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7T MR Safety
(2021)
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.
Eigenkapitalkosten sind eine wesentliche Determinante bei der Wertbestimmung von Unternehmen und Unternehmensteilen. Die Eigenkapitalkosten werden regelmäßig mittels des CAPM bestimmt. Für sog. konzerninterne Routinefunktionen mit geringem Risiko stellt diese Bestimmung mittels CAPM ein Problem dar, da börsennotierte Peergroups für eine zuverlässige Bestimmung des Beta-Faktors meist nicht identifizierbar sind. Damit ergeben sich bei Bewertungen von Routineunternehmen Unsicherheiten und Konfliktpotenzial in steuerlichen Betriebsprüfungen. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick der in der Praxis genutzten Ansätze und stellt eine theoretische Fundierung zur Bestimmung der Eigenkapitalkosten von konzerninternen Routinefunktionen vor. Dabei wird verdeutlicht, dass Eigenkapitalkosten von konzerninternen Routinefunktionen nicht denen des Gesamtkonzerns entsprechen und Praktikeransätze eine grundsätzliche Berechtigung besitzen.
Biologically sensitive field-effect devices (BioFEDs) advantageously combine the electronic field-effect functionality with the (bio)chemical receptor’s recognition ability for (bio)chemical sensing. In this review, basic and widely applied device concepts of silicon-based BioFEDs (ion-sensitive field-effect transistor, silicon nanowire transistor, electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor capacitor, light-addressable potentiometric sensor) are presented and recent progress (from 2019 to early 2021) is discussed. One of the main advantages of BioFEDs is the label-free sensing principle enabling to detect a large variety of biomolecules and bioparticles by their intrinsic charge. The review encompasses applications of BioFEDs for the label-free electrical detection of clinically relevant protein biomarkers, deoxyribonucleic acid molecules and viruses, enzyme-substrate reactions as well as recording of the cell acidification rate (as an indicator of cellular metabolism) and the extracellular potential.
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.
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with early and delayed brain injury due to several underlying and interrelated processes, which include inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial, and neuronal apoptosis. Treatment with melatonin, a cytoprotective neurohormone with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, has been shown to attenuate early brain injury (EBI) and to prevent delayed cerebral vasospasm in experimental aSAH models. Less is known about the role of endogenous melatonin for aSAH outcome and how its production is altered by the pathophysiological cascades initiated during EBI. In the present observational study, we analyzed changes in melatonin levels during the first three weeks after aSAH.
Thrombogenic complications are a main issue in mechanical circulatory support (MCS). There is no validated in vitro method available to quantitatively assess the thrombogenic performance of pulsatile MCS devices under realistic hemodynamic conditions. The aim of this study is to propose a method to evaluate the thrombogenic potential of new designs without the use of complex in-vivo trials. This study presents a novel in vitro method for reproducible thrombogenicity testing of pulsatile MCS systems using low molecular weight heparinized porcine blood. Blood parameters are continuously measured with full blood thromboelastometry (ROTEM; EXTEM, FIBTEM and a custom-made analysis HEPNATEM). Thrombus formation is optically observed after four hours of testing. The results of three experiments are presented each with two parallel loops. The area of thrombus formation inside the MCS device was reproducible. The implantation of a filter inside the loop catches embolizing thrombi without a measurable increase of platelet activation, allowing conclusions of the place of origin of thrombi inside the device. EXTEM and FIBTEM parameters such as clotting velocity (α) and maximum clot firmness (MCF) show a total decrease by around 6% with a characteristic kink after 180 minutes. HEPNATEM α and MCF rise within the first 180 minutes indicate a continuously increasing activation level of coagulation. After 180 minutes, the consumption of clotting factors prevails, resulting in a decrease of α and MCF. With the designed mock loop and the presented protocol we are able to identify thrombogenic hot spots inside a pulsatile pump and characterize their thrombogenic potential.
Background:
Additional stabilization of the “comma sign” in anterosuperior rotator cuff repair has been proposed to provide biomechanical benefits regarding stability of the repair.
