@article{MonakhovaDiehl2021, author = {Monakhova, Yulia and Diehl, Bernd W. K.}, title = {A step towards optimization of the qNMR workflow: proficiency testing exercise at an GxP-accredited laboratory}, series = {Applied Magnetic Resonance}, volume = {52}, journal = {Applied Magnetic Resonance}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Wien}, issn = {1613-7507}, doi = {10.1007/s00723-021-01324-3}, pages = {581 -- 593}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) is considered as a powerful tool for multicomponent mixture analysis as well as for the purity determination of single compounds. Special attention is currently paid to the training of operators and study directors involved in qNMR testing. To assure that only qualified personnel are used for sample preparation at our GxP-accredited laboratory, weighing test was proposed. Sixteen participants performed six-fold weighing of the binary mixture of dibutylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and 1,2,4,5-tetrachloro-3-nitrobenzene (TCNB). To evaluate the quality of data analysis, all spectra were evaluated manually by a qNMR expert and using in-house developed automated routine. The results revealed that mean values are comparable and both evaluation approaches are free of systematic error. However, automated evaluation resulted in an approximately 20\% increase in precision. The same findings were revealed for qNMR analysis of 32 compounds used in pharmaceutical industry. Weighing test by six-fold determination in binary mixtures and automated qNMR methodology can be recommended as efficient tools for evaluating staff proficiency. The automated qNMR method significantly increases throughput and precision of qNMR for routine measurements and extends application scope of qNMR.}, language = {en} } @article{BechtSchollmayerMonakhovaetal.2021, author = {Becht, Alexander and Schollmayer, Curd and Monakhova, Yulia and Holzgrabe, Ulrike}, title = {Tracing the origin of paracetamol tablets by near-infrared, mid-infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy using principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis}, series = {Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry}, volume = {413}, journal = {Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, issn = {1618-2650}, doi = {10.1007/s00216-021-03249-z}, pages = {3107 -- 3118}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Most drugs are no longer produced in their own countries by the pharmaceutical companies, but by contract manufacturers or at manufacturing sites in countries that can produce more cheaply. This not only makes it difficult to trace them back but also leaves room for criminal organizations to fake them unnoticed. For these reasons, it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine the exact origin of drugs. The goal of this work was to investigate how exactly this is possible by using different spectroscopic methods like nuclear magnetic resonance and near- and mid-infrared spectroscopy in combination with multivariate data analysis. As an example, 56 out of 64 different paracetamol preparations, collected from 19 countries around the world, were chosen to investigate whether it is possible to determine the pharmaceutical company, manufacturing site, or country of origin. By means of suitable pre-processing of the spectra and the different information contained in each method, principal component analysis was able to evaluate manufacturing relationships between individual companies and to differentiate between production sites or formulations. Linear discriminant analysis showed different results depending on the spectral method and purpose. For all spectroscopic methods, it was found that the classification of the preparations to their manufacturer achieves better results than the classification to their pharmaceutical company. The best results were obtained with nuclear magnetic resonance and near-infrared data, with 94.6\%/99.6\% and 98.7/100\% of the spectra of the preparations correctly assigned to their pharmaceutical company or manufacturer.}, language = {en} } @article{GoettenHavermannBraunetal.2021, author = {G{\"o}tten, Falk and Havermann, Marc and Braun, Carsten and Marino, Matthew and Bil, Cees}, title = {Aerodynamic Investigations of UAV Sensor Turrets - A Combined Wind-tunnel and CFD Approach}, series = {SciTech 2021, AIAA SciTech Forum, online, WW, Jan 11-15, 2021}, journal = {SciTech 2021, AIAA SciTech Forum, online, WW, Jan 11-15, 2021}, publisher = {AIAA}, address = {Reston, Va.}, doi = {10.2514/6.2021-1535}, pages = {1 -- 12}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{HugenrothNeidlinEngelmannetal.2021, author = {Hugenroth, Kristin and Neidlin, Michael and Engelmann, Ulrich M. and Kaufmann, Tim A. S. and Steinseifer, Ulrich and Heilmann, Torsten}, title = {Tipless Transseptal Cannula Concept Combines Improved Hemodynamic Properties and Risk-Reduced Placement: an In Silico Proof-of-Concept}, series = {Artificial Organs}, journal = {Artificial Organs}, number = {Accepted Article}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1525-1594}, doi = {10.1111/aor.13964}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{HarzheimMuehmelHeuermann2021, author = {Harzheim, Thomas and M{\"u}hmel, Marc and Heuermann, Holger}, title = {A SFCW harmonic radar system for maritime search and rescue using passive and active tags}, series = {International Journal of Microwave and Wireless Technologies}, volume = {13}, journal = {International Journal of Microwave and Wireless Technologies}, number = {Special Issue 7}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, address = {Cambridge}, doi = {10.1017/S1759078721000520}, pages = {691 -- 707}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This paper introduces a new maritime search and rescue system based on S-band illumination harmonic radar (HR). Passive and active tags have been developed and tested while attached to life jackets and a small boat. In this demonstration test carried out on the Baltic Sea, the system was able to detect and range the active tags up to a distance of 5800 m using an illumination signal transmit-power of 100 W. Special attention is given to the development, performance, and conceptual differences between passive and active tags used in the system. Guidelines for achieving a high HR dynamic range, including a system components description, are given and a comparison with other HR systems is performed. System integration with a commercial maritime X-band navigation radar is shown to demonstrate a solution for rapid search and rescue response and quick localization.}, 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{NeumaierKotliarHaerenetal.2021, author = {Neumaier, Felix and Kotliar, Konstantin and Haeren, Roel Hubert Louis and Temel, Yasin and L{\"u}ke, Jan Niklas and Seyam, Osama and Lindauer, Ute and Clusmann, Hans and Hescheler, J{\"u}rgen and Schubert, Gerrit Alexander and Schneider, Toni and Albanna, Walid}, title = {Retinal Vessel Responses to Flicker Stimulation Are Impaired in Ca v 2.3-Deficient Mice—An in- vivo Evaluation Using Retinal Vessel Analysis (RVA)}, series = {Frontiers in Neurology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Neurology}, publisher = {Frontiers}, doi = {10.3389/fneur.2021.659890}, pages = {1 -- 11}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{GivanoudiCornelisRasschaertetal.2021, author = {Givanoudi, Stella and Cornelis, Peter and Rasschaert, Geertrui and Wackers, Gideon and Iken, Heiko and Rolka, David and Yongabi, Derick and Robbens, Johan and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Heyndrickx, Marc and Wagner, Patrick}, title = {Selective Campylobacter detection and quantification in poultry: A sensor tool for detecting the cause of a common zoonosis at its source}, series = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical}, number = {In Press, Journal Pre-proof}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0925-4005}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2021.129484}, pages = {Article 129484}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{JablonskiMuenstermannNorketal.2021, author = {Jablonski, Melanie and M{\"u}nstermann, Felix and Nork, Jasmina and Molinnus, Denise and Muschallik, Lukas and Bongaerts, Johannes and Wagner, Torsten and Keusgen, Michael and Siegert, Petra and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Capacitive field-effect biosensor applied for the detection of acetoin in alcoholic beverages and fermentation broths}, series = {physica status solidi (a) applications and materials science}, volume = {218}, journal = {physica status solidi (a) applications and materials science}, number = {13}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.202000765}, pages = {7 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {An acetoin biosensor based on a capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) structure modified with the enzyme acetoin reductase, also known as butane-2,3-diol dehydrogenase (Bacillus clausii DSM 8716ᵀ), is applied for acetoin detection in beer, red wine, and fermentation broth samples for the first time. The EIS sensor consists of an Al/p-Si/SiO₂/Ta₂O₅ layer structure with immobilized acetoin reductase on top of the Ta₂O₅ transducer layer by means of crosslinking via glutaraldehyde. The unmodified and enzyme-modified sensors are electrochemically characterized by means of leakage current, capacitance-voltage, and constant capacitance methods, respectively.}, language = {en} } @article{ErpicumCrookstonBombardellietal.2021, author = {Erpicum, Sebastien and Crookston, Brian M. and Bombardelli, Fabian and Bung, Daniel B. 