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Motile cilia are hair-like cell extensions present in multiple organs of the body. How cilia coordinate their regular beat in multiciliated epithelia to move fluids remains insufficiently understood, particularly due to lack of rigorous quantification. We combine here experiments, novel analysis tools, and theory to address this knowledge gap. We investigate collective dynamics of cilia in the zebrafish nose, due to its conserved properties with other ciliated tissues and its superior accessibility for non-invasive imaging. We revealed that cilia are synchronized only locally and that the size of local synchronization domains increases with the viscosity of the surrounding medium. Despite the fact that synchronization is local only, we observed global patterns of traveling metachronal waves across the multiciliated epithelium. Intriguingly, these global wave direction patterns are conserved across individual fish, but different for left and right nose, unveiling a chiral asymmetry of metachronal coordination. To understand the implications of synchronization for fluid pumping, we used a computational model of a regular array of cilia. We found that local metachronal synchronization prevents steric collisions and improves fluid pumping in dense cilia carpets, but hardly affects the direction of fluid flow. In conclusion, we show that local synchronization together with tissue-scale cilia alignment are sufficient to generate metachronal wave patterns in multiciliated epithelia, which enhance their physiological function of fluid pumping.
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency and is considered a high-risk asset
class whose price changes are difficult to predict. Current research focusses
on daily price movements with a limited number of predictors. The paper at
hand aims at identifying measurable indicators for Bitcoin price movement s
and the development of a suitable forecasting model for hourly changes. The
paper provides three research contributions. First, a set of significant
indicators for predicting the Bitcoin price is identified. Second, the results of
a trained Long Short-term Memory (LSTM) neural network that predicts
price changes on an hourly basis is presented and compared with other
algorithms. Third, the results foster discussions of the applicability of neural
nets for stock price predictions. In total, 47 input features for a period of
over 10 months could be retrieved to train a neural net that predicts the
Bitcoin price movements with an error rate of 3.52 %.
The fourth industrial revolution introduces disruptive technologies to production environments. One of these technologies are multi-agent systems (MASs), where agents virtualize machines. However, the agent's actual performances in production environments can hardly be estimated as most research has been focusing on isolated projects and specific scenarios. We address this gap by implementing a highly connected and configurable reference model with quantifiable key performance indicators (KPIs) for production scheduling and routing in single-piece workflows. Furthermore, we propose an algorithm to optimize the search of extrema in highly connected distributed systems. The benefits, limits, and drawbacks of MASs and their performances are evaluated extensively by event-based simulations against the introduced model, which acts as a benchmark. Even though the performance of the proposed MAS is, on average, slightly lower than the reference system, the increased flexibility allows it to find new solutions and deliver improved factory-planning outcomes. Our MAS shows an emerging behavior by using flexible production techniques to correct errors and compensate for bottlenecks. This increased flexibility offers substantial improvement potential. The general model in this paper allows the transfer of the results to estimate real systems or other models.
Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a standard technique for cardiac surgery, but comes with the risk of severe neurological complications (e.g. stroke) caused by embolisms and/or reduced cerebral perfusion. We report on an aortic cannula prototype design (optiCAN) with helical outflow and jet-splitting dispersion tip that could reduce the risk of embolic events and restores cerebral perfusion to 97.5% of physiological flow during CPB in vivo, whereas a commercial curved-tip cannula yields 74.6%. In further in vitro comparison, pressure loss and hemolysis parameters of optiCAN remain unaffected. Results are reproducibly confirmed in silico for an exemplary human aortic anatomy via computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Based on CFD simulations, we firstly show that optiCAN design improves aortic root washout, which reduces the risk of thromboembolism. Secondly, we identify regions of the aortic intima with increased risk of plaque release by correlating areas of enhanced plaque growth and high wall shear stresses (WSS). From this we propose another easy-to-manufacture cannula design (opti2CAN) that decreases areas burdened by high WSS, while preserving physiological cerebral flow and favorable hemodynamics. With this novel cannula design, we propose a cannulation option to reduce neurological complications and the prevalence of stroke in high-risk patients after CPB.
