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Geldschöpfung und Geldpolitik im Euroraum: Inwieweit ist Geldpolitik zugleich Strukturpolitik?
No full textDigital Assessment Methods in Mechanical Engineering: Case Study of a Computer-Aided Design Course within a Blended Learning Environment
No full textAbstract
This paper presents an integrated approach combining in-person teaching with digital assessments in a mechanical engineering course, leveraging a blended learning environment to enhance both physical and remote instructions. The primary focus is on addressing challenges associated with digital exams, such as hardware and software limitations, connectivity issues, and the risk of cheating. To mitigate these barriers for digital exams, the paper proposes creating unique exam tasks based on student IDs and employing semi-automatic grading of computer drawings using Python scripts, which streamline the assessment process while ensuring accuracy and fairness.
Traditional assessment methods typically involve written exams, computer-based tests, practical labs, oral exams, and project-based assessments. These methods require students to attend exams in person, with activities strictly monitored to prevent cheating. However, this approach highlights the need to transition from traditional methods to digital assessments, focusing on knowledge application rather than simply recalling the information. In order to show the possibility of such a transition, a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) course is employed as a case study, where theoretical knowledge is assessed through digital quizzes and practical skills via design challenges and final exams. By creating unique tasks based on student IDs, the course ensures exam integrity and fairness and still allows students to work on the assigned problem on their own computer device and on their own time schedule. Additionally, a semi-automatic system compares the volumetric properties of student-generated 3D models with reference solutions using Python scripts. This approach significantly reduces manual grading workload while maintaining high assessment standards.
The course structure aligns learning activities with desired outcomes through the Constructive Alignment of Biggs et. al. Weekly quizzes handled via Moodle automatically grade the theoretical knowledge of the students, while biweekly tutorials and practical sessions support the transition from theory to practical application. Design challenges, graded and contributing to the final exam score, motivate students and provide continuous feedback and assessment. This dynamic learning environment not only engages students but also enhances the retention of theoretical knowledge and its practical application through digital tools.
In conclusion, this paper showcases the successful integration of digital assessment methodologies in mechanical engineering education. By addressing and overcoming challenges early, and aligning learning activities with outcomes, the blended learning approach enhances the educational experience. The strategic use of unique exam tasks and semi-automatic grading systems not only ensures fair and accurate assessments but also prepares students for the demands of the digital age in their professional careers
Stereo Camera Setup for 360° Digital Image Correlation to Reveal Smart Structures of Hakea Fruits
No full textAbstract
About forty years after its first application, digital image correlation (DIC) has become an established method for measuring surface displacements and deformations of objects under stress. To date, DIC has been used in a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies to biomechanically characterise biological samples in order to reveal biomimetic principles. However, when surfaces of samples strongly deform or twist, they cannot be thoroughly traced. To overcome this challenge, different DIC setups have been developed to provide additional sensor perspectives and, thus, capture larger parts of an object’s surface. Herein, we discuss current solutions for this multi-perspective DIC, and we present our own approach to a 360° DIC system based on a single stereo-camera setup. Using this setup, we are able to characterise the desiccation-driven opening mechanism of two woody Hakea fruits over their entire surfaces. Both the breaking mechanism and the actuation of the two valves in predominantly dead plant material are models for smart materials. Based on these results, an evaluation of the setup for 360° DIC regarding its use in deducing biomimetic principles is given. Furthermore, we propose a way to improve and apply the method for future measurements
Electrospinning as a Fascinating Platform for Teaching Applied Polymer Science with Safe and Sustainable Experiments
No full textAbstract
Electrospinning has been widely used as a versatile technique to generate nanofibers of various materials. It is also helpful in teaching topics ranging from macromolecular chemistry to physics, safety, and sustainability at various levels of difficulty and student involvement. Simple and safe hands-on experiments/manual assays can be realized for less than 30 euros to demonstrate polymer viscosity and nanofiber alignment and solubility. Students can further study (super)hydrophobicity and even upcycle packaging waste into useful filter materials but also improve the electrospinning setup from a manual assay to an inexpensive Arduino-based 3D printed research platform. Alternatively, the latter can be used for teacher demonstrations of more challenging experiments that can also be easily done using a commercial syringe-pump
NGS Detects Extensive Genomic Alterations in Survivors of Irradiated Normal Human Fibroblast Cells
No full textAbstract
It is thought that cells surviving ionizing radiation exposure repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and restore their genomes. However, the recent biochemical and genetic characterization of DSB repair pathways reveals that only homologous recombination (HR) can function in an error-free manner and that the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways canonical NHEJ (c-NHEJ), alternative end joining (alt-EJ), and single-strand annealing (SSA) are error-prone, and potentially leave behind genomic scars and altered genomes. The strong cell cycle restriction of HR to S/ G2 phases and the unparalleled efficiency of c-NHEJ throughout the cell cycle, raise the intriguing question as to how far a surviving cell reaches after repairing the genome back to its pre-irradiation state. Indeed, there is evidence that the genomes of cells surviving radiation treatment harbor extensive genomic alterations. To directly investigate this possibility, we adopted next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and tested a normal human fibroblast cell line, 82-6 hTert, after exposure up to 6 Gy. Cells were irradiated and surviving colonies expanded and the cells frozen. Sequencing analysis using the Illumina sequencing platform and comparison with the unirradiated genome detected frequent genomic alterations in the six investigated radiation survivor clones, including translocations and large deletions. Translocations detected by this analysis and predicted to generate visible cytogenetic alterations were frequently (three out of five) confirmed using mFISH cytogenetic analysis. PCR analysis of selected deletions also confirmed seven of the ten examined. We conclude that cells surviving radiation exposure tolerate and pass to their progeny a wide spectrum of genomic alterations. This recognition needs to be integrated into the interpretation of biological results at all endpoints, as well as in the formulation of mathematical models of radiation action. NGS analysis of irradiated genomes promises to enhance molecular cytogenetics by increasing the spectrum of detectable genomic alterations and advance our understanding of key molecular radiobiological effects and the logic underpinning DSB repair. However, further developments in the technology will be required to harness its full potential
Gesamtwirtschaftliche Finanzierungsproblematik der Energiewende
No full textFinanzierungsmodelle für Transformationsprojekte der Energiewend
