@article{GedeonHuber2025, author = {Gedeon, Steven and Huber, Florian}, title = {Using AI-Enabled Images and Comic Narrative to Enhance Entrepreneurship Education}, volume = {9}, journal = {Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy}, number = {2}, publisher = {Sage}, address = {London}, issn = {2515-1274}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1177/25151274251358708}, pages = {327 -- 345}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This learning innovation is an engaging technique to help students learn abstract concepts such as entrepreneurship theory, mindsets, and methods in a playful and exciting way. We explore how current AI tools can be used by entrepreneurship educators to enhance their course materials by creating memorable images and story-based, highly visual comic book content ("graphic novels"). We implemented these enhancements in an interactive learning platform based on Articulate Storyline and tested them in an introductory entrepreneurship course with over 2000 students per year on building an entrepreneurial mindset. In this article, we include sample copies of the images and graphic novel comics and highlight key methods, lessons, results, and design artifacts created during the course of our learning journey. Educators may add these free Open Educational Resource (OER) assets to their own courses by linking to the online version. We believe this approach to entrepreneurship education enhances students' engagement, memory retention, and the ability to identify and name underlying concepts and entrepreneurship theories. We hope to spark the interest of other entrepreneurship educators to use similar approaches at their universities.}, language = {en} } @article{AzzamSauerEndischetal.2025, author = {Azzam, Mohamed and Sauer, Dirk Uwe and Endisch, Christian and Lewerenz, Meinert}, title = {Comprehensive Analysis of Float Current Behavior and Calendar Aging Mechanisms in Lithium-Ion Batteries}, volume = {9}, pages = {e202500349}, journal = {Batteries \& Supercaps}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {2566-6223}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/batt.202500349}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Aiming to quantify degradation currents from solid electrolyte interphase formation (ISEIgrowth) and gain of active lithium due to cathode lithiation (ICL), resulting from electrolyte decomposition, the float current behavior of lithium-ion batteries is investigated with different cathode materials. The float current, IFloat , represents the recharge current required to maintain the cell at a fixed potential during calendar aging. This current arises as lithium is irreversibly consumed at the anode or inserted into the cathode, shifting the electrode potentials. To account for the asymmetric response of the electrodes, a voltage-dependent scaling factor, SF, is introduced, derived from the slopes of the electrode-specific voltage curves. Using this factor in combination with measured float currents and capacity loss rates from check-up tests, ISEIgrowth and ICL is quantified at 30 °C across various float voltages. Although the SF and capacity data are limited to 30 °C, the model is extended to a range of 5-50 °C using only float current measurements. The results show that using capacity loss rates alone underestimate ISEIgrowth and that ICL, contributes significantly to the observed float current at elevated voltages, indicating that cathode lithiation plays an increasingly important role in high-voltage calendar aging.}, language = {en} } @article{VolpatodeSouzaPintoPereiraNeumeieretal.2025, author = {Volpato, Guilherme and de Souza Pinto Pereira, Adriano and Neumeier, Steffen and Hotza, Dachamir and G{\"o}ken, Mathias and Tetzlaff, Ulrich and Fredel, M{\´a}rcio Celso}, title = {Influence of a Standard Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Properties of Inconel X-750 Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion}, volume = {27}, pages = {2500306}, journal = {Advanced Engineering Materials}, number = {24}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1527-2648}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.202500306}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The production of nickel-base superalloys through powder bed fusion using a laser beam (PBF-LB) offers a promising method for reducing the cost of aeronautical components, especially those with complex geometries. However, when these materials are processed using PBF-LB, the standard heat treatments developed for conventional manufacturing routes do not consistently yield predictable microstructures or mechanical properties. Thus, this study analyzes how PBF-LB affects the microstructure and mechanical behavior of Inconel alloy X-750 when compared to a hot-rolled counterpart after undergoing a standard precipitation-hardening heat treatment (solution annealing, stabilization, and precipitation). Microstructure is examined using analytical electron microscopy and high-energy X-ray diffraction, while mechanical behavior is assessed through microhardness. Significant differences between both manufacturing routes are detected, so that PBF-LB processing led to an increase in grain size, anisotropy, fraction of low-angle grain boundaries, mean angle of misorientation, and dislocation density. Moreover, PBF-LB promoted the formation of γ′-Ni3(Al,Ti) and η-Ni3Ti phases during solution annealing and stabilization, respectively. Notably, the formation of γ′ contributes to an anomalous microhardness increase observed between these steps. These findings suggest that PBF-LB may inhibit recrystallization and facilitate precipitation during heat treatment, thereby affecting the performance of components produced using this technology.}, language = {en} } @article{RosbachAmmelingGanzetal.2026, author = {Rosbach, Emely and Ammeling, Jonas and Ganz, Jonathan and Bertram, Christof and Conrad, Thomas and Riener, Andreas and Aubreville, Marc}, title = {Stuck on Suggestions: Automation Bias, the Anchoring Effect, and the Factors That Shape Them in Computational Pathology}, volume = {3}, pages = {2026:007}, journal = {Machine Learning for Biomedical Imaging}, number = {MELBA-BVM 2025 Special Issue}, publisher = {Melba editors}, address = {[s. l.]}, issn = {2766-905X}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.59275/j.melba.2026-87b1}, pages = {126 -- 147}, year = {2026}, abstract = {Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven clinical decision support systems (CDSS) hold promise to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in computational pathology. However, collaboration between human experts and AI may give rise to cognitive biases, such as automation and anchoring bias, wherein users may be inclined to blindly adopt system recommendations or be disproportionately influenced by the presence of AI predictions, even when they are inaccurate. These biases may be exacerbated under time pressure, pervasive in routine pathology diagnostics, or shaped by individual user characteristics. To investigate these effects, we conducted a web-based experiment in which trained pathology experts (n = 28) estimated tumor cell percentages twice: once independently and once with the aid of an AI. A subset of the estimates in each condition was performed under time constraints. Our findings indicate that AI integration generally enhances diagnostic performance. However, it also introduced a 7\% automation bias rate, quantified as the number of accepted negative consultations, where a previously correct independent assessment gets overturned by inaccurate AI guidance. While time pressure did not increase the frequency of automation bias occurrence, it appeared to intensify its severity, as evidenced by a performance decline linked to increased automation reliance under cognitive load. A linear mixed-effects model (LMM) analysis, simulating weighted averaging, revealed a statistically significant positive coefficient for AI advice, indicating a moderate degree of anchoring on system output. This effect was further intensified under time pressure, suggesting that anchoring bias may become more pronounced when cognitive resources are limited. A secondary LMM evaluation assessing automation reliance, used as a proxy for both automation and anchoring bias, demonstrated that professional experience and self-efficacy were associated with reduced dependence on system support, whereas higher confidence during AI-assisted decision-making was linked to increased automation reliance. Together, these findings underscore the dual nature of AI integration in clinical workflows, offering performance benefits while also introducing risks of cognitive bias-driven diagnostic errors. As an initial investigation focused on a single medical specialty and diagnostic task, this study aims to lay the groundwork for future research to explore these phenomena across diverse clinical contexts, ultimately supporting the establishment of appropriate reliance on automated systems and the safe, effective integration of human-AI collaboration in medical decision-making.}, language = {en} } @article{RappsilberKruegerRaspeetal.2026, author = {Rappsilber, Tim and Kr{\"u}ger, Simone and Raspe, Tina and Reclo, Rudolf and Schweiger, Hans-Georg}, title = {Toxic gas emission in electric vehicles: What a battery fire means for occupant safety}, volume = {2026}, pages = {104717}, journal = {Fire Safety Journal}, number = {162}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {New York}, issn = {1873-7226}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.firesaf.2026.104717}, year = {2026}, abstract = {This work investigates the ability of occupants to escape from a battery electric vehicle during a thermal runaway of the traction battery initiated by nail penetration. Such events generate intense fires and large amounts of toxic gases, rapidly reducing the time available for safe evacuation. In controlled full-scale outdoor experiments on two identical mid-range battery electric vehicles, the smoke gas composition inside the cabin is examined. Using FTIR spectrometers and an oxygen analyzer, temporal and spatial concentrations of organic carbonates, hydrocarbons, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen cyanide, acetylene, and oxygen are measured. Sampling locations include the driver's breathing zone, the right rear passenger's breathing zone, and the exterior right rear wheel housing. The study further evaluates occupant's escape capability using the fractional effective dose (FED) model in accordance with ISO 13571. Results show that toxic gases can reach harmful concentrations within minutes after smoke enters the cabin, though smoke entry times vary widely with fire progression. Differences in fire development and smoke dispersion strongly affect FED values and thus the time available for self-rescue. Overall, the findings provide an important basis for assessing occupant safety during battery electric vehicle fires and highlight the need for improved mitigation strategies.}, language = {en} } @article{GlaasPhamMuenstermannetal.2026, author = {Glaas, Saskia and Pham, Huong and M{\"u}nstermann, Hannes and Frey, Dieter}, title = {The Search for Meaning at Work: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Cognitive Crafting Intervention}, volume = {11}, pages = {8}, journal = {International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, issn = {2364-5059}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-026-00274-0}, year = {2026}, abstract = {Many employees struggle to experience a sense of meaning in their work, posing a challenge to workplace flourishing. Cognitive crafting—the process of reframing how one interprets their work—can enhance meaningful work and well-being. However, strategies to effectively promote it remain unclear. Building on positive psychology interventions, self-determination theory, and job crafting theory, we developed a brief online intervention using meaning-based reflection and cognitive reframing. Its effectiveness was evaluated in a pre-registered randomized controlled trial ( N = 260) with an active control group, assessing outcomes post-intervention and at one-month follow-up. Compared to the control group, the intervention group reported significantly higher levels of meaningful work, work engagement, and job satisfaction. However, these differences were driven by lower scores in the control group compared to baseline, while the intervention group remained stable. These findings highlight the complexity of designing effective cognitive crafting interventions and underscore the need for further theory-driven research to identify strategies that reliably enhance positive work evaluations and work-related well-being.}, language = {en} } @article{AgricolaBaertlLandesbergeretal.2026, author = {Agricola, Barbara and B{\"a}rtl, Marko and Landesberger, Martin and Zhao, Huan and Palm, Frank and Kerschenlohr, Annegret and J{\"a}gle, Eric A.}, title = {The columnar to bimodal transition of Al-Cr-Mo-Sc-Zr alloys during laser powder bed fusion}, volume = {2026}, pages = {115770}, journal = {Materials \& Design}, number = {264}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0264-1275}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115770}, year = {2026}, abstract = {Aluminium alloys processed via Powder Bed Fusion using a Laser Beam (PBF-LB) enable complex and lightweight components. Especially high-strength and heat-resistant Al alloys are in high demand for aerospace and motorsports applications, but the processability of these alloys remains critical due to hot-cracking along columnar grains. Therefore, the microstructural control of PBF-LB alloys is under increasing consideration. Al-Cr alloys have shown promising high-temperature properties and good processability in previous studies despite having a coarse and fully columnar grain structure. In this study, Al-Cr-Mo-Sc-Zr alloys with different compositions are subjected to phase analysis to understand the transition from fully columnar to bimodal grain structures. Synchrotron diffraction, electron dispersive spectroscopy, and atom probe tomography results have shown that three phases are present, irrespective of the alloys' composition: 𝛼-Al, Al45Cr7, and Al3(Sc,Zr). The introduction of Cr increases the lattice mismatch between 𝛼-Al and Al3(Sc,Zr) and is suspected to hinder grain refinement by Sc and Zr. Various thermodynamic simulations revealed the effect of grain refining elements (Sc+Zr) and Cr on the solidification path. The combination of simulation and experimental investigations led to three hypotheses on the columnar to bimodal transition in Al-Cr alloys. These results will help to further enable the microstructural control of PBF-LB processed alloys.}, language = {en} } @article{NgetunyBaldaufZoerner2026, author = {Ngetuny, Joshua Kiplagat and Baldauf, Tobias and Z{\"o}rner, Wilfried}, title = {Evaluating Feedstock Pretreatment Methods to Unlock Co-Digestion in Small-Scale Biogas Systems: A Multi-Criteria Approach to System Integration and Decision Making}, volume = {19}, pages = {1303}, journal = {Energies}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1996-1073}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/en19051303}, year = {2026}, abstract = {Small-scale biogas plants in developing countries present a viable alternative to traditional polluting energy sources, particularly in rural and underserved communities. These systems typically rely on locally sourced livestock manure; however, inconsistent supply often results in underfeeding, reduced biogas production, and, in many cases, system abandonment. Co-digestion with crop residues presents a promising strategy to enhance feedstock availability and system resilience. However, the recalcitrant nature of lignocellulosic biomass and limited access to suitable pretreatment technologies have constrained its adoption. This paper evaluates feasible pretreatment methods for integrating crop residues, especially straw, into small-scale biogas systems. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), pretreatment methods are assessed based on five criteria: (i) technology simplicity, (ii) energy requirements, (iii) capital and operational costs, (iv) effectiveness, and (v) environmental impact. The analysis identifies microbial pretreatment using the liquid fraction of digestate, combined with mechanical size reduction, as the most suitable approach for small-scale implementation, utilizing low-cost, simplified mechanical devices adaptable to various crop residues with minimal energy input. A conceptual design of a demonstration plant is proposed to validate this integrated pretreatment approach and assess its impact on biogas yield, system performance, and technology adoption. The design incorporates an on-site digestate separation unit to supply microbial inoculum and emphasizes simplicity and cost-effectiveness in material handling and energy use. Pilot trials are proposed to evaluate key performance indicators, including specific methane yield (LCH4/gVS added), volatile solids reduction (\%), and methane content increase (\%), ensuring evidence-based adoption and practical applicability of the design.}, language = {en} } @article{MionLozaAdaui2020, author = {Mion, Giorgio and Loza Adaui, Cristian Rolando}, title = {Understanding the purpose of benefit corporations: an empirical study on the Italian case}, volume = {5}, pages = {4}, journal = {International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility}, number = {1}, publisher = {SpringerOpen}, address = {Cham}, issn = {2366-0066}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s40991-020-00050-6}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Rethinking the traditional understanding of organizational purpose appears to be necessary. A teleological paradigm shift seems to be on its way, changing the focus of attention from considering business organizations as instruments used to generate profits toward a more comprehensive understanding of their purpose and of the benefit they can create for society. Recently, new organizational entities have emerged, accompanied by the renewal of institutional frameworks, among them are benefit corporations. Italy was the first European country to introduce a legal framework to define the benefit corporation as a particular legal entity. The Italian law on the benefit corporations proposes the promotion of firms that pursue the generation of benefit in a responsible, sustainable, and transparent way and considering diverse stakeholders. This paper explores and describes the multidimensional understanding of benefit and purpose of Italian benefit corporations, utilizing qualitative and quantitative content analysis of 94 Italian benefit corporations' purpose declarations, and providing a deep insight into the purpose declared by benefit corporations. The research highlights a certain vagueness in public declarations of the purpose of benefit corporations, even though it is clear that they attempt to differentiate themselves from traditional businesses by focusing on social objectives more than on economic ones. Furthermore, normative compliance emerged, but further normative requirements seem to be needed to make more effective the transformative potentiality of benefit corporations and to avoid risks of opportunistic behaviors.}, language = {en} } @article{LozaAdaui2020, author = {Loza Adaui, Cristian Rolando}, title = {Sustainability Reporting Quality of Peruvian Listed Companies and the Impact of Regulatory Requirements of Sustainability Disclosures}, volume = {12}, pages = {1135}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/su12031135}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Regulations establishing mandatory sustainability reporting practices are proliferating around the world. The empirical evidence comparing sustainability reporting quality (SRQ) in the context of mandatory and voluntary institutional frameworks does not show consensus. Similarly, this occurs with studies addressing the effects of regulatory shocks on SRQ. Moreover, empirical evidence addressing SRQ in Latin American countries is scarce. To fill this gap, this study aims to explore the consequences of introducing new regulatory requirements for sustainability disclosure on SRQ of Peruvian companies. To reach that goal, 81 sustainability disclosure documents published between 2014 and 2016 by 27 companies included in the S\&P/BVL Peru General Index of Lima's Stock Exchange were analyzed using qualitative content analysis methods and adopting a multidimensional approach for SRQ evaluation. The findings show a constant improvement of SRQ regardless of the introduction of the new regulatory requirements. Furthermore, after the entry into force of new sustainability reporting obligations, the number of companies providing third-party independent assurance of the information contained in their sustainability disclosure documents decreases, suggesting that for the Peruvian case, regulatory requirements tend to discourage companies to invest in the credibility of their sustainability disclosure documents, and promote a symbolic application of sustainability disclosure standards.}, language = {en} } @article{MionLozaAdaui2019, author = {Mion, Giorgio and Loza Adaui, Cristian Rolando}, title = {Mandatory Nonfinancial Disclosure and Its Consequences on the Sustainability Reporting Quality of Italian and German Companies}, volume = {11}, pages = {4612}, journal = {Sustainability}, number = {17}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2071-1050}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/su11174612}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Companies disclosing nonfinancial information through sustainability reporting practices provide markets with data on their social, environmental, and governance performance. The quality of sustainability reporting is much discussed in the literature because this quality affects factors such as the credibility of accountability and building stakeholders' trust in the company. Nonetheless, the concept of quality is multidimensional, and empirical evidence relating to the quality of sustainability reporting presents different findings. Regulations on mandatory nonfinancial disclosure (NFD) open new perspectives for research on sustainability reporting quality (SRQ). This study explored the effect of introducing mandatory NFD on SRQ by focusing on the effects of new legislation (Directive 2014/95/EU) introduced in Italy and Germany. The analysis was conducted through qualitative content analysis of the sustainability reporting practices of Italian and German companies in the top lists of stock exchanges. Sustainability reporting practices of one year before (2016) and one year after (2017) the implementation of Directive 2014/95/EU were compared. The results of 132 observations demonstrated that the quality of sustainability reporting increased after implementation of the law on mandatory NFD. Further, the effect of the law seemed to reduce the differences in SRQ of the two countries before the introduction of mandatory NFD. The results suggested that obligatoriness of NFD affects SRQ together with other relevant determinants focused on by previous research (e.g., company size and industry type).}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GuetleinDjanatliev2020, author = {G{\"u}tlein, Moritz and Djanatliev, Anatoli}, title = {Modeling and Simulation as a Service using Apache Kafka}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Simulation and Modeling Methodologies, Technologies and Applications}, editor = {De Rango, Floriano and {\"O}ren, Tuncer and Obaidat, Mohammad S.