With the increased interest for interstellar exploration after the discovery of exoplanets and the proposal by Breakthrough Starshot, this paper investigates the optimisation of photon-sail trajectories in Alpha Centauri. The prime objective is to find the optimal steering strategy for a photonic sail to get captured around one of the stars after a minimum-time transfer from Earth. By extending the idea of the Breakthrough Starshot project with a deceleration phase upon arrival, the mission’s scientific yield will be increased. As a secondary objective, transfer trajectories between the stars and orbit-raising manoeuvres to explore the habitable zones of the stars are investigated. All trajectories are optimised for minimum time of flight using the trajectory optimisation software InTrance. Depending on the sail technology, interstellar travel times of 77.6-18,790 years can be achieved, which presents an average improvement of 30% with respect to previous work. Still, significant technological development is required to reach and be captured in the Alpha-Centauri system in less than a century. Therefore, a fly-through mission arguably remains the only option for a first exploratory mission to Alpha Centauri, but the enticing results obtained in this work provide perspective for future long-residence missions to our closest neighbouring star system.
FEven though BIM (Building Information Modelling) is successfully implemented in most of the world, it is still in the early stages in Germany, since the stakeholders are sceptical of its reliability and efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the opportunities and obstacles to implementing BIM for prefabrication. Among all other advantages of BIM, prefabrication is chosen for this paper because it plays a vital role in creating an impact on the time and cost factors of a construction project. The project stakeholders and participants can explicitly observe the positive impact of prefabrication, which enables the breakthrough of the scepticism factor among the small-scale construction companies. The analysis consists of the development of a process workflow for implementing prefabrication in building construction followed by a practical approach, which was executed with two case studies. It was planned in such a way that, the first case study gives a first-hand experience for the workers at the site on the BIM model so that they can make much use of the created BIM model, which is a better representation compared to the traditional 2D plan. The main aim of the first case study is to create a belief in the implementation of BIM Models, which was succeeded by the execution of offshore prefabrication in the second case study. Based on the case studies, the time analysis was made and it is inferred that the implementation of BIM for prefabrication can reduce construction time, ensures minimal wastes, better accuracy, less problem-solving at the construction site. It was observed that this process requires more planning time, better communication between different disciplines, which was the major obstacle for successful implementation. This paper was carried out from the perspective of small and medium-sized mechanical contracting companies for the private building sector in Germany.
The planned coal phase-out in Germany by 2038 will lead to the dismantling of power plants with a total capacity of approx. 30 GW. A possible further use of these assets is the conversion of the power plants to thermal storage power plants; the use of these power plants on the day-ahead market is considerably limited by their technical parameters. In this paper, the influence of the technical boundary conditions on the operating times of these storage facilities is presented. For this purpose, the storage power plants were described as an MILP problem and two price curves, one from 2015 with a relatively low renewable penetration (33 %) and one from 2020 with a high renewable energy penetration (51 %) are compared. The operating times were examined as a function of the technical parameters and the critical influencing factors were investigated. The thermal storage power plant operation duration and the energy shifted with the price curve of 2020
increases by more than 25 % compared to 2015.
Wir stellen hier exemplarisch STACK Aufgaben vor, die frei von der Problematik sind, welche sich durch diverse Kommunikationswege und (webbasierte) Computer Algebra Systeme (CAS) ergibt. Daher sind sie insbesondere für eine Open-Book Online Prüfung geeignet, da eine faire Prüfungssituation gewährleistet werden kann.
Die Studie erörtert anhand eines Fallbeispiels aus der Mathematik für Ingenieur*innen, wie didaktische Gestaltungsprinzipien für Soziale Präsenz, Kollaboration und das Lösen von praxisnahen Problemen mit mathematischem Denken in einer Online-Umgebung aussehen können. Hierfür zieht der
Beitrag den forschungsmethodologischen Rahmen Design-Based Research (DBR) hinzu und berichtet über Zwischenergebnisse. DBR wird an dieser Stelle als eine systematische Herangehensweise an kurzfristige Lehrveränderungen und als Chance auf dem Weg zu einer neuen Hochschullehre nach der COVID-19-Pandemie dargestellt, die theoretische und empirische Erkenntnisse mit Praxisverknüpfung und -relevanz vereint.