Purpose:
This in vitro investigation aimed to investigate the influence of a comma sign–directed reconstruction technique for anterosuperior rotator cuff tears on the primary stability of the subscapularis tendon repair.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
A total of 18 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used in this study. Anterosuperior rotator cuff tears (complete full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons) were created, and supraspinatus repair was performed with a standard suture bridge technique. The subscapularis was repaired with either a (1) single-row or (2) comma sign technique. A high-resolution 3D camera system was used to analyze 3-mm and 5-mm gap formation at the subscapularis tendon-bone interface upon incremental cyclic loading. Moreover, the ultimate failure load of the repair was recorded. A Mann-Whitney test was used to assess significant differences between the 2 groups.
Results:
The comma sign repair withstood significantly more loading cycles than the single-row repair until 3-mm and 5-mm gap formation occurred (P≤ .047). The ultimate failure load did not reveal any significant differences when the 2 techniques were compared (P = .596).
Conclusion:
The results of this study show that additional stabilization of the comma sign enhanced the primary stability of subscapularis tendon repair in anterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Although this stabilization did not seem to influence the ultimate failure load, it effectively decreased the micromotion at the tendon-bone interface during cyclic loading.
Clinical Relevance:
The proposed technique for stabilization of the comma sign has shown superior biomechanical properties in comparison with a single-row repair and might thus improve tendon healing. Further clinical research will be necessary to determine its influence on the functional outcome.
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.
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.
Through a mirror darkly – On the obscurity of teaching goals in game-based learning in IT security
(2021)
Teachers and instructors use very specific language communicating teaching goals. The most widely used frameworks of common reference are the Bloom’s Taxonomy and the Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy. The latter provides distinction of 209 different teaching goals which are connected to methods. In Competence Developing Games (CDGs - serious games to convey knowledge) and in IT security education, a two- or three level typology exists, reducing possible learning outcomes to awareness, training, and education. This study explores whether this much simpler framework succeeds in achieving the same range of learning outcomes. Method wise a keyword analysis was conducted. The results were threefold: 1. The words used to describe teaching goals in CDGs on IT security education do not reflect the whole range of learning outcomes. 2. The word choice is nevertheless different from common language, indicating an intentional use of language. 3. IT security CDGs use different sets of terms to describe learning outcomes, depending on whether they are awareness, training, or education games. The interpretation of the findings is that the reduction to just three types of CDGs reduces the capacity to communicate and think about learning outcomes and consequently reduces the outcomes that are intentionally achieved.
The transition within transportation towards battery electric vehicles can lead to a more sustainable future. To account for the development goal ‘climate action’ stated by the United Nations, it is mandatory, within the conceptual design phase, to derive energy-efficient system designs. One barrier is the uncertainty of the driving behaviour within the usage phase. This uncertainty is often addressed by using a stochastic synthesis process to derive representative driving cycles and by using cycle-based optimization. To deal with this uncertainty, a new approach based on a stochastic optimization program is presented. This leads to an optimization model that is solved with an exact solver. It is compared to a system design approach based on driving cycles and a genetic algorithm solver. Both approaches are applied to find efficient electric powertrains with fixed-speed and multi-speed transmissions. Hence, the similarities, differences and respective advantages of each optimization procedure are discussed.
