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A Turbulent Context
(2023)
Interface with WP123200
(2023)
Requirements from WP123200
(2022)
Local inflammation plays a pivotal role in the process of secondary damage after spinal cord injury. We recently reported that acute intravenous application of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells dampens the induction of inflammatory processes following traumatic spinal cord injury. However, systemic application of EVs is associated with delayed delivery to the site of injury and the necessity for high doses to reach therapeutic levels locally. To resolve these two constraints, we injected EVs directly at the lesion site acutely after spinal cord injury. We report here that intralesional application of EVs resulted in a more robust improvement of motor recovery, assessed with the BBB score and sub-score, as compared to the intravenous delivery. Moreover, the intralesional application was more potent in reducing inflammation and scarring after spinal cord injury than intravenous administration. Hence, the development of EV-based therapy for spinal cord injury should aim at an early application of vesicles close to the lesion.
Bone grafts can be engineered by differentiating human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) via the endochondral and intramembranous ossification pathways. We evaluated the effects of each pathway on the properties of engineered bone grafts and their capacity to drive bone regeneration. Bone-marrow-derived MSCs were differentiated on silk scaffolds into either hypertrophic chondrocytes (hyper) or osteoblasts (osteo) over 5 weeks of in vitro cultivation, and were implanted subcutaneously for 12 weeks. The pathways' constructs were evaluated over time with respect to gene expression, composition, histomorphology, microstructure, vascularization and biomechanics. Hypertrophic chondrocytes expressed higher levels of osteogenic genes and deposited significantly more bone mineral and proteins than the osteoblasts. Before implantation, the mineral in the hyper group was less mature than that in the osteo group. Following 12 weeks of implantation, the hyper group had increased mineral density but a similar overall mineral composition compared with the osteo group. The hyper group also displayed significantly more blood vessel infiltration than the osteo group. Both groups contained M2 macrophages, indicating bone regeneration. These data suggest that, similar to the body's repair processes, endochondral pathway might be more advantageous when regenerating large defects, whereas intramembranous ossification could be utilized to guide the tissue formation pattern with a scaffold architecture.
Regeneration of bone defects is often limited due to compromised bone tissue physiology. Previous studies suggest that engineered extracellular matrices enhance the regenerative capacity of mesenchymal stromal cells. In this study, we used human-induced pluripotent stem cells, a scalable source of young mesenchymal progenitors (hiPSC-MPs), to generate extracellular matrix (iECM) and test its effects on the osteogenic capacity of human bone-marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). iECM was deposited as a layer on cell culture dishes and into three-dimensional (3D) silk-based spongy scaffolds. After decellularization, iECM maintained inherent structural proteins including collagens, fibronectin and laminin, and contained minimal residual DNA. Young adult and aged BMSCs cultured on the iECM layer in osteogenic medium exhibited a significant increase in proliferation, osteogenic marker expression, and mineralization as compared to tissue culture plastic. With BMSCs from aged donors, matrix mineralization was only detected when cultured on iECM, but not on tissue culture plastic. When cultured in 3D iECM/silk scaffolds, BMSCs exhibited significantly increased osteogenic gene expression levels and bone matrix deposition. iECM layer showed a similar enhancement of aged BMSC proliferation, osteogenic gene expression, and mineralization compared with extracellular matrix layers derived from young adult or aged BMSCs. However, iECM increased osteogenic differentiation and decreased adipocyte formation compared with single protein substrates including collagen and fibronectin. Together, our data suggest that the microenvironment comprised of iECM can enhance the osteogenic activity of BMSCs, providing a bioactive and scalable biomaterial strategy for enhancing bone regeneration in patients with delayed or failed bone healing.
A major challenge for breath research is the lack of standardization in sampling and analysis. To address this, a test that utilizes a standardized intervention and a defined study protocol has been proposed to explore disparities in breath research across different analytical platforms and to provide benchmark values for comparison. Specifically, the Peppermint Experiment involves the targeted analysis in exhaled breath of volatile constituents of peppermint oil after ingestion of the encapsulated oil. Data from the Peppermint Experiment performed by proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) and selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) are presented and discussed herein, including the product ions associated with the key peppermint volatiles, namely limonene, α- and β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, menthol, menthone and menthofuran. The breath washout profiles of these compounds from 65 individuals were collected, comprising datasets from five PTR-MS and two SIFT-MS instruments. The washout profiles of these volatiles were evaluated by comparing the log-fold change over time of the product ion intensities associated with each volatile. Benchmark values were calculated from the lower 95% confidence interval of the linear time-to-washout regression analysis for all datasets combined. Benchmark washout values from PTR-MS analysis were 353 min for the sum of monoterpenes and 1,8-cineole (identical product ions), 173 min for menthol, 330 min for menthofuran, and 218 min for menthone; from SIFT-MS analysis values were 228 min for the sum of monoterpenes, 281 min for the sum of monoterpenes and 1,8-cineole, and 370 min for menthone plus 1,8-cineole. Large inter- and intra-dataset variations were observed, whereby the latter suggests that biological variability plays a key role in how the compounds are absorbed, metabolized and excreted from the body via breath. This variability seems large compared to the influence of sampling and analytical procedures, but further investigations are recommended to clarify the effects of these factors.