In einer Mischklasse, bestehend aus sehenden und nicht-sehenden Kindern, welche nicht schriftlich oder spielerisch miteinander kommunizieren können, gehen einige soziale Aspekte und Lernübungen verloren. Partnerarbeiten und das gegenseitige Kontrollieren der Richtigkeit, beispielsweise bei der Anwendung von Satzzeichen, sind Möglichkeiten, welche die Kinder ohne ein gemeinsames Material nicht wahrnehmen können. Diese Arbeit ermöglicht ein gemeinsames Arbeiten aller Kinder durch dasselbe Material. Hierfür dienen dreidimensionale Objekte, welche im STL-Dateiformat zur Verfügung stehen. Es eignet sich für schriftliche und geografische Arbeiten. Des Weiteren ist ein Memory-Spiel enthalten, welches ebenso von sehenden und nicht-sehenden Kinder gespielt werden kann. Diese STLs können weltweit verschickt werden, sodass diese beliebig mit einem 3D-Drucker gedruckt werden können.
The term ocular rigidity is widely used in clinical ophthalmology. Generally it is assumed as a resistance of the whole eyeball to mechanical deformation and relates to biomechanical properties of the eye and its tissues. Basic principles and formulas for clinical tonometry, tonography and pulsatile ocular blood flow measurements are based on the concept of ocular rigidity. There is evidence for altered ocular rigidity in aging, in several eye diseases and after eye surgery. Unfortunately, there is no consensual view on ocular rigidity: it used to make a quite different sense for different people but still the same name. Foremost there is no clear consent between biomechanical engineers and ophthalmologists on the concept. Moreover ocular rigidity is occasionally characterized using various parameters with their different physical dimensions. In contrast to engineering approach, clinical approach to ocular rigidity claims to characterize the total mechanical response of the eyeball to its deformation without any detailed considerations on eye morphology or material properties of its tissues. Further to the previous chapter this section aims to describe clinical approach to ocular rigidity from the perspective of an engineer in an attempt to straighten out this concept, to show its advantages, disadvantages and various applications.
This study investigates the influence of pressure on the temperature distribution of the micromix (MMX) hydrogen flame and the NOx emissions. A steady computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis is performed by simulating a reactive flow with a detailed chemical reaction model. The numerical analysis is validated based on experimental investigations. A quantitative correlation is parametrized based on the numerical results. We find, that the flame initiation point shifts with increasing pressure from anchoring behind a downstream located bluff body towards anchoring upstream at the hydrogen jet. The numerical NOx emissions trend regarding to a variation of pressure is in good agreement with the experimental results. The pressure has an impact on both, the residence time within the maximum temperature region and on the peak temperature itself. In conclusion, the numerical model proved to be adequate for future prototype design exploration studies targeting on improving the operating range.
Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) is routinely performed by the internal or external standardization. The manuscript describes a simple alternative to these common workflows by using NMR signal of another active nuclei of calibration compound. For example, for any arbitrary compound quantification by NMR can be based on the use of an indirect concentration referencing that relies on a solvent having both 1H and 2H signals. To perform high-quality quantification, the deuteration level of the utilized deuterated solvent has to be estimated.
In this contribution the new method was applied to the determination of deuteration levels in different deuterated solvents (MeOD, ACN, CDCl3, acetone, benzene, DMSO-d6). Isopropanol-d6, which contains a defined number of deuterons and protons, was used for standardization. Validation characteristics (precision, accuracy, robustness) were calculated and the results showed that the method can be used in routine practice. Uncertainty budget was also evaluated. In general, this novel approach, using standardization by 2H integral, benefits from reduced sample preparation steps and uncertainties, and can be applied in different application areas (purity determination, forensics, pharmaceutical analysis, etc.).
Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a common complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and can lead to infarction and poor clinical outcome. The underlying mechanisms are still incompletely understood, but animal models indicate that vasoactive metabolites and inflammatory cytokines produced within the subarachnoid space may progressively impair and partially invert neurovascular coupling (NVC) in the brain. Because cerebral and retinal microvasculature are governed by comparable regulatory mechanisms and may be connected by perivascular pathways, retinal vascular changes are increasingly recognized as a potential surrogate for altered NVC in the brain. Here, we used non-invasive retinal vessel analysis (RVA) to assess microvascular function in aSAH patients at different times after the ictus.
