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Zeit spielt in unser aller Leben eine allgegenwärtige Rolle. Sie ist immer da, war schon immer da und nimmt ihren Lauf, ganz egal was wir tun. Aber was macht die Zeit und was hat sie für einen Einfluss auf uns? Ist sie unsere ständige Begleiterin oder unsere »Gegnerin«? Wie unterschiedlich wir auf Zeit blicken können, was sie bewirkt und wie unser Umgang mit ihr das Leben beeinflusst, zeigt die Reihe an monothematischen Magazinen »about time«. Das Thema wird aus unterschiedlichsten Blickwinkeln beleuchtet und soll so eine gewisse Sensibilität für den Umgang mit der eigenen Zeit schaffen — denn sie ist am Ende das Wertvollste, das bleibt.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI), Aachen University of Applied Sciences, and B&B-AGEMA GmbH have investigated the potential of low NOx micro-mix (MMX) hydrogen combustion and its application to an industrial gas turbine combustor. Engine demonstration tests of a MMX combustor for the M1A-17 gas turbine with a co-generation system were conducted in the hydrogen-fueled power generation plant in Kobe City, Japan.
This paper presents the results of the commissioning test and the combined heat and power (CHP) supply demonstration. In the commissioning test, grid interconnection, loading tests and load cut-off tests were successfully conducted. All measurement results satisfied the Japanese environmental regulation values. Dust and soot as well as SOx were not detected. The NOx emissions were below 84 ppmv at 15 % O2. The noise level at the site boundary was below 60 dB. The vibration at the site boundary was below 45 dB.
During the combined heat and power supply demonstration, heat and power were supplied to neighboring public facilities with the MMX combustion technology and 100 % hydrogen fuel. The electric power output reached 1800 kW at which the NOx emissions were 72 ppmv at 15 % O2, and 60 %RH. Combustion instabilities were not observed. The gas turbine efficiency was improved by about 1 % compared to a non-premixed type combustor with water injection as NOx reduction method. During a total equivalent operation time of 1040 hours, all combustor parts, the M1A-17 gas turbine as such, and the co-generation system were without any issues.
Dynamic loads significantly impact the structural design of propeller blades due to fatigue and static strength. Since propellers are elastic structures, deformations and aerodynamic loads are coupled. In the past, propeller manufacturers established procedures to determine unsteady aerodynamic loads and the structural response with analytical steady-state calculations. According to the approach, aeroelastic coupling primarily consists of torsional deformations. They neglect bending deformations, deformation velocities, and inertia terms. This paper validates the assumptions above for a General Aviation propeller and a lift propeller for urban air mobility or large cargo drones. Fully coupled reduced-order simulations determine the dynamic loads in the time domain. A quasi-steady blade element momentum approach transfers loads to one-dimensional finite beam elements. The simulation results are in relatively good agreement with the analytical method for the General Aviation propeller but show increasing errors for the slender lift propeller. The analytical approach is modified to consider the induced velocities. Still, inertia and velocity proportional terms play a significant role for the lift propeller due to increased elasticity. The assumption that only torsional deformations significantly impact the dynamic loads of propellers is not valid. Adequate determination of dynamic loads of such designs requires coupled aeroelastic simulations or advanced analytical procedures.
This paper presents an approach to predicting the sound exposure on the ground caused by a landing aircraft with recuperating propellers. The noise source along the trajectory of a flight specified for a steeper approach is simulated based on measurements of sound power levels and additional parameters of a single propeller placed in a wind tunnel. To validate the measured data/measurement results, these simulations are also supported by overflight measurements of a test aircraft. It is shown that the simple source models of propellers do not provide fully satisfactory results since the sound levels are estimated too low. Nevertheless, with a further reference comparison, margins for an acceptable increase in the sound power level of the aircraft on its now steeper approach path could be estimated. Thus, in this case, a +7 dB increase in SWL would not increase the SEL compared to the conventional approach within only 2 km ahead of the airfield.
Motile cilia are hair-like cell extensions that beat periodically to generate fluid flow along various epithelial tissues within the body. In dense multiciliated carpets, cilia were shown to exhibit a remarkable coordination of their beat in the form of traveling metachronal waves, a phenomenon which supposedly enhances fluid transport. Yet, how cilia coordinate their regular beat in multiciliated epithelia to move fluids remains insufficiently understood, particularly due to lack of rigorous quantification. We combine experiments, novel analysis tools, and theory to address this knowledge gap. To investigate collective dynamics of cilia, we studied zebrafish multiciliated epithelia in the nose and the brain. We focused mainly on 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. Even though synchronization is local only, we observed global patterns of traveling metachronal waves across the zebrafish multiciliated epithelium. Intriguingly, these global wave direction patterns are conserved across individual fish, but different for left and right noses, 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, i.e., cilia colliding with each other, 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 coincide and generate metachronal wave patterns in multiciliated epithelia, which enhance their physiological function of fluid pumping.
