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Nutzbarmachung von RFLP im V-Modell für eine interdisziplinäre Entwicklung Digitaler Zwillinge
Get PDFDigital Twins have numerous potentials like performance analysis, condition monitoring or process optimization. As the development of Digital Twins is a highly interdisciplinary task, it poses challenges and is therefore rarely utilized. This contribution considers the interdisciplinary development of Digital Twins as an interplay between sensors, models and IT infrastructure. It builds on previous publications that deal with the domains of models, sensors and IT infrastructures in the context of Digital Twins as well as domain-specific development procedures. For this purpose, the V‑model of VDI 2206 is used and modified for the context of the Digital Twin. In order to integrate the findings of the preliminary work into the V‑model at a more concrete level, they are sorted into an RFLP framework, which in turn is integrated into the V‑model. The resulting development approach covers the entire development process at a transferable, abstract level, while at the same time providing concrete steps at a directly applicable level. The results are illustrated using an exemplary application of an industrial gearbox.Zusammenfassung Digitale Zwillinge weisen zahlreiche Potenziale auf, wie etwa die Zustandsüberwachung oder Leistungsanalyse von Systemen bis hin zur Prozessoptimierung. Die Entwicklung Digitaler Zwillinge ist allerdings eine hochgradig interdisziplinäre Aufgabe, welche für viele Unternehmen eine Herausforderung darstellt. Aus diesem Grund adressiert dieser Beitrag die interdisziplinäre Entwicklung Digitaler Zwillinge als Zusammenspiel von Sensoren, Modellen und IT-Infrastruktur. Der Beitrag baut dazu auf Vorarbeiten auf, die sich mit den Domänen Modelle, Sensoren und IT-Infrastrukturen im Kontext Digitaler Zwillinge sowie mit domänenspezifischen Entwicklungsverfahren beschäftigen. Um die Erkenntnisse der Vorarbeiten auf einer konkreteren Ebene in das V-Modell der VDI 2206 zu integrieren, werden sie in ein RFLP-Framework einsortiert, das wiederum in das V-Modell integriert wird. Der daraus resultierende Entwicklungsansatz deckt den gesamten Entwicklungsprozess auf einer übertragbaren, abstrakten Ebene ab und liefert gleichzeitig konkrete Schritte auf einer direkt anwendbaren Ebene. Die Ergebnisse werden anhand einer beispielhaften Anwendung eines Industriegetriebes veranschaulicht.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.BMWKTechnische Universität Darmstadt (3139
Religiosity and heterodox constructions of reality within digital muslim communities in the context of the corona pandemic. An explorative analysis of facebook discussions
No full textZusammenfassung Die vergangenen Jahre waren weltweit von der Corona-Pandemie geprägt, welche von erheblichen gesellschaftlichen Transformationsprozessen begleitet wurde. Die plötzlich und unvorhergesehen eingetretene pandemische Lage leistete der Entstehung von heterodoxen Deutungen Vorschub, welche mit alternativen Erklärungsansätzen für die außergewöhnliche Situation aufwarteten. Besonders kontrovers wurde die Corona-Schutzimpfung diskutiert, deren (Nicht)Inanspruchnahme häufig mit widerstreitenden Wirklichkeitskonstruktionen begründet wurde. Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Untersuchung sind 50 Diskussionsbeiträge aus muslimischen Facebook-Gruppen entlang der Grounded-Theory-Methodologie ausgewertet worden. Im Fokus der Analyse standen die zentralen Deutungs- und Erklärungsmuster von Menschen muslimischen Glaubens, welche diese im Kontext der Corona-Schutzimpfung im Speziellen und der Corona-Pandemie im Allgemeinen zum Ausdruck brachten. Auf diese Weise kann nachvollzogen werden, wie Muslim:innen heterodoxe ‚profane‘ Deutungen aufgreifen, diese mit religiösen Wissensbeständen verbinden und ferner, welche Nihilierungsstrategien sie zur Abwehr heterodoxer Deutungen einsetzen. Auf Basis dieser Untersuchung konnten schließlich drei Idealtypen differenziert werden, welche sich substanziell in der Art und Weise der Deutung und Erklärung gesellschaftlicher Phänomene unterscheiden. Im Einklang mit vorhandener Forschung zeigt sich ein ambivalenter Einfluss von Religiosität auf die Offenheit für heterodoxe Wirklichkeitsbestimmungen.The past few years have been globally shaped by the corona pandemic, which has been accompanied by significant social transformation processes. The sudden and unforeseen pandemic situation encouraged the emergence of heterodox interpretations, which provided alternative explanations for the extraordinary situation. The discussion around the coronavirus vaccination was particularly controversial, with its (non-)utilization often justified by conflicting constructions of reality. In the context of this study, 50 discussion posts from Muslim Facebook groups were analyzed using Grounded Theory Methodology. The analysis focused on the central patterns of interpretation and explanation expressed by Muslims, especially in the context of the coronavirus vaccination and the broader coronavirus pandemic. This approach allows us to understand how Muslims adopt heterodox ‘profane’ interpretations, connect them with religious knowledge, and furthermore, what strategies of nihilification they employ to defend against heterodox interpretations. Based on this investigation, three ideal types were identified, which differ substantially in the way they interpret and explain social phenomena. Consistent with existing research, an ambivalent influence of religiosity on openness to heterodox constructions of reality is evident.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschunghttp://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100002347Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (1041
