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For typical cases of non-isolated lightning
protection systems (LPS) the impulse currents are investigated which may flow through a human body directly touching a structural part of the LPS. Based on a basic LPS model with conventional down-conductors especially the cases of external and internal steel columns and metal façades are considered and compared. Numerical simulations of the line quantities voltages and currents in the time domain are performed with an equivalent circuit of the entire LPS.
As a result it can be stated that by increasing the number of conventional down-conductors and external steel columns the threat for a human being can indeed be reduced, but not down to an acceptable limit. In case of internal steel columns used as natural down-conductors the threat can be reduced sufficiently, depending on the low-resistive connection of the steel columns to the lightning equipotential bonding or the earth termination system, resp. If a metal façade is used the threat for human beings touching is usually very low, if the façade is sufficiently interconnected and multiply connected to the lightning equipotential bonding or the earth termination system, resp.
Anyone who has always wanted to understand the hieroglyphs on Sheldon's blackboard in the TV series The Big Bang Theory or who wanted to know exactly what the fate of Schrödinger's cat is all about will find a short, descriptive introduction to the world of quantum mechanics in this essential. The text particularly focuses on the mathematical description in the Hilbert space. The content goes beyond popular scientific presentations, but is nevertheless suitable for readers without special prior knowledge thanks to the clear examples.
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.
Für die Herstellung von metallischen Bauteilen wird in der heutigen Zeit eine Vielzahl
von Verfahren auf dem Markt angeboten. Dabei stehen die additiven im Wettbewerb
zu den konventionellen Verfahren. Die erreichbaren Oberflächenqualitäten der additiven sind nicht mit denen spanender Verfahren vergleichbar. Für diesen Beitrag wurde analysiert, ob sich ein mittels Selektivem Laserschmelzen (SLM) additiv hergestellter Edelstahl hinsichtlich seiner Oberflächenqualität nach der Zerspanung von einem umgeformten konventionell hergestellten Edelstahl gleicher Sorte unterscheidet.
Inmitten des Stuttgarter Kessels findet sich Deutschlands einziger zoologisch-botanischer Garten wieder – die Wilhelma. Umrahmt von einer denkmalgeschützten Parkanlage des 19. Jahrhunderts mit maurischen Gebäuden lässt sie Bildung mit Freizeit verschmelzen. Das neue Erscheinungsbild positioniert die schwäbische Einrichtung sowohl als Ort des Zusammenkommens als auch der Erholung und Wissensvermittlung. Bereits vor dem Betreten der Wilhelma soll ihre besondere Charakteristik aufgezeigt und entscheidend von ähnlichen Institutionen distanziert werden. Das grundlegende Gestaltungskonzept rückt die Symbiose aus Zoologie, Botanik und Historie in den Vordergrund. Inspiriert von der maurischen Architektur basiert die Gesamtgestaltung auf feinen geometrischen Formen. Diese bieten Orientierung, unterstreichen die Vielfältigkeit der Wilhelma und vereinen sich darüber hinaus im Logo miteinander.
A new method for improved autoclave loading within the restrictive framework of helicopter manufacturing is proposed. It is derived from experimental and numerical studies of the curing process and aims at optimizing tooling positions in the autoclave for fast and homogeneous heat-up. The mold positioning is based on two sets of information. The thermal properties of the molds, which can be determined via semi-empirical thermal simulation. The second information is a previously determined distribution of heat transfer coefficients inside the autoclave. Finally, an experimental proof of concept is performed to show a cycle time reduction of up to 31% using the proposed methodology.
Warum wandern immer mehr Deutsche in die Türkei aus, obwohl wir denken, dass es uns in Deutschland gut geht? Haben deutsche Auswanderer in der Türkei ein besseres Leben? Diese und weitere Fragen wurden in diesem Projekt genauer beleuchtet. Die Beweggründe der Menschen sind so unterschiedlich wie das Leben selbst. Diese Bachelorarbeit beinhaltet Interviews von früher in Deutschland lebenden Personen, die in die Türkei ausgewandert sind und mit ihnen ihre ganz persönliche Geschichte. Zusammen mit diesem Thema wurde untersucht, wie das aktuelle Leben der Protagonisten in der Türkei ist: soziales Umfeld, das Einleben in eine neue Kultur und die Lebensqualität. Ein persönliches und intimes Interview lag hier besonders im Fokus. Die Arbeit wird mit Fotografien unterstützt, die den Alltag Deutscher in der Türkei zeigen. Mit diesem Projekt werden Vorurteile über die Türkei und die dort lebenden Menschen bestätigt, widerlegt und neue Erkenntnisse zur Frage „warum Deutsche in die Türkei auswandern“ gewonnen.