}, publisher = {SciTePress}, address = {Set{\´u}bal}, isbn = {978-989-758-444-2}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.5220/0009780501710180}, pages = {171 -- 180}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Among other requirements, in the field of Modeling and Simulation there is a need to build and run (co-) simulation models on-demand. Setting up, orchestrating and executing simulations should be easy, while additional features such as interaction interfaces open up a variety of applications. Being able to connect external components seamlessly to a running simulation allows for elaborate experiments. This paper describes the architecture and design of a simulation platform that is a part of a broader platform enabling evaluations of future mobility scenarios. Apache's Kafka platform for big data stream processing is used as a communication base in order to enable all these requirements, as well as for the coupling of different simulation tools forming a co-simulation. We give an overview of existing works regarding Modeling and Simulation as a Service, before explaining our own approach. Therefore, the architecture, the interfaces, and the workflow of a simulation run is described. The approach is illustrated by a case study, which is used to measure the service's overhead.}, language = {en} } @article{Bodenschatz2024, author = {Bodenschatz, Anja}, title = {When own interest stands against the "greater good" - Decision randomization in ethical dilemmas of autonomous systems that involve their user's self-interest}, volume = {2}, pages = {100097}, journal = {Computers in Human Behavior: Artificial Humans}, number = {2}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2949-8821}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbah.2024.100097}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Autonomous systems (ASs) decide upon ethical dilemmas and their artificial intelligence as well as situational settings become more and more complex. However, to study common-sense morality concerning ASs abstracted dilemmas on autonomous vehicle (AV) accidents are a common tool. A special case of ethical dilemmas is when the AS's users are affected. Many people want AVs to adhere to utilitarian programming (e.g., to save the larger group), or egalitarian programming (i.e., to treat every person equally). However, they want their own AV to protect them instead of the "greater good". That people reject utilitarian programming as an AS's user while supporting the idea from an impartial perspective has been termed the "social dilemma of AVs". Meanwhile, preferences for another technical capability, which would implement egalitarian programming, have not been elicited for dilemmas involving self-interest: decision randomization. This paper investigates normative and descriptive preferences for a self-protective, self-sacrificial, or randomized choice by an AS in a dilemma where people are the sole passenger of an AV, and their survival stands against the survival of several others. Results suggest that randomization may mitigate the "social dilemma of AVs" by bridging between a societally accepted programming and the urge of ASs' users for self-protection.}, language = {en} } @article{PandeyMohdVeettiletal.2026, author = {Pandey, Amit and Mohd, Zubair Akhtar and Veettil, Nandana Kappuva and Wunderle, Bernhard and Elger, Gordon}, title = {Quantitative Kernel estimation from traffic signs using slanted edge spatial frequency response as a sharpness metric}, volume = {16}, pages = {7387}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-40556-w}, year = {2026}, abstract = {Sharpness is a critical optical property of automotive cameras, measured by the spatial frequency response (SFR) within the end-of-line (EOL) test after manufacturing. This work presents a method to estimate the blurring kernel of an automotive camera, which could be the first step toward state monitoring of automotive cameras. To achieve this, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed, using synthetic kernels generated by Zemax. The PCA model was built with approximately 1300 base kernels representing spatially variant point spread functions (PSFs). This model generates kernel samples during the estimation process. Synthetic images were created by convolving the synthetic kernels with reference traffic sign images and compared with real-life data captured by an automotive camera. These synthetic data were utilized for algorithm development, and later on, validation was performed on real-life data. The algorithm extracts two pixels regions of interest (ROIs) containing slanted edges from the blurred image and crops matching ROIs from a reference sharp image. Each candidate kernel was used to blur the reference ROIs, and the resulting SFR was compared with the blurred ROIs' SFR. Differential evolution optimization minimizes the SFR difference, selecting the kernel that best matches the observed blur. The final kernel was evaluated against the true kernel for accuracy. The structural similarity index measure (SSIM) between the original and estimated blurred ROIs ranges from 0.808 to 0.945. For true vs. estimated kernels, SSIM varies from 0.92 to 0.98. Pearson correlation coefficients range from 0.84 to 0.99, Cosine similarity from 0.86 to 0.99, and mean squared error (MSE) from to . Validation on real-life camera images showed that the SSIM between the estimated and blurred ROI was >0.82, showing promising accuracy in kernel estimation, which could be used towards in-field monitoring of camera sharpness degradation.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{MuellerStrobelFaigletal.2024, author = {M{\"u}ller, Simon Nikolaus and Strobel, Rainer and Faigl, Markus and Schrag, Tobias}, title = {Analysis of Industrial 5GDHC System in Ingolstadt}, booktitle = {International Sustainable Energy Conference - Proceedings}, subtitle = {A Step Towards CO2-Neutral Industry}, editor = {Fink, Christian and Brunner, Christoph}, publisher = {TIB Open Publishing}, address = {Hannover}, issn = {2976-2030}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.52825/isec.v1i.1152}, year = {2024}, abstract = {This study comprehensively examines the technical manifestation and planning process for a shared thermal energy network at a 75-hectare industrial area in Ingolstadt. Unlike traditional systems, this (5GDHC) network showcases a smart integration of energy flows across 70 buildings with a yearly heating demand of around 17 GWh and a yearly cooling demand of around 35 GWh. The network spans over 9,100 meters of piping with diameters up to 800 mm. With thermal power from various sources including 1.8 MW waste heat from a data centre and potential for 10 MW from the Danube River, the system epitomizes a dynamic balance of heating and cooling demands. The paper itself examines the planning process of the system and encompasses topics such as defining energy requirements and load profiles, assessing potential energy sources and sinks for enhanced system efficiency, and analysing pipe and network design. Through this investigation, the study provides valuable insights towards a methodology to facilitate the successful implementation of future industrial 5GDHC systems, furthering the cause of sustainable energy.}, language = {en} } @article{MayrKnollmeyerJeknicetal.2026, author = {Mayr, Thomas and Knollmeyer, Simon and Jeknic, Isidora and Fink, Leon and Hensel, Ralph and Huber, Marco F. and Großmann, Daniel}, title = {Enhancing Process Planning in the Automotive Industry: Extracting Procedural Knowledge from Assembly Operation Descriptions using Large Language Models}, volume = {2026}, journal = {Procedia CIRP}, number = {138}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2212-8271}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2026.01.137}, pages = {797 -- 802}, year = {2026}, abstract = {The non-standardized, human-written assembly descriptions have been a long-standing obstacle in the automotive assembly industry, making it difficult to use these data in the planning stage. The paper presents a standardization method based on Large Language Models (LLMs), focusing on consistency and clarity. This approach does not only streamline the planning processes but also facilitates the benchmarking of productivity and process quality across different individual parts and assembly lines, thus enabling comprehensive efficiency analysis and ultimately leading to more informed decision-making. Our method was evaluated at a German OEM in the automotive sector, demonstrating its practical applicability and effectiveness.}, language = {en} } @article{DaSilvaJuniorMuellerBirkneretal.2026, author = {Da Silva Junior, Amauri and M{\"u}ller, Steffen and Birkner, Christian and Jazar, Reza and Marzbani, Hormoz}, title = {Fault Tolerant Control With Reinforcement Learning for Evasive Maneuvers Using a Scaled Vehicle}, volume = {14}, journal = {IEEE Access}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York}, issn = {2169-3536}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2026.3661179}, pages = {21353 -- 21383}, year = {2026}, abstract = {Autonomous vehicle controllers are responsible for handling the vehicle at all times in any situation, including emergency conditions. An emergency might arise from, e.g., adverse weather conditions, short-time detection, and system faults. In this paper, we develop a fault-tolerant controller to handle actuator faults for an over-actuated autonomous vehicle based on reinforcement learning. A worst-case scenario is selected for the controller development, involving short-time detection of the preceding objects, high velocity, and dry to wet road conditions. The design of the vehicle controller is performed in three steps. First, a robust controller based on sliding mode control with lateral and longitudinal coupled strategy was built to ensure stability in emergency scenarios. Secondly, a strategy was proposed to identify the most critical vehicle faults that might lead to a crash. Building on these foundations, this study extends the vehicle controller to handle vehicle faults with a reinforcement learning strategy, enabling adaptive and robust fault handling in complex fault scenarios. The vehicle controller is designed and optimized in IPG-Carmaker®, and proof of concept is carried out in a scaled 1:3.33 test vehicle. The results demonstrate the robustness of the proposed controller in an emergency single-lane change with a velocity of up to 130 km/h. Tests in the scaled vehicle demonstrate the vehicle controller's accuracy against simulation, with the application of reinforcement learning strategy in real-case scenarios.}, language = {en} } @article{SalamatMatternOlzemetal.2026, author = {Salamat, Babak and Mattern, Dominik and Olzem, Sebastian-Sven and Elsbacher, Gerhard and Seidel, Christian and Tonello, Andrea M.}, title = {GMP3: Learning-Driven, Bellman-Guided Trajectory Planning for AAVs in Real-Time on SE(3)}, volume = {14}, journal = {IEEE Access}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York}, issn = {2169-3536}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2026.3661193}, pages = {22720 -- 22733}, year = {2026}, abstract = {We propose GMP3, a multiphase global path planning framework that generates dynamically feasible three-dimensional trajectories for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating in cluttered environments. The framework extends traditional path planning from Euclidean position spaces to the Lie group SE(3), allowing joint learning of translational motion and rotational dynamics. A modified Bellman-based operator is introduced to support reinforcement learning (RL) policy updates while leveraging prior trajectory information for improved convergence. GMP3 is designed as a distributed framework in which agents influence each other and share policy information along the trajectory: each agent refines its assigned segment and shares with its neighbors via a consensus-based scheme, enabling cooperative policy updates and convergence toward a path shaped globally even under kinematic constraints.We also propose DroneManager, a modular ground control software that interfaces the planner with real UAVs platforms via the Micro Air Vehicle Link (MAVLink) protocol, supporting real-time deployment and feedback. Simulation studies and indoor flight experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed method in constrained 3D environments, demonstrating reliable obstacle avoidance and smooth, feasible trajectories across both position and orientation.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{JimenezReyesdelosMozosPereaPanosetal.2025, author = {Jimenez, Victor and Reyes de los Mozos, Mario and Perea Pa{\~n}os, Pau and Fritzsche, Paula Cecilia and Mayer, Kevin and Volkersdorfer, Tina and Hof, Hans-Joachim and Couturier, Christophe and Ernst, Thierry and Zhang, Miao and Saied Mohamed, Mohamed and Rodr{\´i}guez-Arozamena, Mario and Aranguren-Mendieta, I{\~n}igo and P{\´e}rez, Joshu{\´e} and Jousse, Adrien and Murguia, Carlos and van de Wouw, Nathan and Bellessort, Romain and Salami, Behzad and Jevtić, Aleksandar and Bannour, Boutheina and Rodr{\´i}guez Recasens, Manel and Ropero, Isaac and Ozbay, Burcu and Eren, Ali and Bektas, Mustafa and Tezcan, Deryanur and Pilz, Christoph and Haas, Sarah and Lenz, Gernot}, title = {SELFY - Self Assessment, Protection and Healing Tools for a Trustworthy and Resilient CCAM}, booktitle = {Transport Transitions: Advancing Sustainable and Inclusive Mobility, Proceedings of the 10th TRA Conference, 2024 Dublin, Ireland - Volume 6: Connected Mobility Ecosy}, editor = {McNally, Ciaran and Carroll, P{\´a}raic and Martinez-Pastor, Beatriz and Ghosh, Bidisha and Efthymiou, Marina and Valantasis-Kanellos, Nikolaos}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-032-06763-0}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-06763-0_106}, pages = {745 -- 751}, year = {2025}, abstract = {SELFY envisions an agnostic toolbox for the self-management of security and resilience of the CCAM (Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility) ecosystem, which can be easily deployed to extend the current Operational Design Domain (ODD), providing self-awareness, self-resilience and self-healing mechanisms and enhancing trust between stakeholders. SELFY is based on four pillars: Situational awareness, Resilience, Secure Data Sharing and Trust and provides three groups of tools. SACP (Situational Awareness and Collaborative Perception) tools aim at providing all CCAM actors with a comprehensive understanding of their environment, i.e., the perception of objects, such as other traffic participants and stationary objects. CRHS (Cooperative Resilience and Healing System) tools enable self-protection actions whenever a compromising situation is detected in relation to assets, vehicles, operations, or the system itself. TDMS (Trust and Data Management System) tools establish a secure and trusted environment for data in a collaborative and cooperative context, both for infrastructure and assets, as well as for citizen's data, such as drivers or pedestrians with special attention to privacy considerations. By defining a collaborative environment between the different tools to respond to new threats, risks and attacks SELFY facilitates the comprehension of new challenges in the cybersecurity aspect of CCAMs.}, language = {en} } @article{KreilingerZottHemmertetal.2026, author = {Kreilinger, Laurens and Zott, Stefan and Hemmert, Werner and Karg, Sonja}, title = {Dry electrode impedance: a new approach towards improved characterization}, volume = {12}, pages = {025005}, journal = {Biomedical Physics \& Engineering Express}, number = {2}, publisher = {IOP Publishing}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {2057-1976}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1088/2057-1976/ae3e9c}, year = {2026}, abstract = {Electrode-skin impedance plays a crucial role in electrophysiological signal acquisition, influencing signal quality and measurement reliability. We designed a reproducibility measurement setup, using a membrane with a saline solution and a three-electrode Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy measurement setup (range 1 Hz-20 kHz), to mimic the electrode-skin impedance. The system allowed controlled application of pressure to the working electrode (WE) and measurement of all setup parameters. With this setup, reproducible results were achieved, with a standard deviation of 5.5\% of the mean impedance across three builds. Potentiostatic and impedance analyzer measurements with six types of dry electrodes produced comparable results, with an average error of 10\%. The six dry electrode types exhibited impedance variations of up to a factor of 10,000 at low frequencies, depending on material and geometry. Ag/AgCl-coated electrodes exhibited an impedance reduction by a factor of 100 at 1 Hz compared to their uncoated counterparts. The proposed setup provides a standardized and reproducible approach for characterizing electrode impedance across different materials, coatings, and geometries.}, language = {en} } @article{BechtholdRosendahlHuberEddleston2026, author = {Bechthold, Laura and Rosendahl Huber, Laura and Eddleston, Kimberly A.}, title = {Debiasing entrepreneurial careers: A field experiment on female role model effects on entrepreneurial self-efficacy and early-stage career choices}, volume = {41}, pages = {106582}, journal = {Journal of Business Venturing}, number = {3}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {New York}, issn = {1873-2003}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2026.106582}, year = {2026}, abstract = {Women remain underrepresented not only as founders but also as employees - or "joiners" - in young and small firms, limiting their exposure to entrepreneurial environments that often serve as critical pathways to venture creation. To address this gap, we investigate whether introducing female entrepreneur role models in educational settings can shape young women's entrepreneurial self-efficacy and early career choices. Drawing on role congruity theory and social cognitive career theory (SCCT), we conducted a field experiment involving over 430 university students and 98 early-stage entrepreneurs. Using a pre-test/post-test design and longitudinal tracking of early career choices, we explore the causal effects of exogenously assigned female role models on students' decisions to join a young or small firm. We find that exposure to social interactions with female entrepreneurs significantly boosts female students' entrepreneurial self-efficacy. More importantly, women who were paired with a female entrepreneur were over 10\% more likely to join a young firm after graduation compared to those assigned to a male entrepreneur. Mediation analysis confirms that entrepreneurial self-efficacy is a key mechanism linking exposure to same-sex role models with women's decision to join a young firm. These findings highlight the potential of targeted role model interventions to reduce gender disparities in entrepreneurial entry pathways and expand the diversity of entrepreneurial ecosystems.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Tolksdorf2026, author = {Tolksdorf, Leon}, title = {Risk-Based Motion Planning in Automated Vehicles}, publisher = {Eindhoven University of Technology}, address = {Eindhoven}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:573-65845}, pages = {xv, 175}, school = {Eindhoven University of Technology}, year = {2026}, abstract = {It is anticipated that there will be a long period where automated vehicles (AVs) and human road users share the same road network, with limited communication between them. As a result, AVs often operate with uncertain knowledge of their surroundings due to limitations in both sensing and estimation of the traffic scenario's current and future states. These limitations can be caused by factors such as noisy sensor data or lack of information about the intentions of other road users. Accounting for this uncertainty while designing motion planning and control algorithms for AVs is critical, as an AV may display hazardous behavior if it is overly confident in falsely estimated environment states or, contrarily, may act too cautiously when considering unnecessarily large safety margins in estimated states. Although safety regulations call for taking uncertainty into account, the right means to integrate uncertainty in motion planning has yet to be agreed upon. A promising way to account for uncertainty is through the concept of risk. Risk accounts for uncertainty in assessing safety by considering both the likelihood and severity of unsafe events, such as collisions. Research has shown that human drivers navigate traffic by trading off subjectively perceived risk against the potential rewards of reaching their destinations. Additionally, studies indicate that subjective risk tends to correlate with objective risk measures, while ethicists argue that risk can be used as a means to facilitate ethicality in road traffic by distributing risk fairly among road users. These relationships highlight the benefits of incorporating risk as a proxy for generating AV behavior in motion planning algorithms, by accounting for uncertainty in unsafe events. Incorporating risk in AV motion planning presents two main challenges. The first challenge is to develop a notion of risk that correctly incorporates an AV's uncertainty about the future motion of other road users, and that can be computed fast (and precisely) enough to be used in online (i.e., real-time) motion-planning algorithms. The second challenge is to develop an appropriate AV motion planning algorithm that incorporates risk and generates the desired AV behavior, facilitating ethicality. This dissertation addresses both challenges by making six main contributions. First, we introduce a suitable risk metric: the expected severity of a collision event. This metric, thus, is constituted of two terms, one accounting for the likelihood of a collision and another term considering the severity of a collision. Second, we investigate the AV behavior given different optimization-based motion planning strategies that accommodate our risk metric. We find that a stochastic model predictive control (SMPC)-based motion planner adequately balances risk with travel efficiency in the presence of varying uncertainty. \\Third, to compute risk, we provide an computationally efficient (i.e., real-time computable) algorithm to estimate risk. Here, the focus lies on estimating the probability of collision (POC), as our risk metric reduces to a POC metric when the severity term is considered constant. Based on multi-circular shape approximations of the geometries of the AV and other road users, we present an algorithm that estimates the POC with good precision, and that is guaranteed not to under-approximate it. The algorithm is shown to execute significantly faster than standard Monte Carlo sampling, while being tailored for optimization-based motion planning strategies. In our SMPC-based motion planning strategy, it is shown to generate smooth, reproducible trajectories under varying levels of uncertainty. Fourth, we extend our POC algorithm to risk estimation. Here, we propose a severity estimation method that allows us to consider different collision constellations, as literature shows that those are associated with different levels of harm to the passengers of vehicles. The resulting risk estimation algorithm leverages the advantages of the POC estimation algorithm, i.e., its particular suitability for optimization-based motion planning strategies, while allowing for the flexible integration of severity functions to represent different collision types. Furthermore, we provide an extension of our risk metric to estimate the risk from the perspective of each road user in the driving scene, as we argue that risk is asymmetric between pairs of road users, i.e., dependent on the perspective. Fifth, given our proposed SMPC-based motion planning strategy, the AVs behavior can be tuned such that it minimizes its own risk (egoistic perspective), the risk other road users face (altruistic perspective), and a balance of both (collective perspective). To evaluate safety and driving behavior for each of these risk metrics, we performed simulations on a database containing a wide variety of real-world and artificial traffic scenarios. The results show that a collective perspective balances the overall risk of all road users with the AV's driving behavior in a favorable manner, and constitutes a suitable approach to facilitate ethicality in road traffic. Lastly, we use our proposed risk metric as part of the decision-making process on emergency maneuvers, i.e., emergency steering and emergency braking, for an AV designed to evade collisions with late-detected pedestrians. In simulations, we show that this metric outperforms deterministic risk estimation by choosing the appropriate evasive maneuver more frequently. In experimental testing, we verified the real-world applicability of this metric in an AV testbed designed for collision avoidance by having a pedestrian dummy walk out from a sight obstruction when the AV approaches. We find that risk is beneficial in deciding on accident avoidance maneuvers. The contributions introduced in this thesis show that risk, and thus uncertainty, can be systematically incorporated in AV algorithms for motion planning and decision-making. We demonstrate that our risk metric is beneficial to the avoidance capabilities of low-automation safety systems. Furthermore, the proposed algorithms are computationally efficient, allowing for real-time optimization-based motion planning, which allows highly automated vehicles to navigate smoothly through road traffic. We show that risk-based AV behavior generation enables balancing the AV's interests in safety and travel efficiency for all road users, and thus, facilitates ethicality.