The distribution of lateral rib fractures: a validation and further development of the AO/OTA classification system in patients with fractures at the rib shaft
No full textIntroduction Rib fractures are prevalent and clinically significant injuries, often associated with thoracic trauma. Despite their frequency, the precise distribution and characteristics of rib shaft fractures remain underexplored. This study investigates the distribution, location, and classification of lateral rib fractures using the AO/OTA classification, focusing on fracture patterns and the relationship to neighbored ribs. Methods The study retrospectively analyzed 116 patients with 617 isolated rib fractures treated at a Level 1 trauma center over seven years. Using CT scans, fractures between the tubercle and osteochondral junction of the rib shaft were examined. Fracture type, dislocation, and location were categorized according to AO standards. The 116 patients underwent detailed statistical analysis to identify distribution patterns and correlations between fracture characteristics. Results The fractures predominantly occurred between the fifth and seventh ribs, with a focus in the anterolateral to lateral region (40°–69°). Type A fractures were more anteriorly located, while type B fractures and dislocations shifted posteriorly. A regression analysis confirmed the significance of fracture type and dislocation in determining fracture position. Moreover, fractures showed clustering patterns, with adjacent ribs more likely to be injured. A caudal shift in fracture density and localization from the cranial to the caudal thorax was also observed. Discussion and conclusion The findings validate the AO/OTA classification for rib fractures, highlighting the need for refined subsegmental divisions within the rib shaft for more precise clinical application. The study underscores the relationship between fracture location, type, and associated injuries, advocating for multicenter studies and a comprehensive classification system for thoracic trauma. This could enhance our understanding of injury patterns and inform treatment strategies.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (8546
Empowering personalized oncology: evolution of digital support and visualization tools for molecular tumor boards
No full textBackground Molecular tumor boards (MTBs) play a pivotal role in personalized oncology, leveraging complex data sets to tailor therapy for cancer patients. The integration of digital support and visualization tools is essential in this rapidly evolving field facing fast-growing data and changing clinical processes. This study addresses the gap in understanding the evolution of software and visualization needs within MTBs and evaluates the current state of digital support. Alignment between user requirements and software development is crucial to avoid waste of resources and maintain trust. Methods In two consecutive nationwide medical informatics projects in Germany, surveys and expert interviews were conducted as stage 1 ( n = 14), stage 2 ( n = 30), and stage 3 ( n = 9). Surveys, via the SoSci Survey tool, covered participants' roles, working methods, and support needs. The second survey additionally addressed requirements for visualization solutions in molecular tumor boards. These aimed to understand diverse requirements for preparation, implementation, and documentation. Nine semi-structured expert interviews complemented quantitative findings through open discussion. Results Using quantitative and qualitative analyses, we show that existing digital tools may improve therapy recommendations and streamline MTB case preparation, while continuous training and system improvements are needed. Conclusions Our study contributes to the field by highlighting the importance of developing user-centric, customizable software solutions that can adapt to the fast-paced environment of MTBs to advance personalized oncology. In doing so, it lays the foundation for further advances in personalized medicine in oncology and points to a shift towards more efficient, technology-driven clinical decision-making processes. This research not only enriches our understanding of the integration of digital tools into MTBs, but also signals a broader shift towards technological innovation in healthcare.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (1041
Investigation of Inertial Cavitation Induced by Modulated Focused Ultrasound Stimuli