Technologiemanagement
(2023)
Stellhebel beim Aufbau von Corporate Start-ups. Dargestellt am Start-Up-Projekt „Hallo Sonne“
(2023)
Bucket increasing trees are multilabelled generalizations of increasing trees, where each non-leaf node carries b labels, with a fixed integer. We provide a fundamental result, giving a complete characterization of all families of bucket increasing trees that can be generated by a tree evolution process. We also provide several equivalent properties, complementing and extending earlier results for ordinary increasing trees to bucket trees. Additionally, we state second order results for the number of descendants of label j, again extending earlier results in the literature.
Dieser Beitrag soll interessierten Laien eine Hilfestellung an die Hand geben, ihre Infomaterialien barriereärmer zu gestalten. Einführend erfolgt eine kurze Darstellung der rechtlichen und gesellschaftlichen Situation rund um das Thema Behinderung. Verschiedene Ebenen von Barrieren und Lösungsansätze werden vorgestellt: Organisationale Barrieren von Bildungseinrichtungen werden ebenso wie Barrieren rund um das Bildungsberatungsgespräch adressiert. Der Schwerpunkt liegt bei auf der Gestaltung von Informationsmaterial. Neben einem theoretischen Hintergrund über Lösungsansätze werden praktische Umsetzungen für verschiedene Medien vorgestellt. Der Beitrag wird durch Beispiele guter Praxis in der Umsetzung, eine Checkliste zur Anwendung und weiterführende Ressourcen abgerundet.
Using nylon bag techniques, Cornell net carbohydrates and protein systems (CNCPS), and scanning electron microscopy, the authors examined the digestibility and structure of Vicia ervilia (ervil, bitter vetch) after steam flaking, roasting, and microwave processing. During the in situ technique, the samples were incubated at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, and 48 h. For the description of the ruminal DM (dry matter) and CP (crude protein) degradation kinetics of treated and untreated Vicia ervilia, different models were selected as the best fit for the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradation parameters of steam flaked samples. The results showed that both the steam flaking and microwave treatment samples contained high levels of non-protein nitrogen and buffer soluble protein, respectively. In comparison with steam flaking and microwave treatment, roasting decreased and increased the buffer soluble protein and neutral detergent insoluble protein, respectively. The control treatments showed the highest levels of neutral detergent soluble protein and the lowest levels of acid detergent soluble protein. Moreover, steam flaking and roasting decreased and increased the amount of acid detergent insoluble protein, respectively. When using dry heat (microwave and roasting), the acid detergent soluble and insoluble protein fractions were increased. As a result of this experiment, the nitrogen fractions were altered using heat processing. Hence, protein fermented feed and ruminal fermentation conditions can be expressed using these results.
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Potential of Lavender Meal and Essential Oil for Dairy Cows
(2023)
This research aims to evaluate the potential of lavender meal (LM) and lavender essential oil (LEO) to mitigate methane emissions by dairy cows. Locally grown lavender was collected fresh for this purpose, and its oil was extracted using the cold-press method. The resultant LEO and LM and whole lavender (WL) were added to dairy cow concentrate feed at 0%, 0.05%, and 0.10%, and their effects on vitro gas production values and gas concentrations were subsequently assessed. Out of the 30 bioactive compounds isolated from LEO, linalool and linalyl acetate were the most common—accounting for 70.4% of the total. The lavender dose had a significant influence on gas production for up to 12 h. No significant variations were found across the lavender forms when gas kinetics, in vitro degradability, and predicted energy values were compared. The addition of WL to the concentrate feed of dairy cows produced the greatest quantities of methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide, whereas LEO resulted in the lowest values. In contrast, no significant difference in ammonia content was found across the various lavender forms added into dairy cow concentrate feed. The results of this research suggest that adding 0.05–0.10% LM and LEO to concentrate feed may decrease greenhouse gas emissions from dairy cows.
We explore the different notions of completeness applied in the EPR discussion following and amending the thorough analysis of Arthur Fine. To this aim, we propose a classification scheme for scientific theories that provides a methodology for analyzing the different levels at which interpretive approaches come into play. This allows us to contrast several concepts of completeness that operate on specific levels of the theory. We introduce the notion of theory completeness and compare it with the established notions of Born completeness, Schrödinger completeness and bijective completeness. We relate these notions to the recent concept of ????-completeness and predictable completeness. The paper shows that the EPR argument contains conflicting versions of completeness. The confusion of these notions led to misunderstandings in the EPR debate and hindered its progress. Their clarification will thus contribute to recent debates on interpretational issues of quantum mechanics. Finally, we discuss the connection between the EPR paper and the Einstein–Rosen paper with regard to the question of completeness.