}, language = {en} } @article{AmanciodeMoraesCristofoliDuarteSilvaTancredietal.2024, author = {Am{\^a}ncio de Moraes, Andr{\´e} and Crist{\´o}foli Duarte Silva, Let{\´i}cia and Tancredi, Thiago Pontin and Vasconcellos Ferreira, Cristiano}, title = {Support methodology to the informational and conceptual design of small recreational powerboats}, volume = {13}, journal = {Human Factors in Design}, number = {25}, publisher = {Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina}, address = {Florian{\´o}polis}, issn = {2316-7963}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.5965/2316796313252024165}, pages = {165 -- 186}, year = {2024}, abstract = {This article proposes a methodology for the design of motor recreational boats which are a crucial part of the Brazilian nautical industry. Despite the high demand for these boats, design methodologies for small leisure vessels are not well explored in the literature, leading to not mapped aspects as design information treatment, requirements engineering, and trade-off conflicts. The proposed methodology aims to systematize the obtaining of design specifications, generation and evaluation of solution concepts, employing de- sign support tools. The methodology was evaluated by applying it on a small recreational motorboat, and the results were positively evaluated by nautical industry and academic specialists, leading to acceptation of the methodology and some suggestions for improvement.}, language = {en} } @article{EmbergerNairLichteneggeretal.2025, author = {Emberger, Lukas and Nair, Gireesh and Lichtenegger, Klaus and Moser, Maria and Summ, Thorsten and Natiesta, Thomas and Fan, Jianhua and Wang, Pengcheng and Unterberger, Viktor and Ohnewein, Philip}, title = {Open data in the solar thermal community: Status, barriers, and opportunities}, volume = {2025}, pages = {100114}, journal = {Solar Energy Advances}, number = {5}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2667-1131}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seja.2025.100114}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Open data in the renewable energy sector could contribute to a greener future and reduce carbon emissions. This study investigates existing open datasets in the solar thermal domain, challenges in publishing and using open data and its potential impact. The results support the common belief that open data is useful, offering considerable benefits for data re-users and the solar thermal community. While substantial open data in the solar thermal domain already exists, some datasets like plant statistics and cost data are hard to utilize due to licensing, accessibility, and quality issues. The study shows that data owners benefit less from publishing data compared to data re-users and service providers. While data sharing seems appealing to data owners, several barriers discourage data sharing. Suggestions to promote the use and publications of open data in solar thermal domain are discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{SchimpfLausterSchwarzetal.2026, author = {Schimpf, Sven and Lauster, Michael and Schwarz, Jan Oliver and John, Marcus}, title = {Science fiction and innovation: A literature analysis on science fiction-related methods mapped into the innovation process}, volume = {2026}, pages = {103770}, journal = {Futures}, number = {177}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1873-6378}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2026.103770}, year = {2026}, abstract = {In the development of innovations over the past decades, data-driven methods have become commonplace. Alongside advantages in effectiveness and efficiency comes the danger of relying on data describing past rather than future developments which can result in a loss of imagination and creativity. In parallel, a growing awareness of the interface between innovation and science fiction can be observed in academia and among practitioners. This awareness is most often based on the hypothesis that taking inspiration from science fiction can create value in the development of innovations. Despite numerous case studies in the literature describing this interface, a major part of methods applied seem to have been chosen in an unstructured, almost random way. This study investigates the literature in search of science fiction-related methods able to support the development of innovations. With around 60.000 publications considered based on a high-level search, a refined search combined with a manual search led to 17 science fiction-related methods to support the development of innovations. Using a six-phase generic innovation process, the methods identified were mapped into the process based on semantic similarities between the objectives of each method and the objectives of innovation process phases. This mapping is understood as an overview and conceptualization offering a baseline for future academic research and guidance for practitioners on choosing the most appropriate science fiction-related methods for developing innovations.}, language = {en} } @article{HussenetherRufinoJuniorSelaibePiresetal.2026, author = {Hußenether, Thomas and Rufino J{\´u}nior, Carlos Ant{\^o}nio and Selaibe Pires, Tom{\´a}s and Mishra, Tarani and Nahar, Jinesh and Vaghani, Akash and Polzer, Richard and Diel, Sergej and Schweiger, Hans-Georg}, title = {Analysis of the Measurement Uncertainties in the Characterization Tests of Lithium-Ion Cells}, volume = {19}, pages = {825}, journal = {Energies}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1996-1073}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030825}, year = {2026}, abstract = {The transition to renewable energy systems and electric mobility depends on the effectiveness, reliability, and durability of lithium-ion battery technology. Accurate modeling and control of battery systems are essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in electric vehicles and grid storage. In engineering and materials science, battery models depend on physical parameters such as capacity, energy, state of charge (SOC), internal resistance, power, and self-discharge rate. These parameters are affected by measurement uncertainty. Despite the widespread use of lithium-ion cells, few studies quantify how measurement uncertainty propagates to derived battery parameters and affects predictive modeling. This study quantifies how uncertainty in voltage, current, and temperature measurements reduces the accuracy of derived parameters used for simulation and control. This work presents a comprehensive uncertainty analysis of 18650 format lithium-ion cells with nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes. It applies the law of error propagation to quantify uncertainty in key battery parameters. The main result shows that small variations in voltage, current, and temperature measurements can produce measurable deviations in internal resistance and SOC. These findings challenge the common assumption that such uncertainties are negligible in practice. The results also highlight a risk for battery management systems that rely on these parameters for control and diagnostics. The results show that propagated uncertainty depends on chemistry because of differences in voltage profiles, kinetic limitations, and temperature sensitivity. This observation informs cell selection and testing for specific applications. Improved quantification and control of measurement uncertainty can improve model calibration and reduce lifetime and cost risks in battery systems. These results support more robust diagnostic strategies and more defensible warranty thresholds. This study shows that battery testing and modeling should report and propagate measurement uncertainty explicitly. This is important for data-driven and physics-informed models used in industry and research.}, language = {en} } @article{JamesKillingerMutangaetal.2025, author = {James, Stuart Daniel and Killinger, Markus and Mutanga, Chiedza Ngonidzashe and Pirard, Romain and Einax, Mario and Huber, Matthias and Bader, Tobias}, title = {The hybrid renewable energy community approach (HyRECA): Synergising electricity access with bush encroachment mitigation in rural Southern Africa}, volume = {2026}, pages = {100136}, journal = {Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition}, number = {9}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2667-095X}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rset.2025.100136}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Rural electrification and bush encroachment in Southern Africa have long been studied separately. Research shows that hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) offer viable solutions for off-grid communities, and bush encroachment mitigation is widely recognised as an ecological priority. Using Jamataka, Botswana, as a case study, this study integrates both, asking under which conditions encroacher bush-based HRES are economically viable, which electricity access levels local populations can afford, and whether biomass utilisation contributes to mitigation. Findings indicate strong potential for bush-based HRES in off-grid areas, but competitiveness declines where low-cost grid electricity is available. Economic viability is examined through levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) across alternative HRES configurations. HOMER Pro® simulations indicate PV/biomass/battery systems are most cost-effective off-grid, achieving 100 \% renewable fractions, near zero CO₂ emissions, and LCOE of 0.246 \$/kWh. In grid-connected contexts without feed-in, PV/diesel/grid combinations dominate (LCOE 0.117 \$/kWh) due to low tariffs, but with higher emissions. A novel affordability analysis using household willingness to pay and the World Bank Multi-Tier Framework indicates that all households reach at least Tier 3 electricity access under grid-connected systems and >70 \% off-grid, supporting household-use of medium-power appliances. Sustainable biomass extraction clears ∼12 ha annually (∼120 t) in Jamataka, aiding bush encroachment mitigation. Upscaling indicates potential to electrify 1.35 million people in >900 bush-encroached villages across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, using <1 \% of encroached land - highlighting significant untapped potential. Future research should validate findings through geospatial modelling with high-resolution biomass data and spatially sensitive biomass cost models for region-wide planning.}, language = {en} } @unpublished{DoenmezTejerodelaPiedraKloseetal.2026, author = {D{\"o}nmez, {\"O}mer and Tejero de la Piedra, Ricardo and Klose, Simona and Riolet, Matthieu and Rozek, Lukas and Vaculin, Ondrej and Hach, Christian}, title = {Approach for Passive Safety Assessment of Rearward-Sitting Occupants}, publisher = {Zenodo}, address = {Genf}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18338626}, year = {2026}, abstract = {The introduction of highly automated vehicles (HAVs) will allow vehicle occupants to take advantage of new seating configurations, such as sitting rearward in the first row. One critical aspect of assessing occupant safety during high-speed impacts is the lack of a dedicated safety framework for rearward-facing passengers in the first row. This paper introduces a method to develop new assessment criteria for these novel seat configurations. Thus, this research presents some preliminary results of rearward-facing occupant injury biomechanics analyses carried out employing a variety of anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) and the VIVA+ 50M human body model (HBM), restrained with different belt configurations and considering different seat typologies. It reviews the suitability of 50th percentile male ATDs to capture a biofidelic engagement with the seat structure and belt system and evaluates the reaction loads on the occupant, along with the energy management resulting from seat back rotational stiffness and energy-absorbing foams layered behind the seat cushion. Based on the results, the THOR-AV-50M is a suitable candidate for further biofidelity analysis. Torso occupant loads can be effectively reduced utilizing seat back rotation but pelvis load management requires further studies.}, language = {en} } @article{MohanSchoen2026, author = {Mohan, Adithya and Sch{\"o}n, Torsten}, title = {Toward Robust Agents: A Survey of Adversarial Attacks and Defenses in Deep Reinforcement Learning}, volume = {14}, journal = {IEEE Access}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York}, issn = {2169-3536}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2026.3657855}, pages = {14481 -- 14497}, year = {2026}, abstract = {Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) has demonstrated remarkable success in autonomous decision-making across diverse domains, including robotics, autonomous driving, and game playing. However, recent studies have uncovered a critical vulnerability: DRL agents are highly susceptible to adversarial attacks that can significantly degrade their performance or lead to catastrophic failure. These attacks exploit different components of the learning pipeline observations, actions, rewards, and policies exposing new challenges unique to DRL compared to supervised learning. This survey provides a comprehensive examination of adversarial threats and corresponding defense mechanisms within the DRL paradigm. This also aims to serve as a foundational reference for researchers and practitioners seeking to understand and mitigate adversarial vulnerabilities in DRL.}, language = {en} } @article{AmmelingGanzRosbachetal.2026, author = {Ammeling, Jonas and Ganz, Jonathan and Rosbach, Emely and Lausser, Ludwig and Bertram, Christof and Breininger, Katharina and Aubreville, Marc}, title = {Benchmarking Foundation Models for Mitotic Figure Classification}, volume = {3}, pages = {2026:003}, journal = {Machine Learning for Biomedical Imaging}, number = {MELBA-BVM 2025 Special Issue}, publisher = {Melba editors}, address = {[s. l.]}, issn = {2766-905X}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.59275/j.melba.2026-a3eb}, pages = {38 -- 55}, year = {2026}, abstract = {The performance of deep learning models is known to scale with data quantity and diversity. In pathology, as in many other medical imaging domains, the availability of labeled images for a specific task is often limited. Self-supervised learning techniques have enabled the use of vast amounts of unlabeled data to train large-scale neural networks, i.e., foundation models, that can address the limited data problem by providing semantically rich feature vectors that can generalize well to new tasks with minimal training effort increasing model performance and robustness. In this work, we investigate the use of foundation models for mitotic figure classification. The mitotic count, which can be derived from this classification task, is an independent prognostic marker for specific tumors and part of certain tumor grading systems. In particular, we investigate the data scaling laws on multiple current foundation models and evaluate their robustness to unseen tumor domains. Next to the commonly used linear probing paradigm, we also adapt the models using low-rank adaptation (LoRA) of their attention mechanisms. We compare all models against end-to-end-trained baselines, both CNNs and Vision Transformers. Our results demonstrate that LoRA-adapted foundation models provide superior performance to those adapted with standard linear probing, reaching performance levels close to 100 \% data availability with only 10 \% of training data. Furthermore, LoRA-adaptation of the most recent foundation models almost closes the out-of-domain performance gap when evaluated on unseen tumor domains. However, full fine-tuning of traditional architectures still yields competitive performance.}, language = {en} } @article{RaisuddinHolmbladHaghighietal.2026, author = {Raisuddin, Abu Mohammed and Holmblad, Jesper and Haghighi, Hamed and Poledna, Yuri and Funk Drechsler, Maikol and Donzella, Valentina and Aksoy, Eren Erdal}, title = {REHEARSE-3D: A Multi-Modal Emulated Rain Dataset for 3D Point Cloud De-Raining}, volume = {26}, pages = {728}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {2}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/s26020728}, year = {2026}, abstract = {Sensor degradation poses a significant challenge in autonomous driving. During heavy rainfall, interference from raindrops can adversely affect the quality of LiDAR point clouds, resulting in, for instance, inaccurate point measurements. This, in turn, can potentially lead to safety concerns if autonomous driving systems are not weather-aware, i.e., if they are unable to discern such changes. In this study, we release a new, large-scale, multi-modal emulated rain dataset, REHEARSE-3D, to promote research advancements in 3D point cloud de-raining. Distinct from the most relevant competitors, our dataset is unique in several respects. First, it is the largest point-wise annotated dataset (9.2 billion annotated points), and second, it is the only one with high-resolution LiDAR data (LiDAR-256) enriched with 4D RADAR point clouds logged in both daytime and nighttime conditions in a controlled weather environment. Furthermore, REHEARSE-3D involves rain-characteristic information, which is of significant value not only for sensor noise modeling but also for analyzing the impact of weather at the point level. Leveraging REHEARSE-3D, we benchmark raindrop detection and removal in fused LiDAR and 4D RADAR point clouds. Our comprehensive study further evaluates the performance of various statistical and deep learning models, where SalsaNext and 3D-OutDet achieve above 94\% IoU for raindrop detection.}, language = {en} } @article{MaksimovskiFestagFacchi2026, author = {Maksimovski, Daniel and Festag, Andreas and Facchi, Christian}, title = {Adaptive Message Generation Rules for V2X Maneuver Coordination Service}, volume = {14}, journal = {IEEE Access}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York}, issn = {2169-3536}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2026.3652364}, pages = {6417 -- 6437}, year = {2026}, abstract = {Maneuver coordination enables connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) to collaboratively plan, negotiate, and execute driving maneuvers, aiming to enhance safety, traffic flow, and energy efficiency. As part of the Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication system, it operates as a dedicated service that relies on detailed, bidirectional interactions between vehicles, unlike traditional broadcast-based V2X services. While maneuver coordination is the focus of ongoing research and standardization, the rules that govern when and how vehicles generate Maneuver Coordination Messages (MCMs) within the Maneuver Coordination Service (MCS) are still not fully defined. These rules are essential for ensuring timely and reliable coordination. This paper proposes three adaptive MCM generation strategies based on the operation mode of the MCS, maneuver priority, and current channel load. The first approach defines MCM rules for intent sharing, maneuver negotiation, and execution phases, factoring in maneuver importance. The second adjusts the frequency of intent MCMs when a negotiation message is received from another vehicle. The third adapts frequency based on real-time channel load during intent sharing. For comparison, two baseline strategies are also evaluated. The proposed rules are tested for highway merging and lane change use cases in traffic scenarios with increasing vehicle density and high channel loads. A comprehensive evaluation is conducted using metrics related to the network, message generation frequency, congestion control, and maneuver coordination. The results demonstrate significantly enhanced channel efficiency and communication reliability across all metrics. For example, under the final approach, maneuver negotiation time is reduced by a factor of five in congested V2X environments.}, language = {en} } @article{SchoenhoferKomonenSchwarzetal.2026, author = {Sch{\"o}nhofer, Gerhard and Komonen, Pauli and Schwarz, Jan Oliver and Bechthold, Laura}, title = {Futures of Everyday Life: A Qualitative Content Analysis of Future Personas in Scenarios}, volume = {8}, pages = {e70030}, journal = {Futures \& Foresight Science}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {2573-5152}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/ffo2.70030}, year = {2026}, abstract = {Scenario reports, holding a long-standing tradition in foresight and futures studies, act as an essential document for organizations to prepare for possible, plausible, and alternative futures. Focusing on descriptions and representations of everyday life, we examined 29 future persona narratives from six publications—covering a wide field from public to private sector—through qualitative content analysis. Our guiding question is: How can anthropological perspectives such as cultural relativism or postcolonial discourses contribute to an in-depth, qualitative interpretation depictions of future everyday life? Acknowledging anthropology's colonial origins and its growing commitment to the interests of indigenous and other marginalized groups, we offer alternative readings of prominent scenario reports. Our findings suggest that scenario reports, in addition to anticipating possible futures, construct certain futures based on a systematic analysis of empirical data but also speculative interpretation. The results of these interpretative acts often appear elitist, stereotypical, and technocratic, often replicating dominant societal narratives rather than fostering substantive shifts in how the future is imagined. We therefore call for a more polyphonic representation of futures in scenario writing and foresight work that can produce more discontinuous and transformative images of the future. We understand polyphonic representations as coined by various independent, predominant as well as subaltern perspectives on the same issue at stake while being offered the same amount of space. Therefore, as we will indicate in our analysis, most of the reports referred to are rather monophonic and do not offer discuptive perspectives on the future of everyday life. As an avenue of methodological development, we propose a more nuanced and comprehensive perception of culture and social structures in scenario narrative writing. In addition, ethnographic methods could increase our understanding of how futures are collaboratively constructed and produced by different actors and their respective backgrounds and knowledge in scenario processes.