Filtern
Erscheinungsjahr
- 2023 (23) (entfernen)
Dokumenttyp
Volltext vorhanden
- ja (23)
Gehört zur Bibliographie
- nein (23) (entfernen)
Schlagworte
- Biodiversität (3)
- Physikalische Therapie (3)
- Kreuzschmerz (2)
- Management (2)
- Nachhaltigkeit (2)
- Nigeria (2)
- Süßwasser (2)
- Wirbellose (2)
- 3D-Mapping (1)
- Adhäsion (1)
Institut
- FB Umweltplanung/-technik (UCB) (9)
- FB Informatik + Therapiewissenschaft (5)
- FB Bauen + Leben (2)
- FB Technik (2)
- FB Wirtschaft (2)
- Sonstiges (2)
- FB Umweltwirtschaft/-recht (UCB) (1)
- IBT - Institut für Betriebs- und Technologiemanagement (1)
- ISS - Institut für Softwaresysteme in Wirtschaft, Umwelt und Verwaltung (1)
The Saarschleife geotope (SE-Germany) represents one of the most prominent geotopes of the SaarLorLux region and is known far beyond the borders of the Greater Region. Surprisingly, there is no visual representation of the relief history and genesis of this river meander, which is unique for Central Europe - as is common at places with comparable outstanding phenomena, such as e.g. the Rocher Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe (France) or some national parks in the U.S. (e.g. Grand Canyon). The Saarschleife geotope therefore was choosen as a pilot object for the envisaged analysis of the landscape genesis but also regarding the 3D mapping and visualization. The visualisation presents the relief history and geological evolution of the last 300 million years in selected geological epochs, which are of fundamental importance for the understanding of today's geomorphological relief conditions, and is compiled into a summarized chronology.
Digital transformation is both an opportunity and a challenge. To take advantage of this opportunity for humans and the environment, the transformation process must be understood as a design process that affects almost all areas of life. In this paper, we investigate AI-Based Self-Adaptive Cyber-Physical Process Systems (AI-CPPS) as an extension of the traditional CPS view. As contribution, we present a framework that addresses challenges that arise from recent literature. The aim of the AI-CPPS framework is to enable an adaptive integration of IoT environments with higher-level process-oriented systems. In addition, the framework integrates humans as actors into the system, which is often neglected by recent related approaches. The framework consists of three layers, i.e., processes, semantic modeling, and systems and actors, and we describe for each layer challenges and solution outlines for application. We also address the requirement to enable the integration of new networked devices under the premise of a targeted process that is optimally designed for humans, while profitably integrating AI and IoT. It is expected that AI-CPPS can contribute significantly to increasing sustainability and quality of life and offer solutions to pressing problems such as environmental protection, mobility, or demographic change. Thus, it is all the more important that the systems themselves do not become a driver of resource consumption.
Terrestrial cyanobacteria grow as phototrophic biofilms and offer a wide spectrum of interesting products. For cultivation of phototrophic biofilms different reactor concepts have been developed in the last years. One of the main influencing factors is the surface material and the adhesion strength of the chosen production strain. In this work a flow chamber was developed, in which, in combination with optical coherence tomography and computational fluid dynamics simulation, an easy analysis of adhesion forces between different biofilms and varied surface materials is possible. Hereby, differences between two cyanobacteria strains and two surface materials were shown. With longer cultivation time of biofilms adhesion increased in all experiments. Additionally, the content of extracellular polymeric substances was analyzed and its role in surface adhesion was evaluated. To test the comparability of obtained results from the flow chamber with other methods, analogous experiments were conducted with a rotational rheometer, which proved to be successful. Thus, with the presented flow chamber an easy to implement method for analysis of biofilm adhesion was developed, which can be used in future research for determination of suitable combinations of microorganisms with cultivation surfaces on lab scale in advance of larger processes.
A systemic framework of energy efficiency in schools: Experiences from six European countries
(2023)
Schools are complex physical and social institutions within national education systems. They account for significant energy consumption and like other buildings can demonstrate inefficient patterns of energy use. Poor energy performance of educational facilities is an intricate issue driven by complex causality of interconnected and dynamic factors. Addressing this issue requires a systemic approach, which is heretofore lacking. The aim of this research is to present and describe a systemic framework to facilitate energy reduction in schools across different European contexts. This transdisciplinary approach to sustainable energy use has been piloted in 13 post-primary schools located in six countries in northwest Europe. The research implements a series of planned activities and interventions, which help to unveil a systemic approach to improving energy efficiency in schools. The findings demonstrate how this approach, together with its ensuing methodologies and strategies, can contribute to reducing carbon emissions and improve knowledge and awareness around sustainable energy.
1. Woody riparian vegetation (WRV) benefits benthic macroinvertebrates in running waters. However, while some functions are provided by WRV irrespective of surrounding and catchment land use, others are context-specific. In recent large-scale studies, effects of WRV on macroinvertebrates were therefore small compared to catchment land use, raising the question about the relevance of WRV for restoration.