Der Archäologische Park Xanten (APX) gilt als Deutschlands einziger archäologischer Freiluftpark. Er zeichnet sich im Verbund mit dem Römermuseum durch seine Lage auf dem historischen Grund einer römischen Metropole und seine kontinuierliche Forschungsaktivität aus und bietet so ein einzigartiges Umfeld von kultureller Relevanz. Ziel dieses Projektes war es, ein neues Erscheinungsbild zu entwickeln, welches klar die Thematik des Parks in den Medien erkennbar macht. Das Corporate Design dient dazu, die Inhalte des Verbundes in einem einheitlichen System medienübergreifend zu präsentieren. Das Design unterstützt den APX in seiner Funktion als Begegnungs- und Bildungsstätte. Aufgrund dessen ist es im Hinblick auf das Ziel relevant, das Interesse an Kulturgeschichte und Forschung zu wecken.
Neuerfindung der Ligaturen
(2021)
Gegenstand des Projekts ist, Ligaturen als erweiterte Mittel der Informationsübertragung einzusetzen.
Ligaturen als zusätzliches Instrument sollen die visuelle Komponente des Textes unterstützen, ihm die gewisse Frische einhauchen und ihn hiermit insgesamt sichtbarer, origineller und moderner machen. Der Einsatzbereich erstreckt sich hierbei in die verschiedensten Bereiche hin über Design und Werbung, als auch im Handel oder in sozialen Bereichen.
Hierbei kann eine große Anzahl an Wörtern neue Formen annehmen und mithin an neuem Leben und Bedeutung gewinnen, was sicherlich die allgemeinen Sprachmittel bereichern wird.
Auf einer historischen Basis und mit Hilfe der Dekonstruktion wurden neue Formen der Ligaturen geschaffen — seltsame, kontroverse, auffällige und einzigartige.
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.
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.
Multi-attribute relation extraction (MARE): simplifying the application of relation extraction
(2021)
Natural language understanding’s relation extraction makes innovative and encouraging novel business concepts possible and facilitates new digitilized decision-making processes. Current approaches allow the extraction of relations with a fixed number of entities as attributes. Extracting relations with an arbitrary amount of attributes requires complex systems and costly relation-trigger annotations to assist these systems. We introduce multi-attribute relation extraction (MARE) as an assumption-less problem formulation with two approaches, facilitating an explicit mapping from business use cases to the data annotations. Avoiding elaborated annotation constraints simplifies the application of relation extraction approaches. The evaluation compares our models to current state-of-the-art event extraction and binary relation extraction methods. Our approaches show improvement compared to these on the extraction of general multi-attribute relations.
Mit MULO wurde eine Serie multifunktionaler Objekte für den Wohnbereich entworfen. In Zeiten des Überangebots und des ständigen Wohnraumwechsels soll der Nutzer dieser Objekte mit einem modernen und schlichten Design unterstützt werden, das zu jedem Anlass passt. Die minimalistische Ästhetik mit hohem Komfort orientiert sich dabei an den Bedürfnissen des Endverbrauchers.
Als Verwandlungskünstler bereichert MULO jeden Wohnraum. Die gesamte Serie ist unter der Berücksichtigung der schnelllebigen und sich wandelnden Welt entworfen worden. Mit multifunktionalen Objekten ist das Produkt den flexiblen Anforderungen und Bedürfnissen des Menschen gewachsen. Die Bereiche Wohnen, Leben, Arbeiten, Schlafen und Entspannen werden durch das Sofa- , das Tisch- und das Keramik-System optimal abgedeckt. Durch die Verwendung von nachhaltigen und recycelbaren Materialien, setzt MULO ein kleines Statement und hinterlässt nachhaltig Eindruck.
