three central teaching demands is strangely absent from current university curricula. We demonstrate the feasibility of implementing practical assessments in a regular theory-based examination, thus defining the term "blended assessment". We assessed a course for natural science and engineering students pursuing a career in biomedical engineering, and evaluated the benefit of blended assessment exams for students and lecturers. Our controlled study assessed the physiological background of electrocardiograms (ECGs), the practical measurement of ECG curves, and their interpretation of basic pathologic alterations. To study on long time effects, students have been assessed on the topic twice with a time lag of 6 months. Our findings suggest a significant improvement in student gain with respect to practical skills and theoretical knowledge. The results of the reassessments support these outcomes. From the lecturers' point of view, blended assessment complements practical training courses while keeping organizational effort manageable. We consider blended assessment a viable tool for providing an improved student gain, industry-ready education format that should be evaluated and established further to prepare university graduates optimally for their future careers.}, language = {en} } @article{BohndickBosseJaenschetal.2021, author = {Bohndick, Carla and Bosse, Elke and J{\"a}nsch, Vanessa K. and Barnat, Miriam}, title = {How different diversity factors affect the perception of first-year requirements in higher education}, series = {Frontline Learning Research}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontline Learning Research}, number = {2}, publisher = {EARLI}, issn = {2295-3159}, doi = {10.14786/flr.v9i2.667}, pages = {78 -- 95}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In the light of growing university entry rates, higher education institutions not only serve larger numbers of students, but also seek to meet first-year students' ever more diverse needs. Yet to inform universities how to support the transition to higher education, research only offers limited insights. Current studies tend to either focus on the individual factors that affect student success or they highlight students' social background and their educational biography in order to examine the achievement of selected, non-traditional groups of students. Both lines of research appear to lack integration and often fail to take organisational diversity into account, such as different types of higher education institutions or degree programmes. For a more comprehensive understanding of student diversity, the present study includes individual, social and organisational factors. To gain insights into their role for the transition to higher education, we examine how the different factors affect the students' perception of the formal and informal requirements of the first year as more or less difficult to cope with. As the perceived requirements result from both the characteristics of the students and the institutional context, they allow to investigate transition at the interface of the micro and the meso level of higher education. Latent profile analyses revealed that there are no profiles with complex patterns of perception of the first-year requirements, but the identified groups rather differ in the overall level of perceived challenges. Moreover, SEM indicates that the differences in the perception largely depend on the individual factors self-efficacy and volition.}, language = {en} }