5805 research outputs found
Sort by
HYDROFARM@material Pflanze-Material-Interaktion : Richtlinien für einen innovativen und nachhaltigen Materialeinsatz in hydroponischen Produktionssystemen
No full textDie pflanzenbauliche Produktion in hydroponischen Systemen zählt zu den intensivsten Anbauverfahren zur Erzeugung von Nahrungsmitteln. Die Kreislaufschließung und die damit verbundene Rezirkulation der Nährlösung birgt jedoch ein bisher vernachlässigtes Risiko: die Anreicherung migrierender Problemstoffe in der Nährlösung und den Pflanzen. Die Systemkomponenten, zu denen meist Kunststoffbasierte Rinnen gehören, bestehen u.a. aus Polyvinylchlorid (PVC) oder Polyethylen (PE), die derzeit nicht spezifischen gesetzlichen Anforderungen für den Anbau von Nahrungspflanzen unterliegen. Es ist unklar, wie diese Materialien durch den Kulturführungsprozess beeinflusst werden oder wie sie die Pflanzenperformance und -qualität durch freigesetzte Leachables wie beispielsweise Antioxidantien und Stabilisatoren beeinträchtigen. Das Forschungsprojekt HYDROFARM@material untersucht die Interaktionen zwischen Kunststoffmaterialien und Pflanzen. Die Methodik umfasst die Charakterisierung hydroponischer Systeme und die Extraktion und Analyse der Kunststoffkomponenten. Zusätzlich wird die Pflanze-Material-Interaktion mit Fokus auf Leachables und deren Einfluss auf die Pflanzen untersucht. Ziel ist es, die Auswirkungen dieser Materialinteraktionen auf die Pflanzenperformance zu ermitteln und einen Richtlinienkatalog für den nachhaltigen Einsatz von Kunststoffen, die sowohl Recyclingfähigkeit als auch ressourcenschonende Herstellung berücksichtigen, in hydroponischen Systemen zu entwickeln. Die Erforschung dieser Interaktionen soll nicht nur die Qualität und Sicherheit der Erzeugnisse verbessern, sondern auch zur Ressourceneffizienz und Langlebigkeit der Systeme beitragen. Langfristig strebt das Projekt eine Standardisierung und Optimierung des Materialeinsatzes in hydroponischen Kultursystemen an, um eine nachhaltige und sichere Lebensmittelproduktion zu gewährleisten
Einfluss verschiedener Düngeverfahren auf den Selengehalt der Früchte von Apfelbäumen
No full textIn Regionen mit selenarmen Böden hat sich die agronomische Biofortifikation als wirksames und sicheres Mittel erwiesen, um die Selenversorgung der Bevölkerung zu verbessern. Ziel dieser Untersuchung war es, herauszufinden, welche Düngungstechnik am besten geeignet ist, den Selengehalt von Äpfeln zu erhöhen. In einem Feldversuch wurden Apfelbäume der Sorte 'Topaz' wiederholt mit zwei verschiedenen Selenformen (Natriumselenat und Natriumselenit) gedüngt. Die Applikation erfolgte dabei entweder mittels Blattdüngung (mit insgesamt 0,75 kg Selen pro Hektar) oder Bodendüngung (mit insgesamt 1,8 kg Selen pro Hektar). Durch die Blattdüngung konnte der Selengehalt in Äpfeln auf 16 μg/100 g FS erhöht werden, unabhängig von der angewandten Selenform. Bei der Bodendüngung war die Selenanreicherung in den Früchten, trotz der deutlich höheren Selenaufwandmenge, geringer. Selenatdüngegaben erhöhten den Selengehalt auf 3 μg/100 g FS. Bei der Selenitbehandlung blieb er bei 0,1 mg/100 g FS, was dem Wert der ungedüngten Kontrolle entspricht. Das Waschen der Früchte unter fließendem Wasser hatte bei keiner der Behandlungen einen Einfluss auf den Selengehalt der Äpfel. Im Falle der Blattdüngung mit Selenat drang etwa die Hälfte des biofortifizierten Selens in das Fruchtfleisch ein. Etwa ein Fünftel des aufgenommenen Selens wurde im Kerngehäuse nachgewiesen. Dies deutet auf eine gewisse Translokation des Elements aus den Blättern in die Früchte hin. Die Selen-Biofortifikation beeinflusste weder das durchschnittliche Einzelfruchtgewicht noch die Festigkeit des Fruchtfleisches oder den löslichen Trockensubstanzgehalt der Äpfel. Die mit der Blattdüngung von Selenit und Selenat verbundenen Blattnekrosen hatten also offensichtlich keine negativen Auswirkungen auf die Fruchtentwicklung. Die Blattdüngung stellt somit einen vielversprechenden Ansatz dar, um den gesundheitlichen Wert von Äpfeln durch Biofortifikation mit Selen zu erhöhen
