Data archive for exploring pedestrian dynamics and its application in dimensioning of facilities for multidirectional streams

In this paper an overview of an open data archive with data from experiments investigating pedestrian dynamics is presented. As an example of the use of this data the analysis of recently published data about the capacity of crossings is shown

Universal flow-density relation of single-file bicycle, pedestrian and car motion

The relation between flow and density is an essential quantitative characteristic to describe the efficiency of traffic systems. We have performed experiments with single-file motion of bicycles and compare the results with previous studies for car and pedestrian motion in similar setups. In the space-time diagrams we observe three different states of motion (free flow state, jammed state and stop-and-go waves) in all these systems. Despite of their obvious differences they are described by a universal fundamental diagram after proper rescaling of space and time which takes into account the size and free velocity of the three kinds of agents. This indicates that the similarities between the systems go deeper than expected.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure

Metalloporphyrins inactivate caspase-3 and -8

Activation of caspases represents one of the earliest biochemical indicators for apoptotic cell death. Therefore, measurement of caspase activity is a widely used and generally accepted method to determine apoptosis in a wide range of in vivo and in vitro settings. Numerous publications characterize the role of the heme-catabolizing enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in regulating apoptotic processes. Different metalloporphyrins representing inducers and inhibitors of this enzyme are often used, followed by assessment of apoptotic cell death. In the present work, we found that caspase-3-like activity, as well as activity of caspase-8 measured in either Fas (CD95) ligand-treated Jurkat T-lymphocytes or by the use of recombinant caspase-3 or -8, was inhibited by different metalloporphyrins (cobalt(III) protoporphyrin IX, tin and zinc II) protoporphyrin-IX). Moreover, employing the mouse model of Fas-induced liver apoptosis these properties of porphyrins could also be demonstrated in vivo. The metalloporphyrins were shown to inhibit caspase-3-mediated PARP cleavage. Molecular modeling studies demonstrated that porphyrins can occupy the active site of caspase-3 in an energetically favorable manner and in a binding mode similar to that of known inhibitors. The data shown here introduce metalloporphyrins as direct inhibitors of caspase activity. This finding points to the need for careful employment of metalloporphyrins as modulators of HO-1

Crowding and Queuing in Entrance Scenarios: Influence of Corridor Width in Front of Bottlenecks

In this paper, we present results of an entrance experiment investigating the effect of the corridor width in front of a bottleneck on the density. The idea is based on a previous study suggesting that a guiding system in front of an entrance can reduce pushing of the waiting people and thus the density at the entrance. In our study we aim to find out to what extend the corridor width has an impact on crowding or queuing behavior and with that on the density. The results of the presented experiment suggest that the transition takes place between a corridor width of 1.2 m and 2.3 m. The total duration of each experimental run is not significantly influenced by the corridor width but by the width of the entrance itself, the number of participants and partly by the motivation. In general, the density in front of the gate as well as the area of high density is increased by widening the corridor and by intensifying the motivation of the participants. However, the results also suggest that also the number of participants significantly influences the occurrence of pushing and the level of density

Supporting the Transformation to Climate Neutral Production with Shop Floor Management

The European Green Deal proposes the transformation to climate neutrality by 2050. Especially for manufacturing companies and their production sites, this transformation is a big challenge. Every aspect of the value stream needs to be re-evaluated and adjusted to reach the new target state of climate neutral production. In the last decades, many companies used lean management methods to improve production in the dimensions of time, quality, and cost. However, a growing number of studies show that lean methods can also be used to drive sustainability goals (with the target state being climate neutral production). This paper analyses the suitability of shop floor management, a popular lean method, in the context of climate neutral production. To this end, a literature research has been conducted to summarize the goals of shop floor management and the success factors for the transformation to climate neutral production. Then the results are contrasted and overlaps are analysed to identify possible shop floor management tools to accelerate the transformation to climate neutral production. Finally, the findings are briefly discussed and summarized in a matrix. The paper closes with specific recommendations for further research in this area

Konzeptionelle Betrachtungen zu divergierenden Konstruktionen des Studienerfolgs

Das Konstrukt „Studienerfolg“ wird von verschiedenen Akteuren/-innen der Hochschullandschaft unterschiedlich verstanden. Insbesondere zwischen Universitäten und Fachhochschulen sowie dualen Hochschulen bestehen divergierende Auffassungen. Der Beitrag zeigt exemplarisch die Multidimensionalität des Konstrukts Studienerfolg mit seinen verschiedenen Ursachen auf und benennt Implikationen, die diese Multidimensionalität für Erfolgsmessung und -bewertung in der Innen- und Außenwirkung hat. Der Fokus liegt auf Unterschieden zwischen den Hochschularten hinsichtlich des Studienverlaufs und der Berufsfähigkeit

Process for Climate Strategy Development in Industrial Companies

Climate neutrality has been gaining more and more attention as a long-term goal for companies among different industries. Since this goal can hardly be achieved in the short term and requires a complex interaction of different measures, it calls for a strategic approach. This article presents a strategy process for manufacturing companies striving for climate neutrality. The strategy process consists of three macro phases: preparation phase, strategy development phase and operational implementation phase, which are iteratively carried out. The macro phases are each divided into different meso phases, which include guiding questions that must be answered by different internal stakeholders and process participants. Moreover, necessary results are described which must be available after each phase to enter the next one. The procedure is based on existing models for the description of strategy processes and approaches from the field of energy and environmental management. It combines them into a strategic approach for deriving climate strategies of industrial companies. The developed strategy process is applied to and evaluated at the ETA factory at the Technical University of Darmstadt

Identifying pre-bariatric subtypes based on temperament traits, emotion dysregulation, and disinhibited eating: A latent profile analysis

Objective: The efficacy of bariatric surgery has been proven; however, a subset of patients fails to achieve expected long-term weight loss postoperatively. As differences in surgery outcome may be influenced by heterogeneous psychological profiles in pre-bariatric patients, previous subtyping models differentiated patients based on temperament traits. The objective of the present study was to expand these models by additionally considering emotion dysregulation and disinhibited eating behaviors for subtyping, as these factors were associated with maladaptive eating behaviors and poor post-bariatric weight loss outcome. Methods: Within a prospective multicenter registry, N = 370 pre-bariatric patients were examined using interview and self-report questionnaires. A latent profile analysis was performed to identify subtypes based on temperament traits, emotion dysregulation, and disinhibited eating behaviors. Results: Five pre-bariatric subtypes were identified with specific profiles regarding self control, emotion dysregulation, and disinhibited eating behaviors. Subtypes were associated with different levels of eating disorder psychopathology, depression, and quality of life. The expanded model increased variance explanation compared to temperament-based models. Conclusion: By adding emotion dysregulation and disinhibited eating behaviors to previous subtyping models, specific pre-bariatric subtypes emerged with distinct psychological deficit patterns. Future investigations should test the predictive value of these subtypes for post bariatric weight loss and health-related outcomes

The Darmstadt Energy Laboratory for Technologies in Application: Overview Paper – Living Lab DELTA

In the living lab DELTA, energy system methods are applied, and energy technology systems are installed to transfer successful pilot projects of the urban energy transition to a broad application. The focus is on the consistent improvement of energy efficiency in all sectors, which is already considered to be the largest usable potential of the urban energy transition. In addition, the potential for shifting electrical loads over time to optimize the integration of renewable energy sources will be identified. Energy efficiency and flexibility will be achieved by intelligently linking individual districts of the urban energy system and by sector coupling. The development of a holistic innovation ecosystem is essential to enable all stakeholders in the energy system to participate in the energy and economic potential. To this end, the project pursues a multi-level, cross-sectoral approach