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchwerdSchulte2023, author = {Schwerd, Simon and Schulte, Axel}, title = {Interaction-based Implicit Calibration of Eye-Tracking in an Aircraft Cockpit}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 18th International Joint Conference on Computer Vision, Imaging and Computer Graphics Theory and Applications - Volume 2}, editor = {Paljic, Alexis and Ziat, Mounia and Bouatouch, Kadi}, publisher = {SciTePress}, address = {Set{\´u}bal}, isbn = {978-989-758-634-7}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.5220/0011657200003417}, pages = {55 -- 62}, year = {2023}, abstract = {We present a method to calibrate an eye-tracking system based on cockpit interactions of a pilot. Many studies show the feasibility of implicit calibration with specific interactions such as mouse clicks or smooth pursuit eye movements. In real-world applications, different types of interactions often co-exist in the "natural" operation of a system. Therefore, we developed a method that combines different types of interaction to enable implicit calibration in operational work environments. Based on a preselection of calibration candidates, we use an algorithm to select suitable samples and targets to perform implicit calibration. We evaluated our approach in an aircraft cockpit simulator with seven pilot candidates. Our approach reached a median accuracy between 2° to 4° on different cockpit displays dependent on the number of interactions. Differences between participants indicated that the correlation between gaze and interaction position is influenced by individual factors such as experience.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchwerdSchulte2024, author = {Schwerd, Simon and Schulte, Axel}, title = {Evaluating Blink Rate as a Dynamic Indicator of Mental Workload in a Flight Simulator}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 19th International Joint Conference on Computer Vision, Imaging and Computer Graphics Theory and Applications - Volume 1}, editor = {Bashford-Rogers, Thomas and Meneveaux, Daniel and Ziat, Mounia and Ammi, Mehdi and J{\"a}nicke, Stefan and Purchase, Helen and Bouatouch, Kadi and Sousa, A. Augusto}, publisher = {SciTePress}, address = {Set{\´u}bal}, isbn = {978-989-758-679-8}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.5220/0012319100003660}, pages = {362 -- 368}, year = {2024}, abstract = {This study assesses blink rate as a potential indicator for mental workload (MWL) in a dual task scenario in a flight simulator. Prior research indicated that blink rate decreases as mental workload increases across various tasks and domains. In our study, we aimed to determine if these findings are consistent in a dual task environment within a fast jet simulator. Furthermore, we evaluated blink rate fluctuations caused by the dynamic shifts in MWL as tasks are executed, switched, or completed. To investigate this, we executed a flight simulator experiment involving ten participants. They were tasked with two distinct activities: first, classifying air and ground targets, and second, maintaining a specific flight altitude. The results validated that blink rate decreases with increasing task difficulty. However, when a secondary task imposes significant workload, blink rates did not reliably indicate the primary task's difficulty. We also found that the timing of spontaneous blinks w as influenced by task completion and switches. Specifically, blink rates surged immediately after decision-making points and during transitions between tasks.}, language = {en} } @article{SchwerdSchulte2024, author = {Schwerd, Simon and Schulte, Axel}, title = {Triggering Cockpit Alerts Using an Eye-Tracking-Based Measure of Monitoring Performance}, volume = {14}, journal = {Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors}, number = {1}, publisher = {Hogrefe}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen}, issn = {2192-0931}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1027/2192-0923/a000263}, pages = {22 -- 37}, year = {2024}, abstract = {This study explored the potential for enhancing pilot performance via an alerting system that adapts according to an eye-tracking-based measure of monitoring. The novel measure combines gaze analysis with system state assessment to estimate the pilot's understanding of the current system state. On this basis, an alerting system was developed to direct pilot attention to unnoticed system state changes, thereby improving system state monitoring. In a flight simulator study involving 10 participants in a generic jet cockpit, we compared the adaptive alerting system with a no-assistance condition. Although alerting improved the participants' performance in two tracking tasks, it adversely impacted performance in a third task. Nonetheless, alerting resulted in a decrease in both variance and mean detection time of critical changes. Participants' subjective ratings were generally positive, yet they criticized the lack of transparency of the alerting mechanism. Alerts triggered based on eye-tracking and system state show potential for improving operator task performance. Nonetheless, for the system to reach its full performance potential, it is critical that the operator understand the principles underlying the alert triggers. False positives and alert design were identified as key areas for improvement to maintain user trust and task flow.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{RodriguezArozamenaMatutePerezetal.2025, author = {Rodr{\´i}guez-Arozamena, Mario and Matute, Jose and P{\´e}rez, Joshu{\´e} and Ozbay, Burcu and Tezcan, Deryanur and Begecarslan, Enes and Mutlukaya, Irem and Mayer, Kevin and Volkersdorfer, Tina and Hof, Hans-Joachim}, title = {A Fail-Safe Decision Architecture for CCAM Applications}, booktitle = {Transport Transitions: Advancing Sustainable and Inclusive Mobility, Proceedings of the 10th TRA Conference, 2024 Dublin, Ireland - Volume 6: Connected Mobility Ecosystems}, editor = {McNally, Ciaran and Carroll, P{\´a}raic and Martinez-Pastor, Beatriz and Ghosh, Bidisha and Efthymiou, Marina and Valantasis-Kanellos, Nikolaos}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-032-06763-0}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-06763-0_104}, pages = {731 -- 737}, year = {2025}, abstract = {In the context of Connected, Cooperative, and Automated Mobility (CCAM), precise ego-vehicle positioning and environmental status assessment are crucial. However, these tasks can be susceptible to sensor failures, misuse, and cyberattacks. Automation disengagements and system redundancy are common strategies to achieve Minimum Risk Conditions when failures occur. This paper presents a Fail-Safe decision architecture formulated within the framework of the SELFY project (https://selfy-project.eu/). The main aim is to reduce inaccuracies in GNSS-derived positioning through the incorporation of sensor fusion, AI-guided situational assessment, trajectory planning, and mode decision components. Additionally, the architecture has been designed to enable real-time updates and communication with external entities, including the Vehicle Security Operations Centre.}, language = {en} } @article{ReuthlingerSinha2025, author = {Reuthlinger, Eva and Sinha, Tanja}, title = {Impact Investing from an European Perspective - Do Good and Earn Money?}, volume = {14}, journal = {Copernican Journal of Finance \& Accounting}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nicolaus Copernicus University}, address = {Toruń}, issn = {2300-3065}, doi = {http://dx.doi. org/10.12775/CJFA.2025.005}, pages = {87 -- 109}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Impact Investing provides a promising way to fund sustainable development while balancing financial, social, and environmental goals. This study compares the performance of Impact, Conventional, and ESG Portfolios in the European stock market over more than 10 years, using Markowitz Optimization and Naive Diversification. The findings show that Impact Portfolios yield the highest returns, without sacrificing financial performance when integrating sustainability criteria that go beyond the classical ESG investing.}, language = {en} } @article{PanzerLandesbergerLuzinetal.2025, author = {Panzer, Hannes and Landesberger, Martin and Luzin, Vladimir and Rauner, Dominik and Wolf, Daniel and Zaeh, Michael}, title = {Evaluating the predictive capabilities of part-scale residual stress simulations of PBF-LB/M up to crack formation by a comparison to neutron diffraction}, volume = {2026}, pages = {111713}, journal = {Engineering Fracture Mechanics}, number = {331}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Kidlington}, issn = {0013-7944}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfracmech.2025.111713}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Additive manufacturing technologies have proven to be an excellent alternative to conventional production methods, especially when geometrically complex parts and low production quantities are aimed at. Specifically, powder bed fusion of metals using a laser beam (PBF-LB/M) additionally allows for the manufacturing of mechanically highly stressable parts. However, the heat input through the laser beam into the material and an irregular cooling during the processing result in the formation of high residual stresses. These lead to form deviations outside the specified tolerances and may accumulate to an extent, at which stress-induced cracking occurs. This emphasizes the need for an accurate prediction of the residual stresses during the PBF-LB/M process with the goal of a first-time-right additive manufacturing. In this study, three specimens exhibiting high residual stress formations during PBF-LB/M were manufactured from the nickel-based superalloy Inconel 718. Afterwards, the stresses were measured by means of neutron diffraction. The results provided the validation data for a subsequent finite element simulation, representing the build-up process on a part-scale, in which the data evaluation was conducted in accordance with the measurements for a high comparability. A comparison between the simulation and the neutron diffraction results of all three specimens showed a very good agreement of the normal stresses in all three coordinate directions, both for tensile and compressive stresses. The obtained results highlight the validity of the applied simplified part-scale simulation. The latter can, therefore, be utilized to increase the process understanding of residual stress and crack formations. It can also be used to enable process parameter modifications or geometry adaptions, aiming at a first-time-right additive manufacturing.}, language = {en} } @book{ElstermannFleischmannMoseretal.2026, author = {Elstermann, Matthes and Fleischmann, Albert and Moser, Christoph and Oppl, Stefan and Schmidt, Werner and Stary, Christian}, title = {Contextual Process Digitalization}, subtitle = {Changing Perspectives - Design Thinking - Value-Led Design}, edition = {Second Edition}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-032-06901-6}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-06901-6}, pages = {XII, 343}, year = {2026}, abstract = {This open access book presents an overview and step-by-step explanation of process management. It starts with the individual participants' perspectives on their work in a process and its structuring and harmonization, and then moves on to its specification in a model and how it is embedded in the organizational and IT environment of the company. Lastly, the book examines the joint processing of instances in the resulting socio-technical systems. A corresponding illustration, which expands with the overview, enables readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of business process management. The book presents various facets of business process management from the perspective of the participants, and introduces a selection of models that have proved useful in practice. The design of such models supports the transition from a more-or-less unstructured or unsatisfactory way of working to a structured process that corresponds to the ideas of the company and its customers. For this second edition, several new sections dealing with the integration of IoT processes, artificial intelligence, and social behavior patterns in process mining, a whole chapter on implementation and operation, and three new case studies were added. The book is intended for professionals in industry as well as students in the field of business information systems who are looking for guidelines on how to discover, create and implement real-world processes.}, language = {en} } @article{BienertRegnet2025, author = {Bienert, J{\"o}rg and Regnet, Simon}, title = {Stability Analysis for an Ultra-Lightweight Glider Airplane with Electric Driven Two-Blade Propeller}, volume = {9}, pages = {3}, journal = {Vibration}, number = {1}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2571-631X}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration9010003}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Safety is the most important requirement in flight operations. This also affects the application for an extreme lightweight glider in this paper. Essential properties are the target weight below 120 kgand the electric propulsion. The unsymmetric inertia from the two-blade propeller at the rear in combination with the light and flexible aluminium tube support makes it necessary to investigate the risk of mechanical instability. Starting from the equations of motion, the time-variant system matrices are set up. The simulation of Floquet multiplier and Hill's hyper-eigenvalue problem provide the necessary information about the system stability. The conclusion is that the potential instability due to structural damping in the observed system can be avoided in the range of operation. The damping, experimentally determined by approximately 2\%, is sufficient.}, language = {en} } @article{GregorBauderKirstenVidaldeOliveiraetal.2025, author = {Gregor, Markus and Bauder, Maximilian and Kirsten Vidal de Oliveira, Aline and Mast, Pascal and R{\"u}ther, Ricardo and Schweiger, Hans-Georg}, title = {Approaches for Lifetime Prediction of Vehicle Traction Battery Systems During a Technical Inspection: A Systematic Review}, volume = {17}, pages = {3}, journal = {World Electric Vehicle Journal}, number = {1}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2032-6653}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj17010003}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Creating trust in society for new technologies, such as a new types of powertrains, and making them marketable requires transparent, neutral, and independent technical verification. This is crucial for the acceptance and success of electrified vehicles in the used car markets. A key component of electric vehicles is the traction battery, whose current and future condition, particularly regarding aging, determines its residual value and safe operation. This review aims to identify and evaluate methods for predicting the lifetime of onboard traction batteries, focusing on their applicability in technical inspections. A systematic literature and patent review was conducted using targeted keywords, yielding 22 patents and 633 publications. From these, 150 distinct lifetime prediction methods were extracted and categorized into a four-level mind map. These methods are summarized, cited, and structured in detailed tables. The relationships between approaches are explained to clarify the current research landscape. Long Short-Term Memory, Convolutional Neural Networks, and Particle Filters were identified as the most frequently used techniques. However, no methods were found suitable for predicting the lifetime of traction batteries during technical vehicle inspections, which operate under short test durations, limited data access, and diverse real-world operating conditions. Most studies focused on cell-level testing and did not address complete battery systems in operational vehicles. This gap highlights the need for applied research and the development of practical methods to support battery assessment in real-world conditions. Advancing this field is essential to foster confidence in battery systems and enable a sustainable transition to electromobility.}, language = {en} } @thesis{Salaj2025, author = {Salaj, Ina}, title = {Integrating cross-modality fusion for joint audio-visual quality assessment}, publisher = {Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt}, address = {Ingolstadt}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:573-65575}, pages = {67 Seiten in verschiedenen Z{\"a}hlungen}, school = {Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Assessing the quality of audio-visual (AV) content is essential for understanding how users perceive the overall experience of combined audio and video in the modern multimedia applications. Even though there has been a lot of work in assessing the quality of audio and video separately, the integration of these channels has not been well explored especially using advanced deep learning techniques. Current literature tends to use non-industry-standard datasets and simple fusion strategies, thus hindering the real-world relevance and advancement of the field. To address these gaps, this work conducts a series of experiments starting from simple approaches and baseline models, progressively advancing to more sophisticated methods such as integrating cross-modality fusion via cross and self-attention. Our method incorporates a deep neural network based audio model along with a dedicated video quality model where the features of both modalities are fused using attention mechanisms. We extend the feature set of one modality when needed in order to preserve temporal correspondence and relevance. One of the novelties of the proposed approach is the usage of the Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) loss, which is a measure that has been employed in emotion recognition but not in AV quality modeling before. This loss function increases the stability of our quality estimations since it forces the model to output quality scores that are closer to the actual human ratings. We also make a unique contribution by using an AV dataset that is closer to the industry practices, which contains high quality audio and video content with realistic distortions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that employs cross-attention for AV feature fusion in an intrusive AV quality assessment setting. The experimental results show that this approach can enhance the prediction performance and yield high Pearson and Spearman correlations as well as low RMSE. This work sets a new baseline for AV quality assessment and demonstrates how cross-modal fusion can be useful in real-life multimedia applications.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchlagowskiHergetHeimerletal.2024, author = {Schlagowski, Ruben and Herget, Frederick and Heimerl, Niklas and Hammerl, Maximilian and Huber, Tobias and Zwolsky, Pamina and Gruca, Jan and Andr{\´e}, Elisabeth}, title = {From a Social POV: The Impact of Point of View on Player Behavior, Engagement, and Experience in a Serious Social Simulation Game}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games, FDG 2024}, editor = {Smith, Gillian and Whitehead, Jim and Samuel, Ben and Spiel, Katta and van Rozen, Riemer}, publisher = {ACM}, address = {New York}, isbn = {979-8-4007-0955-5}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3649921.3649936}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Multiplayer games with social aspects vary widely regarding client design, e.g., point of view or camera perspective. While design paradigms usually arise from gold standards that are set by previously successful games in the industry, the impact of such paradigms is under-researched for games that serve as scientific instruments, e.g., to research social behavior. Intending to investigate how such games should be designed, we built two multiplayer clients with the same game logic, one using a first-person point of view, while the other includes a top-down camera perspective. Then, we conducted an online user study in which players tested these game clients in extensive multiplayer sessions. Analyzing speech time, in-game logs, questionnaires, and qualitative feedback, we look at the perspectives' impact on player behavior, engagement, and game experience in a scientific or "serious games" context. In addition, we have made our designed game UNISON and both clients available as open source to facilitate future empirical social science research.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SalayCzarneckiAlvarezetal.2020, author = {Salay, Rick and Czarnecki, Krzysztof and Alvarez, Ignacio and Elli, Maria and Sedwards, Sean and Weast, Jack}, title = {PURSS: Towards Perceptual Uncertainty Aware Responsibility Sensitive Safety with ML}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the Workshop on Artificial Intelligence Safety (SafeAI 2020), co-located with 34th AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AAAI 2020)}, editor = {Espinoza, Hu{\´a}scar and Hern{\´a}ndez-Orallo, Jos{\´e} and Chen, Xin Cynthia and {\´O}h{\´E}igeartaigh, Se{\´a}n S. and Huang, Xiaowei and Castillo-Effen, Mauricio and Mallah, Richard and McDermid, John}, publisher = {RWTH Aachen}, address = {Aachen}, url = {https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-2560/}, pages = {91 -- 95}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Automated driving is an ML-intensive problem and its safety depends on the integrity of perception as well as planning and control. Responsibility Sensitive Safety (RSS) is a recent approach to promote safe planning and control that relies on perfect perception; however, perceptual uncertainty is always present, and this causes the possibility of misperceptions that can lead an autonomous vehicle to allow unsafe actions. In this position paper, we sketch a novel proposal for a formal model of perception coupled with RSS to help mitigate the impact of misperception by using information about perceptual uncertainty. The approach expresses uncertainty as imprecise perceptions that are consumed by RSS and cause it to limit actions to those that support safe behaviour given the perceptual uncertainty. We illustrate our approach using examples and discuss its implications and limitations.}, language = {en} } @article{HaryantoVaculin2025, author = {Haryanto, Aditya and Vaculin, Ondrej}, title = {YoFlow Method for Scenario Based Automatic Accident Detection}, volume = {7}, journal = {IEEE Open Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York}, issn = {2687-7813}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1109/OJITS.2025.3639557}, pages = {61 -- 73}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Recent advances in sensor and computing technologies have enabled road side units (RSUs) to not only monitor traffic flow but also process data in real time to improve road safety. However, leveraging RSUs for proactive accident detection remains a challenging and underexplored task, partly due to the lack of diverse accident data. To address this, this study proposes two key contributions: (i) a scenario-based synthetic data generation framework, and (ii) YoFlow, a novel system for vehicle-tovehicle accident detection from a simulated RSU camera perspective. The proposed framework leverages the PEGASUS method for scenario generation strategy and BeamNG.tech for generating synthetic traffic videos. This approach led to the development of the SB-SIF dataset, which includes five representative intersection crash scenarios derived from German accident data. The SB-SIF dataset contains 914 crash videos, 123 near-miss events, and 924 normal traffic instances and is publicly available at: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15267252. The proposed YoFlow system identifies accidents by analyzing temporal variations in vehicle speed vectors, using YOLO for vehicle classification and CUDA-accelerated dense optical flow to capture abrupt motion changes. The extracted features are processed and classified using an XGBoost model, achieving 94\% recall and 90\% precision in accident detection.