Identification of novel exons 3'' to the human SNRPN gene

This paper examines the relationship between self-efficacy and social power (expert and referent) and how the application of this relationship, leads to client adherence and compliance. Referent power is defined, including methods that health care professionals may use to develop and apply referent power. Expert power is defined and addressed in the context of referent power, self-esteem and self-efficacy as a means of promoting adherence. Self-efficacy as a concept is defined and explored in the context of social power. The relationships between self-efficacy and social power (expert and referent) are shown as important determinants of adherence and compliance. The theory of the application of referent and expert power in relationship with self-efficacy has been compared with an effective programme, yielding high compliance, at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, showing the theory's relevance and applicability in determining compliance. Explored are the reasons for non-compliance in the elderly population and how the theory model can remedy these detriments for compliance. The empowerment of elderly patients through the application of this theory to medication compliance is examined. The determination of adherence and compliance is shown by the application of the relationship between self-efficacy and both expert and referent power.     

Turbulent flow in an intake-manifold

Three-dimensional, turbulent fluid flow analysis with computational methods has emerged as a viable tool in the design process of engine components for passenger cars. If applied in the early stages of the component development such analysis can help reduce the product development time drastically, and may support the design engineer to evaluate several competing design aspects before product completion. However the grid generation for complex geometries still poses a difficult and time consuming taks which strongly influences the accuracy of the numerical solution. The present paper studies the numerical solution of the flow in an inlet-manifold of a five-cylinder engine with two intake-ports for each cylinder. A fast and reliable grid generation technique is discussed in detail. The finite volume based Navier-Stokes solver with schemes of first and second order accuracy for the convective terms is used. Numerical results at several mass flow rates and different boundary conditions at the intake ports are compared with measurements. Finally, the computational results are discussed with respect to their applicability to support the design process of an inlet-manifold.     

An integrated microfluidic system for reaction, high-sensitivity detection, and sorting of fluorescent cells and particles

Presented is a novel approach for an integrated micro total analysis system (microTAS) based on a microfluidic on-chip device that supports ultrasensitive confocal detection of fluorescent cells and particles and subsequently allows for their precise sorting in the fluid phase with respect to spectroscopic properties, such as brightness and color. The hybrid silicone elastomer/glass chip first comprises a branched channel system to initiate fluid mixing and to hydrodynamically focus the sample solution down to a thin flow layer, matching the size of the confocal detection volume placed at that position and, thus, providing a high detection efficiency. In the subsequent on-chip module, the dispersed cells or particles can be sorted into two different output channels. The sorting process is realized by a perpendicular deflection stream that can be switched electrokinetically. The performance of the automated sorting routine is demonstrated by precise partition of a mixture of differently colored fluorescent beads. Moreover, the specifically branched channel geometry allows for direct implementation of reaction steps prior to detection and sorting, which is demonstrated by inducing a selective recognition reaction between the fluorescent protein R-phycoerythrin and a mixture of live bacterial cells exhibiting or lacking the respective surface antigens.     

Analysing UV/Vis/NIR spectra with the double-layer model — Sputtered SnS thin-films II: Gas law and plasma parameter dependencies

Exact, contact-free and non-destructive optical analysis methods are advantageous for controlled thin-film deposition processes, especially for optical detector and solar cell applications.Within this second part, of a bipartite publication, a non-numerical theoretical model - the double-layer model - has been presented to extract approximation-free optical and electrical data from ultra-violet/visible/near infra-red spectra. So, analysis of double-layer systems, as thin-films upon substrates, was possible. Complex parameter evaluation is possible.This exact data acquisition model provides insights in the process-parameter dependencies of radio frequency sputtered, opaque tin-sulphide thin-films upon glass substrates. They have been analysed on the one hand with respect to the equation of state for real gases (gas law). Therefore, the argon pressure within the process-chamber and the substrate-temperature were varied. On the other hand, tin-sulphide layers have been properly analysed and discussed with respect to plasma-parameter dependencies. Therefore, the frequency, the break time and the power of the plasma-building electromagnetic fields were varied. The systematic influence of these process parameters on a variety of opto-electric physical values of the tin-sulphide thin-films was worked out, carefully.Results were compared with those of the well-known Keradec/Swanepoel model. The necessity of taking both spectra - transmission and reflection spectra - into account has been shown.A non-contact, optical conductivity measurement possibility by use of ultra-violet/visible/near infra-red spectroscopy has been provided. Contact-free, optically measured conductivities were compared with those, measured electrically with a conventional four-tip measurement system.     

Analyzing UV/Vis/NIR spectra with the single-layer model—Sputtered SnS thin films I: Space-time dependencies

Exact, contact-free and non-destructive, optical analysis of semiconducting layers, are advantageous for thin film solar cell applications. A non-numerical theoretical model has been developed to extract approximation-free optical and electrical data from UV/Vis/NIR spectra. Special focus has been set on single layers; an adequate single-layer model is provided. Complex parameter evaluation is possible.This exact data acquisition model provides deeper insights in the process-parameter dependencies of pulsed direct current and radio frequency sputtered, opaque tin-sulphide thin films upon glass substrates. They have been analysed with respect to space-time dependencies of the sputter process. Therefore, sputter-depositions have been examined, referring to positions upon the substrate, r, target-substrate distances, d_TarSub, and sputter durations, t_Sp. Theoretical sputter-concepts were proved and enhanced. Results were compared with those of the well-known Keradec/Swanepoel model. The necessity of taking both spectra—transmission and reflection spectra—into account has been shown.A non-contact, optical conductivity measurement possibility by use of UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy has been provided. Optically evaluated conductivities, σ_L, were compared with electrically taken values, by use of a four-tip measurement system.     

Software architecture awareness in long-term software product evolution

Software architecture has been established in software engineering for almost 40 years. When developing and evolving software products, architecture is expected to be even more relevant compared to contract development. However, the research results seem not to have influenced the development practice around software products very much. The architecture often only exists implicitly in discussions that accompany the development. Nonetheless many of the software products have been used for over 10, or even 20 years. How do development teams manage to accommodate changing needs and at the same time maintain the quality of the product? In order to answer this question, grounded theory study based on 15 semi-structured interviews was conducted in order to find out about the wide spectrum of architecture practices in software product developing organisations. Our results indicate that a chief architect or central developer acts as a ‘walking architecture’ devising changes and discussing local designs while at the same time updating his own knowledge about problematic aspects that need to be addressed. Architecture documentation and representations might not be used, especially if they replace the feedback from on-going developments into the ‘architecturing’ practices. Referring to results from Computer Supported Cooperative Work, we discuss how explicating the existing architecture needs to be complemented by social protocols to support the communication and knowledge sharing processes of the ‘walking architecture’.     

Sustainable Syngas Production by High-Temperature Co-electrolysis

High-temperature co-electrolysis shows comparable performance to steam electrolysis. Current densities above 1 A cm⁻² can be reached between 700 °C and 800 °C. Tailor-made syngas is produced, mainly determined by the reactant ratio. The experimental results are supported by modeling. Durability tests with cathode-supported cells show increased voltage degradation rates during electrolysis compared to fuel cell operation. Nickel depletion is found to be the main cause.