Skidio basiert dabei auf dem Konzept, dass das Video für die Kosmetikindustrie das optimale Medium für Produktvorstellungen ist. Der Ausgangspunkt für das Einkaufserlebnis des Nutzers ist daher ein Video-Feed, bestehend aus Kurz- und Live-Videos, die einen direkten Kauf der gezeigten Produkte ermöglichen. So entsteht ein Ort, an dem Nutzer auf eine unterhaltsame Art und Weise Inspiration für die eigene Hautpflege finden können. Dabei ist das Video als Medium nicht nur unterhaltsamer, sondern zugleich auch deutlich informativer als klassische Produktlistings. Die Produktpräsentation wird interaktiver, erlebbarer und deutlich effektiver. Gemeinsam mit Technologien wie einer digitalen Hautanalyse, wird so das Potenzial des E-Commerce für die Beautyindustrie vollständig entfaltet.
„Bahn-Buddy“ ist eine App, die Kindern bei Bahnfahrten auf unterhaltsame Weise ihre Umgebung näherbringt. Dabei wird mit GPS gearbeitet, um die Inhalte der App auf die jeweilige Bahnstrecke abzustimmen. Verschiedene Minispiele und Infoscreens sollen der Fahrt ein interaktiveres Gefühl verleihen und somit die gefühlte Fahrzeit für die Zielgruppe reduzieren. Den Kindern soll dabei auf eine spielerische Art und Weise Wissen über das Land, aber auch über alternative Verkehrsmittel und den Einfluss des Verkehrs auf die Umwelt vermittelt werden.
Ziel ist es, die generelle Erfahrung des Bahnfahrens positiver zu gestalten. Dies soll zu einer frühen Kundenbindung führen und durch den geringeren CO2-Ausstoß bei Reisen mit der Bahn einen positiven Effekt auf die Umwelt haben.
Die Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz (DSD) ist die größte, private Stiftung Deutschlands, die sich für die Förderung von unter Denkmalschutz stehenden Objekten einsetzt. Das neugestaltete Erscheinungsbild soll die Fachlichkeit der Organisation herausstellen und zugleich kreativ und kommunikativ eine breite Zielgruppe ansprechen. Die DSD bietet neben der Denkmalerhaltung auch Bildungsangebote für Jung und Alt an, wie auch Veranstaltungen für die Bewusstseinsbildung im Denkmalschutz. Als Sprachrohr zwischen der Stiftung und den Fördernden dient das Magazin MONUMENTE.
Denkmalschutz mag für manche uninteressant und eingestaubt wirken, da die Beschäftigung mit bereits Bestehendem und das Verhindern von Verfall belanglos sein könnte. Weiß man allerdings über die Bedeutung für Kultur, Gesellschaft und Wirtschaft, so macht Denkmalschutz eine essenzielle Komponente unserer Kulturlandschaft aus. Die Auseinandersetzung mit der DSD soll das herausstellen und das Bewusstsein für diesen kulturellen Bestandteil des Denkmalschutzes vertiefen.
Der digitale Transformationsprozess ist einer der größten gesellschaftlichen Umbrüche in der Geschichte der Menschheit. Aufgrund der Corona-Pandemie stieg die Nutzung von digitalen Kanälen bei den Bürger:innen wie nie zuvor und führt zu einem sprunghaften Anstieg der Nachfrage nach öffentlichen Services in digitaler Form.
Das Ziel dieser Bachelorarbeit ist es, einen digitalen Raum zu gestalten, der den analogen Weg zum Amt größtenteils erspart. Mit geeigneten Kommunikationskanälen kann auf die Bedürfnisse unterschiedlicher Gruppen eingegangen werden. Die Entwicklung der Anwendung IDport bietet sowohl private als auch staatliche Einsparpotenziale. Bürokratische Aufwände sollen durch eine neue Art des E-Government beseitigt werden. Die Konzeption ist infolge der aktuellen Gegebenheit in Deutschland weit entfernt von einer realitätsnahen Umsetzung, weshalb es sich bei der Anwendung um eine revolutionäre Zukunftsvision handelt.