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{JablonskiPoghossianSeverinetal.2021, author = {Jablonski, Melanie and Poghossian, Arshak and Severin, Robin and Keusgen, Michael and Wege, Christian and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Capacitive Field-Effect Biosensor Studying Adsorption of Tobacco Mosaic Virus Particles}, series = {Micromachines}, volume = {12}, journal = {Micromachines}, number = {1}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/mi12010057}, pages = {Artikel 57}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Plant virus-like particles, and in particular, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) particles, are increasingly being used in nano- and biotechnology as well as for biochemical sensing purposes as nanoscaffolds for the high-density immobilization of receptor molecules. The sensitive parameters of TMV-assisted biosensors depend, among others, on the density of adsorbed TMV particles on the sensor surface, which is affected by both the adsorption conditions and surface properties of the sensor. In this work, Ta₂O₅-gate field-effect capacitive sensors have been applied for the label-free electrical detection of TMV adsorption. The impact of the TMV concentration on both the sensor signal and the density of TMV particles adsorbed onto the Ta₂O₅-gate surface has been studied systematically by means of field-effect and scanning electron microscopy methods. In addition, the surface density of TMV particles loaded under different incubation times has been investigated. Finally, the field-effect sensor also demonstrates the label-free detection of penicillinase immobilization as model bioreceptor on TMV particles.}, language = {en} } @article{ValeroSchalkoFriedrichetal.2021, author = {Valero, Daniel and Schalko, Isabella and Friedrich, Heide and Abad, Jorge D. and Bung, Daniel B. and Donchyts, Gennadii and Felder, Stefan and Ferreira, Rui M. L. and Hohermuth, Benjamin and Kramer, Matthias and Li, Danxun and Mendes, Luis and Moreno-Rodenas, Antonio and Nones, Michael and Paron, Paolo and Ruiz-Villanueva, Virginia and Wang, Ruo-Qian and Franca, Mario J.}, title = {Pathways towards democratization of hydro-environment observations and data}, series = {Iahr White Paper Series}, journal = {Iahr White Paper Series}, number = {1}, publisher = {International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR)}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{BerneckerBoyerGathmann2021, author = {Bernecker, Andreas and Boyer, Pierre C. and Gathmann, Christina}, title = {The Role of Electoral Incentives for Policy Innovation: Evidence from the US Welfare Reform}, series = {American Economic Journal: Economic Policy}, volume = {13}, journal = {American Economic Journal: Economic Policy}, number = {2}, publisher = {American Economic Association}, address = {Nashville, Tenn.}, issn = {1945-774X}, doi = {10.1257/pol.20190690}, pages = {26 -- 57}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{EngelmannShalabyShashaetal.2021, author = {Engelmann, Ulrich M. and Shalaby, Ahmed and Shasha, Carolyn and Krishnan, Kannan M. and Krause, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Comparative modeling of frequency mixing measurements of magnetic nanoparticles using micromagnetic simulations and Langevin theory}, series = {Nanomaterials}, volume = {11}, journal = {Nanomaterials}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, isbn = {2079-4991}, doi = {10.3390/nano11051257}, pages = {1 -- 16}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Dual frequency magnetic excitation of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) enables enhanced biosensing applications. This was studied from an experimental and theoretical perspective: nonlinear sum-frequency components of MNP exposed to dual-frequency magnetic excitation were measured as a function of static magnetic offset field. The Langevin model in thermodynamic equilibrium was fitted to the experimental data to derive parameters of the lognormal core size distribution. These parameters were subsequently used as inputs for micromagnetic Monte-Carlo (MC)-simulations. From the hysteresis loops obtained from MC-simulations, sum-frequency components were numerically demodulated and compared with both experiment and Langevin model predictions. From the latter, we derived that approximately 90\% of the frequency mixing magnetic response signal is generated by the largest 10\% of MNP. We therefore suggest that small particles do not contribute to the frequency mixing signal, which is supported by MC-simulation results. Both theoretical approaches describe the experimental signal shapes well, but with notable differences between experiment and micromagnetic simulations. These deviations could result from Brownian relaxations which are, albeit experimentally inhibited, included in MC-simulation, or (yet unconsidered) cluster-effects of MNP, or inaccurately derived input for MC-simulations, because the largest particles dominate the experimental signal but concurrently do not fulfill the precondition of thermodynamic equilibrium required by Langevin theory.}, language = {en} } @article{OliveiraMolinnusBegingetal.2021, author = {Oliveira, Danilo A. and Molinnus, Denise and Beging, Stefan and Siqueira Jr, Jos{\´e} R. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Biosensor Based on Self-Assembled Films of Graphene Oxide and Polyaniline Using a Field-Effect Device Platform}, series = {physica status solidi (a) applications and materials science}, volume = {218}, journal = {physica status solidi (a) applications and materials science}, number = {13}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.202000747}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2021}, abstract = {A new functionalization method to modify capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) structures with nanofilms is presented. Layers of polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH) and graphene oxide (GO) with the compound polyaniline:poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) (PANI:PAAMPSA) are deposited onto a p-Si/SiO2 chip using the layer-by-layer technique (LbL). Two different enzymes (urease and penicillinase) are separately immobilized on top of a five-bilayer stack of the PAH:GO/PANI:PAAMPSA-modified EIS chip, forming a biosensor for detection of urea and penicillin, respectively. Electrochemical characterization is performed by constant capacitance (ConCap) measurements, and the film morphology is characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An increase in the average sensitivity of the modified biosensors (EIS-nanofilm-enzyme) of around 15\% is found in relation to sensors, only carrying the enzyme but without the nanofilm (EIS-enzyme). In this sense, the nanofilm acts as a stable bioreceptor onto the EIS chip improving the output signal in terms of sensitivity and stability.}, language = {en} } @article{WeldenNagamineKomesuWagneretal.2021, author = {Welden, Rene and Nagamine Komesu, Cindy A. and Wagner, Patrick H. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Wagner, Torsten}, title = {Photoelectrochemical enzymatic penicillin biosensor: A proof-of-concept experiment}, series = {Electrochemical Science Advances}, volume = {2}, journal = {Electrochemical Science Advances}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {2698-5977}, doi = {10.1002/elsa.202100131}, pages = {1 -- 5}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensors are a rather novel type of biosensors thatutilizelighttoprovideinformationaboutthecompositionofananalyte,enablinglight-controlled multi-analyte measurements. For enzymatic PEC biosensors,amperometric detection principles are already known in the literature. In con-trast, there is only a little information on H+-ion sensitive PEC biosensors. Inthis work, we demonstrate the detection of H+ions emerged by H+-generatingenzymes, exemplarily demonstrated with penicillinase as a model enzyme on atitanium dioxide photoanode. First, we describe the pH sensitivity of the sensorand study possible photoelectrocatalytic reactions with penicillin. Second, weshow the enzymatic PEC detection of penicillin.}, language = {en} } @article{JablonskiPoghossianKeusgenetal.2021, author = {Jablonski, Melanie and Poghossian, Arshak and Keusgen, Michael and Wege, Christina and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Detection of plant virus particles with a capacitive field-effect sensor}, series = {Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry}, volume = {413}, journal = {Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1618-2650}, doi = {10.1007/s00216-021-03448-8}, pages = {5669 -- 5678}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Plant viruses are major contributors to crop losses and induce high economic costs worldwide. For reliable, on-site and early detection of plant viral diseases, portable biosensors are of great interest. In this study, a field-effect SiO2-gate electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) sensor was utilized for the label-free electrostatic detection of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) particles as a model plant pathogen. The capacitive EIS sensor has been characterized regarding its TMV sensitivity by means of constant-capacitance method. The EIS sensor was able to detect biotinylated TMV particles from a solution with a TMV concentration as low as 0.025 nM. A good correlation between the registered EIS sensor signal and the density of adsorbed TMV particles assessed from scanning electron microscopy images of the SiO2-gate chip surface was observed. Additionally, the isoelectric point of the biotinylated TMV particles was determined via zeta potential measurements and the influence of ionic strength of the measurement solution on the TMV-modified EIS sensor signal has been studied.