DC/DC-Konverter wandeln eine Eingangsspannung in eine Ausgangsspannung. In diesem Beitrag werden drei solche Konverter behandelt, die aus den drei Grundschaltungen hergeleitet sind. Im Gegensatz zu den Originalstrukturen sind diese nur für einen geringeren Spannungsübersetzungsbereich geeignet, haben aber den Vorteil, dass die elektronischen Schalter immer bei Strom null schalten und die Dioden nicht zwangsweise, sondern immer von selbst ausschalten. Die Gewinnung der Konverterschaltungen wird erläutert, und die Funktionsweisen werden durch mathematische Beschreibung, durch Skizzen und mithilfe des uZ-i-Diagramms erklärt. Weiters werden einige mögliche Erweiterungen der Schaltungen gezeigt.
The use of fault detection and tolerance measures in wireless sensor networks is inevitable to ensure the reliability of the data sources. In this context, immune-inspired concepts offer suitable characteristics for developing lightweight fault detection systems, and previous works have shown promising results. In this article, we provide a literature review of immune-inspired fault detection approaches in sensor networks proposed in the last two decades. We discuss the unique properties of the human immune system and how the found approaches exploit them. With the information from the literature review extended with the findings of our previous works, we discuss the limitations of current approaches and consequent future research directions. We have found that immune-inspired techniques are well suited for lightweight fault detection, but there are still open questions concerning the effective and efficient use of those in sensor networks.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different forms of Lentilactobacillus buchneri on the in vitro methane production, fermentation characteristics, nutritional quality, and aerobic stability of corn silage treated with or without urea. The following treatments were applied prior to ensiling: (1) no urea treatment and LB; (2) no urea treatment+freeze dried LB; (3) no urea treatment+preactivated LB; (4) with urea treatment+no LB; (5) with urea treatment+freeze dried LB; (6) with urea treatment+preactivated. LB was applied at a rate of 3 × 108 cfu/kg on a fresh basis, while urea was applied at a rate of 1% on the basis of dry matter. Data measured at different time points were analyzed according to a completely randomized design, with a 2 × 3 × 5 factorial arrangement of treatments, while the others were analyzed with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Preactivated LB was more effective than freeze-dried LB in reducing silage pH, ammonia nitrogen, cell-wall components, yeast count, and carbon dioxide production, as well as increasing lactic acid and residual water-soluble carbohydrate and aerobic stability (p < 0.0001). A significant reduction in the methane ratio was observed after 24 h and 48 h incubation with preactivated forms of LB (p < 0.001). The results indicated that preactivated LB combined with urea improved fermentation characteristics, nutritional quality, and aerobic stability and reduced the methane ratio of corn silages.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of slaughter age (young vs. old), muscle type (Longissimus dorsi (LD), Gluteus medius (GM)) and fat deposits (kidney knob and channel fat, subcutaneous fat, intramuscular fat) on chemical, organoleptic, textural characteristics and fatty acid composition of Holstein Friesian bull meat. For this purpose, the carcasses of 26 Holstein Friesian bulls that had been fattened on the same private farm were assigned to two experimental groups based on their age at slaughter: a young group (YG) (average age: 17.0 ± 1.0 months old) and an old group (OG) (average age: 22.0 ± 1.0 months old). The percentage of crude protein, panel tenderness score, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and saturated fatty acid (SFA) content, the PUFA/SFA ratio and the hypocholesterolemic fatty acid (DFA)/hypercholesterolemic fatty acid (OFA) ratio of the bull carcasses decreased significantly with increasing slaughter age. By contrast, the OFA content of the carcasses significantly increased (p < 0.05) with increasing slaughter age. Advanced slaughter age resulted in lower panel tenderness scores. Additionally, the meat of the bulls in the OG was considered to be less healthy because of the less desirable fatty acid composition and nutritional indices, such as the PUFA/SFA and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratios, compared to the meat from the bulls in the YG. Furthermore, the intramuscular fat and internal fat contained high percentages of PUFA and SFA and high PUFA/SFA and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratios. Interestingly, the percentage of OFA content in the internal and intramuscular fat tissues decreased with increasing slaughter age. In conclusion, this study provided evidence that slaughter age and muscle and fat type are essential sources of variations in the textural characteristics, sensory panel attributes and fatty acid profile of meat from Holstein Friesian bulls.
The ERA-Net SES project Regional Renewable Energy Cells (R2EC) [1] aims at developing a scalable system for decentralized, interacting ‘energy cells’ with a high concentration of locally generated renewable energy. ‘Energy cells’ are essentially Renewable Energy Communities (ECs) in the European context. The system aims at maximizing the utilization of locally generated renewable energy through Electrical Storage (ES) as well as high-electric applications like e‑heating, Heat Pumps (HPs), and E‑Vehicles (EVs). The system is also designed to interact with other energy cells locally, thus, improving the utilization of locally generated energy.
