Methods and instrumentation for quantitative microchip capillary electrophoresis

The development of novel instrumentation and analytical methodology for\ud quantitative microchip capillary electrophoresis (MCE) is described in this\ud thesis. Demanding only small quantities of reagents and samples,\ud microfluidic instrumentation is highly advantageous. Fast separations at high\ud voltages have been performed, which require the use of flexible high-voltage\ud power supplies that have been developed in this work.\ud An introductory overview of the general requirements of MCE is provided.\ud Differences of chip-based CE and conventional CE are addressed, and the\ud effects of buffer decomposition, reactions at electrodes, clogging of\ud microchips, surface interactions, injection and power supply as well as\ud detector-related problems on measurements are discussed. Additionally also\ud strategies for proper analysis and technical solutions are identified

The effects of guided imagery as mental practice during the learning of a novel psychomotor skill

Previous research has shown that mental imagery is beneficial for individuals in improving performance, increasing confidence, and decreasing anxiety, among many other benefits. The purpose of my research study was to test if mental imagery is successful in creating these benefits for college students while learning a new psychomotor skill. Participants were first introduced to an athletic taping skill by viewing a two-minute video. After the video, they completed five minutes of physical practice of the skill, took an anxiety and confidence inventory, and completed a pre-test of the skill during which they were timed and scored. They were then randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group listened to a guided imagery audio that guided them through the steps of the athletic taping skill, while the second group viewed a PowerPoint presentation that listed the steps of the athletic taping skill. Next, participants from both groups took the anxiety and confidence inventory again and completed a post test of the elbow taping skill during which they were timed and scored. I predicted that participants in the imagery group would have both greater decreases in anxiety scores and greater decreases in time to complete the skill than those in the PowerPoint group. I also predicted that those in the imagery group would have greater increases in self-confidence and performance scores than the Power Point group. The results of my study did not provide support for my original hypotheses. However, significant differences were found for cognitive anxiety levels between the genders

Assessment of daylight saving time. TAB-Fokus

The Directive 2000/84/EC stipulates the application of daylight saving time arrangements as mandatory for all EU Member States for an unspecified period. Any change with regard to daylight saving time requires an amendment of this directive. In 2007, the European Commission concluded that daylight saving time would have only little impact. With regard to energetic aspects and based on the current state of knowledge, this conclusion still can be considered to be valid. Moreover, there are no indications to question this conclusion with regard to economic aspects. In view of health-related aspects, further research is required for an in-depth examination and evaluation of the short-term and long-term implications related to the time change. An amendment of the Directive 2000/84/EC can be proposed in different ways. Whether or not a corresponding legislative procedure will be initiated is at the discretion of the European Commission

Biobanks for human medical research and application. Summary

The scientific significance and potential medical benefits of biobanks - i.e. scientific collections of human bodily substances, genetic and other personal information - form a focal point of biomedical and bioethical discourse. It has become clear that the use of human biomaterials for research purposes offers considerable potential, but is not free of problems. One essential question is whether the existing legal framework is sufficient to ensure the protection of the stored highly personal data and at the same time their appropriate use. This book is the first to comprehensively describe the enormous diversity of biobanks in Germany and abroad. The authors analyse the legal situation, research practice and the related discourses. In addition, they discuss social and political options for action on how the potential of the research and economic field of biobanks can be developed in a quality-assured, controlled, medically and economically beneficial manner and how Germany can be strengthened as a research location in this field

Climate Engineering. TAB-Fokus

Climate change is widely seen as the central environmental issue of our time. However, climate protection measures implemented to date are showing little impact. The question has been raised of whether direct technological interventions in the climate system – termed climate engineering – could be a suitable means of limiting the rise in temperature. Policy-makers and society would face major challenges with regard to decisions about the development and application of climate engineering, especially as the entire world population would potentially have to deal with the possible consequences of these measures. Decisions on the benefits of climate engineering therefore cannot be based solely on technological and scientific criteria or economic considerations. Assessment must also include ethical, legal and societal criteria