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Online grocery shopping (OGS) has significantly risen due to accelerated retail digitization and reshaped consumer shopping behaviors over the last years. Despite this trend, the German online grocery market lags behind its international counterparts. Notably, with almost half of the German population aged over 50 and the 55–64 age group emerging as the largest user segment in e-commerce, the over-50 demographic presents an attractive yet relatively overlooked audience for the expansion of the online grocery market. However, research on OGS behavior among German over-50s is scarce. This study addresses this gap, empirically investigating OGS adoption factors within this demographic through an online survey with 179 respondents. Our findings reveal that over a third of the over-50 demographic has embraced OGS, indicating a growing receptivity for OGS among the over-50s. Notably, home delivery, product variety, convenience, and curiosity emerged as primary drivers for OGS adoption among this demographic. Surprisingly, most adopters did not increase online grocery orders since 2020 and a not inconsiderable proportion have even stopped buying groceries online again. For potential OGS adopters, regional product availability turned out as a motivator, signaling substantial growth potential and providing online grocers with strategic opportunities to target this demographic. In light of our research, we offer practical suggestions to online grocery retailers, aiming to overcome barriers and capitalize on key drivers identified in our study for sustained growth in the over-50 market segment.
In a randomized controlled cross-over study ten male runners (26.7 ± 4.9 years; recent 5-km time: 18:37 ± 1:07 min:s) performed an incremental treadmill test (ITT) and a 3-km time trial (3-km TT) on a treadmill while wearing either carbon fiber insoles with downwards curvature or insoles made of butyl rubber (control condition) in light road racing shoes (Saucony Fastwitch 9). Oxygen uptake, respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, stride frequency, stride length and time to exhaustion were assessed during ITT. After ITT, all runners rated their perceived exertion, perceived shoe comfort and perceived shoe performance. Running time, heart rate, blood lactate levels, stride frequency and stride length were recorded during, and shoe comfort and shoe performance after, the 3-km TT. All parameters obtained during or after the ITT did not differ between the two conditions [range: p = 0.188 to 0.948 (alpha value: 0.05); Cohen's d = 0.021 to 0.479] despite the rating of shoe comfort showing better scores for the control insoles (p = 0.001; d = −1.646). All parameters during and after the 3-km TT showed no differences (p = 0.200 to 1.000; d = 0.000 to 0.501) between both conditions except for shoe comfort showing better scores for control insoles (p = 0.017; d = −0.919). Running with carbon fiber insoles with downwards curvature did not change running performance or any submaximal or maximal physiological or biomechanical parameter and perceived exertion compared to control condition. Shoe comfort is impaired while running with carbon fiber insoles. Wearing carbon fiber insoles with downwards curvature during treadmill running is not beneficial when compared to running with control insoles.
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of approaches to the determination of isocontours and isosurfaces from given data sets. Different algorithms are reported in the literature for this purpose, which originate from various application areas, such as computer graphics or medical imaging procedures. In all these applications, the challenge is to extract surfaces with a specific isovalue from a given characteristic, so called isosurfaces. These different application areas have given rise to solution approaches that all solve the problem of isocontouring in their own way. Based on the literature, the following four dominant methods can be identified: the marching cubes algorithms, the tessellation-based algorithms, the surface nets algorithms and the ray tracing algorithms. With regard to their application, it can be seen that the methods are mainly used in the fields of medical imaging, computer graphics and the visualization of simulation results. In our work, we provide a broad and compact overview of the common methods that are currently used in terms of isocontouring with respect to certain criteria and their individual limitations. In this context, we discuss the individual methods and identify possible future research directions in the field of isocontouring.
Background: Assistive Robotic Arms are designed to assist physically disabled people with daily activities. Existing joysticks and head controls are not applicable for severely disabled people such as people with Locked-in Syndrome. Therefore, eye tracking control is part of ongoing research. The related literature spans many disciplines, creating a heterogeneous field that makes it difficult to gain an overview.