A variety of different adjacent energy cells in three countries, Austria (AT), Belgium (BE), and Norway (NO), are analyzed, and the results are used for the development of regional and renewable energy cell systems. This approach aims at developing tailor-made solutions that meet the different local and regional requirements and the electrical energy demand of the observed energy cells. A unique opportunity is created, as the three countries are at varying levels of regional development in the field of energy communities, and the regional requirements and conditions differ significantly. A comprehensive investigation of the technical and economic viability of the ECs in the three regions is conducted on a simulation level. The technical simulation results show an increased self-consumption of individual users and the overall cell in all of the observed testbeds, while the economic analysis shows economic benefits at varying levels in each of the observed testbeds. The implemented R2EC system ascertains both technical and economic viability in the observed testbeds.
We compare results of simulations of solar facular-like conditions performed using the numerical codes MURaM and STAGGER. Both simulation sets have a similar setup, including the initial condition of ≈200 G vertical magnetic flux. After interpolating the output physical quantities to constant optical depth, we compare them and test them against inversion results from solar observations. From the snapshots, we compute the monochromatic continuum in the visible and infrared, and the full Stokes vector of the Fe i spectral line pair around 6301–6302 Å. We compare the predicted spectral lines (at the simulation resolution and after smearing to the HINODE SP/SOT resolution) in terms of their main parameters for the Stokes I line profiles, and of their area and amplitude asymmetry for the Stokes V profiles. The codes produce magnetoconvection with similar appearance and distribution in temperature and velocity. The results also closely match the values from recent relevant solar observations. Although the overall distribution of the magnetic field is similar in both radiation-magnetohydrodynamic (RMHD) simulation sets, a detailed analysis reveals substantial disagreement in the field orientation, which we attribute to the differing boundary conditions. The resulting differences in the synthetic spectra disappear after spatial smearing to the resolution of the observations. We conclude that the two sets of simulations provide robust models of solar faculae. Nevertheless, we also find differences that call for caution when using results from RMHD simulations to interpret solar observational data.
A system is invariant with respect to an input transformation if we can transform any dynamic input by this function and obtain the same output dynamics after adjusting the initial conditions appropriately. Often, the set of all such input transformations forms a Lie group, the most prominent examples being scale-invariant (, ) and translational-invariant () systems, the latter comprising linear systems with transfer function zeros at the origin. Here, we derive a necessary and sufficient normal form for invariant systems and, by analyzing this normal form, provide a complete characterization of the mechanism by which invariance can be achieved. In this normal form, all invariant systems (i) estimate the applied input transformation by means of an integral feedback, and (ii) then apply the inverse of this estimate to the input before processing it in any other way. We demonstrate our results based on three examples: a scale-invariant “feed-forward loop”, a bistable switch, and a system resembling the core of the mammalian circadian network.
Bidirectional electric vehicle supply equipment and charging stations (EVSE) offer new business models and can provide services to the electrical grid. The smart grid lab in Vienna gives unique testing possibilities of future smart grids, as different type of electrical equipment can be operated at a reconstructed, well-known distribution grid. In this work the harmonic and supraharmonic emissions of a bidirectional EVSE are measured according to IEC61000-4-7 and IEC61000-4-30 Ed3 standard as well as the high-frequency grid impedance. In addition, the efficiency and the power factor are determined at various operating points. Although THDi at nominal power (10 kW) is very low and the efficiency and power factor is very high, at low power levels the opposite situation arise. Supraharmonic emissions remain stable independent of the charging/discharging power, and both wideband and narrowband emissions occur. The additional capacitance when connecting the EVSE impacts the high-frequency grid impedance substantially and generates resonance points.
Methane emission from enteric fermentation in ruminants is the single most relevant greenhouse gas source in agriculture, and it is amongst the largest anthropogenic ones. As ruminants are needed globally for meat, milk and other goods production on a huge scale, feed additives could offer an interesting solution to reduce CH4 emissions. Methane emission strategies are investigated to maintaining productivity and the overall health of the animal. Some strategies have shown to reduce the propagation and/or eliminate ruminal flora affecting the health and productivity of the animal. Therefore, identifying beneficial strategies leads to improving productivity and the health of the animal and environment.
Quail is used in cookery, but mainly for its egg production around the globe, and sustainable poultry farming practices have been searched. The use of colostrum (beestings or first milk from cows) in quails’ diet can play an important role in providing probiotics and reducing the need for antibiotics, which, in addition to better quail performance, is effective in reducing environmental impacts. The results of the current research show that the continuous use of bovine colostrum (BC) in laying quails’ diets has beneficial effects on their performance, egg traits, blood indexes and antioxidant status.
