Refine
Year of publication
Institute
- Fachbereich Medizintechnik und Technomathematik (1543)
- Fachbereich Wirtschaftswissenschaften (700)
- Fachbereich Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik (630)
- Fachbereich Energietechnik (598)
- Fachbereich Chemie und Biotechnologie (588)
- INB - Institut für Nano- und Biotechnologien (524)
- Fachbereich Maschinenbau und Mechatronik (464)
- IfB - Institut für Bioengineering (427)
- Fachbereich Luft- und Raumfahrttechnik (367)
- Fachbereich Bauingenieurwesen (327)
Has Fulltext
- no (5516) (remove)
Language
Document Type
- Article (5516) (remove)
Keywords
- avalanche (5)
- Earthquake (4)
- LAPS (4)
- field-effect sensor (4)
- frequency mixing magnetic detection (4)
- CellDrum (3)
- Heparin (3)
- SLM (3)
- capacitive field-effect sensor (3)
- hydrogen peroxide (3)
Cheap does not imply cost-effective -- this is rule number one of zeitgeisty system design. The initial investment accounts only for a small portion of the lifecycle costs of a technical system. In fluid systems, about ninety percent of the total costs are caused by other factors like power consumption and maintenance. With modern optimization methods, it is already possible to plan an optimal technical system considering multiple objectives. In this paper, we focus on an often neglected contribution to the lifecycle costs: downtime costs due to spontaneous failures. Consequently, availability becomes an issue.
In this work, a multi-sensor chip for the investigation of the sensing properties of different types of metal oxides towards hydrogen peroxide in the ppm range is presented. The fabrication process and physical characterization of the multi-sensor chip are described. Pure SnO2 and WO3 as well as Pd- and Pt-doped SnO2 films are characterized in terms of their sensitivity to H2O2. The sensing films have been prepared by drop-coating of water-dispensed nano-powders. A physical characterization, including scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis of the deposited metal-oxide films, was done. From the measurements in hydrogen peroxide atmosphere, it could be shown, that all of the tested metal oxide films are suitable for the detection of H2O2 in the ppm range. The highest sensitivity and reproducibility was achieved using Pt-doped SnO2.
Calibration plot of a SnO2, WO3, Pt-, and Pd-doped SnO2 gas sensor for H2O2 concentrations in the ppm range.
High-k perovskite oxide of barium strontium titanate (BST) represents a very attractive multi-functional transducer material for the development of (bio-)chemical sensors. In this work, a Si-based sensor chip containing Pt interdigitated electrodes covered with a thin BST layer (485 nm) has been developed for multi-parameter chemical sensing. The chip has been applied for the contactless measurement of the electrolyte conductivity, the detection of adsorbed charged macromolecules (positively charged polyelectrolytes of polyethylenimine) and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) vapor. The experimental results of functional testing of individual sensors are presented. The mechanism of the BST sensitivity to charged polyelectrolytes and H2O2 vapor has been proposed and discussed.
The optical performance of a 2-axis solar concentrator was simulated with the COMSOL Multiphysics® software. The concentrator consists of a mirror array, which was created using the application builder. The mirror facets are preconfigured to form a focal point. During tracking all mirrors are moved simultaneously in a coupled mode by 2 motors in two axes, in order to keep the system in focus with the moving sun. Optical errors on each reflecting surface were implemented in combination with the solar angular cone of ± 4.65 mrad. As a result, the intercept factor of solar radiation that is available to the receiver was calculated as a function of the transversal and longitudinal angles of incidence. In addition, the intensity distribution on the receiver plane was calculated as a function of the incidence angles.
Exposure to prolonged periods in microgravity is associated with deconditioning of the musculoskeletal system due to chronic changes in mechanical stimulation. Given astronauts will operate on the Lunar surface for extended periods of time, it is critical to quantify both external (e.g., ground reaction forces) and internal (e.g., joint reaction forces) loads of relevant movements performed during Lunar missions. Such knowledge is key to predict musculoskeletal deconditioning and determine appropriate exercise countermeasures associated with extended exposure to hypogravity.
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.
Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) is a search technique that in the last decade emerged as a major breakthrough for Artificial Intelligence applications regarding board- and video-games. In 2016, AlphaGo, an MCTS-based software agent, outperformed the human world champion of the board game Go. This game was for long considered almost infeasible for machines, due to its immense search space and the need for a long-term strategy. Since this historical success, MCTS is considered as an effective new approach for many other scientific and technical problems. Interestingly, civil structural engineering, as a discipline, offers many tasks whose solution may benefit from intelligent search and in particular from adopting MCTS as a search tool. In this work, we show how MCTS can be adapted to search for suitable solutions of a structural engineering design problem. The problem consists of choosing the load-bearing elements in a reference reinforced concrete structure, so to achieve a set of specific dynamic characteristics. In the paper, we report the results obtained by applying both a plain and a hybrid version of single-agent MCTS. The hybrid approach consists of an integration of both MCTS and classic Genetic Algorithm (GA), the latter also serving as a term of comparison for the results. The study’s outcomes may open new perspectives for the adoption of MCTS as a design tool for civil engineers.
In the present work, a novel method for monitoring sterilisation processes with gaseous H2O2 in combination with heat activation by means of a specially designed calorimetric gas sensor was evaluated. Therefore, the sterilisation process was extensively studied by using test specimens inoculated with Bacillus atrophaeus spores in order to identify the most influencing process factors on its microbicidal effectiveness. Besides the contact time of the test specimens with gaseous H2O2 varied between 0.2 and 0.5 s, the present H2O2 concentration in a range from 0 to 8% v/v (volume percent) had a strong influence on the microbicidal effectiveness, whereas the change of the vaporiser temperature, gas flow and humidity were almost negligible. Furthermore, a calorimetric H2O2 gas sensor was characterised in the sterilisation process with gaseous H2O2 in a wide range of parameter settings, wherein the measurement signal has shown a linear response against the H2O2 concentration with a sensitivity of 4.75 °C/(% v/v). In a final step, a correlation model by matching the measurement signal of the gas sensor with the microbial inactivation kinetics was established that demonstrates its suitability as an efficient method for validating the microbicidal effectiveness of sterilisation processes with gaseous H2O2.
Designing novel or optimizing existing biodegradable polymers for biomedical applications requires numerous tests on the effect of substances on the degradation process. In the present work, polymer-modified electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor (PMEIS) sensors have been applied for monitoring an enzymatically catalyzed degradation of polymers for the first time. The thin films of biodegradable polymer poly(d,l-lactic acid) and enzyme lipase were used as a model system. During degradation, the sensors were read-out by means of impedance spectroscopy. In order to interpret the data obtained from impedance measurements, an electrical equivalent circuit model was developed. In addition, morphological investigations of the polymer surface have been performed by means of in situ atomic force microscopy. The sensor signal change, which reflects the progress of degradation, indicates an accelerated degradation in the presence of the enzyme compared to hydrolysis in neutral pH buffer media. The degradation rate increases with increasing enzyme concentration. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of PMEIS sensors as a very promising tool for in situ and real-time monitoring of degradation of polymers.
Cell-based sensors for the detection of gases have long been underrepresented, due to the cellular requirement of being cultured in a liquid environment. In this work we established a cell-based gas biosensor for the detection of toxic substances in air, by adapting a commercial sensor chip (Bionas®), previously used for the measurement of pollutants in liquids. Cells of the respiratory tract (A549, RPMI 2650, V79), which survive at a gas phase in a natural context, are used as biological receptors. The physiological cell parameters acidification, respiration and morphology are continuously monitored in parallel. Ammonia was used as a highly water-soluble model gas to test the feasibility of the sensor system. Infrared measurements confirmed the sufficiency of the medium draining method. This sensor system provides a basis for many sensor applications such as environmental monitoring, building technology and public security.
Molecular-genetic identification of emerged novel invasive pathogens of Asiatic Elm Ulmus pumila L
(2014)
The dwarf elm Ulmus pumila L. (Ulmaceae) is one of indigenous species of flora in Kazakhstan and forms a basis of dendroflora in virtually all settlements of the region. In the past decade, multiple outbreaks of previously unknown diseases of the small-leaved elm have been registered. In our study, by the molecular-genetic analysis it was found that the pathogens responsible for the outbreaks are microfungi belonging to the genus Fusarium – F. solani and F. oxysporum. The nucleotide sequences (ITS regions) isolated from the diseased trees showed very high similarity with the GenBank control numbers EU625403.1 and FJ478128.1 (100.0 and 99.0 % respectively). Oncoming research will focus on the search of natural microbial antagonists of the discovered phytopathogens.