}, language = {en} } @article{RichterBraunsteinStaeudleetal.2021, author = {Richter, Charlotte and Braunstein, Bjoern and Staeudle, Benjamin and Attias, Julia and Suess, Alexander and Weber, Tobias and Mileva, Katya N. and Rittweger, Joern and Green, David A. and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Contractile behavior of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle during running in simulated hypogravity}, series = {npj Microgravity}, volume = {7}, journal = {npj Microgravity}, number = {Article number: 32}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {New York}, issn = {2373-8065}, doi = {10.1038/s41526-021-00155-7}, pages = {7 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Vigorous exercise countermeasures in microgravity can largely attenuate muscular degeneration, albeit the extent of applied loading is key for the extent of muscle wasting. Running on the International Space Station is usually performed with maximum loads of 70\% body weight (0.7 g). However, it has not been investigated how the reduced musculoskeletal loading affects muscle and series elastic element dynamics, and thereby force and power generation. Therefore, this study examined the effects of running on the vertical treadmill facility, a ground-based analog, at simulated 0.7 g on gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior. The results reveal that fascicle-series elastic element behavior differs between simulated hypogravity and 1 g running. Whilst shorter peak series elastic element lengths at simulated 0.7 g appear to be the result of lower muscular and gravitational forces acting on it, increased fascicle lengths and decreased velocities could not be anticipated, but may inform the development of optimized running training in hypogravity. However, whether the alterations in contractile behavior precipitate musculoskeletal degeneration warrants further study.}, language = {en} } @article{KarschuckKaulenPoghossianetal.2021, author = {Karschuck, Tobias and Kaulen, Corinna and Poghossian, Arshak and Wagner, Patrick H. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Gold nanoparticle-modified capacitive field-effect sensors: Studying the surface density of nanoparticles and coupling of charged polyelectrolyte macromolecules}, series = {Electrochemical Science Advances}, volume = {2}, journal = {Electrochemical Science Advances}, number = {5}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {0938-5193}, doi = {10.1002/elsa.202100179}, pages = {10 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The coupling of ligand-stabilized gold nanoparticles with field-effect devices offers new possibilities for label-free biosensing. In this work, we study the immobilization of aminooctanethiol-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuAOTs) on the silicon dioxide surface of a capacitive field-effect sensor. The terminal amino group of the AuAOT is well suited for the functionalization with biomolecules. The attachment of the positively-charged AuAOTs on a capacitive field-effect sensor was detected by direct electrical readout using capacitance-voltage and constant capacitance measurements. With a higher particle density on the sensor surface, the measured signal change was correspondingly more pronounced. The results demonstrate the ability of capacitive field-effect sensors for the non-destructive quantitative validation of nanoparticle immobilization. In addition, the electrostatic binding of the polyanion polystyrene sulfonate to the AuAOT-modified sensor surface was studied as a model system for the label-free detection of charged macromolecules. Most likely, this approach can be transferred to the label-free detection of other charged molecules such as enzymes or antibodies.}, language = {en} } @article{HeuermannHarzheimCronenbroeck2021, author = {Heuermann, Holger and Harzheim, Thomas and Cronenbroeck, Tobias}, title = {First SIMO harmonic radar based on the SFCW concept and the HR transfer function}, series = {Remote sensing}, volume = {13}, journal = {Remote sensing}, number = {24}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2072-4292}, doi = {10.3390/rs13245088}, pages = {23 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This paper presents a new SIMO radar system based on a harmonic radar (HR) stepped frequency continuous wave (SFCW) architecture. Simple tags that can be electronically individually activated and deactivated via a DC control voltage were developed and combined to form an MO array field. This HR operates in the entire 2.45 GHz ISM band for transmitting the illumination signal and receives at twice the stimulus frequency and bandwidth centered around 4.9 GHz. This paper presents the development, the basic theory of a HR system for the characterization of objects placed into the propagation path in-between the radar and the reflectors (similar to a free-space measurement with a network analyzer) as well as first measurements performed by the system. Further detailed measurement series will be made available later on to other researchers to develop AI and machine learning based signal processing routines or synthetic aperture radar algorithms for imaging, object recognition, and feature extraction. For this purpose, the necessary information is published in this paper. It is explained in detail why this SIMO-HR can be an attractive solution augmenting or replacing existing systems for radar measurements in production technology for material under test measurements and as a simplified MIMO system. The novel HR transfer function, which is a basis for researchers and developers for material characterization or imaging algorithms, is introduced and metrologically verified in a well traceable coaxial setup.}, language = {en} } @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{ButenwegBursiPaolaccietal.2021, author = {Butenweg, Christoph and Bursi, Oreste S. and Paolacci, Fabrizio and Marinković, Marko and Lanese, Igor and Nardin, Chiara and Quinci, Gianluca}, title = {Seismic performance of an industrial multi-storey frame structure with process equipment subjected to shake table testing}, series = {Engineering Structures}, volume = {243}, journal = {Engineering Structures}, number = {15}, editor = {Yang, J.}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0141-0296}, doi = {10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.112681}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Past earthquakes demonstrated the high vulnerability of industrial facilities equipped with complex process technologies leading to serious damage of process equipment and multiple and simultaneous release of hazardous substances. Nonetheless, current standards for seismic design of industrial facilities are considered inadequate to guarantee proper safety conditions against exceptional events entailing loss of containment and related consequences. On these premises, the SPIF project -Seismic Performance of Multi-Component Systems in Special Risk Industrial Facilities- was proposed within the framework of the European H2020 SERA funding scheme. In detail, the objective of the SPIF project is the investigation of the seismic behaviour of a representative industrial multi-storey frame structure equipped with complex process components by means of shaking table tests. Along this main vein and in a performance-based design perspective, the issues investigated in depth are the interaction between a primary moment resisting frame (MRF) steel structure and secondary process components that influence the performance of the whole system; and a proper check of floor spectra predictions. The evaluation of experimental data clearly shows a favourable performance of the MRF structure, some weaknesses of local details due to the interaction between floor crossbeams and process components and, finally, the overconservatism of current design standards w.r.t. floor spectra predictions.}, language = {en} } @article{ButenwegKubalskiElDeibetal.2021, author = {Butenweg, Christoph and Kubalski, Thomas and El-Deib, Khaled and Gellert, Christoph}, title = {Erdbebennachweis von Mauerwerksbauten nach DIN EN 1998-1/NA-2021}, series = {Bautechnik : Zeitschrift f{\"u}r den gesamten Ingenieurbau}, volume = {98}, journal = {Bautechnik : Zeitschrift f{\"u}r den gesamten Ingenieurbau}, number = {11}, editor = {Jesse, Dirk}, publisher = {Ernst \& Sohn}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {1437-0999}, doi = {10.1002/bate.202100064}, pages = {852 -- 863}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Mauerwerksbauten in Deutschland sind mit Einf{\"u}hrung des nationalen Anwendungsdokuments DIN EN 1998-1/NA auf Grundlage einer neuen probabilistischen Erdbebenkarte nachzuweisen. F{\"u}r erfolgreiche Erdbebennachweise {\"u}blicher Grundrissformen von Mauerwerksbauten stehen in dem zuk{\"u}nftigen Anwendungsdokument neue rechnerische Nachweism{\"o}glichkeiten zur Verf{\"u}gung, mit denen die Tragf{\"a}higkeitsreserven von Mauerwerksbauten in der Baupraxis mit einem {\"u}berschaubaren Aufwand besser in Ansatz gebracht werden k{\"o}nnen. Das Standardrechenverfahren ist weiterhin der kraftbasierte Nachweis, der nun mit h{\"o}heren Verhaltensbeiwerten im Vergleich zur DIN 4149 durchgef{\"u}hrt werden kann. Die h{\"o}heren Verhaltensbeiwerte basieren auf der besseren Ausnutzung der geb{\"a}udespezifischen Verformungsf{\"a}higkeit und Energiedissipation sowie der Lastumverteilung der Schubkr{\"a}fte im Grundriss mit Ansatz von Rahmentragwirkung durch Wand-Deckeninteraktionen. Alternativ dazu kann ein nichtlinearer Nachweis auf Grundlage von Pushover-Analysen zur Anwendung kommen. Vervollst{\"a}ndigt werden die Regelungen f{\"u}r Mauerwerksbauten durch neue Regelungen f{\"u}r nichttragende Innenw{\"a}nde und Außenmauerschalen. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt die Grundlagen und Hintergr{\"u}nde der neuen rechnerischen Nachweise in DIN EN 1998-1/NA vor und demonstriert deren Anwendung an einem Beispiel aus der Praxis.}, language = {de} } @article{ElDeibButenwegKlinkel2021, author = {El-Deib, Khaled and Butenweg, Christoph and Klinkel, Sven}, title = {Erdbebennachweis von Mauerwerksbauten mit realistischen Modellen und erh{\"o}hten Verhaltensbeiwerten}, series = {Mauerwerk}, volume = {2021}, journal = {Mauerwerk}, number = {3}, editor = {Jesse, Dirk}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1437-1022}, doi = {10.1002/dama.202110014}, pages = {110 -- 119}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Die Anwendung des linearen Nachweiskonzepts auf Mauerwerksbauten f{\"u}hrt dazu, dass bereits heute Standsicherheitsnachweise f{\"u}r Geb{\"a}ude mit {\"u}blichen Grundrissen in Gebieten mit moderaten Erdbebeneinwirkungen nicht mehr gef{\"u}hrt werden k{\"o}nnen. Diese Problematik wird sich in Deutschland mit der Einf{\"u}hrung kontinuierlicher probabilistischer Erdbebenkarten weiter versch{\"a}rfen. Aufgrund der Erh{\"o}hung der seismischen Einwirkungen, die sich vielerorts ergibt, ist es erforderlich, die vorhandenen, bislang nicht ber{\"u}cksichtigten Tragf{\"a}higkeitsreserven in nachvollziehbaren Nachweiskonzepten in der Baupraxis verf{\"u}gbar zu machen. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt ein Konzept f{\"u}r die geb{\"a}udespezifische Ermittlung von erh{\"o}hten Verhaltensbeiwerten vor. Die Verhaltensbeiwerte setzen sich aus drei Anteilen zusammen, mit denen die Lastumverteilung im Grundriss, die Verformungsf{\"a}higkeit und Energiedissipation sowie die {\"U}berfestigkeiten ber{\"u}cksichtigt werden. F{\"u}r die rechnerische Ermittlung dieser drei Anteile wird ein nichtlineares Nachweiskonzept auf Grundlage von Pushover-Analysen vorgeschlagen, in denen die Interaktionen von W{\"a}nden und Geschossdecken durch einen Einspanngrad beschrieben werden. F{\"u}r die Bestimmung der Einspanngrade wird ein nichtlinearer Modellierungsansatz eingef{\"u}hrt, mit dem die Interaktion von W{\"a}nden und Decken abgebildet werden kann. Die Anwendung des Konzepts mit erh{\"o}hten geb{\"a}udespezifischen Verhaltensbeiwerten wird am Beispiel eines Mehrfamilienhauses aus Kalksandsteinen demonstriert. Die Ergebnisse der linearen Nachweise mit erh{\"o}hten Verhaltensbeiwerten f{\"u}r dieses Geb{\"a}ude liegen deutlich n{\"a}her an den Ergebnissen nichtlinearer Nachweise und somit bleiben {\"u}bliche Grundrisse in Erdbebengebieten mit den traditionellen linearen Rechenans{\"a}tzen nachweisbar.}, language = {de} } @article{PoghossianWeldenBuniatyanetal.2021, author = {Poghossian, Arshak and Welden, Rene and Buniatyan, Vahe V. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {An Array of On-Chip Integrated, Individually Addressable Capacitive Field-Effect Sensors with Control Gate: Design and Modelling}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {21}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {18}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s21186161}, pages = {17}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The on-chip integration of multiple biochemical sensors based on field-effect electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor capacitors (EISCAP) is challenging due to technological difficulties in realization of electrically isolated EISCAPs on the same Si chip. In this work, we present a new simple design for an array of on-chip integrated, individually electrically addressable EISCAPs with an additional control gate (CG-EISCAP). The existence of the CG enables an addressable activation or deactivation of on-chip integrated individual CG-EISCAPs by simple electrical switching the CG of each sensor in various setups, and makes the new design capable for multianalyte detection without cross-talk effects between the sensors in the array. The new designed CG-EISCAP chip was modelled in so-called floating/short-circuited and floating/capacitively-coupled setups, and the corresponding electrical equivalent circuits were developed. In addition, the capacitance-voltage curves of the CG-EISCAP chip in different setups were simulated and compared with that of a single EISCAP sensor. Moreover, the sensitivity of the CG-EISCAP chip to surface potential changes induced by biochemical reactions was simulated and an impact of different parameters, such as gate voltage, insulator thickness and doping concentration in Si, on the sensitivity has been discussed.}, language = {en} } @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{GorzalkaSchmiedtSchorn2021, author = {Gorzalka, Philip and Schmiedt, Jacob Estevam and Schorn, Christian}, title = {Automated Generation of an Energy Simulation Model for an Existing Building from UAV Imagery}, series = {Buildings}, volume = {11}, journal = {Buildings}, number = {9}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2075-5309}, doi = {10.3390/buildings11090380}, pages = {15 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {An approach to automatically generate a dynamic energy simulation model in Modelica for a single existing building is presented. It aims at collecting data about the status quo in the preparation of energy retrofits with low effort and costs. The proposed method starts from a polygon model of the outer building envelope obtained from photogrammetrically generated point clouds. The open-source tools TEASER and AixLib are used for data enrichment and model generation. A case study was conducted on a single-family house. The resulting model can accurately reproduce the internal air temperatures during synthetical heating up and cooling down. Modelled and measured whole building heat transfer coefficients (HTC) agree within a 12\% range. A sensitivity analysis emphasises the importance of accurate window characterisations and justifies the use of a very simplified interior geometry. Uncertainties arising from the use of archetype U-values are estimated by comparing different typologies, with best- and worst-case estimates showing differences in pre-retrofit heat demand of about ±20\% to the average; however, as the assumptions made are permitted by some national standards, the method is already close to practical applicability and opens up a path to quickly estimate possible financial and energy savings after refurbishment.}, language = {en} } @article{Gaigall2021, author = {Gaigall, Daniel}, title = {Test for Changes in the Modeled Solvency Capital Requirement of an Internal Risk Model}, series = {ASTIN Bulletin}, volume = {51}, journal = {ASTIN Bulletin}, number = {3}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1783-1350}, doi = {10.1017/asb.2021.20}, pages = {813 -- 837}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In the context of the Solvency II directive, the operation of an internal risk model is a possible way for risk assessment and for the determination of the solvency capital requirement of an insurance company in the European Union. A Monte Carlo procedure is customary to generate a model output. To be compliant with the directive, validation of the internal risk model is conducted on the basis of the model output. For this purpose, we suggest a new test for checking whether there is a significant change in the modeled solvency capital requirement. Asymptotic properties of the test statistic are investigated and a bootstrap approximation is justified. A simulation study investigates the performance of the test in the finite sample case and confirms the theoretical results. The internal risk model and the application of the test is illustrated in a simplified example. The method has more general usage for inference of a broad class of law-invariant and coherent risk measures on the basis of a paired sample.}, language = {en} } @article{RichterBraunsteinStaeudleetal.2021, author = {Richter, Charlotte and Braunstein, Bjoern and St{\"a}udle, Benjamin and Attias, Julia and Suess, Alexander and Weber, Tobias and Mileva, Katja N. and Rittweger, Joern and Green, David A. and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior is preserved during 30\% body weight supported gait training}, series = {Frontiers in Sports and Active Living}, volume = {2021}, journal = {Frontiers in Sports and Active Living}, number = {2}, publisher = {Frontiers}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2624-9367}, doi = {10.3389/fspor.2020.614559}, pages = {Artikel 614559}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Rehabilitative body weight supported gait training aims at restoring walking function as a key element in activities of daily living. Studies demonstrated reductions in muscle and joint forces, while kinematic gait patterns appear to be preserved with up to 30\% weight support. However, the influence of body weight support on muscle architecture, with respect to fascicle and series elastic element behavior is unknown, despite this having potential clinical implications for gait retraining. Eight males (31.9 ± 4.7 years) walked at 75\% of the speed at which they typically transition to running, with 0\% and 30\% body weight support on a lower-body positive pressure treadmill. Gastrocnemius medialis fascicle lengths and pennation angles were measured via ultrasonography. Additionally, joint kinematics were analyzed to determine gastrocnemius medialis muscle-tendon unit lengths, consisting of the muscle's contractile and series elastic elements. Series elastic element length was assessed using a muscle-tendon unit model. Depending on whether data were normally distributed, a paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed to determine if body weight supported walking had any effects on joint kinematics and fascicle-series elastic element behavior. Walking with 30\% body weight support had no statistically significant effect on joint kinematics and peak series elastic element length. Furthermore, at the time when peak series elastic element length was achieved, and on average across the entire stance phase, muscle-tendon unit length, fascicle length, pennation angle, and fascicle velocity were unchanged with respect to body weight support. In accordance with unchanged gait kinematics, preservation of fascicle-series elastic element behavior was observed during walking with 30\% body weight support, which suggests transferability of gait patterns to subsequent unsupported walking.