For now, the Planetary Defense Conference Exercise 2021's incoming fictitious(!), asteroid, 2021 PDC, seems headed for impact on October 20th, 2021, exactly 6 months after its discovery. Today (April 26th, 2021), the impact probability is 5%, in a steep rise from 1 in 2500 upon discovery six days ago. We all know how these things end. Or do we? Unless somebody kicked off another headline-grabbing media scare or wants to keep civil defense very idle very soon, chances are that it will hit (note: this is an exercise!). Taking stock, it is barely 6 months to impact, a steadily rising likelihood that it will actually happen, and a huge uncertainty of possible impact energies: First estimates range from 1.2 MtTNT to 13 GtTNT, and this is not even the worst-worst case: a 700 m diameter massive NiFe asteroid (covered by a thin veneer of Ryugu-black rubble to match size and brightness), would come in at 70 GtTNT. In down to Earth terms, this could be all between smashing fireworks over some remote area of the globe and a 7.5 km crater downtown somewhere. Considering the deliberate and sedate ways of development of interplanetary missions it seems we can only stand and stare until we know well enough where to tell people to pack up all that can be moved at all and save themselves. But then, it could just as well be a smaller bright rock. The best estimate is 120 m diameter from optical observation alone, by 13% standard albedo. NASA's upcoming DART mission to binary asteroid (65803) Didymos is designed to hit such a small target, its moonlet Dimorphos. The Deep Impact mission's impactor in 2005 successfully guided itself to the brightest spot on comet 9P/Tempel 1, a relatively small feature on the 6 km nucleus. And 'space' has changed: By the end of this decade, one satellite communication network plans to have launched over 11000 satellites at a pace of 60 per launch every other week. This level of series production is comparable in numbers to the most prolific commercial airliners. Launch vehicle production has not simply increased correspondingly – they can be reused, although in a trade for performance. Optical and radio astronomy as well as planetary radar have made great strides in the past decade, and so has the design and production capability for everyday 'high-tech' products. 60 years ago, spaceflight was invented from scratch within two years, and there are recent examples of fast-paced space projects as well as a drive towards 'responsive space'. It seems it is not quite yet time to abandon all hope. We present what could be done and what is too close to call once thinking is shoved out of the box by a clear and present danger, to show where a little more preparedness or routine would come in handy – or become decisive. And if we fail, let's stand and stare safely and well instrumented anywhere on Earth together in the greatest adventure of science.
Da die Gesellschaft in Deutschland immer älter wird, steigt auch die Nachfrage nach Gehhilfen wie beispielsweise einem Rollator. Im Alter steigt das Erkrankungsrisiko für Krankheiten, die die Mobilität erschweren können. An diesem Punkt setzt der Rollator MORO an und bietet wieder Sicherheit beim Gehen.
Für den MORO sind Hindernisse wie Bordsteinkanten kein Problem, da er sie mit speziellen Rädern spielend überwinden kann. Zusätzlich bietet er ergonomische Handgriffe, die entsprechend der jeweiligen Krankheit angepasst und ausgetauscht werden können sowie einen Sitz und eine Rückenlehne. Da der MORO aus Carbon hergestellt wird, ist er leicht in der Handhabung und somit wird die Mitnahme im Auto oder Bus und Bahn erleichtert. Durch seine verbesserte Ergonomie, individueller Anpassung und Leichtigkeit kann man wieder selbstständig durch die Welt gehen.
Urban farming is an innovative and sustainable way of food production and is becoming more and more important in smart city and quarter concepts. It also enables the production of certain foods in places where they usually dare not produced, such as production of fish or shrimps in large cities far away from the coast. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to show students such concepts and systems in real life as part of courses: visits of such industry plants are sometimes not possible because of distance or are permitted by the operator for hygienic reasons. In order to give the students the opportunity of getting into contact with such an urban farming system and its complex operation, an industrial urban farming plant was set up on a significantly smaller scale. Therefore, all needed technical components like water aeriation, biological and mechanical filtration or water circulation have been replaced either by aquarium components or by self-designed parts also using a 3D-printer. Students from different courses like mechanical engineering, smart building engineering, biology, electrical engineering, automation technology and civil engineering were involved in this project. This “miniature industrial plant” was also able to start operation and has now been running for two years successfully. Due to Corona pandemic, home office and remote online lectures, the automation of this miniature plant should be brought to a higher level in future for providing a good control over the system and water quality remotely. The aim of giving the student a chance to get to know the operation of an urban farming plant was very well achieved and the students had lots of fun in “playing” and learning with it in a realistic way.
Kinder im Kontext von medizinischen Einrichtungen.