Uncover the potential of secreted Luciferases expressed in Aspergillus niger : Fusion-proteins and high-throughput screening
No full textAspergillus niger is a filamentous fungus extensively utilized in industrial biotechnology for the production of enzymes, organic acids, and other metabolites. The increasing demand for enhanced protein production and efficient secretion pathways necessitates the development of novel screening methods. Although luciferase technology has been employed in mammalian cells and bacteria for an extended period, only recent advancements have expanded its applicability in fungal biology to investigate gene expression, signal transduction, and metabolic processes. The research landscape is shaped not only by optimization efforts and persistent challenges, but high-throughput methods are currently a primary focus, particularly for the screening of traits pertinent to industrial enzyme production.
In this study, we report successful heterologous expression and secretion of extracellular luciferases in A. niger. Using a luciferase-based high-throughput screening assay in 96-well plates, a sensitive method for evaluating the differences in secretion or production efficiency was introduced. This will be highly valuable for screening genetic modifications, for example, across mutant libraries of secretion signals, in future applications. Moreover, fusion of luciferases with homologous or heterologous proteins offers a straightforward approach for determining the secretion and production efficiencies of proteins, both without any enzymatic activity and with activity that is challenging to measure.
The findings of this study indicate that this novel assay addresses the limitations of conventional screening methodologies and may significantly enhance the application of luciferase technology in filamentous fungi. Moreover, the results demonstrate the potential for subsequent research to expand this approach, facilitating improved production systems for A. niger
Consumer perspectives on the national electronic health record and barriers to its adoption in Germany : does health policy require a change in communication?
Get PDFBackground
The national health record (ePA) was introduced January 1st, 2021 in Germany and is available to every person insured under statutory health insurance. This study investigated the acceptance and expectations of the national health record in Germany, focusing on consumer perspectives, expectations, barriers, information needs, and communication aspects.
Methods
An exploratory, observational, cross-sectional online survey was conducted one year after ePA introduction, followed by descriptive statistical analysis.
Results
The top three ePA use cases were medical document collection, simplified data exchange between medical institutions, and emergency medical information. Adoption barriers included lack of information and access, privacy concerns, and perceived lack of necessity. Participants that felt informed about the ePA, reported they received information primarily from health insurances, the media, and educational or professional sources, mainly through printed brochures, social media, or via emails. Most participants (86.5%) preferred being informed through conversations, particularly with health insurance providers (81.5%) and doctors (61.0%). Written information was highly desired (94.5%), preferably via email or information letters/flyers. However, more than half of the participants (55.6%) reported being uninformed about the ePA introduction.