}, language = {en} } @article{RichterBraunsteinStaeudleetal.2021, author = {Richter, Charlotte and Braunstein, Bj{\"o}rn and St{\"a}udle, Benjamin and Attias, Julia and S{\"u}ss, Alexander and Weber, Tobias and Mileva, Katya N. and Rittweger, J{\"o}rn and Green, David A. and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior during running differs between simulated Lunar and Martian gravities}, series = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, journal = {Scientific reports}, number = {Article number: 22555}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-021-00527-9}, pages = {13 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The international partnership of space agencies has agreed to proceed forward to the Moon sustainably. Activities on the Lunar surface (0.16 g) will allow crewmembers to advance the exploration skills needed when expanding human presence to Mars (0.38 g). Whilst data from actual hypogravity activities are limited to the Apollo missions, simulation studies have indicated that ground reaction forces, mechanical work, muscle activation, and joint angles decrease with declining gravity level. However, these alterations in locomotion biomechanics do not necessarily scale to the gravity level, the reduction in gastrocnemius medialis activation even appears to level off around 0.2 g, while muscle activation pattern remains similar. Thus, it is difficult to predict whether gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior during running on Moon will basically be the same as on Mars. Therefore, this study investigated lower limb joint kinematics and gastrocnemius medialis behavior during running at 1 g, simulated Martian gravity, and simulated Lunar gravity on the vertical treadmill facility. The results indicate that hypogravity-induced alterations in joint kinematics and contractile behavior still persist between simulated running on the Moon and Mars. This contrasts with the concept of a ceiling effect and should be carefully considered when evaluating exercise prescriptions and the transferability of locomotion practiced in Lunar gravity to Martian gravity.}, 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{MontiWaldvogelRitzmannetal.2021, author = {Monti, Elena and Waldvogel, Janice and Ritzmann, Ramona and Freyler, Kathrin and Albracht, Kirsten and Helm, Michael and De Cesare, Niccol{\`o} and Pavan, Piero and Reggiani, Carlo and Gollhofer, Albert and Narici, Marco Vincenzo}, title = {Muscle in variable gravity: "I do not know where I am, but I know what to do"}, series = {Frontiers in Physiology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2021.714655}, pages = {19 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Performing tasks, such as running and jumping, requires activation of the agonist and antagonist muscles before (motor unit pre-activation) and during movement performance (Santello and Mcdonagh, 1998). A well-timed and regulated muscle activation elicits a stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) response, naturally occurring in bouncing movements (Ishikawa and Komi, 2004; Taube et al., 2012). By definition, the SSC describes the stretching of a pre-activated muscle-tendon complex immediately followed by a muscle shortening in the concentric push-off phase (Komi, 1984). Given the importance of SSC actions for human movement, it is not surprising that many studies investigated the biomechanics of this phenomenon; in particular, drop jumps (DJs) represent a good paradigm to study muscle fascicle and tendon behavior in ballistic movements involving the SSC. Within a DJ, three main phases [pre-activation, braking, and push-off (PO; Komi, 2000)] have been recognized and extensively studied in common and challenging conditions, such as changes in load, falling height, or simulated hypo-gravity (Avela et al., 1994; Arampatzis et al., 2001; Fukashiro et al., 2005; Ishikawa et al., 2005; Sousa et al., 2007; Ritzmann et al., 2016; Helm et al., 2020). These studies show that the timing and amount of triceps-surae muscle-tendon unit pre-activation in DJs are differentially regulated based on the load applied to the muscle, being optimal in normal "Earth" gravity conditions (Avela et al., 1994), but decreased in simulated hypo-gravity, hyper-gravity (Avela et al., 1994; Ritzmann et al., 2016), or unknown conditions (i.e., unknown falling heights; Helm et al., 2020). Some authors indicated that, when falling from heights different from the optimal one [defined as the drop height giving a maximum DJ performance indicated as peak ground reaction force (GRF) or jump high], electromyographic (EMG) activity of the plantar flexors increases from lower than optimal to higher than optimal heights (Ishikawa and Komi, 2004; Sousa et al., 2007). These findings highlight the ability of the central nervous system to regulate the timing and amount of pre-activation according to different jumping conditions, thus regulating muscle fascicle length, tendon and joint stiffness as well as position, in order to safely land on the ground and quickly re-bounce. Similarly, to pre-activation, also in the braking phase, the plantar flexors are differentially regulated. In optimal height (i.e., load) jumping conditions, gastrocnemius medialis (GM) fascicles shorten at early ground contact (possibly due to the intervention of the stretch reflex; Gollhofer et al., 1992) and behave quasi-isometrically in the late braking phase, enabling tendon elongation, and storage of elastic energy (Gollhofer et al., 1992; Fukashiro et al., 2005; Sousa et al., 2007). When increasing the falling height (augmenting the impact GRF), the quasi-isometric behavior of fascicles disappears, and fast fascicle lengthening occurs (Ishikawa et al., 2005; Sousa et al., 2007). In the third and last PO phase, fascicles shorten and the tendon releases the elastic energy previously stored. Bobbert et al. (1987) reported no influence of jumping height on the work done and on the net vertical impulse assessed during PO; this observation suggests that, despite an optimal DJ performance might be achieved only in specific conditions (falling heights, loads), the central nervous system seems to be able to regulate muscle behavior in order to effectively perform the required task also in challenging situations. Although the regulation of triceps-surae muscle-tendon unit in DJs has been extensively investigated, very few studies focused on sarcomeres behavior during the performance of this SSC movement (Kurokawa et al., 2003; Fukashiro et al., 2005, 2006). Sarcomeres represent muscle contractile units and are known to express different amounts of force depending on their length (Gordon et al., 1966; Walker and Schrodt, 1974); thus, understanding the time course of their responses during DJs is fundamental to gain further insights into muscle force-generating capacity. In vivo measurement of sarcomere length in humans has been so far been performed only in static positions and under highly controlled experimental conditions (Llewellyn et al., 2008; Sanchez et al., 2015). Instead, human sarcomere length estimation (achieved by dividing GM measured fascicle length for a fixed sarcomere number) in dynamic contractions provided an indirect measure of sarcomere operating range during squat jump, countermovement jump, and DJ (Fukashiro et al., 2005, 2006; Kurokawa et al., 2003). The results of these studies showed that sarcomeres operate in the ascending limb of their length-tension (L-T) relationship in all types of jumps, and particularly so in DJ. However, most of the available observations on sarcomere and muscle fascicle behavior were made in condition of constant gravity. Thus, in order to understand how sarcomere and muscle fascicle length are regulated in variable gravity conditions, we performed experiments in a parabolic flight, involving variable gravity levels, ranging from about zero-g to about double the Earth's gravity (1 g; Waldvogel et al., 2021). Specifically, the aims of the present study were as follows: 1. To investigate the ability of the neuromuscular system in regulating fascicle length in response to conditions of variable gravity. 2. To estimate sarcomere operative length in the different DJ phases, in order to calculate its theoretical force production and its possible modulation in conditions of variable gravity. We hypothesized that muscle fascicles would be differentially regulated in different gravity conditions compared to 1 g, particularly in anticipation of landing and re-bouncing in unknown gravity levels. In addition, we hypothesized that sarcomeres would operate in the upper part of the ascending limb of their L-T relationship, possibly lengthening during the braking phase (especially in hyper-gravity) while operating quasi-isometrically in 1 g.