Kinder sind keine kleinen Erwachsenen und erfordern einen auf sie angepassten Zugang zu medizinischen Behandlungsabläufen. Das Konzept basiert auf dem Gestaltungsprinzip des „Child Centered Design“ mit Befragungen von Experten der Pädiatrie und Forschung sowie mit enger Zusammenarbeit mit Kindern.
Entstanden ist ein Produkt welches Skepsis und Angst junger Patienten im Alter von 6 bis 14 Jahren bei stationären Aufenthalten in Krankenhäusern mindert und ihren Heilungsprozess positiv unterstützt. Unter Einbezug von digitalen Möglichkeiten wie Augmented Reality erklärt „ViU“, ein Krankenhaus-Companion in Eulen-Optik, den kleinen Patienten Funktionen und das Wirken verschiedenster medizinischer Geräte und Behandlungen. So wird nicht nur der Rate an Traumata durch Krankenhausaufenthalte bei Kindern entgegengewirkt, sondern auch das Krankenhauspersonal im Umgang mit Kindern im Klinikalltag entlastet.
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.
Was ist „Männlichkeit“ und was verstehen junge Erwachsene unter diesem Begriff? Das Ziel des Projektes war 18 bis 30 jährige Jungen und Männer des biologisch männlichen Geschlechts zu befragen, was ihre Definition von Männlichkeit sei. Diese Arbeit hatte die Intention den Befragten einen sicheren Raum zu geben, damit sie ihre ehrlichen Antworten äußern und ihre wahren Gesichter zeigen können. Die dabei entstandenen Fotografien sollen die Persönlichkeiten und die seelische Verfassung der abgebildeten Personen widerspiegeln. Es handelt sich um eine soziologische Bestandsaufnahme der „Männlichkeiten“ der heutigen Jugend und der heranwachsenden Erwachsenen im 21. Jahrhundert.
Magnetic nanoparticle relaxation in biomedical application: focus on simulating nanoparticle heating
(2021)
In this paper we investigate the use of deep neural networks for 3D object detection in uncommon, unstructured environments such as in an open-pit mine. While neural nets are frequently used for object detection in regular autonomous driving applications, more unusual driving scenarios aside street traffic pose additional challenges. For one, the collection of appropriate data sets to train the networks is an issue. For another, testing the performance of trained networks often requires tailored integration with the particular domain as well. While there exist different solutions for these problems in regular autonomous driving, there are only very few approaches that work for special domains just as well. We address both the challenges above in this work. First, we discuss two possible ways of acquiring data for training and evaluation. That is, we evaluate a semi-automated annotation of recorded LIDAR data and we examine synthetic data generation. Using these datasets we train and test different deep neural network for the task of object detection. Second, we propose a possible integration of a ROS2 detector module for an autonomous driving platform. Finally, we present the performance of three state-of-the-art deep neural networks in the domain of 3D object detection on a synthetic dataset and a smaller one containing a characteristic object from an open-pit mine.
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.
Konzeption eines Flagship-Stores mit Wohlfühl- und Erlebnis-Spaces
Die Bedürfnisse von Besuchern und Kunden eines Geschäfts haben sich über die letzten Jahre stark verändert. Sie möchten das ihr Kauf zum Erlebnis wird. Auf Basis dieser Erkenntnis wurde im Rahmen dieser Arbeit zusammen mit den Produkten des Weltmarktführers für Teichtechnik und Aquaristik „OASE – Living Water“ ein Storekonzept geschaffen. Dieses verbindet den Verkaufsraum mit unterschiedlichen Erlebniswelten, welche auf die jeweilig ausgestellte Produktkategorie abgestimmt sind. Zusätzlich eröffnet ein diverser und aufregend gestalteter Gartenbereich der zum Entspannen und Verweilen einlädt. Der herausstechende Aspekt des Konzepts ist, dass die Produkte sowohl als reines Produkt, als auch in verbauter Version in Aktion zu sehen sind. Auf diese Art bietet die Marke „OASE – Living Water“ ein neues Kauf-Erlebnis an.
Living product: ein Ansatz, lebendige Organismen mit einem Produkt zu vereinen und nutzbar zu machen
(2021)
Diese Arbeit setzt sich mit der Frage auseinander, in welcher Form sich lebendige Organismen – hier insbesondere Pilze - in die Produktwelt integrieren lassen. In welcher Art und Weise beeinflusst ein Organismus das Produkterlebnis?
Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit sind vier verschiedene Produkte entstanden, die die Stärken des Materials Myzelium demonstrieren. Myzelium bezeichnet das sehr dichte Wurzelnetzwerk eines Pilzes. Dieses lebendige Netzwerk kann dazu genutzt werden, um organische Stoffe miteinander zu verwachsen und somit Formen entstehen zu lassen. Die so entstandenen Produkte sind in eine Konzeptumgebung eingebettet, in der der Verbrauchende die Natur durch naturnähere Produkte (Form, Material und gewachsene Strukturen) neu erlebt.
Gezeigt wird ein Packaging für Einmachgläser, ein Kressebeet, ein Wandregal und ein Teelicht.
Living Books ist ein in Aachen stationiertes Event der Buchhandlungskette Mayersche, welches Kinder und Jugendliche zum Lesen animieren soll, indem Technik und Unterhaltungsmedien mit dem Buch verbunden werden. Hierzu werden die Möglichkeiten der virtuellen Realität genutzt sowie einzigartige Marketingstrategien, die sich ebenfalls neuartiger Technik bedienen, um das Interesse und die Neugierde junger Menschen zu wecken. Vor Ort wird man zum ersten Mal mit dem Buch konfrontiert. Bis dahin wirkt das Event schlichtweg wie ein Fantreffen zu Buchverfilmungen. Nacheinander betreten die jungen Besucher mithilfe einer VR-Brille eine Welt, die einem Buch entstammt, um ihnen die Geschichte spielerisch näherzubringen. Mithilfe der neuen Welt und einem plötzlichen Ende soll Neugierde für das Buch geweckt werden. Das Interesse für die Geschichte soll am Ende größer sein als die Abneigung gegen das Lesen.
Lignite biosolubilization and bioconversion by Bacillus sp.: the collation of analytical data
(2021)
The vast metabolic potential of microbes in brown coal (lignite) processing and utilization can greatly contribute to innovative approaches to sustainable production of high-value products from coal. In this study, the multi-faceted and complex coal biosolubilization process by Bacillus sp. RKB 7 isolate from the Kazakhstan coal-mining soil is reported, and the derived products are characterized. Lignite solubilization tests performed for surface and suspension cultures testify to the formation of numerous soluble lignite-derived substances. Almost 24% of crude lignite (5% w/v) was solubilized within 14 days under slightly alkaline conditions (pH 8.2). FTIR analysis revealed various functional groups in the obtained biosolubilization products. Analyses of the lignite-derived humic products by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrometry as well as elemental analysis yielded compatible results indicating the emerging products had a lower molecular weight and degree of aromaticity. Furthermore, XRD and SEM analyses were used to evaluate the biosolubilization processes from mineralogical and microscopic points of view. The findings not only contribute to a deeper understanding of microbe–mineral interactions in coal environments, but also contribute to knowledge of coal biosolubilization and bioconversion with regard to sustainable production of humic substances. The detailed and comprehensive analyses demonstrate the huge biotechnological potential of Bacillus sp. for agricultural productivity and environmental health.
As a low-input crop, Miscanthus offers numerous advantages that, in addition to agricultural applications, permits its exploitation for energy, fuel, and material production. Depending on the Miscanthus genotype, season, and harvest time as well as plant component (leaf versus stem), correlations between structure and properties of the corresponding isolated lignins differ. Here, a comparative study is presented between lignins isolated from M. x giganteus, M. sinensis, M. robustus and M. nagara using a catalyst-free organosolv pulping process. The lignins from different plant constituents are also compared regarding their similarities and differences regarding monolignol ratio and important linkages. Results showed that the plant genotype has the weakest influence on monolignol content and interunit linkages. In contrast, structural differences are more significant among lignins of different harvest time and/or season. Analyses were performed using fast and simple methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Data was assigned to four different linkages (A: β-O-4 linkage, B: phenylcoumaran, C: resinol, D: β-unsaturated ester). In conclusion, A content is particularly high in leaf-derived lignins at just under 70% and significantly lower in stem and mixture lignins at around 60% and almost 65%. The second most common linkage pattern is D in all isolated lignins, the proportion of which is also strongly dependent on the crop portion. Both stem and mixture lignins, have a relatively high share of approximately 20% or more (maximum is M. sinensis Sin2 with over 30%). In the leaf-derived lignins, the proportions are significantly lower on average. Stem samples should be chosen if the highest possible lignin content is desired, specifically from the M. x giganteus genotype, which revealed lignin contents up to 27%. Due to the better frost resistance and higher stem stability, M. nagara offers some advantages compared to M. x giganteus. Miscanthus crops are shown to be very attractive lignocellulose feedstock (LCF) for second generation biorefineries and lignin generation in Europe.