Purpose Vascular risk factors and ocular perfusion are heatedly discussed in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. The retinal vessel analyzer (RVA, IMEDOS Systems, Germany) allows noninvasive measurement of retinal vessel regulation. Significant differences especially in the veins between healthy subjects and patients suffering from glaucoma were previously reported. In this pilot-study we investigated if localized vascular regulation is altered in glaucoma patients with altitudinal visual field defect asymmetry. Methods 15 eyes of 12 glaucoma patients with advanced altitudinal visual field defect asymmetry were included. The mean defect was calculated for each hemisphere separately (-20.99 ± 10.49 pro- found hemispheric visual field defect vs -7.36 ± 3.97 dB less profound hemisphere). After pupil dilation, RVA measurements of retinal arteries and veins were conducted using the standard protocol. The superior and inferior retinal vessel reactivity were measured consecutively in each eye. Results Significant differences were recorded in venous vessel constriction after flicker light stimulation and overall amplitude of the reaction (p \ 0.04 and p \ 0.02 respectively) in-between the hemispheres spheres. Vessel reaction was higher in the hemisphere corresponding to the more advanced visual field defect. Arterial diameters reacted similarly, failing to reach statistical significance. Conclusion Localized retinal vessel regulation is significantly altered in glaucoma patients with asymmetri altitudinal visual field defects. Veins supplying the hemisphere concordant to a less profound visual field defect show diminished diameter changes. Vascular dysregulation might be particularly important in early glaucoma stages prior to a significant visual field defect.
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.
Modern industry and multi-discipline projects require highly trained individuals with resilient science and engineering back-grounds. Graduates must be able to agilely apply excellent theoretical knowledge in their subject matter as well as essential practical “hands-on” knowledge of diverse working processes to solve complex problems. To meet these demands, university education follows the concept of Constructive Alignment and thus increasingly adopts the teaching of necessary practical skills to the actual industry requirements and assessment routines. However, a systematic approach to coherently align these three central teaching demands is strangely absent from current university curricula. We demonstrate the feasibility of implementing practical assessments in a regular theory-based examination, thus defining the term “blended assessment”. We assessed a course for natural science and engineering students pursuing a career in biomedical engineering, and evaluated the benefit of blended assessment exams for students and lecturers. Our controlled study assessed the physiological background of electrocardiograms (ECGs), the practical measurement of ECG curves, and their interpretation of basic pathologic alterations. To study on long time effects, students have been assessed on the topic twice with a time lag of 6 months. Our findings suggest a significant improvement in student gain with respect to practical skills and theoretical knowledge. The results of the reassessments support these outcomes. From the lecturers ́ point of view, blended assessment complements practical training courses while keeping organizational effort manageable. We consider blended assessment a viable tool for providing an improved student gain, industry-ready education format that should be evaluated and established further to prepare university graduates optimally for their future careers.
Koaxiale Stahlenergiepfähle
(2021)
Ein entscheidender Teil der Energiewende ist die Wärmewende im Gebäudesektor. Ein Schlüsselelement sind hier Wärmepumpen. Diese benötigen eine Wärmequelle, der sie Energie entziehen können, um sie auf ein höheres Temperaturniveau zu transformieren. Diese Wärmequelle kann bspw. das Erdreich sein, dessen Wärme durch Erdsonden erschlossen werden kann. In diesem Beitrag werden in Stahlpfähle integrierte Koaxialsonden mit dem Stand der Technik von Erdsonden gleichen Durchmessers bezüglich ihrer thermischen Leistungsmerkmale verglichen. Die Stahlenergiepfähle bieten neben der Wärmegewinnung weitere Vorteile, da sie auch eine statische Funktion übernehmen und rückstandsfrei zurückgebaut werden können. Es werden analytische und numerische Berechnungen vorgestellt, um die thermischen Potenziale beider Systeme zu vergleichen. Außerdem wird ein Testaufbau gezeigt, bei dem Stahlenergiepfähle in zwei verschiedenen Längen mit vorhandenen gängigen Erdsonden verglichen werden können. Die Berechnungen zeigen einen deutlichen thermischen Mehrertrag zwischen 26 % und 148 % der Stahlenergiepfähle gegenüber dem Stand der Technik abhängig vom Erdreich. Die Messergebnisse zeigen einen thermischen Mehrertrag von über 100 %. Es lässt sich also signifikante Erdsondenlänge einsparen. Dabei ist zu beachten, dass sich damit der thermisch genutzte Bereich des Erdreichs reduziert, wodurch die thermische Regeneration und/oder das Langzeitverhalten des Erdreichs an Bedeutung gewinnt.