Molecular Modeling Approach to the Prediction of Mechanical Properties of Silica-Reinforced Rubbers
(2014)
Recently, we have suggested a nanomechanical model for dissipative loss in filled elastomer networks in the context of the Payne effect. The mechanism is based on a total interfiller particle force exhibiting an intermittent loop, due to the combination of short-range repulsion and dispersion forces with a long-range elastic attraction. The sum of these forces leads, under external strain, to a spontaneous instability of “bonds” between the aggregates in a filler network and attendant energy dissipation. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations to obtain chemically realistic forces between surface modified silica particles. The latter are combined with the above model to estimate the loss modulus and the low strain storage modulus in elastomers containing the aforementioned filler-compatibilizer systems. The model is compared to experimental dynamic moduli of silica filled rubbers. We find good agreement between the model predictions and the experiments as function of the compatibilizer's molecular structure and its bulk concentration.
Modulation of muscle-tendon interaction in the human triceps surae during an energy dissipation task
(2017)
Purpose
To design and evaluate a modular transceiver coil array with 32 independent channels for cardiac MRI at 7.0T.
Methods
The modular coil array comprises eight independent building blocks, each containing four transceiver loop elements. Numerical simulations were used for B1+ field homogenization and radiofrequency (RF) safety validation. RF characteristics were examined in a phantom study. The array's suitability for accelerated high spatial resolution two-dimensional (2D) FLASH CINE imaging of the heart was examined in a volunteer study.
Results
Transmission field adjustments and RF characteristics were found to be suitable for the volunteer study. The signal-to-noise intrinsic to 7.0T together with the coil performance afforded a spatial resolution of 1.1 × 1.1 × 2.5 mm3 for 2D CINE FLASH MRI, which is by a factor of 6 superior to standardized CINE protocols used in clinical practice at 1.5T. The 32-channel transceiver array supports one-dimensional acceleration factors of up to R = 4 without impairing image quality significantly.
Conclusion
The modular 32-channel transceiver cardiac array supports accelerated and high spatial resolution cardiac MRI. The array is compatible with multichannel transmission and provides a technological basis for future clinical assessment of parallel transmission techniques at 7.0T.
After menopause, decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone remodel the collagen of the soft tissues thereby reducing their stiffness. Stress urinary incontinence is associated with involuntary urine leakage due to pathological movement of the pelvic organs resulting from lax suspension system, fasciae, and ligaments. This study compares the changes in the orientation and position of the female pelvic organs due to weakened fasciae, ligaments, and their combined laxity. A mixture theory weighted by respective volume fraction of elastin-collagen fibre compound (5%), adipose tissue (85%), and smooth muscle (5%) is adopted to characterize the mechanical behaviour of the fascia. The load carrying response (other than the functional response to the pelvic organs) of each fascia component, pelvic organs, muscles, and ligaments are assumed to be isotropic, hyperelastic, and incompressible. Finite element simulations are conducted during Valsalva manoeuvre with weakened tissues modelled by reduced tissue stiffness. A significant dislocation of the urethrovesical junction is observed due to weakness of the fascia (13.89 mm) compared to the ligaments (5.47 mm). The dynamics of the pelvic floor observed in this study during Valsalva manoeuvre is associated with urethral-bladder hypermobility, greater levator plate angulation, and positive Q-tip test which are observed in incontinent females.