Assistance systems have been widely adopted in the manufacturing sector to facilitate various processes and tasks in production environments. However, existing systems are mostly equipped with rigid functional logic and do not provide individual user experiences or adapt to their capabilities. This work integrates human factors in assistance systems by adjusting the hardware and instruction presented to the workers’ cognitive and physical demands. A modular system architecture is designed accordingly, which allows a flexible component exchange according to the user and the work task. Gamification, the use of game elements in non-gaming contexts, has been further adopted in this work to provide level-based instructions and personalised feedback. The developed framework is validated by applying it to a manual workstation for industrial assembly routines.
High aerodynamic efficiency requires propellers with high aspect ratios, while propeller sweep potentially reduces noise. Propeller sweep and high aspect ratios increase elasticity and coupling of structural mechanics and aerodynamics, affecting the propeller performance and noise. Therefore, this paper analyzes the influence of elasticity on forward-swept, backward-swept, and unswept propellers in hover conditions. A reduced-order blade element momentum approach is coupled with a one-dimensional Timoshenko beam theory and Farassat's formulation 1A. The results of the aeroelastic simulation are used as input for the aeroacoustic calculation. The analysis shows that elasticity influences noise radiation because thickness and loading noise respond differently to deformations. In the case of the backward-swept propeller, the location of the maximum sound pressure level shifts forward by 0.5 °, while in the case of the forward-swept propeller, it shifts backward by 0.5 °. Therefore, aeroacoustic optimization requires the consideration of propeller deformation.
Next-generation aircraft designs often incorporate multiple large propellers attached along the wingspan. These highly flexible dynamic systems can exhibit uncommon aeroelastic instabilities, which should be carefully investigated to ensure safe operation. The interaction between the propeller and the wing is of particular importance. It is known that whirl flutter is stabilized by wing motion and wing aerodynamics. This paper investigates the effect of a propeller onto wing flutter as a function of span position and mounting stiffness between the propeller and wing. The analysis of a comparison between a tractor and pusher configuration has shown that the coupled system is more stable than the standalone wing for propeller positions near the wing tip for both configurations. The wing fluttermechanism is mostly affected by the mass of the propeller and the resulting change in eigenfrequencies of the wing. For very weak mounting stiffnesses, whirl flutter occurs, which was shown to be stabilized compared to a standalone propeller due to wing motion. On the other hand, the pusher configuration is, as to be expected, the more critical configuration due to the attached mass behind the elastic axis.
Based on the European Space Agency (ESA) Science in Space Environment (SciSpacE) community White Paper “Human Physiology – Musculoskeletal system”, this perspective highlights unmet needs and suggests new avenues for future studies in musculoskeletal research to enable crewed exploration missions. The musculoskeletal system is essential for sustaining physical function and energy metabolism, and the maintenance of health during exploration missions, and consequently mission success, will be tightly linked to musculoskeletal function. Data collection from current space missions from pre-, during-, and post-flight periods would provide important information to understand and ultimately offset musculoskeletal alterations during long-term spaceflight. In addition, understanding the kinetics of the different components of the musculoskeletal system in parallel with a detailed description of the molecular mechanisms driving these alterations appears to be the best approach to address potential musculoskeletal problems that future exploratory-mission crew will face. These research efforts should be accompanied by technical advances in molecular and phenotypic monitoring tools to provide in-flight real-time feedback.
Flexible fuel operation of a Dry-Low-NOx Micromix Combustor with Variable Hydrogen Methane Mixture
(2022)
The role of hydrogen (H2) as a carbon-free energy carrier is discussed since decades for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As bridge technology towards a hydrogen-based energy supply, fuel mixtures of natural gas or methane (CH4) and hydrogen are possible.
The paper presents the first test results of a low-emission Micromix combustor designed for flexible-fuel operation with variable H2/CH4 mixtures. The numerical and experimental approach for considering variable fuel mixtures instead of recently investigated pure hydrogen is described.
In the experimental studies, a first generation FuelFlex Micromix combustor geometry is tested at atmospheric pressure at gas turbine operating conditions corresponding to part- and full-load. The H2/CH4 fuel mixture composition is varied between 57 and 100 vol.% hydrogen content.