Conclusion
The study revealed a communication gap between providers and consumers, leading to a low acceptance rate of digital health technologies. Comparisons with other countries showed low adoption rates for opt-in systems. The authors suggest changing communication strategies, given users prefer direct information from doctors or health insurance companies. Adopting an opt-out system with professional social media and marketing campaigns could increase nationwide ePA adoption
Time and Frequency Domain Analysis of IMU-Based Orientation Estimation Algorithms with Comparison to Robotic Arm Orientation as Reference
No full textThis work focuses on time and frequency domain analyses of IMU-based orientation estimation algorithms, including indirect Kalman (IKF), Madgwick (MF), and complementary (CF) filters. Euler angles and quaternions are used for orientation representation. A 6-DoF IMU is attached to a 6-joint UR5e robotic arm, with the robot’s orientation serving as the reference. Robotic arm data is obtained via an RTDE interface and IMU data via a CAN bus. Test signals include pose sequences, which are big-amplitude, slowly changing signals used to evaluate stationary and low-dynamics responses in the time domain, and small-amplitude, fast-changing generalized binary noise (GBN) signals used to evaluate dynamic responses in the frequency domain. To prevent poor filters’ performance, their parameters are tuned. In the time domain, RMSE and MaxAE are calculated for roll and pitch. In the frequency domain, composite frequency response and coherence are calculated using the Ockier method. RMSEs are computed for response magnitude and coherence, and averaged equivalent time delay (AETD) is derived from the response phase. In the time domain, MF and CF show the best overall performance. In the frequency domain, they again perform similarly well. IKF consistently performs the worst in both domains but achieves the lowest AETD
Constraints on Universal Well-being
No full textThe ambition to achieve well-being for all members of society appears to conflict with the central role of competition in organizing not only the economy but also many other spheres of life. While competition can often be productive and lead to win-win outcomes, it can also have nega-tive side effects and prove wasteful from a societal perspective, particularly in the case of posi-tional competition—that is, competition for goods in absolutely limited supply.
This contribution develops a systematic framework for evaluating the potential of certain well-being enhancing efforts to achieve universal well-being, distinguishing between efforts that can genuinely enhance well-being for all and those that can only benefit a few. Building on the litera-ture on positional goods, we introduce key distinctions: means versus ends, short-run versus long-run positional goods, intra-temporal versus inter-temporal competition, and competition for stocks versus flows. These distinctions illuminate the logical and practical constraints on gener-alizable well-being, considering impacts across societies and generations. While adopting a primarily positive approach ("Can this work for all?"), we also address normative implications regarding the justification of privilege.
Our analysis reveals that some paths to well-being are inherently non-generalizable and that an overly individualistic focus risks the fallacy of composition. We conclude that claims of univer-sally beneficial well-being enhancements require a comprehensive perspective that accounts for intra-societal, inter-societal and intergenerational costs
Do We Need a Scientific Standard Design for Yellow Sticky Traps?
No full textYellow sticky traps are commonly used in horticultural production to monitor the insect pests Frankliniella occidentalis and Trialeurodes vaporariorum. As there are no binding specifications for their characteristics, we asked if different trap designs have comparable trapping properties. In greenhouse trials, we compared the trapping properties of six commercially available yellow sticky trap variants, which differed in yellow colour and adhesive component. We found that the variants differ by a factor of up to 10 in their ability to trap F. occidentalis and T. vaporariorum. The results indicate that the cause of the differences probably lies in the adhesive components used. For F. occidentalis, up to around 70% of the initially caught thrips were able to actively escape on some trap variants. This suggests the need to develop and introduce a scientific and a production standard design for the characteristics of yellow sticky traps. Such a standard design would make it easier to compare scientific findings from the monitoring of F. occidentalis and T. vaporariorum and transfer them into further practical applications. For growers, a standard design would also increase the reliability of information gained from trapping
Dynamics of Boron in Organic Growing Media : Influence of Fertilizer Form and Its Implications for Plant Growth
No full textFor the cultivation of horticultural crops in organic growing media, a boron concentration of 0.2–1.0 mg (L substrate)⁻¹, determined using the calcium chloride/DTPA (CAT) extraction method according to DIN EN 13651:2002-01, is recommended. However, this reference range is based on a limited number of pot experiments with boric acid as a boron fertilizer. Previous investigations indicate that the concentration of CAT-extractable boron in growing media rapidly decreases after boron fertilization. To date, little is known about whether this decline affects plant growth. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the dynamics of boron in a peat-based growing medium and its impact on plant growth. The substrate was base-dressed with different boron fertilizer forms, each at three concentration levels (0.1, 0.5, and 2.0 mg B (L substrate)⁻¹), and adjusted to pH (CaCl₂) 5.0 and 6.0. Subsequently, the substrate was used for a pot experiment with basil (Ocimum basilicum cv. 'Gustosa'), either immediately after boron fertilization or following a nine-week storage period.