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KoliosGohAhmed2022, author = {Kolios, Alexandros and Goh, Wei Jiah and Ahmed, Awais}, title = {Analysis and forecasting of financial risks of German enterprises in the context of unpredictable price dynamics of energy resources}, booktitle = {Culegere de articole: Conferinţa știinţifică internaţională, "Paradigme moderne {\^i}n dezvoltarea economiei naţionale {\c{s}}i mondiale"}, publisher = {CEP USM}, address = {Chișinău}, isbn = {978-9975-62-488-6}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7543630}, pages = {133 -- 136}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The relevance of this topic is due to the fact that at present in Germany there is an unpredictable price dynamics of energy resources, changes in interest rates, the dynamics of the euro exchange rate, and is also due to such factors as the instability of the political situation and the changing principles of state influence in the financial sector. Purpose of the work: to study the economic impact of financial risk on the German financial system, to explore methods for measuring, identifying and managing financial risks at the company level. Research methodology: In the course of the study, such modern methods of studying economic phenomena and processes as a dialectical approach, system analysis, formal logic, statistical research techniques were used.}, language = {en} } @article{MehtaLwakatareZoerneretal.2025, author = {Mehta, Kedar and Lwakatare, Bertha and Z{\"o}rner, Wilfried and Ehrenwirth, Mathias}, title = {Mini-grid performance in Sub-Saharan Africa: case studies from Tsumkwe and Gam, Namibia}, volume = {12}, pages = {30}, journal = {Sustainable Energy Research}, number = {1}, publisher = {SpringerOpen}, address = {Singapore}, issn = {2731-9237}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s40807-025-00174-y}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This paper investigates the performance analysis and operational challenges of mini-grids in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the Tsumkwe and Gam mini-grids, the only officially recognized mini-grids in Namibia. The study addresses a critical gap in understanding mini-grid efficiency, technical difficulties, and future potential. The key research questions focus on assessing mini-grid performance, identifying technical and operational challenges, quantifying the relationship between electricity demand and supply, and providing recommendations for enhancing rural electrification through mini-grids. These insights are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of mini-grids in the African context and understanding their role in advancing rural electrification. By using a mixed-method approach, the research combines quantitative and qualitative data to offer a comprehensive analysis of these two mini-grid systems of Namibia. The data collected from 2017 to 2022 include metrics on energy supply, consumption, photovoltaic generation, community load, and meteorological conditions. Qualitative insights were gathered through field visits, surveys, and interviews with mini-grid operators, allowing for a thorough examination of community perspectives, operational issues, and technical performance. The findings reveal that the Tsumkwe mini-grid has seen a decline in efficiency due to maintenance problems and battery overheating, while the Gam mini-grid, initially oversized, now struggles with increased demand and new connections. This study provides the first detailed technical insights, identifies consumer archetypes, and evaluates the energy dynamics of mini-grids in Namibia. Recommendations include improved maintenance protocols, advanced battery management, and enhanced data monitoring. By analyzing Tsumkwe and Gam, this paper offers valuable lessons for mini-grid development in Sub-Saharan Africa, stressing the need for continuous evaluation and strategic improvements to achieve sustainable rural electrification.}, language = {en} } @article{MehtaJainZoerner2025, author = {Mehta, Kedar and Jain, Rushabh Bansilal and Z{\"o}rner, Wilfried}, title = {Agrivoltaics Around the World: Potential, Technology, Crops and Policies to Address the Energy-Agriculture Nexus for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Land Use}, volume = {18}, pages = {6417}, journal = {Energies}, number = {24}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1996-1073}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/en18246417}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The urgent pursuit of climate-resilient agriculture and clean energy systems, central to the Energy-Agriculture Nexus and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, has accelerated global interest in agrivoltaic (Agri-PV) technologies. This paper presents a global systematic review and meta-analysis of 160 peer-reviewed studies, structured through a five-stage thematic synthesis: (1) mapping global and regional Agri-PV deployment and potential, (2) analyzing system design and modeling methodologies, (3) evaluating crop suitability under partial shading, (4) reviewing enabling policies and regulatory frameworks, and (5) assessing techno-economic feasibility and investment barriers. Results reveal that Europe and Asia lead Agri-PV development, driven by incentive-based policies and national tenders, while limited regulatory clarity and high capital costs constrain wider adoption. Despite technological progress, no integrated model fully captures the coupled energy, water, and crop dynamics essential for holistic assessment. Strengthening economic valuation, policy coherence, and standardized modeling approaches will be critical to scale Agri-PV systems as a cornerstone of sustainable and climate-resilient land use.}, language = {en} } @article{MeintrupSinger2025, author = {Meintrup, David and Singer, Peter}, title = {A Friendly Guide to the Real Exponential Function}, volume = {132}, journal = {The American Mathematical Monthly}, number = {10}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {London}, issn = {1930-0972}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1080/00029890.2025.2554556}, pages = {1043 -- 1047}, year = {2025}, abstract = {We propose an elementary introduction to the real exponential function of Leonhard Euler that combines ideas of Felix Klein and Adolf Hurwitz and uses an approximation of the primitive of the hyperbola. In this way, we can avoid the difficulties of common approaches yet still obtain classical results.}, language = {en} } @article{SchwanMohanSchmidetal.2025, author = {Schwan, Hannes and Mohan, Nihesh and Schmid, Maximilian and Saha, Rocky Kumar and Klassen, Holger and M{\"u}ller, Klaus and Elger, Gordon}, title = {Sintering for High Power Optoelectronic Devices}, volume = {16}, pages = {1164}, journal = {Micromachines}, number = {10}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2072-666X}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16101164}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Residual-free eutectic Au80Sn20 soldering is still the dominant assembly technology for optoelectronic devices such as high-power lasers, LEDs, and photodiodes. Due to the high cost of gold, alternatives are desirable. This paper investigates the thermal performance of copper-based sintering for optoelectronic submodules on first and second level to obtain thermally efficient thin bondlines. Sintered interconnects obtained by a new particle-free copper ink, based on complexed copper salt, are compared with copper flake and silver nanoparticle sintered interconnects and benchmarked against AuSn solder interconnects. The copper ink is dispensed and predried at 130 °C to facilitate in situ generation of Cu nanoparticles by thermal decomposition of the metal salt before sintering. Submounts are then sintered at 275 °C for 15 min under nitrogen with 30 MPa pressure, forming uniform 2-5 µm copper layers achieving shear strengths above 31 MPa. Unpackaged LEDs are bonded on first level using the copper ink but applying only 10 MPa to avoid damaging the semiconductor dies. Thermal performance is evaluated via transient thermal analysis. Results show that copper ink interfaces approach the performance of thin AuSn joints and match silver interconnects at second level. However, at first level, AuSn and sintered interconnects of commercial silver and copper pastes remained superior due to the relative inhomogeneous thickness of the thin Cu copper layer after predrying, requiring higher bonding pressure to equalize surface inhomogeneities.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KuladinithiMakamaShudrenkoetal.2025, author = {Kuladinithi, Koojana and Makama, Aliyu and Shudrenko, Yevhenii and Simon, Siska and Ahmed, Musab and Algarra, Teresa and Wanniarachchi, Shashini and Timm-Giel, Andreas}, title = {Designing Problem-based Learning Cases to Foster Student Engagement in STEM}, booktitle = {Tagungsband zum 6. Mint Symposium: Zukunft MINT Lehre: Was bleibt? Was kommt? Was wirkt?}, editor = {D{\"o}lling, Hanna and Sch{\"a}fle, Claudia}, publisher = {BayZiel}, address = {M{\"u}nchen}, doi = {10.57825/repo_in-6364}, pages = {135 -- 144}, year = {2025}, abstract = {We all recognize the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) in engaging everyone and helping students develop critical thinking and teamwork skills. PBL was developed to make medicine students ready to work under real life conditions. Therefore, since the 50s there have been several cases for medicine scenarios being published. In the STEM field it is still not common to use this method, which is quite unfortunate. Therefore, we have chosen to share how we implement PBL to teach Communication Networks to master's students. In this paper, we will present our experiences in designing new PBL cases, alongside feedback from our Center for Teaching and Learning (ZLL). These cases reflect current trends in key topics related to communication networks, our engagement strategies, and the student feedback we have received during the winter semester 2024/25.}, language = {en} } @article{RoueguiBellabairElAslietal.2025, author = {Rouegui, Meryem and Bellabair, Hind and El Asli, Abdelghani and Amar, Amine and Z{\"o}rner, Wilfried and Rachidi, Fouad and Lghoul, Rachid}, title = {Bio-Methanization of Sheep Manure and Beet Waste in the Meknes-F{\`e}s Region, Morocco: Effects of Pretreatment and Machine Learning Applications for Biochemical Methane Potential Prediction}, volume = {10}, pages = {213}, journal = {Recycling}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2313-4321}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling10060213}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Sheep manure and beet waste (the uneatable leaf part of the beet) are promising feedstock for biogas production due to their abundance and organic richness. However, their high lignocellulosic content reduces anaerobic digestibility and controls methane yield. This study investigates the effect of various pretreatment strategies, namely physical, thermal, and combined physical-thermal methods, on the Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) of sheep manure and beet waste. Batch anaerobic digestion experiments were conducted under mesophilic conditions, with BMP values recorded for each treatment. The highest BMP for sheep manure, 125 Nml CH4/g VS, was achieved using combined physical and thermal pretreatment. This approach enhanced methane production by 16\%, 25\%, and 60\% compared to physical pretreatment (PP) alone, thermal pretreatment (TP) alone, and no pretreatment, respectively, while the one BMP for beet waste is 80 Nml CH4/g VS and obtained with thermal pretreatment. To predict BMP outcomes, three machine learning approaches are applied, namely Linear Regression (LM), Random Forest Regression (RFR), and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), using digestion time (N days), total solids (Ts), volatile solids (Vs), pretreatment type, and biomass type. The variance analysis confirmed that the interaction between pretreatment and biomass type significantly improved model performance. While diagnostic checks revealed non-linear patterns limiting the linear model, ensemble methods achieved stronger results. The RFR model explained 79.5\% of the variance with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of about 15.7, whereas the GBM model achieved the lowest RMSE of 5.05. GBM captures complex non-linear interactions. In addition, variable importance analyses identified digestion time, solid content, and pretreatment as the most influential factors for methane yield, with the combined chemical and physical pretreatment producing the highest biogas outputs. These findings underscore the potential of advanced machine learning models, particularly GBM (Gradient Boosting Machine), for optimizing anaerobic digestion strategies and maximizing biogas recovery from sheep manure and beet waste.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{IrawatiBolukbasiRiener2025, author = {Irawati, Diah Ayu and Bolukbasi, Elif and Riener, Andreas}, title = {Advancing Generative AI Collaboration in Design-to-Code Workflows: Insights from Two Empirical Studies}, booktitle = {Proceedings of MUM 2025: The 24th International Conference on Mobile and Ubiquitous Multimedia}, editor = {Sorce, Salvatore and Elagroudy, Passant and Khamis, Mohamed}, publisher = {ACM}, address = {New York}, isbn = {979-8-4007-2015-4}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3771882.3771913}, pages = {33 -- 46}, year = {2025}, abstract = {For expert users to accept Generative AI (GenAI) as a true collaborative partner, it must move beyond simple task-awareness to an understanding of their workflow's underlying structural rules. This paper introduces a paradigm for AI collaborators that moves beyond simple task awareness to an understanding of the semantic and hierarchical relationships within a component-based system. We investigate this concept within the context of the design-to-code workflow, where inefficiencies arise from the modification of components within design systems. Through two empirical studies with designers and developers, we found that GenAI output was often rejected because it violated the component hierarchy. Designers required granular and visual control for refinements, whereas developers valued automated setup but required transparent validation of the generated code's logic. Based on these findings, we contribute design guidelines for achieving Component-Structure Awareness (CSA), with two core principles: the Atomic Recommender, which provides assistance that respects the component hierarchy, and Communication Archetypes, which allow GenAI to adapt its interaction style to the user's role and the atomic nature of their task. This work provides a new, higher-level concept for designing the next generation of truly collaborative GenAI agents.}, language = {en} } @article{PandeyKuehnWeisetal.2025, author = {Pandey, Amit and K{\"u}hn, Stephan and Weis, Alexander and Wunderle, Bernhard and Elger, Gordon}, title = {Evaluating optical performance degradation of automotive cameras under accelerated aging}, volume = {2026}, pages = {109396}, journal = {Optics and Lasers in Engineering}, number = {196}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1873-0302}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlaseng.2025.109396}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Automotive cameras are subject to environmental stress, which degrades performance by reducing image sharpness. To qualify for automotive use and to ensure that the cameras maintain sharpness according to the hard requirements of end-of-line testing, cameras have to undergo standardized accelerated aging tests. These tests are performed to demonstrate reliability and functional safety over lifetime. Few studies have been published that demonstrate how aging contributes to the degradation of optical performance. This study addresses this gap by combining accelerated thermal aging with sharpness tracking to investigate degradation over time. To quantify sharpness degradation, six series-production cameras were subjected to accelerated thermal aging between -40◦𝐶 and +85◦𝐶. Each camera underwent 2000 aging cycles, equivalent to 80\% of their lifetime based on the Coffin-Manson model of the LV124 standard. Sharpness was measured by calculating the Spatial Frequency Response (SFR) from images captured of a double-cross reticle projected by a virtual object generator with three illumination wavelengths (625nm, 520nm, and 470nm). The change in sharpness was evaluated with SFR50 and SFR at 60 line pairs per millimeter (SFR@60). During the first 250 cycles, a wear-in effect was observed, where sharpness increased before leveling off, as seen previously. The results also indicated a slow decline in sharpness showing long-term stability. Analysis indicated that before aging, the best focal plane was located closer to the focal position of the red wavelength, which lies furthest from the objective. By the end of the aging process, the best focal plane had shifted toward the focal position of the blue wavelength, which is located closer to the objective. This suggests a forward movement of the image sensor due to aging. Even after 2000 cycles, all cameras maintained an SFR@60 above 0.5. A Random Forest regression model was trained to predict the age based on the SFR curves, achieving a mean absolute error of 126 cycles and a 𝑅2 score of 0.96.}, language = {en} } @article{KauppHuber2025, author = {Kaupp, Sabine and Huber, Florian}, title = {Does mental model similarity equal innovation team performance?}, volume = {22}, journal = {Innovation \& Management Review}, number = {4}, publisher = {Emerald}, address = {Bingley}, issn = {2515-8961}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1108/INMR-09-2023-0152}, pages = {280 -- 292}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Purpose This paper addresses challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinary teamwork in innovation management, focusing on how team mental models (TMMs) can foster more effective collaboration among team members from diverse backgrounds. The research examines the relationship between TMM similarity and team performance in interdisciplinary innovation teams. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory study was conducted with 55 participants across 15 teams. TMM similarity was measured by analyzing team interactions using a web-based interface that facilitated contrasted comparison ratings. These ratings were first processed into individual graphs via a shortest-node-finding pathfinder algorithm, then compared. Subject matter experts evaluated team performance. Findings The results reveal a significant positive correlation between TMM similarity and team performance in interdisciplinary innovation teams, suggesting that greater alignment in team members' mental models enhances overall innovation project performance. Research limitations/implications Although the academic programs sampled replicate the environment, challenges and various other aspects of innovation projects, they can only be considered proxies for innovation projects within real organizations. Further research within professional environments, using a larger sample, is recommended. Practical implications The findings highlight the value of assessing and fostering TMM similarity to improve teamwork and performance in interdisciplinary innovation projects. The interface and code used are publicly available to encourage their implementation in organizations. Originality/value This research provides novel insights into the application of TMMs within interdisciplinary innovation teams, extending the concept beyond its traditional use in unidisciplinary and structured task settings.}, language = {en} } @unpublished{SalamatMatternOlzemetal.2025, author = {Salamat, Babak and Mattern, Dominik and Olzem, Sebastian-Sven and Elsbacher, Gerhard and Seidel, Christian and Tonello, Andrea M.}, title = {GMP3: Learning-Driven, Bellman-Guided Trajectory Planning for UAVs in Real-Time on SE(3)}, publisher = {arXiv}, address = {Ithaca}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2509.21264}, year = {2025}, abstract = {We propose GMP3, a multiphase global path planning framework that generates dynamically feasible three-dimensional trajectories for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating in cluttered environments. The framework extends traditional path planning from Euclidean position spaces to the Lie group SE(3), allowing joint learning of translational motion and rotational dynamics. A modified Bellman-based operator is introduced to support reinforcement learning (RL) policy updates while leveraging prior trajectory information for improved convergence. GMP3 is designed as a distributed framework in which agents influence each other and share policy information along the trajectory: each agent refines its assigned segment and shares with its neighbors via a consensus-based scheme, enabling cooperative policy updates and convergence toward a path shaped globally even under kinematic constraints. We also propose DroneManager, a modular ground control software that interfaces the planner with real UAV platforms via the MAVLink protocol, supporting real-time deployment and feedback. Simulation studies and indoor flight experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed method in constrained 3D environments, demonstrating reliable obstacle avoidance and smooth, feasible trajectories across both position and orientation. The open-source implementation is available at https://github.com/Domattee/DroneManager.}, language = {en} } @article{PeintnerMangerBergeretal.2025, author = {Peintner, Jakob and Manger, Carina and Berger, Melanie and Riener, Andreas}, title = {Balancing transparency and control: The impact of AI explanation detail on user perception in automated vehicles}, volume = {2025}, pages = {101742}, journal = {Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives}, number = {34}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2590-1982}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2025.101742}, year = {2025}, abstract = {As automated vehicle technology advances, explainable AI has emerged as a critical tool to enable users to understand and predict the behavior of AI systems, particularly in safety-critical applications such as automated driving. However, increased transparency in AI explanations may inadvertently contribute to an "illusion of control", a cognitive bias in which drivers overestimate their influence or understanding of the AI's actions. We aim to better understand how the level of detail in AI explanations affects users of automated vehicles. In a virtual reality study, N = 44 participants experienced different explanation levels (low, medium, high) in an automated ride (SAE L4) compared to a baseline condition with no explanations. The results show a significant improvement in participants' user experience, acceptance, and explanation satisfaction, with more detailed explanations. Our findings also indicate that as AI explanations become more detailed, users' perceived level of control increases significantly, although this perception does not correlate with actual control capabilities. At the same time, it decreased their desire to take control, indicating users' susceptibility to the 'illusion of control' bias in the context of automated driving. Overall, this suggests that the design of explanation interfaces should strive for a balanced level of detail that promotes AI transparency without causing cognitive overload. At the same time, explainable AI can be utilized to decrease users' desire to intervene in the AI's actions.