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.).
The investigation of the possibility to determine various characteristics of powder heparin (n = 115) was carried out with infrared spectroscopy. The evaluation of heparin samples included several parameters such as purity grade, distributing company, animal source as well as heparin species (i.e. Na-heparin, Ca-heparin, and heparinoids). Multivariate analysis using principal component analysis (PCA), soft independent modelling of class analogy (SIMCA), and partial least squares – discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied for the modelling of spectral data. Different pre-processing methods were applied to IR spectral data; multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) was chosen as the most relevant.
Obtained results were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Good predictive ability of this approach demonstrates the potential of IR spectroscopy and chemometrics for screening of heparin quality. This approach, however, is designed as a screening tool and is not considered as a replacement for either of the methods required by USP and FDA.
In this study, a recently proposed NMR standardization approach by 2H integral of deuterated solvent for quantitative multicomponent analysis of complex mixtures is presented. As a proof of principle, the existing NMR routine for the analysis of Aloe vera products was modified. Instead of using absolute integrals of targeted compounds and internal standard (nicotinamide) from 1H-NMR spectra, quantification was performed based on the ratio of a particular 1H-NMR compound integral and 2H-NMR signal of deuterated solvent D2O. Validation characteristics (linearity, repeatability, accuracy) were evaluated and the results showed that the method has the same precision as internal standardization in case of multicomponent screening. Moreover, a dehydration process by freeze drying is not necessary for the new routine. Now, our NMR profiling of A. vera products needs only limited sample preparation and data processing. The new standardization methodology provides an appealing alternative for multicomponent NMR screening. In general, this novel approach, using standardization by 2H integral, benefits from reduced sample preparation steps and uncertainties, and is recommended in different application areas (purity determination, forensics, pharmaceutical analysis, etc.).
The molecular weight properties of lignins are one of the key elements that need to be analyzed for a successful industrial application of these promising biopolymers. In this study, the use of 1H NMR as well as diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY NMR), combined with multivariate regression methods, was investigated for the determination of the molecular weight (Mw and Mn) and the polydispersity of organosolv lignins (n = 53, Miscanthus x giganteus, Paulownia tomentosa, and Silphium perfoliatum). The suitability of the models was demonstrated by cross validation (CV) as well as by an independent validation set of samples from different biomass origins (beech wood and wheat straw). CV errors of ca. 7–9 and 14–16% were achieved for all parameters with the models from the 1H NMR spectra and the DOSY NMR data, respectively. The prediction errors for the validation samples were in a similar range for the partial least squares model from the 1H NMR data and for a multiple linear regression using the DOSY NMR data. The results indicate the usefulness of NMR measurements combined with multivariate regression methods as a potential alternative to more time-consuming methods such as gel permeation chromatography.
Geochemical characterisation of hypersaline waters is difficult as high concentrations of salts hinder the analysis of constituents at low concentrations, such as trace metals, and the collection of samples for trace metal analysis in natural waters can be easily contaminated. This is particularly the case if samples are collected by non-conventional techniques such as those required for aquatic subglacial environments. In this paper we present the first analysis of a subglacial brine from Taylor Valley, (~ 78°S), Antarctica for the trace metals: Ba, Co, Mo, Rb, Sr, V, and U. Samples were collected englacially using an electrothermal melting probe called the IceMole. This probe uses differential heating of a copper head as well as the probe’s sidewalls and an ice screw at the melting head to move through glacier ice. Detailed blanks, meltwater, and subglacial brine samples were collected to evaluate the impact of the IceMole and the borehole pump, the melting and collection process, filtration, and storage on the geochemistry of the samples collected by this device. Comparisons between melt water profiles through the glacier ice and blank analysis, with published studies on ice geochemistry, suggest the potential for minor contributions of some species Rb, As, Co, Mn, Ni, NH4+, and NO2−+NO3− from the IceMole. The ability to conduct detailed chemical analyses of subglacial fluids collected with melting probes is critical for the future exploration of the hundreds of deep subglacial lakes in Antarctica.