Directly after the base dressing, on average, 76% of the boron applied as boric acid and borax was detected in the growing medium using CAT extraction. The recovery rate increased with decreasing substrate pH and increasing boron supply. When fertilizing with calcium borate, less than one-third of the applied boron was recovered in the substrate. During storage, the boron concentration in the substrate declined by a further 56% on average. However, this reduction was only marginally influenced by substrate pH, boron fertilizer form, and application rate. In the pot experiment, the boron content in the dry matter of basil shoots was closely correlated with the CAT-extractable boron concentration in the growing medium (R² = 0.95). The suitability of the CAT method for predicting the phytoavailable boron concentration in growing substrates can thus be confirmed for potted basil and the three tested boron fertilizer forms. Optimal plant growth was achieved at 0.05, 0.06, and 0.28 mg boron (L substrate)⁻¹ when fertilizing with calcium borate, borax, and boric acid, respectively. Storage of the substrate prior to planting reduced basil shoot fresh matter yield by about 2%. Apparently, even relatively low boron base dressings were sufficient to meet the boron demand of basil, even in stored growing media. Overall, the findings indicate that potted basil plants are adequately supplied with boron at a CAT-extractable boron concentration of 0.3 mg (L substrate)⁻¹
Effectiveness of physical activity prescription for individuals with craniocervical pain : preliminary results for Temporomandibular Dysfunction
No full textO objetivo esse estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da prescrição de atividade física comparadas com outros tratamentos para diminuir a intensidade da dor em indivíduos com Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM). A revisão sistemática foi previamente registrada (PROSPERO CRD42024594589). As buscas preliminares foram realizadas em Maio de 2023 em cinco bases eletrônicas. O risco de viés foi avaliado pelo instrumento Risk of bias tool 2 do grupo Cochrane. De 2.753 estudos triadas pelos títulos e resumos, 22 foram incluídos na revisão primária (DTM, dor cervical e cefaleia). Entretanto, apenas 5 estudos (publicados entre 1999 e 2024) focaram em indivíduos com DTM, e todos envolveram a prescrição de exercícios mandibulares. Dois estudos compararam exercícios mandibulares domiciliares com recomendações de autocuidado, e a metanálise não encontrou diferenças (diferença média 0.06 IC -0.25; 0.36). Um estudo ressaltou que a combinação de exercícios domiciliares com terapia manual não foi superior a terapia manual isolada, mas superior ao grupo controle sem tratamento. Outro estudo mostrou que exercícios mandibulares supervisionados foram superiores à prescrição domiciliar. Dois estudos comparam exercícios mandibulares com uso de placa interoclusal, ressaltando efeitos similares das terapias. 80% dos estudos incluídos tiverem um alto risco de viés. Conclui-se preliminarmente que a prescrição de exercícios mandibulares tem efeito coadjuvante quando comparado a terapia manual, exercícios supervisionados ou uso de placa interoclusal.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of prescribing physical activity compared to other treatments to reduce the intensity of pain in individuals with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). The systematic review was previously registered (PROSPERO CRD42024594589). Preliminary searches were carried out in May 2023 on five electronic databases. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Group's Risk of Bias Tool 2. Of 2,753 studies screened by titles and abstracts, 22 were included in the primary review (TMD, neck pain and headache). However, only 5 studies (published between 1999 and 2024) focused on individuals with TMD, and all involved the prescription of mandibular exercises. Two studies compared home mandibular exercises with self-care recommendations, and the meta-analysis found no differences (mean difference 0.06 CI -0.25; 0.36). One study pointed out that the combination of home exercises with manual therapy was not superior to manual therapy alone, but superior to the untreated control group. Another study showed that supervised mandibular exercises were superior to home prescription. Two studies compared mandibular exercises with the use of an bite splint, highlighting similar effects of the therapies. 80% of the included studies had a high risk of bias. It is preliminarily concluded that the prescription of mandibular exercises has a coadjuvant effect when compared to manual therapy, supervised exercises or the use of bite splint