Fitted Fashion: Sizing-Lösung zur Steigerung der Konversion
& Reduzierung von E-Commerce-Retouren
(2021)
Die Zahl der Nutzenden beim Onlineshopping ist in den letzten Jahren deutlich gewachsen. Eines der größten Probleme dabei: Die Retouren. Sowohl die Wirtschaft als auch die Umwelt leiden darunter. Der Hauptgrund für Rücksendungen sind dabei Schwierigkeiten bei der Auswahl der individuell richtigen Größe.
Das Ziel dieses Projektes ist es daher, eine 3D-Körperscan-App zu erstellen. Mit dieser ist es möglich, einen auf die eigenen Körpermaße angepassten Avatar zu erstellen und eine angepasste Stilberatung für die jeweilige Körperform angeboten zu bekommen. Zudem gibt es eine Applikation in Form eines Software Development Kits, welches in Onlineshops eingebunden werden kann. Mit Hilfe der Applikation bekommen Konsumenten die richtige Größe auch beim Onlineshopping angezeigt und tätigen so weniger Fehlkäufe.
Dies bringt nicht nur Vorteile für die Umwelt mit sich und den Unternehmen eine massive Kostenersparnis durch die Einsparung von Retouren, Müll und Personal, sondern schlussendlich auch eine zufriedenere Kundschaft.
Ukiyo kommt aus dem Japanischen und bedeutet übersetzt so viel wie: „Den Moment leben, ohne von den Sorgen des Lebens berührt zu werden.“ Gerade in Zeiten der Pandemie verliert man oft den Blick für das Schöne im Leben. Der Fotoband „UKIYO“ soll dazu anregen, alltägliche Dinge aus einem neuen Blickwinkel zu betrachten und die Schönheit im Vergänglichen zu erkennen. Die Fotografien sind inspiriert durch das japanische Kunstgenre Ukiyo-e, was wörtlich übersetzt etwa „Bilder der heiteren, fließenden Welt“ heißt. Die Gestaltung des Bildbandes orientiert sich an verschiedenen japanischen Stilmitteln, wie zum Beispiel Wabi-Sabi (die Schönheit im Unvollkommenen) und Mono no aware (eine melancholische Mischung aus Freude, Trauer und Hinnahme). „UKIYO“ nimmt die Betrachter mit auf eine kleine Reise durch die fließende Welt.
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.
Hyphan ist ein modulares System, welches sich aus diversen Grundelementen aufbaut. Die Möglichkeiten des Aufbaus sind vielseitig und Umfangreich. Achsiale- sowie lineare Erweiterung sorgen für ein Modul Umfang, der zahlreiche Fläche erschaffen kann. So kann Länge und Tiefe eines Objekts umfangreich sowie vielfältig gestaltet werden. Hyphan wendet sich an die Bedürfnisse der Neuen Generationen, versucht flexibel in seiner Form zu sein und zuverlässig, langlebig und qualitativ in seinem Material. Durch die Diskussion über die neuen Formen der Mobilität und dem Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt sehe ich in der Gestaltung von urbanen Knotenpunkten und ihren Interior sehr großes Potenzial für Hyphan.
Um den immer komplexer werdenden Ansprüchen an Wohnraum gerecht zu werden, braucht es Möbel, die vielseitig und anpassbar sind. Koji ist ein Tisch, dessen Tischplatte unkompliziert in der Höhe verstellt werden und so in diversen Wohnsituationen eingesetzt werden kann. Er kann als Esstisch genauso genutzt werden wie als Beistell- oder Couchtisch.
Durch die Mechanik, die die Höhenverstellbarkeit ermöglicht, bekommt der Tisch einen verspielten, beinahe lebendigen Charakter, der zur Interaktion einlädt. Er ist mehr als ein stummer Begleiter des Alltags, sondern vielmehr Inspiration, seine Umgebung aktiv zu gestalten, um sie so für sich optimal einzurichten.