Despite the challenges flexible-fuel operation poses onto the design of a combustion system, the evaluated FuelFlex Micromix prototype shows a significant low NOx performance
The Cramér-von-Mises distance is applied to the distribution of the excess over a confidence level. Asymptotics of related statistics are investigated, and it is seen that the obtained limit distributions differ from the classical ones. For that reason, quantiles of the new limit distributions are given and new bootstrap techniques for approximation purposes are introduced and justified. The results motivate new one-sample goodness-of-fit tests for the distribution of the excess over a confidence level and a new confidence interval for the related fitting error. Simulation studies investigate size and power of the tests as well as coverage probabilities of the confidence interval in the finite sample case. A practice-oriented application of the Cramér-von-Mises tests is the determination of an appropriate confidence level for the fitting approach. The adoption of the idea to the well-known problem of threshold detection in the context of peaks over threshold modelling is sketched and illustrated by data examples.
In this paper, we provide an analytical study of the transmission eigenvalue problem with two conductivity parameters. We will assume that the underlying physical model is given by the scattering of a plane wave for an isotropic scatterer. In previous studies, this eigenvalue problem was analyzed with one conductive boundary parameter whereas we will consider the case of two parameters. We prove the existence and discreteness of the transmission eigenvalues as well as study the dependence on the physical parameters. We are able to prove monotonicity of the first transmission eigenvalue with respect to the parameters and consider the limiting procedure as the second boundary parameter vanishes. Lastly, we provide extensive numerical experiments to validate the theoretical work.
Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) hat die Designbranche erreicht, doch die Angst, dass KI Designer:innen die Arbeitsplätze wegnimmt, ist unbegründet. Künstliche Intelligenz kann Designer:innen als Werkzeug dienen. Durch das Zusammenspiel von Designer:innen und KI entstehen innerhalb von kürzester Zeit neuartige Kreationen. Das Projekt „Designexperiments with Artificial Intelligence“ ist eine Sammlung von visuellen Experimenten, welche mit der Hilfe von künstlicher Intelligenz durchgeführt wurden. Eines dieser Experimente wird in Form einer Installation ausgestellt. Dabei werden die Besucher*innen aufgefordert mit der Maschine zusammen ein Bild zu gestalten. Dieser Input wird anschließend von einer KI verarbeitet. Das Projekt „Designexperimente with Artificial Intelligence“ ist ein Versuch, mittels künstlicher Intelligenz eine neue Ästhetik zu finden.
Fan sein bedeutet für viele Menschen unterschiedliche Dinge. Viele würden sich selber vielleicht nicht mal als Solche bezeichnen. Nichtsdestotrotz gibt es etwas, das diese Gruppe von Menschen verbindet: Die gemeinsame Leidenschaft für eine bestimmte Sache, die sie im Alltag nicht missen wollen. In Deutschland alleine würden sich 47.900.000 Menschen selber als Fußball-Fan bezeichnen. Und natürlich lässt sich nicht jeder dieser Menschen in den selben Topf werfen. Die Publikation „59 von 47.900.00 Fußball-Fans“ beschäftigt sich mit 59 dieser Fans, verschiedenen Wissenschaftler*innen und Psycholog*innen, um dem Fan-Sein auf den Grund zu gehen. Warum sind Menschen überhaupt Fußball-Fans? Was macht Fan-Sein aus? Und wer sind diese Ultras?
siso - lerne was du willst
(2023)
Kinder konsumieren heutzutage für viele Stunden am Tag soziale Medien. Jedoch sind die Inhalte auf diesen Plattformen oftmals nur oberflächlich und bieten wenig bis keinen Mehrwert durch z. B. zusätzliches Wissen. Dabei lernen Kinder einfacher, wenn ihr Interesse am Thema geweckt ist und sie Spaß an der Beschäftigung haben. Die individuellen Interessen der Kinder – und damit die möglichen Lerninhalte – sind vielfältig. Eine mögliche Lösung hierfür ist siso. Siso ist eine Lernplattform, die sich dadurch auszeichnet, dass Kinder ihren Interessen nachgehen sowie neue Fertigkeiten und Fähigkeiten erlernen können. Des Weiteren regt siso die Nutzer*innen durch Aufgaben dazu an, selbst aktiv zu werden. Durch die in der Anwendung verbaute soziale Komponente können Kinder sich auch über ihre Interessen austauschen und dadurch neue Freunde finden.