Modellfabrik im Zeichen der Automatisierungstechnik / Gall, Jan ; Enning, Manfred ; Abel, Dirk
(2008)
The highly polymorphic human cytochrome P450 2D6 enzyme is involved in the metabolism of up to 25% of all marketed drugs and accounts for significant individual differences in response to CYP2D6 substrates. Because of the differences in the multiplicity and substrate specificity of CYP2D family members among species, it is difficult to predict pathways of human CYP2D6-dependent drug metabolism on the basis of animal studies. To create animal models that reflect the human situation more closely and that allow an in vivo assessment of the consequences of differential CYP2D6 drug metabolism, we have developed a novel straightforward approach to delete the entire murine Cyp2d gene cluster and replace it with allelic variants of human CYP2D6. By using this approach, we have generated mouse lines expressing the two frequent human protein isoforms CYP2D6.1 and CYP2D6.2 and an as yet undescribed variant of this enzyme, as well as a Cyp2d cluster knockout mouse. We demonstrate that the various transgenic mouse lines cover a wide spectrum of different human CYP2D6 metabolizer phenotypes. The novel humanization strategy described here provides a robust approach for the expression of different CYP2D6 allelic variants in transgenic mice and thus can help to evaluate potential CYP2D6-dependent interindividual differences in drug response in the context of personalized medicine.
Modeling contribution to risk assessment of thermal production power for geothermal reservoirs
(2013)
Due to the Renewable Energy Act, in Germany it is planned to increase the amount of renewable energy carriers up to 60%. One of the main problems is the fluctuating supply of wind and solar energy. Here biogas plants provide a solution, because a demand-driven supply is possible. Before running such a plant, it is necessary to simulate and optimize the process. This paper provides a new model of a biogas plant, which is as accurate as the standard ADM1 model. The advantage compared to ADM1 is that it is based on only four parameters compared to 28. Applying this model, an optimization was installed, which allows a demand-driven supply by biogas plants. Finally the results are confirmed by several experiments and measurements with a real test plant.
Mobile Unternehmenssoftware
(2006)
Mobile CRM-Systeme : Customer Relationship Management zur Unterstützung des Vertriebsaußendienstes
(2003)
Chain scattering parameters or T-parameters are a useful tool for calculating cascaded two-ports. With the increasing importance of mixed-mode S-parameters, a need for converting the T-parameters from their unbalanced form into a balanced form emerges for suiting both common and differential mode waves, as well as the mode conversion. This paper presents the derivation of the equations for transformations between mixed-mode S- and T-parameters for a mixed-mode two-port. Although derived in a way very similar to monomode T-parameters, no simplifications were necessary. Measurement results exemplify the quality of the T-parameter transformation under real-life conditions.
Mit vereinten Kräften
(1998)
Hintergrund
Die Anwendung und das Verständnis von Statistik sind sehr wichtig für die biomedizinische Forschung und für die klinische Praxis. Dies gilt insbesondere auch zur Abschätzung der Möglichkeiten unterschiedlichster Diagnostik- und Therapieoptionen beim Glaukom. Die scheinbare Komplexität der Statistik, die zum Teil dem „gesunden Menschenverstand“ zu widersprechen scheint, zusammen mit der nur vorsichtigen Akzeptanz der Statistik bei vielen Medizinern können zu bewussten und unbewussten Manipulationen bei der Datendarstellung und -interpretation führen.
Ziel der Arbeit
Ziel ist die verständliche Darstellung einiger typischer Fehler in der medizinisch-statistischen Datenbehandlung.
Material und Methoden
Anhand hypothetischer Beispiele aus der Glaukomdiagnostik erfolgen die Darstellung der Wirkung eines hypotensiven Medikamentes sowie die Beurteilung der Ergebnisse eines diagnostischen Tests. Es werden die typischsten statistischen Einsatzbereiche und Irrtumsquellen ausführlich und verständlich analysiert
Ergebnisse
Mechanismen von Datenmanipulation und falscher Dateninterpretation werden aufgeklärt. Typische Irrtumsquellen bei der statistischen Auswertung und Datendarstellung werden dabei erläutert.
Schlussfolgerungen
Die erläuterten praktischen Beispiele zeigen die Notwendigkeit, die Grundlagen der Statistik zu verstehen und korrekt anwenden zu können. Fehlendes Grundlagenwissen und Halbwissen der medizinischen Statistik können zu folgenschweren Missverständnissen und falschen Entscheidungen in der medizinischen Forschung, aber auch in der klinischen Praxis führen.
Remotewords makes its mark on the picturesque "Bar Verbanella”, located in Stresa near Isola Bella on Lago Maggiore. The words CUM GRANO SALIS (with a grain of salt) by Sabine Fabo, art theorist on media contexts, were applied to its roof in collaboration with the German-Italian art organization "Lo spirito del Lago".