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.
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.
Subject of this case is Deutsche Telekom Services Europe (DTSE), a service center for administrative processes. Due to the high volume of repetitive tasks (e.g., 100k manual uploads of offer documents into SAP per year), automation was identified as an important strategic target with a high management attention and commitment. DTSE has to work with various backend application systems without any possibility to change those systems. Furthermore, the complexity of administrative processes differed. When it comes to the transfer of unstructured data (e.g., offer documents) to structured data (e.g., MS Excel files), further cognitive technologies were needed.
Robotic process automation (RPA) has attracted increasing attention in research and practice. This chapter positions, structures, and frames the topic as an introduction to this book. RPA is understood as a broad concept that comprises a variety of concrete solutions. From a management perspective RPA offers an innovative approach for realizing automation potentials, whereas from a technical perspective the implementation based on software products and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are relevant. RPA is industry-independent and can be used, for example, in finance, telecommunications, and the public sector. With respect to RPA this chapter discusses definitions, related approaches, a structuring framework, a research framework, and an inside as well as outside architectural view. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the book combined with short summaries of each chapter.
The benefits of robotic process automation (RPA) are highly related to the usage of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software products that can be easily implemented and customized by business units. But, how to find the best fitting RPA product for a specific situation that creates the expected benefits? This question is related to the general area of software evaluation and selection. In the face of more than 75 RPA products currently on the market, guidance considering those specifics is required. Therefore, this chapter proposes a criteria-based selection method specifically for RPA. The method includes a quantitative evaluation of costs and benefits as well as a qualitative utility analysis based on functional criteria. By using the visualization of financial implications (VOFI) method, an application-oriented structure is provided that opposes the total cost of ownership to the time savings times salary (TSTS). For the utility analysis a detailed list of functional criteria for RPA is offered. The whole method is based on a multi-vocal review of scientific and non-scholarly literature including publications by business practitioners, consultants, and vendors. The application of the method is illustrated by a concrete RPA example. The illustrated
structures, templates, and criteria can be directly utilized by practitioners in their real-life RPA implementations. In addition, a normative decision process for selecting RPA alternatives is proposed before the chapter closes with a discussion and outlook.
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.
Einfluss von Künstlicher Intelligenz auf Customer Journeys am Beispiel von intelligentem Parken
(2021)
Im Konsumentenmarkt entstehen vermehrt neue Anwendungen von Künstlicher
Intelligenz (KI). Zunehmend drängen auch Geräte und Dienste in den Markt, die
eigenständig über das Internet kommunizieren. Dadurch können diese Geräte und
Dienste mit neuartigen KI-basierten Diensten verbessert werden. Solche Dienste
können die Art und Weise beeinflussen, wie Kunden kommerzielle Entscheidungen
treffen und somit das Kundenerlebnis maßgeblich verändern. Der Einfluss von KI
auf kommerzielle Interaktionen wurde bisher noch nicht umfassend untersucht.
Basierend auf einem Framework, welches einen ersten Überblick über die Effekte
von KI auf kommerzielle Interaktionen gibt, wird in diesem Kapitel der Einfluss von KI auf Customer Journeys am konkreten Anwendungsfall des intelligenten Parkens analysiert. Die daraus gewonnenen Erkenntnisse können in der Praxis als Grundlage
genutzt werden, um das Potenzial von KI zu verstehen und bei der Gestaltung eigener Customer Journeys umzusetzen.
The initial idea of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is the automation of business processes through a simple emulation of user input and output by software robots. Hence, it can be assumed that no changes of the used software systems and existing Enterprise Architecture (EA) is
required. In this short, practical paper we discuss this assumption based on a real-life implementation project. We show that a successful RPA implementation might require architectural work during analysis, implementation, and migration. As practical paper we focus on exemplary lessons-learned and new questions related to RPA and EA.
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.
Glucose oxidase (GOx) is an enzyme frequently used in glucose biosensors. As increased temperatures can enhance the performance of electrochemical sensors, we investigated the impact of temperature pulses on GOx that was drop-coated on flattened Pt microwires. The wires were heated by an alternating current. The sensitivity towards glucose and the temperature stability of GOx was investigated by amperometry. An up to 22-fold increase of sensitivity was observed. Spatially resolved enzyme activity changes were investigated via scanning electrochemical microscopy. The application of short (<100 ms) heat pulses was associated with less thermal inactivation of the immobilized GOx than long-term heating.