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{MichlHofKatzenbeisser2025, author = {Michl, Marco and Hof, Hans-Joachim and Katzenbeisser, Stefan}, title = {From Access to Trust: Policy-Based Automotive Trust Management With XACML}, pages = {6}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2nd Cyber Security in CarS Workshop (CSCS'25)}, publisher = {ACM}, address = {New York}, isbn = {979-8-4007-1928-8}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3736130.3764511}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Trust is a fundamental requirement in vehicular systems, particularly in the context of autonomous and cooperative driving, where decisions often depend on data received from other vehicles or infrastructure. This paper presents a novel approach to integrating trust-based reasoning—specifically, decision-making based on subjective logic—into Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) systems, using the XACML policy language. We draw a parallel between trust management and access control, showing that trust assessments can be modeled as access decisions and expressed through standard access control policies. This integration allows for the reuse of mature ABAC infrastructure to represent and enforce trust-based decisions. Furthermore, we demonstrate how trust discounting mechanisms, which combine node-based and data-based trust, can be implemented within XACML policies. To evaluate this approach, we introduce a Rust-based XACML engine capable of interpreting trust-enhanced policies. Its integration in both inter- and intra-vehicle scenarios is discussed, assuming a modern zone-based architecture. Our results suggest that policy-based trust management can be efficiently implemented, enabling flexible and standardized trust reasoning in automotive environments.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{LavesHutzelmannMayeretal.2025, author = {Laves, Claudius and Hutzelmann, Thomas and Mayer, Kevin and Hof, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Driving Down Premiums: A Security and Forensic Analysis of the DriveWell Insurance System}, pages = {9}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2nd Cyber Security in CarS Workshop (CSCS'25)}, publisher = {ACM}, address = {New York}, isbn = {979-8-4007-1928-8}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3736130.3762688}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Modern car insurance companies can dynamically adjust premiums with mobile sensor units that constantly record, analyze, and grade driving behavior. However, attackers can tamper with these systems to cheat the insurance company and reduce their premiums. We developed an attacker model for this threat in conjunction with a risk assessment using the ISO/SAE 21434 Risk Rating Methodology, a widely accepted standard for evaluating and managing risks in automotive systems. To support and showcase our model, we examined the static IT security of the mobile sensor unit DriveWell and its companion Android application HUK Mein Auto. In particular, we utilized digital forensic tools to analyze the stored data in the sensor's internal storage and the app's smartphone storage, with a focus on encryption mechanisms for locally stored data and internet communication. During this analysis, we spotted a critical vulnerability that enables attackers to manipulate their insurance scores and potentially reduce premiums by up to 30\%. Our model and real-world analysis provide a solid foundation for reducing the risk of such manipulation of insurance premiums.}, language = {en} } @article{WanZhaoWiedholzetal.2025, author = {Wan, Lei and Zhao, Jianxin and Wiedholz, Andreas and Bied, Manuel and Martinez de Lucena, Mateus and Jagtap, Abhishek Dinkar and Festag, Andreas and Fr{\"o}hlich, Ant{\^o}nio and Keen, Hannan Ejaz and Vinel, Alexey}, title = {A Systematic Literature Review on Vehicular Collaborative Perception—A Computer Vision Perspective}, volume = {27}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems}, number = {1}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York}, issn = {1558-0016}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1109/TITS.2025.3631141}, pages = {81 -- 118}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The effectiveness of autonomous vehicles relies on reliable perception capabilities. Despite significant advancements in artificial intelligence and sensor fusion technologies, current single-vehicle perception systems continue to encounter limitations, notably visual occlusions and limited long-range detection capabilities. Collaborative Perception (CP), enabled by Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication, has emerged as a promising solution to mitigate these issues and enhance the reliability of autonomous systems. Beyond advancements in communication, the computer vision community is increasingly focusing on improving vehicular perception through collaborative approaches. However, a systematic literature review that thoroughly examines existing work and reduces subjective bias is still lacking. Such a systematic approach helps identify research gaps, recognize common trends across studies, and inform future research directions. In response, this study follows the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and includes 106 peer-reviewed articles. These publications are analyzed based on modalities, collaboration schemes, and key perception tasks. Through a comparative analysis, this review illustrates how different methods address practical issues such as pose errors, temporal latency, communication constraints, domain shifts, heterogeneity, and adversarial attacks. Furthermore, it critically examines evaluation methodologies, highlighting a misalignment between current metrics and CP's fundamental objectives. By delving into all relevant topics in-depth, this review offers valuable insights into challenges, opportunities, and risks, serving as a reference for advancing research in vehicular collaborative perception.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{UllrichBayerlHutzelmannetal.2025, author = {Ullrich, Henning and Bayerl, Dominik and Hutzelmann, Thomas and Hof, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Application of Quantum Key Distribution in Intelligent Transport Systems}, pages = {5}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2nd Cyber Security in CarS Workshop (CSCS'25)}, publisher = {ACM}, address = {New York}, isbn = {979-8-4007-1928-8}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3736130.3762692}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) enables two parties to generate a secret key, based on quantum physical properties. The secrecy of the exchanged key is guaranteed by these quantum physical properties, even against an attacker using a quantum computer. QKD therefore offers an Quantum Information Theoretically Secure (Q-ITS) alternative to Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) schemes. This paper discusses advantages and challenges of deploying a QKD system in an Intelligent Transport System (ITS), by examining two exemplary use cases. Approaches to effectively implement QKD in these use cases are proposed, with a short discussion of advantages over the use of classical and PQC schemes.}, language = {en} } @article{AgostinelliAsatianiAxmannetal.2025, author = {Agostinelli, Simone and Asatiani, Aleksandre and Axmann, Bernhard and Hannibal, Glenda and Modlinski, Artur}, title = {Trust Calibration for RPA}, volume = {14}, journal = {Dagstuhl Reports}, number = {7}, publisher = {Schloss Dagstuhl}, address = {Dagstuhl}, issn = {2192-5283}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.4230/DagRep.14.7.52}, pages = {61 -- 64}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This working group focused on foundational issues of trust in RPA: How we can conceptualize trust between users and software robots and specify it in a way that, eventually, we can measure that trust empirically.}, language = {en} } @article{GleissnerKotonski2025, author = {Gleißner, Christian and Kotonski, Julia}, title = {The classification of rigid torus quotients with canonical singularities in dimension three}, volume = {36}, journal = {Rendiconti Lincei: Matematica e Applicazioni}, number = {2}, publisher = {EMS Press}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {1720-0768}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.4171/RLM/1070}, pages = {315 -- 352}, year = {2025}, abstract = {We provide a fine classification of rigid 3-dimensional torus quotients with isolated canonical singularities, up to biholomorphism and diffeomorphism. This complements the classification of Calabi-Yau 3-folds of type III0​, which are those quotients with Gorenstein singularities.}, language = {en} } @unpublished{IvanHirlingGrexaetal.2025, author = {Ivan, Zsanett Zsofia and Hirling, Dominik and Grexa, Istvan and Ammeling, Jonas and Micsik, Tamas and Dobra, Katalin and Kuthi, Levente and Sukosd, Farkas and Aubreville, Marc and Miczan, Vivien and Horvath, Peter}, title = {Subphase-Labeled Mitotic Dataset for AI-powered Cell Division Analysis}, publisher = {bioRxiv}, address = {Cold Spring Harbor}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.07.17.665280}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Mitosis detection represents a critical task in the field of digital pathology, as determination of the mitotic index (MI) plays an important role in the tumor grading and prognostic assessment of patients. Manual determination of MI is a labor-intensive and time-consuming task for practitioners with rather high interobserver variability, thus, automation has become a priority. There has been substantial progress towards creating robust mitosis detection algorithms in recent years, primarily driven by the Mitosis Domain Generalization (MIDOG) challenges. In parallel, there has been growing interest in the molecular characterization of mitosis with the goal of achieving a more comprehensive understanding of its underlying mechanisms in a subphase-specific manner. Here, we introduce a new mitotic figure dataset annotated with subphase information based on the MIDOG++ dataset as well as a previously unrepresented tumor domain to enhance the diversity and applicability of the dataset. We envision a new perspective for domain generalization by improving the performance of models with subtyping mitotic cells into the 5 main stages of normal mitosis, complemented with an atypical mitotic class. We believe that our work broadens the horizon in digital pathology: subtyping information could provide useful help for mitosis detection, while also providing promising new directions in answering biological questions, such as molecular analysis of the subphases on a single cell level.}, language = {en} } @unpublished{SuciuBock2025, author = {Suciu, Tobias and Bock, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {A Practical Approach to Multivariate Time Series Anomaly Detection in Automotive Bus Systems Testing}, titleParent = {Research Square}, publisher = {Research Square}, address = {Durham}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7778102/v1}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The increasing complexity of modern vehicles and their testing procedures generates vast amounts of multivariate time series data, making manual anomaly detection during automotive testing increasingly challenging. This article investigates the application of deep learning algorithms for automated anomaly detection in automotive bus data collected during dynamic driving scenarios. Three distinct architectures are implemented and compared: a CNN-based forecasting approach (DeepAnT), an LSTM-based model (LSTM-AD), and a Convolutional Autoencoder (CAE). Real-world driving data collected across various scenarios, ranging from normal operation to extreme maneuvers, is employed. Through evaluation across seven distinct test scenarios, findings reveal that while each architecture demonstrates specific strengths, their effectiveness varies significantly based on anomaly type and driving context. DeepAnT shows the most consistent performance across different scenarios, while LSTM-AD achieves superior detection capability for complex temporal patterns, particularly in scenarios involving coordinated changes across multiple features. The CAE excels at identifying pronounced deviations but shows limitations in detecting subtle anomalies. This study demonstrates that while deep learning models effectively detect anomalies in automotive time series data, their practical implementation requires careful consideration of specific use cases, emphasizing the critical role of data preprocessing and threshold calculation in ensuring reliable anomaly detection.}, language = {en} } @article{JamadarSekharYadaetal.2025, author = {Jamadar, Mohammad I. and Sekhar, Ravi and Yada, Vijay Ramarao and Rairikar, Sandeep D. and Thipse, Sukrut}, title = {Emission Testing of Flex Fuel Vehicles up to M100/E100: Upgradation of Existing Test Facility for Vehicles below 3.5-ton GVW for Testing Methanol or Ethanol Operated Vehicles}, volume = {58}, journal = {Journal Europ{\´e}en des Syst{\`e}mes Automatis{\´e}s​}, number = {8}, publisher = {IIETA}, address = {Edmonton}, issn = {2116-7087}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.18280/jesa.580816}, pages = {1721 -- 1732}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This paper is focused on enhancing the existing dilute emission measurement system to accommodate the emission testing of vehicles operating with gasoline blends with methanol and ethanol, dedicated M100/E100 etc. India is moving towards achieving the E20 blend on the pan-country level by April 2025 with the initiations of NITI Aayog and exploring alternate fuels like 100\% methanol and ethanol. Government of India is now focused on introducing the flex fuel vehicle (FFV) technology that supports the usage of higher ethanol blends. As per CMVR guidelines for M and N category vehicles with a gross vehicle weight less than 3,500 kg; a dilute emission measurement system is used to evaluate tailpipe pollutants and fuel economy. Most of the present emission systems are compatible with testing the vehicle till M15 and E20 blends. Beyond this percentage, usage of a test facility for M100, E100, and other flex-fuel vehicles, require certain modifications in existing test facility to maintain the precision and reliability of the results considering higher water content in exhaust and effect of condensation on emission measurement due to dilution. The modifications needed, implementation and their impact are experimentally briefed in the present paper.}, language = {en} } @article{AxmannHarmoko2024, author = {Axmann, Bernhard and Harmoko, Harmoko}, title = {The Assessment Model of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Project Using Benefit Study and Balanced Scorecard (BSC) Approach}, volume = {18}, journal = {Tehnički glasnik}, number = {2}, publisher = {University North}, address = {Koprivnica}, issn = {1848-5588}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.31803/tg-20240416111054}, pages = {246 -- 253}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Assessing Robotic Process Automation (RPA) projects is challenging, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited resources. The most common approach, cost-benefit analysis, measures the financial success of a project, but it does not capture all RPA benefits, which can lead to erroneous decisions about starting, continuing, delaying, or stopping an RPA project. This research presents a novel RPA project assessment model that combines a benefits approach with the balanced scorecard (BSC) framework. The model identifies RPA benefits from the scientific literature and classifies them into four BSC indicators: financial, business process improvement, customer satisfaction, and learning and development. SMEs can easily use the model by comparing expected and actual benefits to make quick and holistic decisions. The model's simplicity, ease of use, and ability to reveal both monetary and non-monetary RPA benefits make it a valuable tool for SMEs.}, language = {en} } @article{SchuhmacherGassmannKwisdaetal.2025, author = {Schuhmacher, Alexander and Gassmann, Oliver and Kwisda, Sebastian and Kremer, Malte and Hinder, Markus and Hartl, Dominik}, title = {The R\&D productivity challenge: transforming the pharmaceutical ecosystem}, volume = {30}, pages = {104494}, journal = {Drug Discovery Today}, number = {11}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1878-5832}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104494}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The persistent decline in pharmaceutical R\&D productivity has been extensively analyzed and debated for over two decades, with profound implications for the structure and strategy of the pharmaceutical industry. This systemic challenge forced many leading companies to adapt their R\&D models, influencing internal capabilities and external innovation strategies. In response, the industry has evolved into a complex, interdependent biopharmaceutical ecosystem encompassing large pharmaceutical corporations, biotech innovators and specialized service providers. Although R\&D productivity affects all research-driven companies, its consequences are particularly pronounced for large pharmaceutical firms, because the scale and capital intensity of their R\&D activities make productivity a crucial determinant of long-term competitiveness and sustainability. By contrast, other stakeholders are only partially adversely affected, whereas some can even obtain value from it.}, language = {en} } @article{SchwertnerBuchbergerDiehletal.2025, author = {Schwertner, Stefan and Buchberger, Tobias and Diehl, Simon and Ferg, Rebekka and Hanzl, Christian and Hartmann, Christoph and H{\"o}lzle, Markus and Kleiner, Jan and Komsiyska, Lidiya and Lewerenz, Meinert and Liebhart, Bernhard and Schmid, Michael and Schneider, Dominik and Scholz, Florian and Speer, Sascha and St{\"o}ttner, Julia and Terbrack, Christoph and Hinterberger, Michael and Endisch, Christian}, title = {Design and Implementation of an Intelligent Reconfigurable High-Voltage Battery System for Next-Generation Electric Vehicles}, volume = {11}, pages = {11110424}, journal = {Batteries}, number = {11}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2313-0105}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries11110424}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Battery system engineers face the challenge of balancing competing requirements regarding performance, maintainability, sustainability, safety, and cost—especially in the automotive industry. IBS potentially offer a solution with fewer trade-offs. They feature a battery management system with advanced sensing and data analysis capabilities that facilitate improved battery monitoring and operation. Reconfigurable energy storage units enable sophisticated operating strategies, including complete cell state control, full energy content utilization, and a measured response to faults. This article presents the design, development, and operation of a full-scale intelligent battery system prototype comprising 324 automotive lithium-ion cells with a nominal voltage of 400V. The system exhibits a modular single cell architecture and an advanced centralized battery management system. We detail the system architecture, hardware and software component design, and system integration. Initial tests demonstrate the battery's operability, extended functionality, and enhanced safety. Our analysis shows that the additional losses introduced by reconfigurability are more than offset by the benefits of full energy utilization—even for new cells, with increasing advantage as aging progresses. The results underscore the potential of intelligent battery systems and motivate further research and development toward economic assessment and industrial adoption.}, language = {en} } @article{DenkFroehlingBrunneretal.2024, author = {Denk, Florian and Fr{\"o}hling, Felix and Brunner, Pascal and Huber, Werner and Margreiter, Martin and Bogenberger, Klaus and Kates, Ronald}, title = {Influence of gaze strategies and cognitive load on safeguarding performance of motorists in right-turning scenarios involving potential conflicts with vulnerable road users}, volume = {2025}, journal = {Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour}, number = {109}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1873-5517}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2024.11.012}, pages = {32 -- 49}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In urban traffic, while the fraction of collisions involving Vulnerable Road Users (VRU) is low, their importance is high due to the higher injury risk for VRU. Their infrequent occurrence on average (compared with far more common individual perceptual and behavioral errors by both drivers and VRUs) reflects an underlying fault tolerance in traffic processes. However, the degree of fault tolerance varies among traffic situations. The underlying perceptual and cognitive processes involved are complex and can require a high level of attention and concentration, particularly in situations with intersecting trajectories. These processes can occasionally fail, leading to collision risk. The situation of right-turning motorists (in right-hand-drive countries) encountering cyclists moving straight on a bike lane (with right of way) has a particularly low error tolerance, since motorists must actively scan for cyclists approaching from behind. In order to develop, test and assess solutions that mitigate collision risk in this situation, the behavior-related causation mechanisms need investigation. This is the focus of this article. We conducted a trial on our closed test track with n = 35 subjects. The experiment was designed as a within-subject design with three independent factors: maneuver, target velocity, and cognitive load in an n-back task. The trial included observations of participants' gaze control. A primary research focus was the quality and efficiency of the safeguarding gaze behavior of participants in order to draw conclusions on the causation mechanisms of collisions in this situation. For this purpose we define metrics in order to quantify the quality and efficiency of a specific gaze behavior. Furthermore, we studied the effect of factors cognitive load and target velocity on safety and secondary (n-back) task performance. Remarkably, only four out of 35 participants reached a collision risk of 0\% relating to the defined quality metric. Furthermore, we identified four distinct gaze strategy groups through hierarchical clustering, where one group performed particularly few glances overall. This group showed significant differences with respect to the defined quality metric whereas the other groups showed only slight differences to each other. The results have implications on subsequent crash causation model development.}, language = {en} } @article{PugetGanzBertrametal.2025, author = {Puget, Chlo{\´e} and Ganz, Jonathan and Bertram, Christof and Conrad, Thomas and Baeblich, Malte and Voss, Anne and Landmann, Katharina and Haake, Alexander F. H. and Spree, Andreas and Hartung, Svenja and Aeschlimann, Leonore and Soto, Sara and de Brot, Simone and Dettwiler, Martina and Aupperle-Lellbach, Heike and Bolfa, Pompei and Bartel, Alexander and Kiupel, Matti and Breininger, Katharina and Aubreville, Marc and Klopfleisch, Robert}, title = {Artificial intelligence predicts c-KIT exon 11 genotype by phenotype in canine cutaneous mast cell tumors: Can human observers learn it?