The traditional methods of fighting metal fires are not always safe for firefighters. The sand and salts that are thrown onto the fire to suffocate the flames can lead to splashes of molten metal, putting the firefighters and the surroundings at risk. A novel process is described where magnesium fires are brought under control using a simple two-step process. First, coated cellulose flakes, which contain approx. 30% inorganic salts, are blown onto the fire from a distance of several meters. Due to its low bulk density, the material settles smoothly on the fire and immediately covers the flames for several seconds. Before the hot metal can break through this cover, a fine water spray is applied to the fire. The water spray wets the top layer of the cellulose flakes, which will begin to char from the bottom. The water evaporates from within the cellulose flake layer and withdraws heat. It was observed that no hydrogen is formed and that this technique can safely control fires. It is judged that 90 kg of flakes could safely bring a pile of 75 kg of burning Mg flakes under control. By using a pneumatic conveying unit for the flakes, firefighters can effectively and efficiently cover the flames from a safe distance. This novel method could be recommended to firefighters in industrial magnesium processing plants, as well as local firefighters in the vicinity of such plants.
In general, composite materials are difficult to recycle. Tires belong to this class of materials. On top, one of their main constitutents, vulcanized rubber, is as elastomer, which cannot be remolten and hence is particularly challenging to put to a new use. Today, the main end-of-life routes of tires and other rubber products are landfilling, incineration in e.g., cement plants, and grinding to a fine powder, generating huge quantities and indicating a lack of sustainable recycling of this valuable material. True feedstock recycling is not feasible for complex mixtures such as tires, but devulcanization can be done to reactivate the cross-linked polymer for material recycling in novel rubber products. Devulcanization, i.e., the breaking up of sulfur bonds by chemical, thermophysical, or biological means, is a promising route that has been investigated for more than 50 years. This review article presents an update on the state-of-the art in rubber devulcanization. The article addresses established devulcanization technologies and novel processes described in the scientific and patent literatures. On the one hand, tires have become high-tech products, where the simultaneous improvement of wet traction, rolling resistance, and abrasion resistance (the so-called “magic triangle”) is hard to achieve. On the other hand, recycling and sustainable end-of-life uses are becoming more and more important. It is expected that the public discussion of environmental impacts of thermoplastics will soon spill over to thermosets and elastomers. Therefore, the industry needs to develop and market solutions proactively. Every year, approximately 40 million tons of tires are discarded. Through the devulcanization of end-of-life tires (ELT), it is possible to produce new raw materials with good mechanical properties and a superior environmental footprint over virgin products. The devulcanization process has become an interesting technology that is able to support the circular economy concept.
Methane is the main greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted by ruminants. Mitigation strategies are required to alleviate this negative environmental impact while maintaining productivity and ruminants’ health. To date, numerous methane mitigation strategies have been investigated, reported and suggested by scientists to the livestock industry. In this review, the authors will focus on the commonly practiced and available techniques expanding the knowledge of the reader on the advances of methane mitigation strategies with a focus on the recent literature. Furthermore, the authors will attempt to discuss the drawbacks of the strategies in terms of animal health and performance reduction as well as the concept of feed and energy loss, adding an economic perspective to methane emission mitigation which is in the farmers’ direct interest. As a whole, many factors are effective in reducing undesired methane production, but this is definitely a complex challenge. Conclusively, further research is required to offer effective and efficient methane production mitigation solutions in ruminants worldwide, thus positively contributing to climate change.
This study aimed to assess the impact of essential oils (EOs) on in vitro gas formation and the degradability of dairy and beef cattle diets. This study also aimed to investigate the effects of different types of EOs on nutrient utilization and rumen microbial activity. The current study was conducted using a fully randomized design consisting of eight experimental treatments, including two control treatments without any additives, and treatments with cinnamon essential oil (CEO), flaxseed essential oil (FEO), and lemon seed essential oil (LEO) at a concentration of 60 mg/kg fresh mass. Two control treatments were used, one with alfalfa silage and dairy concentrate (DC, CON-DC) and the other with alfalfa silage and fattening concentrate (FC, CON-FC). Gas formation, dry matter (DM) digestibility, crude protein (CP) digestibility, effective degradability (ED), and soluble fractions of DM and organic matter (OM) were evaluated. CEO had a substantial effect on gas formation (p < 0.05). When EOs were added to the diets, they increased dry matter digestibility after 24 h of incubation as compared to control treatments. After 24 h of incubation, FCCEO and FCFEO had the highest CP digestibility among the diets. FCLEO considerably enhanced ED, as well as the soluble fraction of DM (a) at a passage rate of 2% per hour. Treatment with FCCEO resulted in a significant increase in soluble fractions compared to the control diets. At a passage rate of 2% h, DCCEO had the maximum ED value. When EOs were introduced to the diet, they dramatically decreased the insoluble portion of CP (b). Compared to the control treatments, gas production was significantly lower in the presence of LEO (FCLEO; p < 0.05). The addition of EOs to cattle diets may increase nutrient utilization and enhance rumen microbial activity. EOs extracted from lemon seeds (at a dose of 60 mg/kg of diet) lowered gas production in both dairy cattle and fattening diets.