2. Model-based recursive partitioning was used to identify context-dependent effects of WRV on the macroinvertebrates' ecological status in small (catchment area 10–100 km2) lowland (n = 361) and mountain (n = 748) streams. WRV cover was quantified from orthophotos along the near (500 m) and far (5000 m) upstream river network and used to predict the site's ecological status. Agricultural, urban and woodland cover at the local and catchment scales along with hydromorphology were considered as partitioning variables.
3. In rural agricultural landscapes, the effect of WRV on the ecological status was large, indicating that establishing near-upstream WRV can improve the ecological status by as much as two of the five classes according to the EU Water Framework Directive.
4. Even in urban landscapes, effects of far-upstream WRV were large if catchments had a moderate share of agricultural land use in addition. The beneficial effects of WRV were only limited in purely urban catchments or in a multiple stressor context.
5. Synthesis and applications. While woody riparian vegetation (WRV) can even improve the ecological status in urban settings, it is especially relevant for river management in rural agricultural catchments, where developing WRV potentially are effective measures to achieve good ecological status.
Background: Stratified care approach involving use of the STarT-Back tool to optimise care for patients with low back pain is gaining widespread attention in western countries. However, adoption and implementation of this approach in low-and-middle-income countries will be restricted by context-specific factors that need to be addressed. This study aimed to develop with physiotherapists, tailored intervention strategies for the implementation of stratified care for patients with low back pain.
Methods: A two-round web-based Delphi survey was conducted among purposively sampled physiotherapists with a minimum of three years of clinical experience, with post-graduation certification or specialists. Thirty statements on barriers and enablers for implementation were extracted from the qualitative phase. Statements were rated by a Delphi panel with additional open-ended feedback. After each Delphi round, participants received feedback which informed their subsequent responses. Additional qualitative feedback were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The criteria for consensus and stability were pre-determined using percentage agreement (≥ 75%), median value (≥ 4), Inter-quartile range (≤ 1), and Wilcoxon matched-pairs test respectively.
Results: Participants in the first round were 139 and 125 of them completed the study, yielding a response rate of 90%. Participants were aged 35.2 (SD6.6) years, and 55 (39.6%) were female. Consensus was achieved in 25/30 statements. Wilcoxon’s test showed stability in responses after the 5 statements failed to reach consensus: ‘translate the STarT-Back Tool to pidgin language’ 71% (p = 0.76), ‘begin implementation with government hospitals’ 63% (p = 0.11), ‘share knowledge with traditional bone setters’ 35% (p = 0.67), ‘get second opinion on clinician’s advice’ 63% (p = 0.24) and ‘carry out online consultations’ 65% (p = 0.41). Four statements strengthened by additional qualitative data achieved the highest consensus: ‘patient education’ (96%), ‘quality improvement appraisals’ (96%), ‘undergraduate training on psychosocial care’ (96%) and ‘patient-clinician communication’ (95%).
Conclusion: There was concordance of opinion that patients should be educated to correct misplaced expectations and proper time for communication is vital to implementation. This communication should be learned at undergraduate level, and for already qualified clinicians, quality improvement appraisals are key to sustained and effective care. These recommendations provide a framework for future research on monitored implementation of stratified care in middle-income countries.
Dielectric properties of unidirectional and biaxial flax/epoxy composites at frequencies up to 1 GHz
(2023)
The relative permittivity of flax/epoxy composites in unidirectional and biaxial orientations was mapped in the frequency range of 1 kHz to 200 kHz, and for the first time in the range of 1 MHz to 1 GHz. In addition, permittivity was investigated for the first time in the temperature range between − 20 °C and 50 °C. These composites, produced using the vacuum infusion process, are increasingly used for sustainable and lightweight structural components in the automotive industry. The relative permittivity was determined using a self-developed plate capacitor with an LCR bridge and an impedance analyzer. An examination of the microstructure of the flax/epoxy composites shows that the fibers are disordered in the composite, resulting in local variations in fiber volume fraction. Furthermore, it was shown that the matrix also infiltrates into the fiber itself, resulting in an increase of the matrix fraction. It was found that unidirectional fabrics had a higher relative permittivity than biaxial fabrics, due to a higher fiber volume fraction and lower proportion of epoxy. The results suggest that it is the fiber volume fraction, rather than the manufacturing process and fiber orientation, that primarily determines the relative permittivity. It was also found that the permittivity continues to decrease below room temperature and thus behaves in a manner typical of the material in this temperature range as well.