No full textA passive cavitation detection setup is used to assess and verify the capability of frequency- and amplitudemodulated ultrasound burst signals on the generation of inertial cavitation. The measurements were conducted with a flowthrough tissue-mimicking phantom with a canal of dc = 1mm in diameter simulating a fine blood vessel. By means of a flow velocity of vf= 50mm/s circulating blood in the cardiovascular system is imitated. Applying signal frequencies from f = 550 − 950 kHz and peak rarefaction pressures in a range from ˆpPRFP ≈ 0.17 − 1.81 MPa, various ultrasound stimuli with alternating signal parameters were investigated in the absence and presence of a talcum-water mixture acting as cavitation nuclei. By evaluating the broadband emissions in the frequency domain and calculating the voltage spectral density Srm, the results can be compared. The findings of the present study demonstrate that each ultrasound stimulus triggers a similar strength of cavitation noise at the same Mechanical Index, representing a certain pressure. Over the whole frequency and Mechanical Index (pressure) range, each ultrasound signal type generates a voltage spectral density from Srm= 0.25 − 2.25 V/ √ Hz
Safety outcome trials in four mainline medical journals 30 years apart: a narrative review and the need for the transparency of informed consents
Get PDFBackground It was our impression that safety outcome trials were getting more frequent, raising ethical issues mainly related to patient autonomy. We and others had also proposed this autonomy would be best served if wording of the informed consents would be in the public domain. Methods Initially two observers and an arbiter tabulated the main aims of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 1990–1991 vs. 2019–2020 as efficacy, safety, or undecided in four mainline medical journals, from the websites. A pragmatic design as well as other salient features was also tabulated. After noting too many trials were categorized as undecided, two additional independent observers and the arbiter did a reassessment. Results In our reassessment of 889 RCTs, 309 in earlier and 580 in the later time period, 828 (93%) were categorized as efficacy and 47 (5%) as a safety trial. We were undecided in 14 (2%) trials. The proportion of safety outcome trials between the two time periods were similar [14/309 (5%) vs. 33/580 (6%)] while RCTs of any category conducted in the critical care settings notably increased in time [12/309 (4%) vs. 52/580 (9%) OR 2.4; 1.3–4.6]. Death was a primary outcome measure in 0/14 among the earlier and 16/33 (49%) among the later safety outcome trials. Stroke in 9 and myocardial infarction in 8 safety outcome trials were additional primary outcome measures in the same group. There were 2 pragmatic trials in the earlier and 93 in the later period. Conclusion Although we did not observe a differential increase among the safety outcome trials of all categories, those in critical care settings had significantly increased in time. So did the safety outcome trials with primary outcome measures like death, myocardial infarction, and stroke as well as randomized controlled trials with a pragmatic design. These raise the issue of autonomy related to how clearly the sought-after safety through designing empirical studies primarily to quantitate harm had been worded to the trial participants in plain language. We maintain this issue cannot be adequately addressed unless the informed consent forms, especially for safety outcome trials, are in the public domain
Etablierung eines dreidimensionalen Zellkultursystems für humane Pankreaskarzinomzellen und Behandlung von Tumorsphäroiden mit Mitoxantron beladenen supraparamagnetischen Eisenoxid-Nanopartikeln
Get PDFPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a hard-to-treat, deadly malignancy. Traditional treatments, such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, unfortunately are still not able to significantly improve long-term survival. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures might be a platform to study new drug types in a highly reproducible, resource-saving model within a relevant pathophysiological cellular microenvironment. We used a 3D culture of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines to investigate a potential new treatment approach using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as a drug delivery system for mitoxantrone (MTO), a chemotherapeutic agent. We established a PaCa DD183 cell line and generated PANC-1SMAD4 (-/-) cells by using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, differing in a prognostically relevant mutation in the TGF- pathway. Afterwards, we formed spheroids using PaCa DD183, PANC-1 and PANC-1SMAD4 (-/-) cells, and analyzed the uptake and cytotoxic effect of free MTO and MTO-loaded SPIONs by microscopy and flow cytometry. MTO and SPION–MTO-induced cell death in all tumor spheroids in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, spheroids with a SMAD4 mutation showed an increased uptake of MTO and SPION–MTO, while at the same time being more resistant to the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapeutic agents. MTOloaded SPIONs, with their ability for magnetic drug targeting, could be a future approach for treating
pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas
When discussing the desirability of religious robots: courage for theology!