Der arbeitsrechtlich richtige Umgang mit Zeiten einer Dienstreise kann in der betrieblichen Praxis Probleme bereiten. Ob die Reisezeiten als solche Arbeitszeit i. S. des Arbeitszeitgesetzes (ArbZG ) darstellen, also bspw. auf die tägliche Höchstarbeitszeit angerechnet werden müssen oder nicht, ist oftmals genauso unklar wie die Frage, ob und inwieweit Reisezeiten vergütungspflichtig sind. Aber auch, ob ein Arbeitnehmer überhaupt zur Durchführung einer Dienstreise verpflichtet werden kann, ist ein möglicher Anlass von Streitigkeiten zwischen den Arbeitsvertragsparteien, wie verschiedene Gerichtsentscheidungen zeigen. Der nachfolgende Beitrag beantwortet die aufgeworfenen Fragen und gibt hierzu einen praxisorientierten Überblick.
Test-retest reliability of the internal shoulder rotator muscles' stretch reflex in healthy men
(2021)
Until now the reproducibility of the short latency stretch reflex of the internal rotator muscles of the glenohumeral joint has not been identified. Twenty-three healthy male participants performed three sets of external shoulder rotation stretches with various pre-activation levels on two different dates of measurement to assess test-retest reliability. All stretches were applied with a dynamometer acceleration of 104°/s2 and a velocity of 150°/s. Electromyographical response was measured via surface EMG. Reflex latencies showed a pre-activation effect (ƞ2 = 0,355). ICC ranged from 0,735 to 0,909 indicating an overall “good” relative reliability. SRD 95% lay between ±7,0 to ±12,3 ms.. The reflex gain showed overall poor test-retest reproducibility. The chosen methodological approach presented a suitable test protocol for shoulder muscles stretch reflex latency evaluation. A proof-of-concept study to validate the presented methodical approach in shoulder involvement including subjects with clinically relevant conditions is recommended.
Im Anschluss an die arbeitsrechtlichen Jahresübersichten der vergangenen Jahre (NWB 5/2019 S. 266; NWB 8/2020 S. 557) gibt der nachfolgende Beitrag einen Überblick über relevante Entwicklungen im Arbeitsrecht des Jahres 2020. Der erste Teil beschäftigt sich hierbei mit gesetzlichen Änderungen. Neben Regelungen, die auf die COVID-19-Pandemie zurückgeführt werden können, hat der Gesetzgeber auch andere Vorhaben umgesetzt. So wurde u. a. das Arbeitnehmerentsenderecht reformiert. Für Diskussionen sorgt(e) zudem das Gesetzesvorhaben zur Regelung mobiler Arbeit. Im zweiten Teil werden für die Praxis wichtige höchstrichterliche Gerichtsentscheidungen zum Arbeitsrecht erläutert, alphabetisch sortiert von A (wie Antidiskriminierungsrecht) bis U (wie Urlaub).
Die Arbeitswelt ist im Umbruch. Der Bedarf an flexiblen Arbeitszeitmodellen nimmt stetig zu, wobei die Corona-Pandemie dieses Bedürfnis nochmals verschärft hat. Gerade auch in kleineren und mittleren Unternehmen wächst die Notwendigkeit, den Einsatz der Beschäftigten möglichst bedarfsgerecht zu steuern, also bei guter Auftragslage mehr Arbeitszeit abzurufen und bei ausbleibenden Aufträgen die Arbeitszeit zu reduzieren und somit bezahlte „Leerlaufzeiten“ zu vermeiden. Der Gesetzgeber stellt den Arbeitgebern hierfür das Instrument der sog. Abrufarbeit ( § 12 Teilzeit- und Befristungsgesetz – TzBfG ) zur Verfügung. In dem nachfolgenden Beitrag werden Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Abrufarbeit skizziert und konkrete arbeitsvertragliche Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten aufgezeigt.
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.