Die Auswirkungen psychischer Erkrankungen stellen ein zunehmendes Thema in unserer Gesellschaft dar. Allein in Deutschland erkranken jedes Jahr ein Viertel aller Menschen psychisch. Besonders seit der Pandemie wächst die Nachfrage nach psychotherapeutischer Behandlung stetig an, wodurch die Wartelisten in den Praxen immer länger werden. Betroffene müssen oft ein halbes Jahr oder länger auf einen Therapieplatz warten und sind gezwungen zu nehmen, was gerade frei ist. Dabei ist es für den Therapieerfolg essenziell, dass nicht nur die Therapie auf einen abgestimmt ist, sondern auch die Chemie zwischen Therapeut:in und Patient:in passt. OpenCouch ist eine Anwendung, die Betroffene bei der Therapieplatzsuche unterstützen soll, indem sie Informationen und Tools zur Verfügung stellt, um trotz der geringen Verfügbarkeit einen Therapieplatz finden zu können, der einen Behandlungserfolg garantiert.
Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) wird heute vielfältig eingesetzt, so auch im Bereich der Sprache. Persönliche Assistent:innen und Chatbots beeindrucken, da sie so etwas Vielschichtiges wie die menschliche Sprache beherrschen. Dass Maschinen dabei nur komplexen mathematischen Regeln folgen, ist den meisten klar. Doch was verbirgt sich hinter dem vermeintlichen „Sprachverständnis“ einer KI? Word Embeddings bilden eine numerische Repräsentation von Sprache ab und dienen einem Machine Learning Algorithmus als eine Art „Wortschatz“, mit dem gerechnet werden kann. Das Projekt bildet einen hundertdimensionalen Word Embedding Datensatz auf verschiedene Weise und mittels explorierbarer interaktiver Tools ab. Kombiniert mit Erklärungen und eigenen Erkenntnissen finden sich diese Tools in einem Blog, der fachfremden Einsteigenden ins Thema KI erste tiefergehende Einblicke „hinter die Kulissen“ bieten soll."
Roverandom : eine illustrative Aufarbeitung und Neuinterpretation des Kinderbuches von J.R.R Tolkien
(2023)
Die Geschichte „Roverandom“ von J.R.R Tolkien lädt auf eine spannende Reise an der Seite des kleinen Hundes Rover ein, welche zum Mond und in die Tiefsee, vorbei an Zauberern und Drachen führt. Um das Abenteuer Tolkiens neu aufleben zu lassen, befasst sich dieses Projekt mit der illustrativen Aufarbeitung der Geschichte. Auf Grundlage der Betrachtung von Inspirationen und eigenen Illustrationen des englischen Schriftstellers entwickelte sich eine einheitliche Gestaltung innerhalb des Projekts. Durch die Kombination analoger und digitaler Medien entstanden über 40 Illustrationen, welche verschiedenste Szenen visualisieren und so die Welt des kleinen Hundes Rover auf eine anschauliche Art und Weise darstellen. Die Geschichte „Roverandom“ wird so durch eine ganz eigene Bildsprache visuell begleitet und für interessierte Leser:innen neu geöffnet.
Gestaltung und Programmierung dynamischer Motion-Design Plakate zwecks Kommunikation der Theaterstücke des Düsseldorfer Schauspielhauses. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf der Typografie und ihrer intrinsischen Bewegung. Der technische Fortschritt bietet viele neue Möglichkeiten im Umgang mit Schrift. Diese Arbeit dient dazu, mithilfe von aktuellen Techniken einen neuen Ansatz im Bereich Gestaltung mit Schrift, sowie Variable Fonts, in Kombination mit Motion-Design aufzuzeigen. Dies wird anhand von Eigenschaften der Schrift und der inhaltlichen Ebene, ohne die Buchstaben dabei zu dekonstruieren, umgesetzt. Die Bewegungen werden dann in das Format Plakat übertragen und dargestellt.
Narzissmus ist ein vielgenutzter Begriff. Häufig wird er im Kontext toxischer Beziehungen verwendet. Nur selten wird das Leben von Frauen thematisiert, deren Mutter narzisstisch ist. Die Graphic Novel „Niemals gut genug“ leistet einen Beitrag zu diesem wenig beachteten Thema. „Niemals gut genug“ schildert anhand von illustrierten Kurzgeschichten alltägliche Situationen von Töchtern narzisstischer Mütter. Die Kurzgeschichten berücksichtigen die Vielfalt narzisstischer Persönlichkeitsstörungen und werfen ein Schlaglicht auf die Vergangenheit narzisstischer Mütter. Dadurch rückt auch die transgenerationale Weitergabe von Narzissmus in den Fokus. „Niemals gut genug“ stellt einen einfühlsamen Zugang zu diesem sensiblen Thema dar und hilft dadurch Betroffenen beim Verstehen und Genesen.