Disconnection in a left-hemispheric temporo-parietal network impairs multiplication fact retrieval
(2023)
Arithmetic fact retrieval has been suggested to recruit a left-lateralized network comprising perisylvian language areas, parietal areas such as the angular gyrus (AG), and non-neocortical structures such as the hippocampus. However, the underlying white matter connectivity of these areas has not been evaluated systematically so far. Using simple multiplication problems, we evaluated how disconnections in parietal brain areas affected arithmetic fact retrieval following stroke. We derived disconnectivity measures by jointly considering data from n = 73 patients with acute unilateral lesions in either hemisphere and a white-matter tractography atlas (HCP-842) using the Lesion Quantification Toolbox (LQT). Whole-brain voxel-based analysis indicated a left-hemispheric cluster of white matter fibers connecting the AG and superior temporal areas to be associated with a fact retrieval deficit. Subsequent analyses of direct gray-to-gray matter disconnections revealed that disconnections of additional left-hemispheric areas (e.g., between the superior temporal gyrus and parietal areas) were significantly associated with the observed fact retrieval deficit. Results imply that disconnections of parietal areas (i.e., the AG) with language-related areas (i.e., superior and middle temporal gyri) seem specifically detrimental to arithmetic fact retrieval. This suggests that arithmetic fact retrieval recruits a widespread left-hemispheric network and emphasizes the relevance of white matter connectivity for number processing.
Evaluation of a blended learning approach on stratified care for physiotherapy bachelor students
(2023)
Background: Stratified models of care are valuable for addressing psychosocial factors which influence the outcome of patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Introducing such models in undergraduate training has the potential to propagate this knowledge with evidence and foster its implementation. The objective of this paper is to explore the perception and changes in the fear-avoidance beliefs of physiotherapy students participating in a developed blended learning course on stratified care.
Methodology: A mixed-methods with a convenient sample of two consecutive cohorts were given a blended learning course on stratified care for patients with low back pain. The blended learning course comprised scientific rudiments and application of stratified care in clinical practice conceptualised using the KERN’ 6-step approach. The exam scores, perceptions, performance on self-reflection-tests and pre- and post-scores on The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia for Physiotherapists’ (TSK-PT) were obtained. After gaining clinical experience, participants were invited to discuss their clinical experiences and perceptions in workshops. The quantitative data was analysed explorative-descriptively. The qualitative data was analysed following an inductive coding system with constant comparisons.
Results: Ninety-one participants consented to the evaluation (mean age = 22.9 ± 1.6 years), 66% were female. Exam scores correlated with time spent in training (r = 0.30) and scores on self-reflection-tests 1 and 2 (r = 0.40 and r = 0.41). Participants in both cohorts described the learning resources as promoting their interest in the subject (72% and 94%), up-to-date (91% and 93%) and helpful (91% and 97%). The fear-avoidance scores for participants decreased from 53.5 (± 9.96) to 40.1 (± 12.4) with a large effect size (d = 1.18). The regression model [F (2, 49) = 1151.2, p < 0.001] suggests that pre-TSK-PT and the interest of participants in the training predicted post-TSK-PT. The workshop participants (n = 62) all worked in clinical practice. Emerging from the analysis were 4 categories (evolving to maturity in practice, perceiving determinants of stratified care, strategising for implementation and adopting an outlook for future practice).
Conclusion: The quality of engagement in learning, training strategy and interest in the subject contributes immensely to learning outcomes. This blended learning course was successful in reducing kinesiophobia and influencing the participants’ attitude towards care with the potential of being translated into long-term practice.
In 2020, a year of turbulence, seismic in scale and rapid in impact, luxury brands strengthen their relationship with art. While the world is still processing the effects of the last decades (digitalization, sustainability, diversity), luxury brands and art collaborations are used as a strategic tool in luxury brand management to create value. As the pandemic and broader social outrage exposed fault lines in society, even more luxury brands open flagship stores designed in collaboration with archistars (famous architects). Luxury brands establish foundations where art is exhibited and promoted. Culture funds become the new patrons of art. Limited art editions of iconic luxury products turn to revenue boosts. This research focuses on a case study of luxury brand and art collaborations. The ten most valuable luxury brands are used to analyze luxury brand and art collaborations as a leverage on brand equity and art(ist) equity. The bleeding of personal luxury good brands as well as contemporary visual arts are focused. The study identifies particularly positive effects deriving from art in the creation of equity value. The core issue discussed is whether contemporary art may represent a possible strategic tool for competing and differentiating in the global luxury industry up to 2030. The research investigates two main concepts that represents the theoretical framework: art and luxury. Literature research deductively links this case study with appropriate theories on brand equity and art(ist) equity. During this, a time horizon between 2019 and 2021 is chosen to address the latest insights in luxury brands and art collaborations. The topic is investigated explorative and qualitative with expert interviews. To tackle the research topic all-encompassing, the following groups of recognized stakeholders have been interviewed: (1) luxury brands, (2) artists, (3) art galleries, (4) trend and market researchers, (5) luxury customers and (6) city. Finally, managerial insights on the implementation of artistic collaborations are derived and suitable strategies for luxury brands who plan to be involved in such collaboration agreements are suggested. The sticking point in former academic research has always been concrete proof that luxury brands and art collaborations lead to an increase in equity beyond a short-term social media buzz or press coverage. This is the reason why this paper develops an S-O-R equity model to show the causality effects of such collaborations.