}, volume = {63}, journal = {Veterinary Pathology}, number = {2}, publisher = {Sage}, address = {London}, issn = {1544-2217}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1177/03009858251380284}, pages = {369 -- 379}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (ccMCTs) are frequent neoplasms with variable biological behaviors. Internal tandem duplication mutations in c-KIT exon 11 (c-KIT-11-ITD) are associated with poor prognosis but predict therapeutic response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In a previous work, deep learning algorithms managed to predict the presence of c-KIT-11-ITD on digitalized hematoxylin and eosin-stained histological slides (whole-slide images, WSIs) in up to 87\% of cases, suggesting the existence of morphological features characterizing ccMCTs carrying c-KIT-11-ITD. This 3-stage blinded study aimed to identify morphological features indicative of c-KIT-11-ITD and to evaluate the ability of human observers to learn this task. 17 untrained pathologists first classified 8 WSIs and 200 image patches (highly relevant for algorithmic classification) of ccMCTs as either positive or negative for c-KIT-11-ITD. Second, they self-trained to recognize c-KIT-11-ITD by looking at the same WSIs and patches correctly sorted. Third, pathologists classified 15 new WSIs and 200 new patches according to c-KIT-11-ITD status. In addition, participants reported microscopic features they considered relevant for their decision. Without training, participants correctly classified the c-KIT-11-ITD status of 63\%-88\% of WSIs and 43\%-55\% of patches. With self-training, 25\%-38\% of WSIs and 55\%-56\% of patches were correctly classified. High cellular pleomorphism, anisokaryosis, and sparse cytoplasmic granulation were commonly suggested as features associated with c-KIT-11-ITD-positive ccMCTs, none of which showed reliable predictivity in a follow-up study. The results indicate that transfer of algorithmic skills to the human observer is difficult. A c-KIT-11-ITD-specific morphological feature remains to be extracted from the artificial intelligence model.}, language = {en} } @article{PanchalPatelGohil2023, author = {Panchal, Dhruv and Patel, Bhavesh and Gohil, Hardik}, title = {Experimental Investigation on Performance Characteristics of Dry Centrifugal Clutch with Grooved Friction Liners}, volume = {20}, journal = {International Journal of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering}, number = {1}, publisher = {Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Publishing}, address = {Pekan}, issn = {2180-1606}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.20.1.2023.01.0786}, pages = {10152 -- 10164}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The deteriorated condition of friction liners after prolonged use is one of the primary causes of judder in centrifugal clutches. The friction characteristics can be retained by generating specific textures or grooves on the friction liner. An attempt has been made to study the characteristics of centrifugal clutch using grooved friction liners. A test cycle for centrifugal clutch has been developed using a number of engagements as the basis. A vehicle test bench was used for the experiment where the developed test cycle was automated. The performance characteristics of the centrifugal clutch have been recorded and analyzed with normal friction liners and grooved friction liners for 100 test cycles. For this study, the groove area ratio was retained at 0.15, and the grooves were cut at 90°. After completing 100 test cycles, the clutch with a grooved friction liner exhibited better characteristics. After completing 100 test cycles, the surface roughness reduction at the leading section of the grooved friction liner and normal friction liner has been found to be 6.44\% and 8.11\%, respectively. The thickness reduction at the leading section of the grooved friction liner and normal friction liner has been reported to be 3.73\% and 4.98\%, respectively. Throughout the run of 100 test cycles, the higher clutch housing temperature has been witnessed in the case of a clutch with a grooved friction liner. At the 100th test cycle, the clutch torque with a grooved friction liner was 15.22\% more than the clutch torque with a normal friction liner. Even after prolonged use, the clutch with grooved friction liner exhibited better judder characteristics and also provided higher fuel economy for vehicles.}, language = {en} } @article{MangerVoglRiener2025, author = {Manger, Carina and Vogl, Annalena and Riener, Andreas}, title = {Cognitive Biases in User Interaction with Automated Vehicles: The Influence of Explainability and Mental Models}, volume = {15}, pages = {11030}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, number = {20}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2076-3417}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/app152011030}, year = {2025}, abstract = {To develop truly human-centered automated systems, it is essential to acknowledge that human reasoning is prone to systematic deviations from rational judgment, known as Cognitive Biases. The present study investigated such flawed reasoning in the context of automated driving. In a multi-step study with N = 34 participants, the occurrence of four Cognitive Biases was examined: Truthiness Effect, Automation Bias, Action Bias, and Illusory Control. Additionally, the study explored how the Explainability of the automation's behavior and the driver's Mental Model influenced the manifestation of these biases. The findings indicate a notable susceptibility to the Truthiness Effect and Illusory Control, although all biases appeared highly dependent on the specific driving context. Moreover, Explainability strongly impacted the perceived credibility of information and participants' agreement with the system's behavior. Given the exploratory nature of the study, this work aims to initiate a discussion on how Cognitive Biases shape human reasoning and decision-making in interactions with automated vehicles. Based on the results, several directions for future research are proposed: (1) investigation of additional cognitive biases, (2) analysis of biases across different levels of automation, (3) exploration of mitigation strategies versus deliberate use of biases, (4) examination of dynamic and context-dependent manifestations, and (5) validation in high-fidelity simulations or real-world settings.}, language = {en} } @article{SantosNetoKanieskietal.2025, author = {Santos, Cassiano and Neto, Milad Kalume and Kanieski, Jo{\~a}o Marcos and Rufino J{\´u}nior, Carlos Ant{\^o}nio and Schweiger, Hans-Georg and Zanin, Hudson}, title = {A multidimensional assessment of electrification in automotive powertrains: Technical, operational, and strategic perspectives}, volume = {2025}, pages = {107377}, journal = {Results in Engineering}, number = {28}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2590-1230}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2025.107377}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Global transportation is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the convergence of decarbonization targets and advances in electrification technologies. Electrification, ranging from mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (mHEVs) to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), represents the main technological path in the transition from internal combustion engines. This transition is inherently multidimensional, simultaneously reshaping vehicle design, manufacturing systems, supply chains, customer value, and environmental outcomes in interconnected ways. Each architecture, including mHEV, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), and BEV, presents different tradeoffs in these dimensions, requiring a structured framework for systematic comparison. To address this gap, this work details an integrated framework that systematically compares electrification pathways across five interrelated dimensions: vehicle concepts, research and development, manufacturing and logistics, customer experience, and environmental footprint. This framework culminates in a decision matrix that consolidates trade-offs into a practical SWOT based tool for strategic planning.}, language = {en} } @thesis{Parvaj2025, author = {Parvaj, Ahammad}, title = {Assessing consumer behaviour and barriers to pre-owned electronics goods}, subtitle = {a German perspective}, publisher = {Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt}, address = {Ingolstadt}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:573-63666}, pages = {VIII, 91}, school = {Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This research focuses on consumer behavior and the barriers to buying pre-owned electronic products in Germany by investigating the psychological, demographic, and informational aspects that influence whether consumers decide to buy or not to buy these products. The research method applies a quantitative strategy, which involves gathering data through a questionnaire conducted with 185 consumers and using regression analysis and hypothesis testing techniques to identify meaningful factors that influence consumer behavior in the secondary market for used electronics. This research examines four main hypotheses. Hypothesis 1 (H1): Perception and motivation are essential elements of consumer psychology, which significantly affect purchase behavior. The analysis revealed a strong positive association between consumer psychology and purchase intention (β = 0.52, p = 0.001), implying that perceived sustainability and motivation to save costs are important drivers for purchasing pre owned electronics. Hypothesis 2 (H2): Demographic factors such as age, gender, and income have a significant impact on purchase behavior. The results showed a strong positive effect of demographics on purchasing decisions (β = 0.39, p = 0.004), indicating that younger consumers, including those in Generation Z and millennials, are more likely to buy pre owned electronics. Hypothesis 3 (H3): Awareness mediates the connection between consumer psychology and purchase behavior. The analysis revealed a notable negative moderating effect of awareness (β = -0.27, p = 0.016), meaning that when awareness levels are low, the positive effect of consumer psychology on purchasing behavior is weakened. This highlights the importance of educating consumers in marketing used electronics. Hypothesis 4 (H4): Awareness also mediates the relationship between demographic variables and purchase behavior. The results revealed a negative moderating effect of awareness (β = -0.21, p = 0.035), showing that purchasing behavior cannot rely solely on demographic factors without adequate consumer knowledge about second hand goods. The findings indicate that consumer psychology—especially sustainability awareness and cost saving motivation—plays a critical role in shaping consumer purchasing behavior.}, language = {en} } @article{TheilerNoerpelBaumannetal.2025, author = {Theiler, Michael and N{\"o}rpel, Felix and Baumann, Alexander and Endisch, Christian}, title = {Thermal fault detection in battery systems using principal component analysis with adaptive thresholding}, volume = {2026}, pages = {119101}, journal = {Journal of Energy Storage}, number = {141, Part B}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2352-1538}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2025.119101}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Lithium-ion cells pose serious safety risks when they enter a state with highly exothermic reactions known as thermal runaway. Because elevated temperature is the ultimate trigger for this failure mode, reliable and timely detection of abnormal cell temperature is critical. Early detection enables, user warning, fast emergency response, and provides the basis for effective active prevention strategies. In this work, we present an unsupervised data-driven approach that detects thermal faults by monitoring inter-cell voltage deviations. We apply principal component analysis (PCA) to capture systematic changes in voltage homogeneity that occur when a cell within a battery module heats abnormally. By systematically analyzing the effects of thermal stress on voltage homogeneity under varying operating conditions, we reveal requirements for a reliable detection method. Leveraging these insights, we introduce an adaptive thresholding mechanism. This novel approach significantly boosts the sensitivity to faults for a wide range of operating conditions while maintaining detection robustness. We validate the method through extensive experiments in which we externally heat a single cell within a module with the power of 1 W. Compared to both conventional linear PCA and nonlinear kernel PCA with a constant threshold, linear PCA with adaptive thresholding achieves a significantly better balance between sensitivity and robustness across the full range of test conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{BhanderiAgrawalElger2025, author = {Bhanderi, Savankumar and Agrawal, Shiva and Elger, Gordon}, title = {Deep segmentation of 3+1D radar point cloud for real-time roadside traffic user detection}, volume = {15}, pages = {38489}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-23019-6}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Smart cities rely on intelligent infrastructure to enhance road safety, optimize traffic flow, and enable vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication. A key component of such infrastructure is an efficient and real-time perception system that accurately detects diverse traffic participants. Among various sensing modalities, automotive radar is one of the best choices due to its robust performance in adverse weather and low-light conditions. However, due to low spatial resolution, traditional clustering-based approaches for radar object detection often struggle with vulnerable road user detection and nearby object separation. Hence, this paper proposes a deep learning-based D radar point cloud clustering methodology tailored for smart infrastructure-based perception applications. This approach first performs semantic segmentation of the radar point cloud, followed by instance segmentation to generate well-formed clusters with class labels using a deep neural network. It also detects single-point objects that conventional methods often miss. The described approach is developed and experimented using a smart infrastructure-based sensor setup and it performs segmentation of the point cloud in real-time. Experimental results demonstrate 95.35\% F1-macro score for semantic segmentation and 91.03\% mean average precision (mAP) at an intersection over union (IoU) threshold of 0.5 for instance segmentation. Further, the complete pipeline operates at 43.61 frames per second with a memory requirement of less than 0.7 MB on the edge device (Nvidia Jetson AGX Orin).}, language = {en} } @article{YarzaNavarroSchaerEllerSchulzetal.2025, author = {Yarza Navarro-Sch{\"a}r, Vanessa Gabriela and Eller, Eric and Schulz, Marco and Lermer, Eva}, title = {The trust-NPS correlation: The role of trust in promoting customer loyalty in Swiss financial institutions}, volume = {20}, pages = {e0334423}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, number = {11}, publisher = {PLOS}, address = {San Francisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0334423}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a widely used key performance indicator (KPI) for measuring customer loyalty and guiding customer-centric strategies. While customer trust has been identified as an important influencing factor for NPS, existing research treats trust as a unidimensional construct, leaving the specific trust components that drive customer loyalty behaviors largely unexplored. This study addresses this theoretical gap by examining the relationship between various trust components and NPS in the financial services sector. A survey of 1,370 Swiss consumers assessed trust across ten theoretically-derived dimensions alongside their NPS ratings for five financial service companies. Employing median-split analysis, results demonstrate that high customer trust is associated with a significantly higher NPS (+36.5) compared to low trust (-68.6). Critically, quantile regression analysis revealed heterogeneous effects of trust components across different NPS distribution levels, with ability, experience, and reputation showing consistent positive effects across all quantiles. In contrast, joint interests and continuity emerged as relevant only at higher NPS quantiles, while reciprocity proved significant exclusively at the 25th percentile, demonstrating that distinct trust determinants become salient depending on customers' advocacy levels. These findings challenge prevailing theoretical assumptions about customer trust's homogeneous influence on customer loyalty, revealing instead a differentiated pattern of trust component effects. The study advances trust theory by demonstrating that trust dimensions not only vary in their influence on customer advocacy behaviors but also exhibit different effect patterns across the NPS distribution, contradicting assumptions of uniform trust impact on loyalty outcomes. The results indicate that NPS optimization requires strategic focus on specific trust dimensions, particularly those demonstrating consistent positive associations across quantile levels. This research contributes novel theoretical insights into the conditional trust-loyalty relationship while providing empirically-grounded guidance for customer-centric business strategies.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Koval2025, author = {Koval, Leonid}, title = {Methodology for Evaluating and Optimizing Machine Learning Applications in Industrial Production}, publisher = {Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt}, address = {Ingolstadt}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:573-63465}, pages = {XV, 127, xv}, school = {Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This dissertation examines the challenges of integrating machine learning into manufacturing environments and introduces a structured optimization methodology, termedUnderstanding and Transformation, Classification and Estimation, Optimization, Results and Evaluation (UT-CORE), to align technical solutions with strategic production objectives. The initial chapters establish the historical context and current state of data-driven production, emphasizing the complexities introduced by imbalanced datasets, constrained budgets, and evolving AI maturity within the industry. Cost emerges as a central determinant for success, prompting in-depth analyses of model-centric and data-centric pipeline design approaches. Building on these foundations, UT-CORE is presented as a four-phase process that employs a morphological box to isolate critical pipeline components and to quantify them through cost, time, availability, and complexity. By transforming high-level goals into systematic ranking and selection mechanisms using multi-criteria decision-making tools, UTCORE pinpoints the most impactful aspects of an ML pipeline, such as labeling, deployment, or model tuning, and visualizes their break-even points for more transparent managerial oversight. This process supports incremental improvements and comprehensive overhauls and can be adapted to industrial use cases. An extensive real-world application in a small to medium-sized enterprise validates the method's utility. The findings underscore the importance of optimizing meta-characteristics selectively rather than attempting to address an entire pipeline simultaneously. Concluding discussions highlight UT-CORE's adaptability to emerging technologies such as automated machine learning, and robotic process automation, as well as the potential for integrated information modeling to enhance future iterations of the method. Ultimately, this dissertation contributes a robust, modular framework to facilitate cost-effective, data-driven quality assurance across diverse production contexts.}, language = {en} } @article{KolffHimmelsVenrooijetal.2025, author = {Kolff, Maurice and Himmels, Chantal and Venrooij, Joost and Parduzi, Arben and Pool, Daan M. and Riener, Andreas and Mulder, Max}, title = {Effect of motion mismatches on ratings of motion incongruence and simulator sickness in urban driving simulations}, volume = {2025}, pages = {103370}, journal = {Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour}, number = {115}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1873-5517}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2025.103370}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This paper investigates the effects of motion mismatches on simulator sickness and subjective ratings of the motion. In an open-loop driving simulator experiment, participants were driven through a recorded urban drive twelve times, in which mismatches were induced by manipulating the following three aspects in motion cueing: (i) mismatches in specific vehicle axes, (ii) mismatch types (scaling, missing, and false cues), and (iii) inconsistent scaling between different motion axes. Subjects (N=52) reported simulator sickness post-hoc (after each drive), as well as continuously during each drive, a first in simulator sickness research. Furthermore, subjective post-hoc motion incongruence ratings on the quality of the motion were extracted. Results show that longitudinal motion mismatches lead to the most simulator sickness and the highest ratings, followed by mismatches in lateral motion, then yaw rate. False cues induce the most sickness, followed by missing and then scaled motion. Inconsistent scaling between the axes has no significant effect. The continuous sickness ratings support that the occurrence and severity of simulator sickness are indeed related to mismatches in simulator motion of specific maneuvers. This paper contributes to an improved understanding of the relationship between simulator motion and sickness, allowing for more targeted motion cueing strategies to prevent and reduce sickness in driving simulators. These strategies may include the appropriate selection of the simulator, the motion cueing, and the sample of participants, following the presented results.}, language = {en} } @article{DoepfertChuHamacher2025, author = {Doepfert, Markus and Chu, Jiahe and Hamacher, Thomas}, title = {HAMLET: A modular agent-based Python framework for energy markets and systems}, volume = {2025}, pages = {102346}, journal = {SoftwareX}, number = {32}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2352-7110}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.softx.2025.102346}, year = {2025}, abstract = {HAMLET is an agent-based Python framework designed to model the intricate interactions between energy markets, systems, and stakeholders. Its modular architecture provides a flexible and adaptable platform for analyzing complex energy systems. With numerous pre-built templates for energy system components, HAMLET enables researchers to focus on their area of expertise without the need to develop the surrounding ecosystem from scratch. By integrating market and system dynamics, HAMLET supports diverse applications, including market design optimization, grid management, policy refinement, and energy management system development. HAMLET delivers detailed insights into the technical, economic, and social impacts of new system designs, addressing a critical gap in energy system modeling.