Objectives: This work focuses on ARAs that are controlled by gaze and eye movements. By answering the research questions, this paper provides details on the design of the systems, a comparison of input modalities, methods for measuring the performance of these controls, and an outlook on research areas that gained interest in recent years.
Methods: This review was conducted as outlined in the PRISMA 2020 Statement. After identifying a wide range of approaches in use the authors decided to use the PRISMA-ScR extension for a scoping review to present the results. The identification process was carried out by screening three databases. After the screening process, a snowball search was conducted.
Results: 39 articles and 6 reviews were included in this article. Characteristics related to the system and study design were extracted and presented divided into three groups based on the use of eye tracking.
Conclusion: This paper aims to provide an overview for researchers new to the field by offering insight into eye tracking based robot controllers. We have identified open questions that need to be answered in order to provide people with severe motor function loss with systems that are highly useable and accessible.
Der Online-Handel verzeichnet seit Jahren ein stetiges Wachstum. Durch die COVID-19-Pandemie kaufen nun auch Nutzende, die zuvor physische Kanäle bevorzugten, vermehrt online ein. Der Anbietererfolg hängt dabei wesentlich von der Kenntnis über die Kund*innen ab. Allerdings dominieren einige große Anbieter den Markt, während kleinere Online-Shops Schwierigkeiten haben, ihre Angebote zu personalisieren. Eine Lösung bietet der Ansatz selbstbestimmter Identitäten. Dieser ermöglicht Kund*innen, ihre eigenen Shoppingdaten zu kontrollieren und sie selektiv mit Online-Shops zu teilen. Dadurch können individuelle Wünsche und Anforderungen der Kund*innen in Online-Shops berücksichtigt und ein personalisiertes Angebot sowie eine gute Nutzungserfahrung geboten werden. Trotz des großen Potenzials selbstbestimmter Identitäten ist der Ansatz in Deutschland kaum verbreitet. Dieser Beitrag beleuchtet den Einsatz selbstbestimmter Identitäten im Online-Handel. Mithilfe eines menschenzentrierten Gestaltungsprozesses wurden Personas und Ist-Szenarien erstellt, sowie daraus resultierend Anforderungen erhoben und Potenziale identifiziert. Auf Basis dessen konnte ein Daten- und Architekturmodell zur Integration von selbstbestimmten Identitäten im Online-Handel entwickelt werden.
"Ad fontes!"
Francesco Petrarca (1301–1374)
In the beginning, there was an idea: the reconstruction of the first "Iron Hand" of the Franconian imperial knight Götz von Berlichingen (1480–1562). We found that with this historical prosthesis, simple actions for daily use, such as holding a wine glass, a mobile phone, a bicycle handlebar grip, a horse’s reins, or some grapes, are possible without effort. Controlling this passive artificial hand, however, is based on the help of a healthy second hand.
Batteries typically consist of multiple individual cells connected in series. Here we demonstrate single-cell state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) diagnosis in a 24 V class lithium-ion battery. To this goal, we introduce and apply a novel, highly efficient algorithm based on a voltage-controlled model (VCM). The battery, consisting of eight single cells, is cycled over a duration of five months under a simple cycling protocol between 20 % and 100 % SOC. The cell-to-cell standard deviations obtained with the novel algorithm were 1.25 SOC-% and 1.07 SOH-% at beginning of cycling. A cell-averaged capacity loss of 9.9 % after five months cycling was observed. While the accuracy of single-cell SOC estimation was limited (probably owed to the flat voltage characteristics of the lithium iron phosphate, LFP, chemistry investigated here), single-cell SOH estimation showed a high accuracy (2.09 SOH-% mean absolute error compared to laboratory reference tests). Because the algorithm does not require observers, filters, or neural networks, it is computationally very efficient (three seconds analysis time for the complete data set consisting of eight cells with approx. 780.000 measurement points per cell).