No full textOpen Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (1041
Analysis of Photocatalytic Properties of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Composites with Titanium(IV) and Ruthenium(III) Complexes
Get PDFThis study explores poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based composites as potential alternatives to conventional TiO2-based photocatalysts. Specifically, it examines PMMA composites enriched with oxo–titanium(IV) complexes, [Ti8O2(OiPr)20(man)4] (1), [Ti4O(OiPr)10(O3C14H8)2] (2), and [Ti6O4(OiPr)2(O3C14H8)4(O2CEt)6] (3), alongside ruthenium(III) complexes, K[Ru(Hedta)Cl]∙2H2O (4) and [Ru(pic)3]·H2O (5). We assessed the physicochemical, adsorption, and photocatalytic properties of these composites with structural analyses (Raman spectroscopy, X-ray absorption (XAS), and SEM-EDX), confirming the stability of complexes within the PMMA matrix. Composites containing titanium(IV) compounds demonstrated notably higher photocatalytic efficiency than those with ruthenium(III) complexes. Based on activity profiles, composites were categorized into three types: (i) UV-light active (complexes (1) and (2)), (ii) visible-light active (complexes (4) and (5)), and (iii) dual-range active (complex (3)). The results highlight the strong potential of titanium(IV)–PMMA composites for UV-driven photocatalysis. Moreover, their activity can be extended to the visible range after structural modifications. Ruthenium(III)–PMMA composites, in turn, showed superior performance under visible light. Overall, PMMA composites with titanium(IV) or ruthenium(III) complexes demonstrate promising photocatalytic properties for applications using both UV and visible light ranges.This research was funded by the National Science Center (Grant No. 2020/37/B/ST4/01082).National Science Cente
Einfluss der thermischen Behandlung auf die funktionellen Eigenschaften und den Phasenübergang der bleifreien Piezokeramik Bi1/2K1/2TiO3.
No full textPiezoelectric materials are capable of unique electromechanical behavior relevant to a wide
range of applications, including angular sensors, and energy harvesting systems. However, a
large number of these applications operate at elevated temperatures and consequently demand
materials designed to function in these harsh environments. Moreover, the use of toxic heavy
metals, such as lead, frequently used in piezoelectric materials has been limited by international
legislation. Therefore, this work reports the influence of thermal processes on the
electromechanical response as well as the phase stability of the lead-free piezoelectric
Bi1/2K1/2TiO3. The material Bi1/2K1/2TiO3 was chosen because it exhibits a temperature-stable
piezoelectric response almost 100 °C higher than many current state-of-the-art lead-containing
ferroelectrics. Hence, Bi1/2K1/2TiO3 ceramics have been synthesized by solid-state route, and
various thermal treatments, i.e., sintering, and post-densification annealing have been utilized
in order to enhance their functional properties together with their temperature stability resulting
from a variation in crystal and microstructure as well as a rearrangement of A-sites cations in
the lattice induced by thermal treatment.Piezoelektrische Materialien verfügen über ein einzigartiges elektromechanisches Verhalten,
das für eine Vielzahl von Anwendungen relevant ist, darunter Winkelsensoren und
Energiegewinnungssysteme. Viele dieser Anwendungen arbeiten jedoch bei hohen
Temperaturen und erfordern daher Materialien, die für den Einsatz in diesen rauen
Umgebungen ausgelegt sind. Darüber hinaus wurde die Verwendung von giftigen
Schwermetallen wie Blei, die häufig in piezoelektrischen Materialien eingesetzt werden, durch
internationale Rechtsvorschriften eingeschränkt. Daher wird in dieser Arbeit der Einfluss
thermischer Prozesse auf das elektromechanische Verhalten sowie die Phasenstabilität des
bleifreien piezoelektrischen Bi1/2K1/2TiO3 untersucht. Das Material Bi1/2K1/2TiO3 wurde
ausgewählt, weil es ein temperaturstabiles piezoelektrisches Verhalten aufweist, das fast 100
°C höher ist als das vieler aktueller bleihaltiger Ferroelektrika. Die Bi1/2K1/2TiO3-Keramik
wurde im Festkörperverfahren synthetisiert, und verschiedene thermische Behandlungen, d. h.
Sintern und Glühen nach der Verdichtung, wurden angewandt, um die funktionellen
Eigenschaften und die Temperaturstabilität zu verbessern, die sich aus der Veränderung der
Kristall- und Mikrostruktur sowie aus der durch die thermische Behandlung bewirkten
Umlagerung der A-Kationen im Gitter ergeben