Der experimentelle Tanzfilm „Farfilia“ behandelt die Beziehung einer Tochter zu ihrem Vater. Beide Parteien funktionieren sehr unterschiedlich, denken, kommunizieren und leben in völlig verschiedenen Welten. Es findet ein Konflikt zwischen den Generationen statt, zwischen zwei sehr gegensätzlichen Prägungen und Charakteren. Die zwei Welten unterscheiden sich nicht nur in ihrer Visualität, sondern durch die in ihr lebenden und handelnden zwei Hauptprotagonist*innen, welches bildgestalterisch durch ein Zusammenspiel von Cinematographie, Choreographie und Setting ausgearbeitet und dargestellt wird. Durch die gemeinsame Wirkung vieler unterschiedlicher Gestaltungsmittel soll eine Geschichte erzählt werden, in der sich beide Welten aufeinander zu bewegen und am Ende Elemente der jeweils anderen Welt in sich aufnehmen und für die eigene Empfindung in der jeweiligen Umgebung adaptieren.
Massenwohnungsbau in Berlin : eine Publikation zur Architektur des Massenwohnungsbaus in Berlin
(2023)
Berlin. Eine Stadt, die immer weiter wächst und beinahe aus allen Nähten platzt. Doch das Problem ist kein neues, denn bereits seit den 1920er-Jahren ist der Wohnraummangel in Berlin ein bekanntes Thema und immer wieder mussten hierfür in den letzten 100 Jahren Lösungen gefunden werden. Diese Publikation dokumentiert einen Querschnitt der Massenwohnbauten in Berlin, welche seit dem ersten Weltkrieg und auch insbesondere nach der Teilung der Stadt für die Unterbringung großer Menschenmengen konzipiert und gebaut wurden. Das Buch klärt über die Entstehung der Viertel und Gebäude auf, enthält Interviews einiger Bewohner*innen und bietet zudem fotografisch einen Blick hinter die Fassaden. Das Ziel ist es, das Thema Massenwohnraum vorzustellen und durch die detaillierten Einblicke die damit verknüpften – meist negativen – Stigmata abzubauen.
Field-effect EIS (electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor) sensors modified with a positively charged weak polyelectrolyte layer have been applied for the electrical detection of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) immobilization and hybridization by the intrinsic molecular charge. The EIS sensors are able to detect the existence of target DNA amplicons in PCR (polymerase chain reaction) samples and thus, can be used as tool for a quick verification of DNA amplification and the successful PCR process. Due to their miniaturized setup, compatibility with advanced micro- and nanotechnologies, and ability to detect biomolecules by their intrinsic molecular charge, those sensors can serve as possible platform for the development of label-free DNA chips. Possible application fields as well as challenges and limitations will be discussed.
Past earthquakes demonstrated the high vulnerability of industrial facilities equipped with complex process technologies leading to serious damage of the process equipment and multiple and simultaneous release of hazardous substances in industrial facilities. Nevertheless, the design of industrial plants is inadequately described in recent codes and guidelines, as they do not consider the dynamic interaction between the structure and the installations and thus the effect of seismic response of the installations on the response of the structure and vice versa. The current code-based approach for the seismic design of industrial facilities is considered not enough for ensure proper safety conditions against exceptional event entailing loss of content and related consequences. Accordingly, SPIF project (Seismic Performance of Multi- Component Systems in Special Risk Industrial Facilities) was proposed within the framework of the European H2020 - SERA funding scheme (Seismology and Earthquake Engineering Research Infrastructure Alliance for Europe). The objective of the SPIF project is the investigation of the seismic behavior of a representative industrial structure equipped with complex process technology by means of shaking table tests. The test structure is a three-story moment resisting steel frame with vertical and horizontal vessels and cabinets, arranged on the three levels and connected by pipes. The dynamic behavior of the test structure and installations is investigated with and without base isolation. Furthermore, both firmly anchored and isolated components are taken into account to compare their dynamic behavior and interactions with each other. Artificial and synthetic ground motions are applied to study the seismic response at different PGA levels. After each test, dynamic identification measurements are carried out to characterize the system condition. The contribution presents the numerical simulations to calibrate the tests on the prototype, the experimental setup of the investigated structure and installations, selected measurement data and finally describes preliminary experimental results.
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.