Introduction: Subjects with mild to moderate hearing loss today often receive hearing aids (HA) with open-fitting (OF). In OF, direct sound reaches the eardrums with minimal damping. Due to the required processing delay in digital HA, the amplified HA sound follows some milliseconds later. This process occurs in both ears symmetrically in bilateral HA provision and is likely to have no or minor detrimental effect on binaural hearing. However, the delayed and amplified sound are only present in one ear in cases of unilateral hearing loss provided with one HA. This processing alters interaural timing differences in the resulting ear signals.
Methods: In the present study, an experiment with normal-hearing subjects to investigate speech intelligibility in noise with direct and delayed sound was performed to mimic unilateral and bilateral HA provision with OF.
Results: The outcomes reveal that these delays affect speech reception thresholds (SRT) in the unilateral OF simulation when presenting speech and noise from different spatial directions. A significant decrease in the median SRT from –18.1 to –14.7 dB SNR is observed when typical HA processing delays are applied. On the other hand, SRT was independent of the delay between direct and delayed sound in the bilateral OF simulation.
Discussion: The significant effect emphasizes the development of rapid processing algorithms for unilateral HA provision.
Recently, photovoltaic (PV) with energy storage systems (ESS) have been widely adopted in buildings to overcome growing power demands and earn financial benefits. The overall energy cost can be optimized by combining a well-sized hybrid PV/ESS system with an efficient energy management system (EMS). Generally, EMS is implemented within the overall functions of the Building Automation System (BAS). However, due to its limited computing resources, BAS cannot handle complex algorithms that aim to optimize energy use in real-time under different operating conditions. Furthermore, islanding the building's local network to maximize the PV energy share represents a challenging task due to the potential technical risks. In this context, this article addresses an improved approach based on upgrading the BAS data analytics capability by means of an edge computing technology. The edge communicates with the BAS low-level controller using a serial communication protocol. Taking advantage of the high computing ability of the edge device, an optimization-based EMS of the PV/ESS hybrid system is implemented. Different testing scenarios have been carried out on a real prototype with different weather conditions, and the results show the implementation feasibility and technical performance of such advanced EMS for the management of building energy resources. It has also been proven to be feasible and advantageous to operate the local energy network in island mode while ensuring system safety. Additionally, an estimated energy saving improvement of 6.23 % has been achieved using optimization-based EMS compared to the classical rule-based EMS, with better ESS constraints fulfillment.
For the treatment of bone defects, biodegradable, compressive biomaterials are needed as replacements that degrade as the bone regenerates. The problem with existing materials has either been their insufficient mechanical strength or the excessive differences in their elastic modulus, leading to stress shielding and eventual failure. In this study, the compressive strength of CPC ceramics (with a layer thickness of more than 12 layers) was compared with sintered β-TCP ceramics. It was assumed that as the number of layers increased, the mechanical strength of 3D-printed scaffolds would increase toward the value of sintered ceramics. In addition, the influence of the needle inner diameter on the mechanical strength was investigated. Circular scaffolds with 20, 25, 30, and 45 layers were 3D printed using a 3D bioplotter, solidified in a water-saturated atmosphere for 3 days, and then tested for compressive strength together with a β-TCP sintered ceramic using a Zwick universal testing machine. The 3D-printed scaffolds had a compressive strength of 41.56 ± 7.12 MPa, which was significantly higher than that of the sintered ceramic (24.16 ± 4.44 MPa). The 3D-printed scaffolds with round geometry reached or exceeded the upper limit of the compressive strength of cancellous bone toward substantia compacta. In addition, CPC scaffolds exhibited more bone-like compressibility than the comparable β-TCP sintered ceramic, demonstrating that the mechanical properties of CPC scaffolds are more similar to bone than sintered β-TCP ceramics.
Background/Purpose
Several methods are used to evaluate the outcome of total hip arthroplasty (THA), however, their relationship at different time points after surgery is unclear. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate correlations between self-report function, performance-based tests (PBTs) and biomechanical parameters in patients 12 months after THA.