}, language = {en} } @article{StaeudleSeynnesLapsetal.2021, author = {St{\"a}udle, Benjamin and Seynnes, Olivier and Laps, Guido and G{\"o}ll, Fabian and Br{\"u}ggemann, Gert-Peter and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Recovery from achilles tendon repair: a combination of Postsurgery Outcomes and Insufficient remodeling of muscle and tendon}, series = {Medicine \& Science in Sports \& Exercise}, volume = {53}, journal = {Medicine \& Science in Sports \& Exercise}, number = {7}, publisher = {American College of Sports Medicine}, address = {Philadelphia, Pa.}, issn = {1530-0315}, doi = {10.1249/MSS.0000000000002592}, pages = {1356 -- 1366}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) patients have persistent functional deficits in the triceps surae muscle-tendon unit (MTU). The complex remodeling of the MTU accompanying these deficits remains poorly understood. The purpose of the present study was to associate in vivo and in silico data to investigate the relations between changes inMTU properties and strength deficits inATR patients. Methods: Elevenmale subjects who had undergone surgical repair of complete unilateral ATR were examined 4.6 ± 2.0 (mean ± SD) yr after rupture. Gastrocnemius medialis (GM) tendon stiffness, morphology, and muscle architecture were determined using ultrasonography. The force-length relation of the plantar flexor muscles was assessed at five ankle joint angles. In addition, simulations (OpenSim) of the GM MTU force-length properties were performed with various iterations of MTU properties found between the unaffected and the affected side. Results: The affected side of the patients displayed a longer, larger, and stiffer GM tendon (13\% ± 10\%, 105\% ± 28\%, and 54\% ± 24\%, respectively) compared with the unaffected side. The GM muscle fascicles of the affected side were shorter (32\% ± 12\%) and with greater pennation angles (31\% ± 26\%). A mean deficit in plantarflexion moment of 31\% ± 10\% was measured. Simulations indicate that pairing an intact muscle with a longer tendon shifts the optimal angular range of peak force outside physiological angular ranges, whereas the shorter muscle fascicles and tendon stiffening seen in the affected side decrease this shift, albeit incompletely. Conclusions: These results suggest that the substantial changes in MTU properties found in ATR patients may partly result from compensatory remodeling, although this process appears insufficient to fully restore muscle function.}, language = {en} } @article{Finkenberger2021, author = {Finkenberger, Isabel Maria}, title = {Wohnen als Produktionsgemeinschaftsaufgabe}, series = {Jahrbuch f{\"u}r Christliche Sozialwissenschaften}, journal = {Jahrbuch f{\"u}r Christliche Sozialwissenschaften}, number = {62}, publisher = {Aschendorff}, address = {M{\"u}nster}, issn = {0075-2584}, doi = {10.17879/jcsw-2021-3537}, pages = {31 -- 42}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Wohnen als neue soziale Frage ist mehr als die Produktion neuer Formen von Wohnen und deren architektonischer Gestalt, und auch mehr als nur die Umsetzung sich ver{\"a}ndernder, jedoch individuell formulierter Wohnw{\"u}nsche. Sie spannt sich auf zwischen gesellschafts- und nachhaltigkeitspolitischen, hardcore-kapitalistischen und globalen Rahmenbedingungen, Hardware und Software, Individuum und Gemeinwohl, Konsum und Mitgestaltung. Entscheidend sind die Akteure und die Art und Weise, wie und nach welchen Maßst{\"a}ben sie handeln. Entscheidend ist aber auch, Wohnen sowohl kontextuell wie auch programmatisch neu zu denken und dadurch zu neuen Mischungen, Nachbarschaften und Bewertungskriterien einer Projekt- und Stadtentwicklung zu kommen, die mehr als die Summe seiner Einzelteile wollen - ein gutes Leben f{\"u}r Alle abseits der Frage des Geldbeutels und der sozialen Zugeh{\"o}rigkeit.}, language = {de} } @article{TranStaat2020, author = {Tran, Ngoc Trinh and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Direct plastic structural design under lognormally distributed strength by chance constrained programming}, series = {Optimization and Engineering}, volume = {21}, journal = {Optimization and Engineering}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1573-2924}, doi = {10.1007/s11081-019-09437-2}, pages = {131 -- 157}, year = {2020}, abstract = {We propose the so-called chance constrained programming model of stochastic programming theory to analyze limit and shakedown loads of structures under random strength with a lognormal distribution. A dual chance constrained programming algorithm is developed to calculate simultaneously both the upper and lower bounds of the plastic collapse limit and the shakedown limit. The edge-based smoothed finite element method (ES-FEM) is used with three-node linear triangular elements.}, language = {en} } @article{GerhardsSanderZivkovicetal.2020, author = {Gerhards, Michael and Sander, Volker and Zivkovic, Miroslav and Belloum, Adam and Bubak, Marian}, title = {New approach to allocation planning of many-task workflows on clouds}, series = {Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience}, volume = {32}, journal = {Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience}, number = {2 Article e5404}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Chichester}, issn = {1532-0634}, doi = {10.1002/cpe.5404}, pages = {1 -- 16}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Experience has shown that a priori created static resource allocation plans are vulnerable to runtime deviations and hence often become uneconomic or highly exceed a predefined soft deadline. The assumption of constant task execution times during allocation planning is even more unlikely in a cloud environment where virtualized resources vary in performance. Revising the initially created resource allocation plan at runtime allows the scheduler to react on deviations between planning and execution. Such an adaptive rescheduling of a many-task application workflow is only feasible, when the planning time can be handled efficiently at runtime. In this paper, we present the static low-complexity resource allocation planning algorithm (LCP) applicable to efficiently schedule many-task scientific application workflows on cloud resources of different capabilities. The benefits of the presented algorithm are benchmarked against alternative approaches. The benchmark results show that LCP is not only able to compete against higher complexity algorithms in terms of planned costs and planned makespan but also outperforms them significantly by magnitudes of 2 to 160 in terms of required planning time. Hence, LCP is superior in terms of practical usability where low planning time is essential such as in our targeted online rescheduling scenario.}, language = {en} } @article{ValeroChansonBung2020, author = {Valero, Daniel and Chanson, Hubert and Bung, Daniel B.}, title = {Robust estimators for free surface turbulence characterization: A stepped spillway application}, series = {Flow Measurement and Instrumentation}, volume = {76}, journal = {Flow Measurement and Instrumentation}, number = {Art. 101809}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0955-5986}, doi = {10.1016/j.flowmeasinst.2020.101809}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Robust estimators are parameters insensitive to the presence of outliers. However, they presume the shape of the variables' probability density function. This study exemplifies the sensitivity of turbulent quantities to the use of classic and robust estimators and the presence of outliers in turbulent flow depth time series. A wide range of turbulence quantities was analysed based upon a stepped spillway case study, using flow depths sampled with Acoustic Displacement Meters as the flow variable of interest. The studied parameters include: the expected free surface level, the expected fluctuation intensity, the depth skewness, the autocorrelation timescales, the vertical velocity fluctuation intensity, the perturbations celerity and the one-dimensional free surface turbulence spectrum. Three levels of filtering were utilised prior to applying classic and robust estimators, showing that comparable robustness can be obtained either using classic estimators together with an intermediate filtering technique or using robust estimators instead, without any filtering technique.}, language = {en} } @article{UlmerBraunChengetal.2020, author = {Ulmer, Jessica and Braun, Sebastian and Cheng, Chi-Tsun and Dowey, Steve and Wollert, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Human-Centered Gamification Framework for Manufacturing Systems}, series = {Procedia CIRP}, volume = {93}, journal = {Procedia CIRP}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2212-8271}, doi = {10.1016/j.procir.2020.04.076}, pages = {670 -- 675}, year = {2020}, abstract = {While bringing new opportunities, the Industry 4.0 movement also imposes new challenges to the manufacturing industry and all its stakeholders. In this competitive environment, a skilled and engaged workforce is a key to success. Gamification can generate valuable feedbacks for improving employees' engagement and performance. Currently, Gamification in workspaces focuses on computer-based assignments and training, while tasks that require manual labor are rarely considered. This research provides an overview of Enterprise Gamification approaches and evaluates the challenges. Based on that, a skill-based Gamification framework for manual tasks is proposed, and a case study in the Industry 4.0 model factory is shown.