Utilizing an appropriate enzyme immobilization strategy is crucial for designing enzyme-based biosensors. Plant virus-like particles represent ideal nanoscaffolds for an extremely dense and precise immobilization of enzymes, due to their regular shape, high surface-to-volume ratio and high density of surface binding sites. In the present work, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) particles were applied for the co-immobilization of penicillinase and urease onto the gate surface of a field-effect electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor capacitor (EISCAP) with a p-Si-SiO₂-Ta₂O₅ layer structure for the sequential detection of penicillin and urea. The TMV-assisted bi-enzyme EISCAP biosensor exhibited a high urea and penicillin sensitivity of 54 and 85 mV/dec, respectively, in the concentration range of 0.1–3 mM. For comparison, the characteristics of single-enzyme EISCAP biosensors modified with TMV particles immobilized with either penicillinase or urease were also investigated. The surface morphology of the TMV-modified Ta₂O₅-gate was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the bi-enzyme EISCAP was applied to mimic an XOR (Exclusive OR) enzyme logic gate.
Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer produced by different microorganisms, but in biotechnological practice, Komagataeibacter xylinus is used. The micro- and nanofibrillar structure of BC, which forms many different-sized pores, creates prerequisites for the introduction of other polymers into it, including those synthesized by other microorganisms. The study aims to develop a cocultivation system of BC and prebiotic producers to obtain BC-based composite material with prebiotic activity. In this study, pullulan (PUL) was found to stimulate the growth of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG better than the other microbial polysaccharides gellan and xanthan. BC/PUL biocomposite with prebiotic properties was obtained by cocultivation of Komagataeibacter xylinus and Aureobasidium pullulans, BC and PUL producers respectively, on molasses medium. The inclusion of PUL in BC is proved gravimetrically by scanning electron microscopy and by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Cocultivation demonstrated a composite effect on the aggregation and binding of BC fibers, which led to a significant improvement in mechanical properties. The developed approach for “grafting” of prebiotic activity on BC allows preparation of environmentally friendly composites of better quality.
We present a concise mini overview on the approaches to the disposal of nuclear waste currently used or deployed. The disposal of nuclear waste is the end point of nuclear waste management (NWM) activities and is the emplacement of waste in an appropriate facility without the intention to retrieve it. The IAEA has developed an internationally accepted classification scheme based on the end points of NWM, which is used as guidance. Retention times needed for safe isolation of waste radionuclides are estimated based on the radiotoxicity of nuclear waste. Disposal facilities usually rely on a multi-barrier defence system to isolate the waste from the biosphere, which comprises the natural geological barrier and the engineered barrier system. Disposal facilities could be of a trench type, vaults, tunnels, shafts, boreholes, or mined repositories. A graded approach relates the depth of the disposal facilities’ location with the level of hazard. Disposal practices demonstrate the reliability of nuclear waste disposal with minimal expected impacts on the environment and humans.
A capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EISCAP) biosensor modified with Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) particles for the detection of acetoin is presented. The enzyme acetoin reductase (AR) was immobilized on the surface of the EISCAP using TMV particles as nanoscaffolds. The study focused on the optimization of the TMV-assisted AR immobilization on the Ta 2 O 5 -gate EISCAP surface. The TMV-assisted acetoin EISCAPs were electrochemically characterized by means of leakage-current, capacitance-voltage, and constant-capacitance measurements. The TMV-modified transducer surface was studied via scanning electron microscopy.
Acetoin and diacetyl have a major impact on the flavor of alcoholic beverages such as wine or beer. Therefore, their measurement is important during the fermentation process. Until now, gas chromatographic techniques have typically been applied; however, these require expensive laboratory equipment and trained staff, and do not allow for online monitoring. In this work, a capacitive electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor sensor modified with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) particles as enzyme nanocarriers for the detection of acetoin and diacetyl is presented. The enzyme acetoin reductase from Alkalihalobacillus clausii DSM 8716ᵀ is immobilized via biotin–streptavidin affinity, binding to the surface of the TMV particles. The TMV-assisted biosensor is electrochemically characterized by means of leakage–current, capacitance–voltage, and constant capacitance measurements. In this paper, the novel biosensor is studied regarding its sensitivity and long-term stability in buffer solution. Moreover, the TMV-assisted capacitive field-effect sensor is applied for the detection of diacetyl for the first time. The measurement of acetoin and diacetyl with the same sensor setup is demonstrated. Finally, the successive detection of acetoin and diacetyl in buffer and in diluted beer is studied by tuning the sensitivity of the biosensor using the pH value of the measurement solution.