Methods
Eleven patients were included in this preliminary cross-sectional study. Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) was completed for self-reported function. As PBTs, the Timed-up-and-Go test (TUG) and 30-Second-Chair-Stand test (30CST) were used. Biomechanical parameters were derived from analyses of hip strength, gait and balance. Potential correlations were calculated using Spearman correlation coefficient r.
Results
HOOS scores and parameters of PBTs showed moderate to strong correlations (0.3 < r < 0.7). Correlation analysis between HOOS scores and biomechanical parameters revealed moderate to strong correlations for hip strength whereas correlations with gait parameters and balance were rather weak (r < 0.3). Moderate to strong correlations were also found between parameters of hip strength and 30CST.
Conclusion
For THA outcome assessment 12 months after surgery, our first results indicate that self-report measures or PBTs could be used. Analysis of hip strength also appears to be reflected in HOOS and PBT parameters and may be considered as an adjunct. Given the weak correlations with gait and balance parameters, we suggest that gait analysis and balance testing should be performed in addition to PROMs and PBTs as they may provide supplementary information, especially for THA patients that are at risk for falls.
Blockchain interoperability: the state of heterogenous blockchain-to-blockchain communication
(2023)
Blockchain technology has been increasingly adopted over the past few years since the introduction of Bitcoin, with several blockchain architectures and solutions being proposed. Most proposed solutions have been developed in isolation, without a standard protocol or cryptographic structure to work with. This has led to the problem of interoperability, where solutions running on different blockchain platforms are unable to communicate, limiting the scope of use. With blockchains being adopted in a variety of fields such as the Internet of Things, it is expected that the problem of interoperability if not addressed quickly, will stifle technology advancement. This paper presents the current state of interoperability solutions proposed for heterogenous blockchain systems. A look is taken at interoperability solutions, not only for cryptocurrencies, but also for general data-based use cases. Current open issues in heterogenous blockchain interoperability are presented. Additionally, some possible research directions are presented to enhance and to extend the existing blockchain interoperability solutions. It was discovered that though there are a number of proposed solutions in literature, few have seen real-world implementation. The lack of blockchain-specific standards has slowed the progress of interoperability. It was also realized that most of the proposed solutions are developed targeting cryptocurrency-based applications.
This paper presents an overview of EREMI, a two-year project funded under ERASMUS+ KA203, and its results. The project team’s main objective was to develop and validate an advanced interdisciplinary higher education curriculum, which includes lifelong learning components. The curriculum focuses on enhancing resource efficiency in the manufacturing industry and optimising poorly or non-digitised industrial physical infrastructure systems. The paper also discusses the results of the project, highlighting the successful achievement of its goals. EREMI effectively supports the transition to Industry 5.0 by preparing a common European pool of future experts. Through comprehensive research and collaboration, the project team has designed a curriculum that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the evolving manufacturing landscape. Furthermore, the paper explores the significance of EREMI’s contributions to the field, emphasising the importance of resource efficiency and system optimisation in industrial settings. By addressing the challenges posed by under-digitised infrastructure, the project aims to drive sustainable and innovative practices in manufacturing. All five project partner organisations have been actively engaged in offering relevant educational content and framework for decentralised sustainable economic development in regional and national contexts through capacity building at a local level. A crucial element of the added value is the new channel for obtaining feedback from students. The survey results, which are outlined in the paper, offer valuable insights gathered from students, contributing to the continuous improvement of the project.
The article investigates the development of a manufacturing route for highly porous titanium foams suitable for craniofacial surgery applications, particularly in cranioplasties. The study focuses on the polyurethane replication method for foam production and emphasizes reducing residual gas content, as it significantly affects the mechanical properties and suitability for approval of the foams. Various factors such as starting materials, solvent debinding, heating schedules, and hydrogen atmosphere are analyzed for their impact on residual gas content. It is shown that significant reductions in residual gas content can only be achieved by reworking each step of the process. A combination of initial solvent debinding of the PU template with dimethyl sulphoxide, reduction of suspension additives, use of coarser Gd. 1 powders, and an integrated debinding and sintering process under partial hydrogen atmosphere achieves a significant reduction in residual gas content. This way, the potential for producing titanium foams that comply with relevant standards for craniofacial implants is demonstrated.