Short-term Incentives of Research Evaluations: Evidence from the UK Research Excellence Framework
(2023)
The current shift in teaching and learning away from the physical
classroom to blended and digital learning environments presents many
challenges and opportunities for both teachers and learners. A
somewhat overlooked aspect of this transition concerns the issue of
student collaboration in blended learning situations. Students teaming
up to improve their learning process, exchange ideas and achieve
learning goals has been an integral part of the higher education
experience for many, while also strengthening students social skills.
With the physical distancing and accompanying shift to increased
online learning settings of the past few years, establishing this
collaboration between students has become more and more difficult.
Well-conceived digital social learning spaces and opportunities might
be a way to compensate for these missed out traditional learning
situations with peers in or after class.
Going beyond typical group work activities teachers often utilize in
their classes, Moodle offers a wide variety of opportunities for
teachers to design these digital learning spaces tailored to the
specific needs and objectives of their classes and students. Following
a student-centred learning paradigm and a conception of the teacher as
a designer and enabler of learning opportunities, we want to present a
few use cases of Moodle activities, plugins and integrated tools
suitable for designing these social spaces online. Among others we
would like to showcase possible scenarios for peer assessments, open
video conferencing rooms for students with BigBlueButton,
collaborative test preparation with StudentQuiz, and connecting
learners through a creative usage of the database activity. Picking up
these different resources, we hope to motivate and inspire educators
to design and roll out collaborative online spaces for their students
to enable better teamwork and achieve deeper learning.
Learning Management Systems (LMS), such as Moodle, enable the rapid progress of digitisation in teaching, which is no longer only taking place in the lecture hall, but increasingly “online” and asynchronously. New didactic concepts (blended learning, “flipped classroom”) consist of alternating self-learning and face-to-face phases, with the former taking place in the LMS, i.e. online. However, no analysis has yet been carried out as to how students act with the material in the self-learning phase, or the teachers are not provided with any information about the learning progress of the students during the self-learning phase. In this paper, concepts of learning and teaching analytics are presented to answer these questions and to integrate the measures derived from them into the teaching processes in a sustainable manner.
Background: Most clinical studies report the symptoms experienced by those infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) via patients already hospitalized. Here we analyzed the symptoms experienced outside of a hospital setting.
Methods: The Vienna Social Fund (FSW; Vienna, Austria), the Public Health Services of the City of Vienna (MA15) and the private company Symptoma collaborated to implement Vienna's official online COVID-19 symptom checker. Users answered 12 yes/no questions about symptoms to assess their risk for COVID-19. They could also specify their age and sex, and whether they had contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Depending on the assessed risk of COVID-19 positivity, a SARS-CoV‑2 nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) was performed. In this publication, we analyzed which factors (symptoms, sex or age) are associated with COVID-19 positivity. We also trained a classifier to correctly predict COVID-19 positivity from the collected data.
Results: Between 2 November 2020 and 18 November 2021, 9133 people experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms were assessed as high risk by the chatbot and were subsequently tested by a NAAT. Symptoms significantly associated with a positive COVID-19 test were malaise, fatigue, headache, cough, fever, dysgeusia and hyposmia. Our classifier could successfully predict COVID-19 positivity with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.74.
Conclusion: This study provides reliable COVID-19 symptom statistics based on the general population verified by NAATs.
Keywords: Chatbot; Machine learning; Self-reported; Symptom assessment; Symptom checker.
Dying Experiments
(2022)
Interference of more and more massive objects provides a spectacular confirmation of quantum theory. It is usually regarded as support for “wave–particle duality” and in an extension of this duality even as support for “complementarity”. We first give an outline of the historical development of these notions. Already here it becomes evident that they are hard to define rigorously, i.e. have mainly a heuristic function. Then we discuss recent interference experiments of large and complex molecules which seem to support this heuristic function of “duality”. However, we show that in these experiments the diffraction of a delocalized center-of-mass wave function depends on the interaction of the localized structure of the molecule with the diffraction element. Thus, the molecules display “dual features” at the same time, which contradicts the usual understanding of wave–particle duality. We conclude that the notion of “wave–particle duality” deserves no place in modern quantum physics.
In this work we analyse bucket increasing tree families. We introduce two simple stochastic growth processes, generating random bucket increasing trees of size n, complementing the earlier result of Mahmoud and Smythe (1995, Theoret. Comput. Sci.144 221–249.) for bucket recursive trees. On the combinatorial side, we define multilabelled generalisations of the tree families d-ary increasing trees and generalised plane-oriented recursive trees. Additionally, we introduce a clustering process for ordinary increasing trees and relate it to bucket increasing trees. We discuss in detail the bucket size two and present a bijection between such bucket increasing tree families and certain families of graphs called increasing diamonds, providing an explanation for phenomena observed by Bodini et al. (2016, Lect. Notes Comput. Sci.9644 207–219.). Concerning structural properties of bucket increasing trees, we analyse the tree parameter Kn . It counts the initial bucket size of the node containing label n in a tree of size n and is closely related to the distribution of node types. Additionally, we analyse the parameters descendants of label j and degree of the bucket containing label j, providing distributional decompositions, complementing and extending earlier results (Kuba and Panholzer (2010), Theoret. Comput. Sci.411(34–36) 3255–3273.).