}, language = {en} } @article{WollbrinkMasloZimmeretal.2020, author = {Wollbrink, Moritz and Maslo, Semir and Zimmer, Daniel and Abbas, Karim and Arntz, Kristian and Bergs, Thomas}, title = {Clamping and substrate plate system for continuous additive build-up and post-processing of metal parts}, series = {Procedia CIRP}, volume = {93}, journal = {Procedia CIRP}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2212-8271}, doi = {10.1016/j.procir.2020.04.015}, pages = {108 -- 113}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The manufacturing share of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) increases in industrial application, but still many process steps are manually operated. Additionally, it is not possible to achieve tight dimensional tolerances or low surfaces roughness. Hence, a process chain has to be set up to combine additive manufacturing (AM) with further machining technologies. To achieve a continuous workpiece flow as basis for further industrialization of L-PBF, the paper presents a novel substrate system and its application on L-PBF machines and post-processing. The substrate system consists of a zero-point clamping system and a matrix-like interface of contact pins to be substantially connected to the workpiece within the L-PBF process.}, language = {en} } @article{TippkoetterRoth2020, author = {Tippk{\"o}tter, Nils and Roth, Jasmine}, title = {Purified Butanol from Lignocellulose - Solvent-Impregnated Resins for an Integrated Selective Removal}, series = {Chemie Ingenieur Technik}, volume = {92}, journal = {Chemie Ingenieur Technik}, number = {11}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1522-2640}, doi = {10.1002/cite.202000200}, pages = {1741 -- 1751}, year = {2020}, abstract = {In traditional microbial biobutanol production, the solvent must be recovered during fermentation process for a sufficient space-time yield. Thermal separation is not feasible due to the boiling point of n-butanol. As an integrated and selective solid-liquid separation alternative, solvent impregnated resins (SIRs) were applied. Two polymeric resins were evaluated and an extractant screening was conducted. Vacuum application with vapor collection in fixed-bed column as bioreactor bypass was successfully implemented as butanol desorption step. In course of further increasing process economics, fermentation with renewable lignocellulosic substrates was conducted using Clostridium acetobutylicum. Utilization of SIR was shown to be a potential strategy for solvent removal from fermentation broth, while application of a bypass column allows for product removal and recovery at once.}, language = {en} } @article{FinkenbergerVeil2020, author = {Finkenberger, Isabel Maria and Veil, Katja}, title = {R{\"a}umliche Transformation}, series = {RaumPlanung : Fachzeitschrift f{\"u}r r{\"a}umliche Planung und Forschung}, volume = {205}, journal = {RaumPlanung : Fachzeitschrift f{\"u}r r{\"a}umliche Planung und Forschung}, number = {1}, publisher = {IfR (Informationskreis f{\"u}r Raumplanung)}, address = {Dortmund}, issn = {0176-7534}, pages = {6 -- 11}, year = {2020}, language = {de} } @article{PfaffGidaszewskiSchmidt2020, author = {Pfaff, Raphael and Gidaszewski, Lars and Schmidt, Bernd}, title = {Ber{\"u}cksichtigung von No Fault Found im Diagnose- und Instandhaltungssystem von Schienenfahrzeugen}, series = {ETR - Eisenbahntechnische Rundschau}, journal = {ETR - Eisenbahntechnische Rundschau}, number = {5}, publisher = {DVV Media Group}, address = {Hamburg}, issn = {0013-2845}, pages = {56 -- 59}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Intermittierende und nicht reproduzierbare Fehler, auch als No Fault Found bezeichnet, treten in praktisch allen Bereichen auf und sorgen f{\"u}r hohe Kosten. Diese sind h{\"a}ufig auf unpr{\"a}zise Fehlerbeschreibungen zur{\"u}ckzuf{\"u}hren. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden Anpassungen der Vorgehensweise bei der Entwicklung und Anpassungen des Diagnosesystems vorgeschlagen.}, language = {de} } @article{FrankoDuKallweitetal.2020, author = {Franko, Josef and Du, Shengzhi and Kallweit, Stephan and Duelberg, Enno Sebastian and Engemann, Heiko}, title = {Design of a Multi-Robot System for Wind Turbine Maintenance}, series = {Energies}, volume = {13}, journal = {Energies}, number = {10}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1996-1073}, doi = {10.3390/en13102552}, pages = {Article 2552}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The maintenance of wind turbines is of growing importance considering the transition to renewable energy. This paper presents a multi-robot-approach for automated wind turbine maintenance including a novel climbing robot. Currently, wind turbine maintenance remains a manual task, which is monotonous, dangerous, and also physically demanding due to the large scale of wind turbines. Technical climbers are required to work at significant heights, even in bad weather conditions. Furthermore, a skilled labor force with sufficient knowledge in repairing fiber composite material is rare. Autonomous mobile systems enable the digitization of the maintenance process. They can be designed for weather-independent operations. This work contributes to the development and experimental validation of a maintenance system consisting of multiple robotic platforms for a variety of tasks, such as wind turbine tower and rotor blade service. In this work, multicopters with vision and LiDAR sensors for global inspection are used to guide slower climbing robots. Light-weight magnetic climbers with surface contact were used to analyze structure parts with non-destructive inspection methods and to locally repair smaller defects. Localization was enabled by adapting odometry for conical-shaped surfaces considering additional navigation sensors. Magnets were suitable for steel towers to clamp onto the surface. A friction-based climbing ring robot (SMART— Scanning, Monitoring, Analyzing, Repair and Transportation) completed the set-up for higher payload. The maintenance period could be extended by using weather-proofed maintenance robots. The multi-robot-system was running the Robot Operating System (ROS). Additionally, first steps towards machine learning would enable maintenance staff to use pattern classification for fault diagnosis in order to operate safely from the ground in the future.}, language = {en} } @article{HorbachStaatPerezVianaetal.2020, author = {Horbach, Andreas and Staat, Manfred and Perez-Viana, Daniel and Simmen, Hans-Peter and Neuhaus, Valentin and Pape, Hans-Christoph and Prescher, Andreas and Ciritsis, Bernhard}, title = {Biomechanical in vitro examination of a standardized low-volume tubular femoroplasty}, series = {Clinical Biomechanics}, volume = {80}, journal = {Clinical Biomechanics}, number = {Art. 105104}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, doi = {10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2020.105104}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background Osteoporosis is associated with the risk of fractures near the hip. Age and comorbidities increase the perioperative risk. Due to the ageing population, fracture of the proximal femur also proves to be a socio-economic problem. Preventive surgical measures have hardly been used so far. Methods 10 pairs of human femora from fresh cadavers were divided into control and low-volume femoroplasty groups and subjected to a Hayes fall-loading fracture test. The results of the respective localization and classification of the fracture site, the Singh index determined by computed tomography (CT) examination and the parameters in terms of fracture force, work to fracture and stiffness were evaluated statistically and with the finite element method. In addition, a finite element parametric study with different position angles and variants of the tubular geometry of the femoroplasty was performed. Findings Compared to the control group, the work to fracture could be increased by 33.2\%. The fracture force increased by 19.9\%. The used technique and instrumentation proved to be standardized and reproducible with an average poly(methyl methacrylate) volume of 10.5 ml. The parametric study showed the best results for the selected angle and geometry. Interpretation The cadaver studies demonstrated the biomechanical efficacy of the low-volume tubular femoroplasty. The numerical calculations confirmed the optimal choice of positioning as well as the inner and outer diameter of the tube in this setting. The standardized minimally invasive technique with the instruments developed for it could be used in further comparative studies to confirm the measured biomechanical results.}, language = {en} } @article{AkimbekovDigelSherelkhanetal.2020, author = {Akimbekov, Nuraly S. and Digel, Ilya and Sherelkhan, Dinara K. and Lutfor, Afzalunnessa B. and Razzaque, Mohammed S.}, title = {Vitamin D and the Host-Gut Microbiome: A Brief Overview}, series = {Acta Histochemica et Cytochemica}, volume = {53}, journal = {Acta Histochemica et Cytochemica}, number = {3}, publisher = {Japan Society of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry}, address = {Osaka}, issn = {1347-5800}, doi = {10.1267/ahc.20011}, pages = {33 -- 42}, year = {2020}, abstract = {There is a growing body of evidence for the effects of vitamin D on intestinal host-microbiome interactions related to gut dysbiosis and bowel inflammation. This brief review highlights the potential links between vitamin D and gut health, emphasizing the role of vitamin D in microbiological and immunological mechanisms of inflammatory bowel diseases. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in PubMed and Google Scholar using combinations of keywords "vitamin D," "intestines," "gut microflora," "bowel inflammation". Only articles published in English and related to the study topic are included in the review. We discuss how vitamin D (a) modulates intestinal microbiome function, (b) controls antimicrobial peptide expression, and (c) has a protective effect on epithelial barriers in the gut mucosa. Vitamin D and its nuclear receptor (VDR) regulate intestinal barrier integrity, and control innate and adaptive immunity in the gut. Metabolites from the gut microbiota may also regulate expression of VDR, while vitamin D may influence the gut microbiota and exert anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. The underlying mechanism of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of bowel diseases is not fully understood, but maintaining an optimal vitamin D status appears to be beneficial for gut health. Future studies will shed light on the molecular mechanisms through which vitamin D and VDR interactions affect intestinal mucosal immunity, pathogen invasion, symbiont colonization, and antimicrobial peptide expression.}, language = {en} } @article{KhayyamJamaliBabHadiasharetal.2020, author = {Khayyam, Hamid and Jamali, Ali and Bab-Hadiashar, Alireza and Esch, Thomas and Ramakrishna, Seeram and Jalili, Mahdi and Naebe, Minoo}, title = {A Novel Hybrid Machine Learning Algorithm for Limited and Big Data Modeling with Application in Industry 4.0}, series = {IEEE Access}, volume = {8}, journal = {IEEE Access}, number = {Art. 9108222}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York, NY}, issn = {2169-3536}, doi = {10.1109/ACCESS.2020.2999898}, pages = {111381 -- 111393}, year = {2020}, abstract = {To meet the challenges of manufacturing smart products, the manufacturing plants have been radically changed to become smart factories underpinned by industry 4.0 technologies. The transformation is assisted by employment of machine learning techniques that can deal with modeling both big or limited data. This manuscript reviews these concepts and present a case study that demonstrates the use of a novel intelligent hybrid algorithms for Industry 4.0 applications with limited data. In particular, an intelligent algorithm is proposed for robust data modeling of nonlinear systems based on input-output data. In our approach, a novel hybrid data-driven combining the Group-Method of Data-Handling and Singular-Value Decomposition is adapted to find an offline deterministic model combined with Pareto multi-objective optimization to overcome the overfitting issue. An Unscented-Kalman-Filter is also incorporated to update the coefficient of the deterministic model and increase its robustness against data uncertainties. The effectiveness of the proposed method is examined on a set of real industrial measurements.}, language = {en} } @article{RamoshabaHuismanLammertynetal.2020, author = {Ramoshaba, Nthai E. and Huisman, Hugo W. and Lammertyn, Leandi and Kotliar, Konstantin and Schutte, Aletta E. and Smith, Wayne}, title = {Retinal microvasculature and masked hypertension in young adults: the African-PREDICT study}, series = {Hypertension Research}, journal = {Hypertension Research}, number = {43}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Osaka}, issn = {1348-4214}, doi = {10.1038/s41440-020-0487-0}, pages = {1231 -- 1238}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Masked hypertension is known to induce microvascular complications. However, it is unclear whether early microvascular changes are already occurring in young, otherwise healthy adults. We therefore investigated whether retinal microvascular calibers and acute responses to a flicker stimulus are related to masked hypertension. We used the baseline data of 889 participants aged 20-30 years who were taking part in the African Prospective study on the Early Detection and Identification of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension. Clinic and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure were measured. The central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal vein equivalent were calculated from fundus images, and retinal vessel dilation was determined in response to flicker light-induced provocation. A smaller CRAE was observed in those with masked hypertension vs. those with normotension (157.1 vs. 161.2 measuring units, P < 0.001). In forward multivariable-adjusted regression analysis, only CRAE was negatively related to masked hypertension [adjusted R² = 0.267, β = -0.097 (95\% CI = -0.165; -0.029), P = 0.005], but other retinal microvascular parameters were not associated with masked hypertension. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, masked hypertension [OR = 2.333, (95\% CI = 1.316; 4.241), P = 0.004] was associated with a narrower CRAE. In young healthy adults, masked hypertension was associated with retinal arteriolar narrowing, thereby reflecting early microvascular alterations known to predict cardiovascular outcomes in later life.}, language = {en} } @article{KellerRathBruckmannetal.2020, author = {Keller, Johannes and Rath, Volker and Bruckmann, Johanna and Mottaghy, Darius and Clauser, Christoph and Wolf, Andreas and Seidler, Ralf and B{\"u}cker, H. Martin and Klitzsch, Norbert}, title = {SHEMAT-Suite: An open-source code for simulating flow, heat and species transport in porous media}, series = {SoftwareX}, volume = {12}, journal = {SoftwareX}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2352-7110}, doi = {10.1016/j.softx.2020.100533}, pages = {9}, year = {2020}, abstract = {SHEMAT-Suite is a finite-difference open-source code for simulating coupled flow, heat and species transport in porous media. The code, written in Fortran-95, originates from geoscientific research in the fields of geothermics and hydrogeology. It comprises: (1) a versatile handling of input and output, (2) a modular framework for subsurface parameter modeling, (3) a multi-level OpenMP parallelization, (4) parameter estimation and data assimilation by stochastic approaches (Monte Carlo, Ensemble Kalman filter) and by deterministic Bayesian approaches based on automatic differentiation for calculating exact (truncation error-free) derivatives of the forward code.}, language = {en} } @article{AkimbekovQiaoDigeletal.2020, author = {Akimbekov, Nuraly and Qiao, Xiaohui and Digel, Ilya and Abdieva, Gulzhamal and Ualieva, Perizat and Zhubanova, Azhar}, title = {The effect of leonardite-derived amendments on soil microbiome structure and potato yield}, series = {Agriculture}, volume = {10}, journal = {Agriculture}, number = {Art. 147}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/agriculture10050147}, pages = {1 -- 17}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Humic substances originating from various organic matters can ameliorate soil properties, stimulate plant growth, and improve nutrient uptake. Due to the low calorific heating value, leonardite is rather unsuitable as fuel. However, it may serve as a potential source of humic substances. This study was aimed at characterizing the leonardite-based soil amendments and examining the effect of their application on the soil microbial community, as well as on potato growth and tuber yield. A high yield (71.1\%) of humic acid (LHA) from leonardite has been demonstrated. Parental leonardite (PL) and LHA were applied to soil prior to potato cultivation. The 16S rRNA sequencing of soil samples revealed distinct relationships between microbial community composition and the application of leonardite-based soil amendments. Potato tubers were planted in pots in greenhouse conditions. The tubers were harvested at the mature stage for the determination of growth and yield parameters. The results demonstrated that the LHA treatments had a significant effect on increasing potato growth (54.9\%) and tuber yield (66.4\%) when compared to the control. The findings highlight the importance of amending leonardite-based humic products for maintaining the biogeochemical stability of soils, for keeping their healthy microbial community structure, and for increasing the agronomic productivity of potato plants.}, language = {en} } @article{NobisSchmittSchemmetal.2020, author = {Nobis, Moritz and Schmitt, Carlo and Schemm, Ralf and Schnettler, Armin}, title = {Pan-European CVAR-constrained stochastic unit commitment in day-ahead and intraday electricity markets}, series = {Energies}, volume = {13}, journal = {Energies}, number = {Art. 2339}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1996-1073}, doi = {10.3390/en13092339}, pages = {1 -- 35}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The fundamental modeling of energy systems through individual unit commitment decisions is crucial for energy system planning. However, current large-scale models are not capable of including uncertainties or even risk-averse behavior arising from forecasting errors of variable renewable energies. However, risks associated with uncertain forecasting errors have become increasingly relevant within the process of decarbonization. The intraday market serves to compensate for these forecasting errors. Thus, the uncertainty of forecasting errors results in uncertain intraday prices and quantities. Therefore, this paper proposes a two-stage risk-constrained stochastic optimization approach to fundamentally model unit commitment decisions facing an uncertain intraday market. By the nesting of Lagrangian relaxation and an extended Benders decomposition, this model can be applied to large-scale, e.g., pan-European, power systems. The approach is applied to scenarios for 2023—considering a full nuclear phase-out in Germany—and 2035—considering a full coal phase-out in Germany. First, the influence of the risk factors is evaluated. Furthermore, an evaluation of the market prices shows an increase in price levels as well as an increasing day-ahead-intraday spread in 2023 and in 2035. Finally, it is shown that intraday cross-border trading has a significant influence on trading volumes and prices and ensures a more efficient allocation of resources.}, language = {en} }