Lithium-ion batteries exhibit slow voltage dynamics on the minute time scale that are usually associated with transport processes. We present a novel modelling approach toward these dynamics by combining physical and data-driven models into a Grey-box model. We use neural networks, in particular neural ordinary differential equations. The physical structure of the Grey-box model is borrowed from the Fickian diffusion law, where the transport domain is discretized using finite volumes. Within this physical structure, unknown parameters (diffusion coefficient, diffusion length, discretization) and dependencies (state of charge, lithium concentration) are replaced by neural networks and learnable parameters. We perform model-to-model comparisons, using as training data (a) a Fickian diffusion process, (b) a Warburg element, and (c) a resistor-capacitor circuit. Voltage dynamics during constant-current operation and pulse tests as well as electrochemical impedance spectra are simulated. The slow dynamics of all three physical models in the order of ten to 30 min are well captured by the Grey-box model, demonstrating the flexibility of the present approach.
A novel peptidyl-lys metalloendopeptidase (Tc-LysN) from Tramates coccinea was recombinantly expressed in Komagataella phaffii using the native pro-protein sequence. The peptidase was secreted into the culture broth as zymogen (~38 kDa) and mature enzyme (~19.8 kDa) simultaneously. The mature Tc-LysN was purified to homogeneity with a single step anion-exchange chromatography at pH 7.2. N-terminal sequencing using TMTpro Zero and mass spectrometry of the mature Tc-LysN indicated that the pro-peptide was cleaved between the amino acid positions 184 and 185 at the Kex2 cleavage site present in the native pro-protein sequence. The pH optimum of Tc-LysN was determined to be 5.0 while it maintained ≥60% activity between pH values 4.5—7.5 and ≥30% activity between pH values 8.5—10.0, indicating its broad applicability. The temperature maximum of Tc-LysN was determined to be 60 °C. After 18 h of incubation at 80 °C, Tc-LysN still retained ~20% activity. Organic solvents such as methanol and acetonitrile, at concentrations as high as 40% (v/v), were found to enhance Tc-LysN’s activity up to ~100% and ~50%, respectively. Tc-LysN’s thermostability, ability to withstand up to 8 M urea, tolerance to high concentrations of organic solvents, and an acidic pH optimum make it a viable candidate to be employed in proteomics workflows in which alkaline conditions might pose a challenge. The nano-LC-MS/MS analysis revealed bovine serum albumin (BSA)’s sequence coverage of 84% using Tc-LysN which was comparable to the sequence coverage of 90% by trypsin peptides.
In der Geschichte »Die Schule« (Originaltitel: ,,The fun they had“) von 1954 beschreibt der russisch-amerikanische Wissenschaftler und Science fiction Autor Isaac Asimov, wie die Schule der Zukunft im Jahr 2157 aussieht – oder genauer: dass es gar keine Schulen mehr gibt. Jedes Kind hat neben seinem Kinderzimmer im Elternhaus einen kleinen Schulraum, in dem es von einem mechanischen Lehrer (einer Maschine mit Bildschirm und einem Schlitz zum Einwerfen der Hausaufgaben) unterrichtet wird. Diese Lehrmaschine ist perfekt auf die Fähigkeiten des einzelnen Kindes eingestellt und kann es optimal beschulen. Nur: Maschinen können kaputt gehen. Die elfjährige Margie wird von ihrem mechanischen Lehrer wieder und wieder in Geographie abgefragt, aber jedes Mal schlechter benotet. Das sieht die Mutter und ruft den Schulinspektor, um den mechanischen Lehrer zu reparieren.