In this work we discuss a parameter σ on weighted k-element multisets of [n]={1,…,n}. The sums of weighted k-multisets are related to k-subsets, k-multisets, as well as special instances of truncated interpolated multiple zeta values. We study properties of this parameter using symbolic combinatorics. We rederive and extend certain identities for ζtn({m}k). Moreover, we introduce random variables on the k-element multisets and derive their distributions, as well as limit laws for k or n tending to infinity.
In this paper we present various educational activities with Photonics Explorer, an educational kit developed by the photonics research team B - PHOT at VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) for students at secondary schools. The concept is a ‘lab-in-a-box’ that enables students of the 2 nd and 3 rd grade to do photonics experiments themselves at school with lasers, LEDs, lenses, optical fibers, and other high-tech components. Even though, the kit was developed for the secondary schools, we use experiments from the kit also for some other teaching activities such as lectures at the university, photonics workshops for teachers and children at primary/secondary schools or for events such as children's/youth's university or the night of sciences. In the frame of Austrian based project Phorsch! we have organized most of these activities which will be presented here.
In order to enhance the strength of 3D-printed parts made of polymer materials and reduce the anisotropy caused by the fused filament fabrication process, this paper proposes an inter-layer interleaved composite path planning method based on the directional partition of the principal stress field. This method not only ensures intra-layer reinforcement under specific working conditions but also increases the strength of the printed part by enhancing the adhesion of adjacent layers through staggered filling between layers. The mechanical performance is improved by 10 to 30% compared to other conventional filling patterns such as the zigzag filling algorithm. Inter-layer interleaved composite enhancement path planning method is suitable for path planning of structures with complex shapes and is easily integrated into existing general computer-aided engineering processes.
Hochschulen und Studiengänge sprechen Studieninteressierte nicht
bevölkerungsrepräsentativ an. Nach einem kurzen Abriss der aktuellen Lage und
der Diversitätsdimensionen werden anhand einer adaptierten Form der „4R-
Methode“ des Gender-Mainstreamings Kommunikationsarten, -medien und
-ebenen mit Blick auf Kommunizierende und Kontexte beleuchtet. Dieser Beitrag
soll Hochschulen und Studiengängen einen einfachen Leitfaden an die Hand
geben, die eigene Sprache auf den verschiedenen Kommunikationskanälen
kritisch zu reflektieren und inkludierender zu gestalten, um Stereotypisierung zu
vermeiden und alle anzusprechen
Dry powder inhalers are used by a large number of patients worldwide to treat respiratory diseases. The objective of this work is to experimentally investigate changes in aerosol particle diameter and particle number concentration of pharmaceutical aerosols generated by four dry powder inhalers under realistic inhalation and exhalation conditions. To simulate patients undergoing inhalation therapy, the active respiratory system model (xPULM™) was used. A mechanical upper airway model was developed, manufactured, and introduced as a part of the xPULM™ to represent the human upper respiratory tract with high fidelity. Integration of optical aerosol spectrometry technique into the setup allowed for evaluation of pharmaceutical aerosols. The results show that there is a significant difference (p < 0.05) in mean particle diameter between inhaled and exhaled particles with the majority of the particles depositing in the lung, while particles with the size of (>0.5 μm) are least influenced by deposition mechanisms. The fraction of exhaled particles ranges from 2.13% (HandiHaler®) over 2.94% (BreezHaler®), and 6.22% (Turbohaler®) to 10.24% (Ellipta®). These values are comparable to previously published studies. Furthermore, the mechanical upper airway model increases the resistance of the overall system and acts as a filter for larger particles (>3 μm). In conclusion, the xPULM™ active respiratory system model is a viable option for studying interactions of pharmaceutical aerosols and the respiratory tract regarding applicable deposition mechanisms. The model strives to support the reduction of animal experimentation in aerosol research and provides an alternative to experiments with human subjects.