An improved and convenient ninhydrin assay for aminoacylase activity measurements was developed using the commercial EZ Nin™ reagent. Alternative reagents from literature were also evaluated and compared. The addition of DMSO to the reagent enhanced the solubility of Ruhemann's purple (RP). Furthermore, we found that the use of a basic, aqueous buffer enhances stability of RP. An acidic protocol for the quantification of lysine was developed by addition of glacial acetic acid. The assay allows for parallel processing in a 96-well format with measurements microtiter plates.
The subtilase family (S8), a member of the clan SB of serine proteases are ubiquitous in all kingdoms of life and fulfil different physiological functions. Subtilases are divided in several groups and especially subtilisins are of interest as they are used in various industrial sectors. Therefore, we searched for new subtilisin sequences of the family Bacillaceae using a data mining approach. The obtained 1,400 sequences were phylogenetically classified in the context of the subtilase family. This required an updated comprehensive overview of the different groups within this family. To fill this gap, we conducted a phylogenetic survey of the S8 family with characterised holotypes derived from the MEROPS database. The analysis revealed the presence of eight previously uncharacterised groups and 13 subgroups within the S8 family. The sequences that emerged from the data mining with the set filter parameters were mainly assigned to the subtilisin subgroups of true subtilisins, high-alkaline subtilisins, and phylogenetically intermediate subtilisins and represent an excellent source for new subtilisin candidates.
Dass der Stress im Krankenhaus eine Belastung für das Klinikpersonal darstellt, ist eine allseits bekannte Tatsache. Das liegt an dem anstrengenden Klinikalltag, welcher die Mitarbeiter:innen auf Belastungsprobe stellt. Lange Dienste und Überstunden, wenig Pausen und hohe Arbeitsverdichtung, Nacht- und Schichtdienst, zudem auch die aufwendige Dokumentation und ̈Bürokratie. Timewise behandelt die Thematik der Dienstplanerstellung im Krankenhaus unter der Berücksichtigung der psychischen und physischen Gesundheit des Klinikpersonals im Nacht- und Schichtdienst. Essenzielle Funktionen sind kürzere Kommunikationswege und eine gute Übersicht über den Soll-Ist-Abgleich inklusive Überstunden, Minusstunden, Abwesenheiten und den monatlichen Lohn. Der einfache Schichttausch und die Option der Berücksichtigung individueller Präferenzen und Wünsche ermöglicht es dem Personal, die Arbeit und das private Leben besser miteinander vereinen zu können, was sich positiv auf die Arbeitszufriedenheit auswirkt.
A methodology for assessment, seismic verification and strengthening of existing masonry buildings is presented in this paper. The verification is performed using a calculation model calibrated with the results from ambient vibration measurements. The calibrated model serves as an input for a deformation-based verification procedure based on the Capacity Spectrum Method (CSM). The bearing capacity of the building is calculated from experimental capacity curves of the individual walls idealized with bilinear elastic-perfectly plastic curves. The experimental capacity curves were obtained from in-plane cyclic loading tests on unreinforced and strengthened masonry walls with reinforced concrete jackets. The seismic action is compared with the load-bearing capacity of the building considering non-linear material behavior with its post-peak capacity. The application of the CSM to masonry buildings and the influence of a traditional strengthening method are demonstrated on the example of a public school building in Skopje, Macedonia.
Seit Jahrhunderten tragen Hebammen die Verantwortung für neues Leben und geben ihre Erfahrungen und ihr Können weiter. Trotz dieser ehrwürdigen Aufgabe gehören sie zu einer kleinen Berufsgruppe, die viel zu oft unterschätzt, überlastet und unterbezahlt wird. Sie sind Begleiter*innen in einer der sensibelsten und emotionalsten Zeiten des Lebens. Die Unterstützung einer Hebamme gewährleistet Aufklärung und Beistand während der Schwangerschaft, der Geburt und der Zeit im Wochenbett.
Das Projekt »Die Hebamme« ist ein Berufsportrait. Die Arbeit gibt Einblicke in die Tätigkeit und seine verschiedenen Bereiche und erzählt dabei hauptsächlich in Bildern. Zusätzlich berichten Hebammen aus unterschiedlichen Blickwinkeln über ihre Arbeit. Dieses Portrait stellt die Realtität der Arbeit dar und soll die Bedeutung der Tätigkeit näher bringen.