Stretch-shortening type actions are characterized by lengthening of the pre-activated muscle-tendon unit (MTU) in the eccentric phase immediately followed by muscle shortening. Under 1 g, pre-activity before and muscle activity after ground contact, scale muscle stiffness, which is crucial for the recoil properties of the MTU in the subsequent push-off. This study aimed to examine the neuro-mechanical coupling of the stretch-shortening cycle in response to gravity levels ranging from 0.1 to 2 g. During parabolic flights, 17 subjects performed drop jumps while electromyography (EMG) of the lower limb muscles was combined with ultrasound images of the gastrocnemius medialis, 2D kinematics and kinetics to depict changes in energy management and performance. Neuro-mechanical coupling in 1 g was characterized by high magnitudes of pre-activity and eccentric muscle activity allowing an isometric muscle behavior during ground contact. EMG during pre-activity and the concentric phase systematically increased from 0.1 to 1 g. Below 1 g the EMG in the eccentric phase was diminished, leading to muscle lengthening and reduced MTU stretches. Kinetic energy at take-off and performance were decreased compared to 1 g. Above 1 g, reduced EMG in the eccentric phase was accompanied by large MTU and muscle stretch, increased joint flexion amplitudes, energy loss and reduced performance. The energy outcome function established by linear mixed model reveals that the central nervous system regulates the extensor muscles phase- and load-specifically. In conclusion, neuro-mechanical coupling appears to be optimized in 1 g. Below 1 g, the energy outcome is compromised by reduced muscle stiffness. Above 1 g, loading progressively induces muscle lengthening, thus facilitating energy dissipation.
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.
How different diversity factors affect the perception of first-year requirements in higher education
(2021)
In the light of growing university entry rates, higher education institutions not only serve larger numbers of students, but also seek to meet first-year students’ ever more diverse needs. Yet to inform universities how to support the transition to higher education, research only offers limited insights. Current studies tend to either focus on the individual factors that affect student success or they highlight students’ social background and their educational biography in order to examine the achievement of selected, non-traditional groups of students. Both lines of research appear to lack integration and often fail to take organisational diversity into account, such as different types of higher education institutions or degree programmes. For a more comprehensive understanding of student diversity, the present study includes individual, social and organisational factors. To gain insights into their role for the transition to higher education, we examine how the different factors affect the students’ perception of the formal and informal requirements of the first year as more or less difficult to cope with. As the perceived requirements result from both the characteristics of the students and the institutional context, they allow to investigate transition at the interface of the micro and the meso level of higher education. Latent profile analyses revealed that there are no profiles with complex patterns of perception of the first-year requirements, but the identified groups rather differ in the overall level of perceived challenges. Moreover, SEM indicates that the differences in the perception largely depend on the individual factors self-efficacy and volition.
Most drugs are no longer produced in their own countries by the pharmaceutical companies, but by contract manufacturers or at manufacturing sites in countries that can produce more cheaply. This not only makes it difficult to trace them back but also leaves room for criminal organizations to fake them unnoticed. For these reasons, it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine the exact origin of drugs. The goal of this work was to investigate how exactly this is possible by using different spectroscopic methods like nuclear magnetic resonance and near- and mid-infrared spectroscopy in combination with multivariate data analysis. As an example, 56 out of 64 different paracetamol preparations, collected from 19 countries around the world, were chosen to investigate whether it is possible to determine the pharmaceutical company, manufacturing site, or country of origin. By means of suitable pre-processing of the spectra and the different information contained in each method, principal component analysis was able to evaluate manufacturing relationships between individual companies and to differentiate between production sites or formulations. Linear discriminant analysis showed different results depending on the spectral method and purpose. For all spectroscopic methods, it was found that the classification of the preparations to their manufacturer achieves better results than the classification to their pharmaceutical company. The best results were obtained with nuclear magnetic resonance and near-infrared data, with 94.6%/99.6% and 98.7/100% of the spectra of the preparations correctly assigned to their pharmaceutical company or manufacturer.