Ziel dieser Studie war das überlagerte Elektromyogramm (ueEMG) und das decompositionierte (dEMG) auf deren Reliabilität und Aussagekraft zu überprüfen. Hierfür vollzogen zehn gesunde männliche Probanden zu drei Testzeitpunkten isometrische Ermüdungsmessungen. Hintergrund Bei der Messung des ueEMG werden die Motor Units Aktionspotentiale (MUAPS) elektrisch überlagert. Physiologische Muskelermüdung zeigt sich hier unter anderem in der Veränderung des Frequenzspektrums und der Signalamplitude. Letzteres steigt bei Ermüdung an, wohingegen die mediane Frequenz (MF) sinkt. Eine weitere Möglichkeit die Muskelermüdung mittels Oberflächen-EMG zu ermitteln ist die Anwendung des dEMGs. Dieses ermöglicht mithilfe einer Mustererkennungssoftware einzelne MUAPS zu erkennen. Studien zeigten, dass aktive Motor Units (MU) bei wiederholten oder anhaltenden submaximalen Kontraktionen als Muskelermüdung ihre Feuerungsrate erhöhen und neue MU rekrutiert werden. Bisher wurden diese Methoden jeweils einzeln betrachtet. Um sicherzustellen welcher Ansatz für klinische Daten geeigneter ist, wurden Datensätze zu beiden Methoden gleichzeitig generiert und hinsichtlich ihrer Aussagekraft und Wiederholbarkeit mit statistischen Mitteln verglichen.
Comparison of breathing patterns for aerosol inhalation using an electro-mechanical lung simulator
(2018)
Engineering education courses look into processes, equipment and people in order to prepare students to tackle problems in their careers. In manufacturing industry, it is important to use virtual manufacturing tools to analyse processes. This includes both equipment and people. Assembly operations can involve human operators. Modular arrangements of predetermined time standards MODAPTS is a predetermined motion time system method used to analyse assembly processes. Augmented reality (AR) is increasingly being used for industrial processes as well as in education. AR application have been used for maintenance training as a useful way to overly digital instructions to a trainee whilst being able to look at a real object. This is potential beneficial for education. This paper presents the evaluation of a prototype to test a predetermined time standards model using an AR application. An evaluation was carried out comparing AR-based instructions in tablet and PC monitor and paper-written instructions. The results of evaluating the prototype encourage their use as an educational tool in engineering courses.
Entrepreneurs keep the economy and society going by implementing new ideas. Entrepreneurship competencies such as creativity, risk tolerance or perseverance do not only emerge in professional life, but are already developed in early phases of socialization. Entrepreneurship education with its strongly action-oriented teaching and learning formats plays a triggering and process-reinforcing role in this respect. However, the competencies acquired through entrepreneurship education are also increasingly important for successful action in dependent employment. This article first shows that the goals and means of Entrepreneurship Education harmonize with the high practical relevance of teaching required by the Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences Act. Against this background, a concrete example of implementation is used to illustrate how the curricular anchoring of a student project in an engineering course can promote not only the practical relevance of teaching, but also the teaching of entrepreneurial competencies and the transfer of innovation between the university and industry.
In the present work, using the recently introduced framework of local geometric deformations, special types of vector fields – so-called hidden Killing vector fields – are constructed, which solve the Killing equation not globally, but only locally, i.e. in local subregions of spacetime. Taking advantage of the fact that the vector fields coincide locally with Killing fields and therefore allow the consideration of integral laws that convert into exact physical conservation laws on local scales, balance laws in dynamical systems without global Killing symmetries are derived that mimic as closely as possible the conservation laws for energy and angular momentum of highly symmetric models. The utility of said balance laws is demonstrated by a concrete geometric example, namely a toy model for the binary merger of two extremal Reissner–Nordström black holes.
In this paper, using the quasilocal formalism of Brown and York, the flow of energy through a closed surface containing a gravitating physical system is calculated in a way that augments earlier results on the subject by Booth and Creighton. To this end, by performing a variation of the total gravitational Hamiltonian (bulk plus boundary part), it is shown that associated tidal heating and deformation effects generally are larger than expected. This is because the aforementioned variation leads to previously unrecognized correction terms, including a bulk-to-boundary inflow term that does not appear in the original calculation of the time derivative of the Brown-York energy and leads to corrective extensions of Einstein’s quadrupole formula in the large sphere limit.
Wissensarbeiter:innen verbringen den überwiegenden Teil ihrer Arbeitszeit sitzend vor dem Computer. Die negativen Folgen von langem Sitzen für die Gesundheit sind bekannt: Zu langes Sitzen bedingt einen niedrigen Kalorienverbrauch, der Stoffwechsel und das Herz-Kreislaufsystem laufen auf Sparflamme. Entsprechend steigt das Risiko für Übergewicht, Diabetes, Bandscheibenvorfall und Herz-Kreislauf- Erkrankungen. Unter den Folgen von langem Sitzen leiden aber nicht nur die betroffenen Mitarbeiter:innen selbst, sondern auch deren Arbeitgeber:innen, weil Mitarbeiter:innen mit einem auf Bewegungsmangel zurückzuführenden reduzierten physischen und psychischen Wohlbefinden weniger produktiv und kreativ arbeiten bzw. aufgrund von Erkrankungen erst gar nicht arbeiten können. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt auf, wie Unternehmen durch das Setzen sanfter Bewegungszwänge, den Einsatz dynamischer Arbeitsstationen sowie die Integration niederschwelliger Fitnessmodule in die Bürolandschaft für mehr körperliche Aktivität im Arbeitsalltag sorgen können.