Kinder sind bei der Suche nach Antworten auf ihre Fragen in unserer medialen Gesellschaft stark mit dem digitalen Raum konfrontiert. Diese Medien können bei einer nicht kindergerechten Benutzung wichtige Entwicklungsprozesse hindern. Im Gegensatz dazu geben diese aber auch die Möglichkeit, Kindern wichtige Denkgewohnheiten beizubringen und sie besser auf die Zukunft vorzubereiten. Ziel der Arbeit ist es, eine Verbindung zwischen der analogen und digitalen Welt herzustellen und ein vielfältiges Lernen zu ermöglichen. Die App „miela“ schafft eine neue Ebene der Wissensvermittlung durch die Kombination von digitaler und analoger Welt. Das Userinterface ist altersentsprechend gestaltet und bietet unterschiedliche Themenfelder an, wobei die Wissensvermittlung und die Kreativität im Fokus stehen. Eine Zusammenarbeit mit der Toniebox als digitale Erweiterung kann weitere Themenfelder anbieten.
An interdisciplinary view on humane interfaces for digital shadows in the internet of production
(2022)
Digital shadows play a central role for the next generation industrial internet, also known as Internet of Production (IoP). However, prior research has not considered systematically how human actors interact with digital shadows, shaping their potential for success. To address this research gap, we assembled an interdisciplinary team of authors from diverse areas of human-centered research to propose and discuss design and research recommendations for the implementation of industrial user interfaces for digital shadows, as they are currently conceptualized for the IoP. Based on the four use cases of decision support systems, knowledge sharing in global production networks, human-robot collaboration, and monitoring employee workload, we derive recommendations for interface design and enhancing workers’ capabilities. This analysis is extended by introducing requirements from the higher-level perspectives of governance and organization.
The seismic performance and safety of major European industrial facilities has a global interest for Europe, its citizens and economy. A potential major disaster at an industrial site could affect several countries, probably far beyond the country where it is located. However, the seismic design and safety assessment of these facilities is practically based on national, often outdated seismic hazard assessment studies, due to many reasons, including the absence of a reliable, commonly developed seismic hazard model for whole Europe. This important gap is no more existing, as the 2020 European Seismic Hazard Model ESHM20 was released in December 2021. In this paper we investigate the expected impact of the adoption of ESHM20 on the seismic demand for industrial facilities, through the comparison of the ESHM20 probabilistic hazard at the sites where industrial facilities are located with the respective national and European regulations. The goal of this preliminary work in the framework of Working Group 13 of the European Association for Earthquake Engineering (EAEE), is to identify potential inadequacies in the design and safety control of existing industrial facilities and to highlight the expected impact of the adoption of the new European Seismic Hazard Model on the design of new industrial facilities and the safety assessment of existing ones.
Masonry infill walls are the most traditional enclosure system that is still widely used in RC frame buildings all over the world, particularly in seismic active regions. Although infill walls are usually neglected in seismic design, during an earthquake event they are subjected to in-plane and out-of-plane forces that can act separately or simultaneously. Since observations of damage to buildings after recent earthquakes showed detrimental effects of in-plane and out-of-plane load interaction on infill walls, the number of studies that focus on influence of in-plane damage on out-of-plane response has significantly increased. However, most of the xperimental campaigns have considered only solid infills and there is a lack of combined in-plane and out-of-plane experimental tests on masonry infills with openings, although windows and doors strongly affect seismic performance. In this paper, two types of experimental tests on infills with window openings are presented. The first is a pure out-of-plane test and the second one is a sequential in-plane and out-of-plane test aimed at investigating the effects of existing in-plane damage on outof-plane response. Additionally, findings from two tests with similar load procedure that were carried out on fully infilled RC frames in the scope of the same project are used for comparison. Test results clearly show that window opening increased vulnerability of infills to combined seismic actions and that prevention of damage in infills with openings is of the utmost importance for seismic safety.
Recent earthquakes showed that low-rise URM buildings following codecompliant seismic design and details behaved in general very well without substantial damages. Although advances in simulation tools make nonlinear calculation methods more readily accessible to designers, linear analyses will still be the standard design method for years to come. The present paper aims to improve the linear seismic design method by providing a proper definition of the q-factor of URM buildings. Values of q-factors are derived for low-rise URM buildings with rigid diaphragms, with reference to modern structural configurations realized in low to moderate seismic areas of Italy and Germany. The behaviour factor components for deformation and energy dissipation capacity and for overstrength due to the redistribution of forces are derived by means of pushover analyses. As a result of the investigations, rationally based values of the behaviour factor q to be used in linear analyses in the range of 2.0 to 3.0 are proposed.