The feasibility of light-addressed detection and manipulation of pH gradients inside an electrochemical microfluidic cell was studied. Local pH changes, induced by a light-addressable electrode (LAE), were detected using a light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) with different measurement modes representing an actuator-sensor system. Biosensor functionality was examined depending on locally induced pH gradients with the help of the model enzyme penicillinase, which had been immobilized in the microfluidic channel. The surface morphology of the LAE and enzyme-functionalized LAPS was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the penicillin sensitivity of the LAPS inside the microfluidic channel was determined with regard to the analyte’s pH influence on the enzymatic reaction rate. In a final experiment, the LAE-controlled pH inhibition of the enzyme activity was monitored by the LAPS.
Intelligent autonomous software robots replacing human activities and performing administrative processes are reality in today’s corporate world. This includes, for example, decisions about invoice payments, identification of customers for a marketing campaign, and answering customer complaints. What happens if such a software robot causes a damage? Due to the complete absence of human activities, the question is not trivial. It could even happen that no one is liable for a damage towards a third party, which could create an uncalculatable legal risk for business partners. Furthermore, the implementation and operation of those software robots involves various stakeholders, which result in the unsolvable endeavor of identifying the originator of a damage. Overall it is advisable to all involved parties to carefully consider the legal situation. This chapter discusses the liability of software robots from an interdisciplinary perspective. Based on different technical scenarios the legal aspects of liability are discussed.
Let´s change fashion!: Eine Image-Kampagne der Fair Wear Foundation
für faire und nachhaltige Mode.
(2021)
Fast Fashion-Ketten beherrschen die Modewelt. Doch einige Unternehmen, Siegel und Stiftungen versuchen die Textilindustrie neu umzugestalten. Um die Modeindustrie nachhaltig zu verändern, müssen allerdings auch den Kunden die schlechten Arbeitsbedingungen und die negativen Einflüsse der Textilbranche auf die Umwelt bewusst werden.
Das konkrete Ziel der erstellten Kampagne ist es, modebewusste Menschen davon zu überzeugen Fast Fashion hinter sich zu lassen. Es soll also ein Umdenken bei den Konsumenten stattfinden. Die Fair Wear Foundation und ihre Mitglieder vertreten die Vision, dass Mode auch fair und nachhaltig sein kann. Genau diese Vision soll mit der Kampagne vermittelt und an die Konsumenten weitergetragen werden.
Mit dem Projekt wird sich dem Problem der weltweiten Lebensmittelverschwendung angenommen und versucht Abfälle in Privathaushalten primär industrialisierter Staaten zu reduzieren. Mit jährlich 1,3 Milliarden Tonnen landet circa ein Drittel aller weltweit produzierten Lebensmittel im Müll. Einen Großteil dieser Abfälle ist vermeidbar, besonders dort, wo man im Überfluss lebt.
Das konzipierte Möbelstück soll die Lagerungsmöglichkeiten des Nutzers optimieren und somit für die Wertschätzung von Lebensmitteln sensibilisieren. Für das Möbelstück werden ausschließlich natürliche Materialien verwendet, welche in ihrer Charakteristik optimal zum Funktionsumfang passen, der für die Lagerung benötigt wird. Das Material Terracotta ermöglicht es, mittels Verdunstungskühlung stromlos Gemüse kalt zu halten. Antibakterielles Holz tötet schädliche Bakterien ab. Die Konstruktion ermöglicht somit eine fachgerechte Lebensmittelagerung und ermöglicht sowohl sehr flexible Nutzung, wie auch leichte Reparatur.