This article presents the development, parameterization, and experimental validation of a pseudo-three-dimensional (P3D) multiphysics aging model of a 500 mAh high-energy lithium-ion pouch cell with graphite negative electrode and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) positive electrode. This model includes electrochemical reactions for solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation at the graphite negative electrode, lithium plating, and SEI formation on plated lithium. The thermodynamics of the aging reactions are modeled depending on temperature and ion concentration and the reactions kinetics are described with an Arrhenius-type rate law. Good agreement of model predictions with galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is observed over a wide range of operating conditions. The model allows to quantify capacity loss due to cycling near beginning-of-life as function of operating conditions and the visualization of aging colormaps as function of both temperature and C-rate (0.05 to 2 C charge and discharge, −20 °C to 60 °C). The model predictions are also qualitatively verified through voltage relaxation, cell expansion and cell cycling measurements. Based on this full model, six different aging indicators for determination of the limits of fast charging are derived from post-processing simulations of a reduced, pseudo-two-dimensional isothermal model without aging mechanisms. The most successful aging indicator, compared to results from the full model, is based on combined lithium plating and SEI kinetics calculated from battery states available in the reduced model. This methodology is applicable to standard pseudo-two-dimensional models available today both commercially and as open source.
Design and Implementation of a Camera-Based Tracking System for MAV Using Deep Learning Algorithms
(2023)
In recent years, the advancement of micro-aerial vehicles has been rapid, leading to their widespread utilization across various domains due to their adaptability and efficiency. This research paper focuses on the development of a camera-based tracking system specifically designed for low-cost drones. The primary objective of this study is to build up a system capable of detecting objects and locating them on a map in real time. Detection and positioning are achieved solely through the utilization of the drone’s camera and sensors. To accomplish this goal, several deep learning algorithms are assessed and adopted because of their suitability with the system. Object detection is based upon a single-shot detector architecture chosen for maximum computation speed, and the tracking is based upon the combination of deep neural-network-based features combined with an efficient sorting strategy. Subsequently, the developed system is evaluated using diverse metrics to determine its performance for detection and tracking. To further validate the approach, the system is employed in the real world to show its possible deployment. For this, two distinct scenarios were chosen to adjust the algorithms and system setup: a search and rescue scenario with user interaction and precise geolocalization of missing objects, and a livestock control scenario, showing the capability of surveying individual members and keeping track of number and area. The results demonstrate that the system is capable of operating in real time, and the evaluation verifies that the implemented system enables precise and reliable determination of detected object positions. The ablation studies prove that object identification through small variations in phenotypes is feasible with our approach.
Phytases are widely used food and feed enzymes to improve phosphate availability and reduce anti-nutritional factors. Despite the benefits, enzyme usage is restricted by the harsh conditions in a gastrointestinal tract (pH 2–6) and feed pelleting conditions at high temperatures (60–90 °C). The commercially available phytase Quantum® Blue has been immobilized as CLEAs using glutardialdehyde and soy protein resulting in a residual activity of 33%. The influence of the precipitating agent, precipitant concentration, cross-linker concentration and cross-linking time, sodium borohydride as well as the proteic feeders gluten, soy protein and bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been optimized. The best conditions were 90% (v/v) ethyl lactate as precipitating reagent, 100 mM glutardialdehyde and a soy protein concentration of 227 mg/L with a cross-linking time of 1 h. The intrinsically stable phytase remained its high thermal stability and temperature optimum. The phytase-CLEA achieved a 425% increase of residual activity under harsh acidic conditions between pH 2.2 and 3.5 compared to the free enzyme. The free and immobilized phytase were deployed in an in vitro assay simulating the acidic conditions in the gizzard of poultry at pH 2. The hydrolysis of phytate was monitored using a novel high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis and DAD scanner to study the InsPx fingerprint. All lower inositol phosphate pools (InsP1–InsP6) and free phosphate were separated and analyzed. The phytase-CLEA efficiently released 80% of the total phosphate within 180 min, whereas the free enzyme only released 6% in the same time under the same conditions.