}, language = {en} } @article{ZepfGelnerHaertletal.2025, author = {Zepf, Andreas and Gelner, Alexander and H{\"a}rtl, Martin and Jaensch, Malte}, title = {3D-CFD-Based optimization of piston Geometry, injector nozzle Design, and injection strategy for the alternative diesel fuel Oxymethylene ether (OME)}, volume = {406}, pages = {136995}, journal = {Fuel}, number = {Part B}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {New York}, issn = {1873-7153}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2025.136995}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Oxymethylene ethers (OMEs) represent a promising alternative to conventional diesel fuels, offering carbon-neutral mobility and soot-free combustion due to the absence of carbon-carbon bonds. This prevents the soot-NOx trade-off. Moreover, an OME-adapted and optimized combustion process offers the opportunity to improve engine efficiency while simultaneously reducing NOx emissions, thus addressing the existing efficiency-NOx trade-off. Realizing this potential necessitates tailoring the mixture preparation and combustion process to the unique characteristics of OME. This study explores the optimization of piston geometry, injector nozzle design, and injection strategies to leverage OME's unique properties for improved engine performance. Using 3D-CFD simulations with the CONVERGE software, key parameters such as nozzle diameter, spray angle, and piston bowl shape are analyzed for their impact on efficiency and emissions. The results highlight that wider piston bowl geometries enhance indicated efficiency, while larger nozzle diameters improve combustion efficiency due to reduced combustion durations. Smaller spray angles effectively lower NOx emissions but introduce challenges such as piston wetting and localized temperature peaks. The study also confirms that pilot injection does not benefit OME operation, simplifying injection system requirements. These findings underline the need for tailored engine designs to fully exploit OME's potential as a sustainable fuel. The proposed configurations pave the way for further experimental validation and practical implementation in internal combustion engines, contributing to the global transition toward low-carbon transport systems.}, language = {en} } @misc{SiddigTugeevGeorges2025, author = {Siddig, Ibrahim and Tugeev, Sviatoslav and Georges, Munir}, title = {THI Lehrvideo Community Handbook Version 1.0}, address = {Ingolstadt}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This guidebook is offered as part of the THI Lehrvideocommunity Project. It is designed to assist both students and professors in producing high-quality videos for various purposes - from work and project presentation to peer education. It offers a useful starting point if you are facing such task for the first time, as well as potential avenues for improvement for those already more experienced.}, language = {en} } @article{HaidenRichter2025, author = {Haiden, Michael and Richter, Florian}, title = {Autonomous weapons: considering the rights and interests of soldiers}, volume = {27}, pages = {53}, journal = {Ethics and Information Technology}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Dordrecht}, issn = {1388-1957}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s10676-025-09859-w}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The development of autonomous weapons systems (AWSs), which would make decisions on the battlefield without direct input from humans, has the potential to dramatically change the nature of war. Due to the revolutionary potential of these technologies, it is essential to discuss their moral implications. While the academic literature often highlights their morally problematic nature, with some proposing outright banning them, this paper highlights an important benefit of AWSs: protecting the lives, as well as the mental and physical health of soldiers. If militaries can avoid sending humans into dangerous situations or relieve drone operators from tasks that lead to lifelong trauma, this obviously appears morally desirable - especially in a world where many soldiers are still drafted against their will. Nonetheless, there are many arguments against AWSs. However, we show that although AWSs are potentially dangerous, criticisms apply equally to human soldiers and weapons steered by them. The combination of both claims makes a strong case against a ban on AWSs where it is possible. Instead, researchers should focus on mitigating their drawbacks and refining their benefits.}, language = {en} } @unpublished{KettelgerdesHillmannHirmeretal.2023, author = {Kettelgerdes, Marcel and Hillmann, Tjorven and Hirmer, Thomas and Erdogan, H{\"u}seyin and Wunderle, Bernhard and Elger, Gordon}, title = {Accelerated Real-Life (ARL) Testing and Characterization of Automotive LiDAR Sensors to facilitate the Development and Validation of Enhanced Sensor Models}, publisher = {arXiv}, address = {Ithaca}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2312.04229}, year = {2023}, abstract = {In the realm of automated driving simulation and sensor modeling, the need for highly accurate sensor models is paramount for ensuring the reliability and safety of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Hence, numerous works focus on the development of high-fidelity models of ADAS sensors, such as camera, Radar as well as modern LiDAR systems to simulate the sensor behavior in different driving scenarios, even under varying environmental conditions, considering for example adverse weather effects. However, aging effects of sensors, leading to suboptimal system performance, are mostly overlooked by current simulation techniques. This paper introduces a cutting-edge Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) test bench designed for the automated, accelerated aging and characterization of Automotive LiDAR sensors. The primary objective of this research is to address the aging effects of LiDAR sensors over the product life cycle, specifically focusing on aspects such as laser beam profile deterioration, output power reduction and intrinsic parameter drift, which are mostly neglected in current sensor models. By that, this proceeding research is intended to path the way, not only towards identifying and modeling respective degradation effects, but also to suggest quantitative model validation metrics.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchobertGmeinerFrankeetal.2025, author = {Schobert, Marvin and Gmeiner, Christian and Franke, J{\"o}rg and Schuderer, Peter}, title = {BPMN2.0 for the formal specification of discrete event simulation models}, volume = {2025}, booktitle = {Simulation in Produktion und Logistik 2025}, editor = {Rank, Sebastian and K{\"u}hn, Mathias and Schmidt, Thorsten}, publisher = {Technische Universit{\"a}t Dresden}, address = {Dresden}, isbn = {978-3-86780-806-4}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.25368/2025.285}, pages = {52-1 -- 52-10}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Discrete Event Simulation (DES) is essential for planning in logistics, material flow, and production but remains time- and knowledge-intensive due to fragmented modelling practices and tool-specific requirements, as noted in VDI 3633 and VDI 4465. This paper proposes addressing these challenges by transferring concepts from Business Process Management, leveraging its formal modelling languages and validation frameworks. A style guide based on the Business Process Model and Notation 2.0 (BPMN) is introduced, structured around the principles of correctness, completeness, consistency, and clarity to support both communication and simulation. These principles enable reusable, verifiable process models suitable for execution in different DES tools, which serves as a step towards automated experimentation and verification. Through a first-ever evaluation of state of the art approaches against those principles, this work contributes to the ongoing definition of a semi-formal BPMN modelling layer developed in the ASIM SPL working group for formal methods in procedural models.}, language = {en} } @article{GrafSteinhauserVaculinetal.2025, author = {Graf, Michael and Steinhauser, Dagmar and Vaculin, Ondrej and Brandmeier, Thomas}, title = {Impact of Adverse Weather on Road Safety: A Survey of Test Methods for Enhancing Safety of Automated Vehicles and Sensor Robustness in Challenging Environmental Conditions}, volume = {13}, journal = {IEEE Access}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York}, issn = {2169-3536}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3622501}, pages = {179817 -- 179838}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Adverse weather conditions can significantly affect environmental sensors and reduce the ability of automated vehicles to interpret the environment. This can lead to the failure of driving and safety functions. To validate and increase the robustness of these, several adverse weather test methods have been introduced in recent years. The survey first gives an overview of the current traffic and accident analysis with a focus on adverse weather influences to assess the most relevant weather phenomena. Overall, rain and glare are the statistically most important adverse weather phenomena in terms of accidents. Heavy fog is rare but can cause very serious accidents. In a second step, meteorological knowledge is incorporated and the key environmental indicators for the respective weather conditions are determined, particularly taking the environmental sensor characteristics into account. Both sets of information are then utilized to provide a qualified overview of simulative and physical test methods used to reproduce critical adverse weather situations. These methods are employed to investigate the disturbance effects of inclement weather on sensors and to test the robustness of automated vehicles. The paper reveals that various approaches are used to reproduce weather effects and that test methods, each with different advantages and disadvantages, have been developed to varying degrees depending on the type of the weather phenomena. Overall, this review integrates perspectives from road safety research, meteorology, and testing methodologies to provide new insights into the validation of automated driving systems in challenging weather conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{BauderPaulaKubjatkoetal.2024, author = {Bauder, Maximilian and Paula, Daniel and Kubjatko, Tibor and Schweiger, Hans-Georg}, title = {Evaluation of the vehicle behaviour when not responding to the take-over request of Tesla Autopilot and Volkswagen Travel Assist}, volume = {2023}, journal = {Transportation Research Procedia}, number = {74}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2352-1465}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2023.11.167}, pages = {450 -- 457}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In this work, driving tests were carried out with a Tesla Model 3 and VW ID.4. During the tests, the vehicles were controlled by an SAE Level 2 system (Tesla Autopilot and VW Travel Assist). The study aimed to investigate the behaviour of the vehicles when the driver does not react to the take-over request of the vehicle while it is in a non-critical driving situation. The aim was to clarify whether this can lead to accidents from a purely technical point of view and whether there is still room for improvement. As a result, it could be determined that a non-reaction of the driver to the take-over request leads to system-initiated braking decelerations, which can lead to a rear-end collision by the following traffic. Furthermore, secondary accidents are possible if the driver fails to act as a fallback. This could be reduced by improving the applicable UNECE standard R79 by specifying deceleration values for this case. In addition, the risk of an accident could be reduced by decelerating earlier and warning the environment. For this purpose, a driver monitoring system would also be recommended to allow situational decisions by the system. The implementation of the measures proposed could result in a significant increase in road safety while using these systems.}, language = {en} } @article{LangerBauderPaulaetal.2024, author = {Langer, Robin and Bauder, Maximilian and Paula, Daniel and Kubjatko, Tibor and Schweiger, Hans-Georg}, title = {Development of a model environment for autonomous driving}, volume = {2023}, journal = {Transportation Research Procedia}, number = {74}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2352-1465}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2023.11.122}, pages = {133 -- 140}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Developing automated driving functions can be elaborate and cost-intensive. Simulation helps to decrease both, the effort and the costs. With physical model environments of a smaller scale, automotive research can be improved even further. This work presents a method with five steps for building a scaled model environment to answer research questions regarding autonomous driving functions in the automotive domain. For this purpose, the five steps of the method are first introduced and explained. Each step comes with indications that can be further extended. Then, the method is performed by creating a model environment. The model environment build in this work is a recreation of an urban intersection in Ingolstadt, Germany, in the scale of 1:10. In addition to two model vehicles, the model environment consists of pedestrians and traffic control elements such as signs, signals, various lanes and road markings. The advantages of the model environment are low costs and high reproducibility. On the other hand it comes with limitations. For example, the materials used for construction (polylactic acid) are different from the materials in reality. The aim of this work was achieved by providing a method for building a model environment for automotive domain. The limitations of the built model environment and actual testing of automated driving functions will be performed in the future.}, language = {en} } @article{KiranAzzamEndischetal.2025, author = {Kiran, Iqra and Azzam, Mohamed and Endisch, Christian and Butt, Nauman Zafar and Lewerenz, Meinert}, title = {Evaluation of Calendar Aging in Cells with Graphite: Silicon Anode Using Float Current Analysis Under the Influence of Voltage Hysteresis}, volume = {172}, pages = {100529}, journal = {Journal of The Electrochemical Society}, number = {10}, publisher = {IOP Publishing}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {1945-7111}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ae0fe8}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This study investigates the calendar aging of lithium-ion batteries with graphite-silicon anodes using float current analysis. While float current analysis is already a proven method for assessing aging in cells with graphite-based anodes, the presence of silicon introduces additional complexities due to its voltage hysteresis. We address this by comparing the results for the scaling factor separately for charge and discharge. The scaling factor is initially derived from charge and discharge GITT measurements on fresh cells, including an aging-induced shift among both electrode curves. This approach enables quantification of SEI growth ISEI growth, and cathode lithiation current ICL bridging measured results for float currents with capacity loss rate. As a result, the scaling factor during charge delivered the most meaningful results regarding fitted aging currents. By extending the estimation method based on the Arrhenius equation across temperatures from 5 °C to 50 °C, our model is validated against measured float currents, improving the predictive accuracy of long-term aging trends in silicon-containing anodes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy provided further insights into degradation mechanisms, revealing a strong correlation between cathode lithiation by salt decomposition and resistance increase at high voltages (⩾4.15 V), confirmed by pulse tests at 100\% SOC showing a sharp resistance increase at elevated voltages.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SpinnerSchlegelSchalletal.2021, author = {Spinner, Thilo and Schlegel, Udo and Schall, Martin and Sperrle, Fabian and Sevastjanova, Rita and Gobbo, Beatrice and Rauscher, Julius and El-Assady, Mennatallah and Keim, Daniel A.}, title = {Speculative Execution of Similarity Queries: Real-Time Parameter Optimization through Visual Exploration}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the Workshops of the EDBT/ICDT 2021 Joint Conference}, publisher = {RWTH Aachen}, address = {Aachen}, url = {https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-2841/}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The parameters of complex analytical models often have an unpredictable influence on the models' results, rendering parameter tuning a non-intuitive task. By concurrently visualizing both the model and its results, visual analytics tackles this issue, supporting the user in understanding the connection between abstract model parameters and model results. We present a visual analytics system enabling result understanding and model refinement on a ranking-based similarity search algorithm. Our system (1) visualizes the results in a projection view, mapping their pair-wise similarity to screen distance, (2) indicates the influence of model parameters on the results, and (3) implements speculative execution to enable real-time iterative refinement on the time-intensive offline similarity search algorithm.}, language = {en} } @article{MoralesTorricosGallenbergerDroeseetal.2025, author = {Morales Torricos, Pablo and Gallenberger, Andreas and Droese, Dominik and Kowal, Julia and Endisch, Christian and Lewerenz, Meinert}, title = {Analyzing the Impact of Electrolyte Motion Induced Salt Inhomogeneity Effect on Apparent Aging: Role of Current Rates and Temperature Effects in Accelerated Cyclic Aging Tests in Li-Ion Batteries}, volume = {9}, pages = {e202500559}, journal = {Batteries \& Supercaps}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {2566-6223}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/batt.202500559}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Accurate and rapid assessment of lithium-ion battery lifetime is essential for predicting remaining lifespan, enabling the selection of appropriate cells for specific applications and determining suitability for second-life use. However, accelerated cyclic aging tests may underestimate a cell's total lifespan due to exaggerated capacity fade that does not occur under real-world conditions. This increased capacity fade is primarily driven by electrolyte motion induced salt inhomogeneity (EMSI) and loss of homogeneity of lithium distribution (HLD). This study investigates the impact of varying charge and discharge currents on capacity loss during accelerated testing in compressed NMC-Gr pouch cells. Most of the capacity loss observed during cycling is fully recoverable after a resting period, with some cells regaining up to 81\% of their lost capacity. Contrary to expectations, cells subjected to the highest cycling currents do not exhibit the greatest recoverable capacity loss. This phenomenon can be attributed to the interplay between current and temperature: While higher cycling currents exacerbate EMSI and HLD loss, they simultaneously elevate cell temperature, which mitigates EMSI by weakening polarization, enhancing electrolyte salt diffusion and homogenizing lithium distribution in the anode. Consequently, higher temperatures counteract HLD and EMSI-effect and therefore reduce apparent capacity loss.}, language = {en} } @article{MieruchKrepsChouaietal.2025, author = {Mieruch, Sebastian and Kreps, Gast{\´o}n and Chouai, Mohamed and Reimers, Felix and Vredenborg, Myriel and Rabe, Benjamin and Tippenhauer, Sandra and Behrendt, Axel}, title = {SalaciaML-2-Arctic - a deep learning quality control algorithm for Arctic Ocean temperature and salinity data}, volume = {12}, pages = {1661208}, journal = {Frontiers in Marine Science}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2296-7745}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1661208}, year = {2025}, abstract = {We have extended a classical quality control (QC) algorithm by integrating a deep learning neural network, resulting in SalaciaML-2-Arctic , a tool for automated QC of Arctic Ocean temperature and salinity profile data. The neural network component was trained on the Unified Database for Arctic and Subarctic Hydrography (UDASH), which has been quality-controlled and labeled by expert oceanographers. SalaciaML-2-Arctic successfully reproduces human expertise by correcting misclassifications made by the classical algorithm, reducing False Negatives (samples incorrectly classified as "bad") by 96\% for temperature and 99\% for salinity. When used in combination with a visual post-QC by human experts, it achieves a workload reduction of approximately 60\% for temperature and 85\% for salinity. All code and data required to reproduce the analysis or apply the method to other datasets are openly available via PANGAEA and GitHub. Moreover, SalaciaML-2-Arctic is accessible as a browser-based application at https://mvre.autoqc.cloud.awi.de, enabling its use without software installation or programming knowledge.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchlosserSchudererFranke2025, author = {Schlosser, Alexander and Schuderer, Peter and Franke, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Sustainability Assessment and Optimization in Construction Site: A Simulation-Based Approach}, booktitle = {Decarbonizing Value Chains: Proceedings of the 20th Global Conference on Sustainable Manufacturing (GCSM 2024), October 9-11, 2024, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam}, editor = {Kohl, Holger and Seliger, G{\"u}nther and Dietrich, Franz and Vien, Ha Thuc}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-031-93891-7}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-93891-7_10}, pages = {82 -- 90}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The construction industry is currently facing significant challenges. In order to address these challenges, the REMUS simulation model library for the construction industry is being developed. To this end, the physical modules are divided into stationary and mobile modules, as well as information objects. To create the simulation model and conduct the simulation experiment, a requirements cluster with the most important parameters of construction sites is created. The elements of sustainability—environmental, economy, and social aspects—are employed to assess the simulation results and to optimize the model. To this end, corresponding KPIs, methods, and procedures are delineated, which are documented during the various simulation experiments and evaluated subsequently. The equipment and environment exert an influence on the "economy". This is reflected in the costs associated with the model components and their operation. The area of "environmental" is represented by the consumption of input materials. Alternative consumption and recovery concepts are implemented and compared here. The "social" aspect is represented by the human-machine collaboration. As part of the simulation experiments, the recorded variables are continuously adapted and refined. This process enables the simulation to improve the sustainability of the construction site environment.}, language = {en} } @article{KuhnHuberDorfneretal.2015, author = {Kuhn, Philipp and Huber, Matthias and Dorfner, Johannes and Hamacher, Thomas}, title = {Challenges and opportunities of power systems from smart homes to super-grids}, volume = {45}, journal = {Ambio}, number = {Suppl 1}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Dordrecht}, issn = {1654-7209}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-015-0733-x}, pages = {50 -- 62}, year = {2015}, abstract = {The world's power systems are facing a structural change including liberalization of markets and integration of renewable energy sources. This paper describes the challenges that lie ahead in this process and points out avenues for overcoming different problems at different scopes, ranging from individual homes to international super-grids. We apply energy system models at those different scopes and find a trade-off between technical and social complexity. Small-scale systems would require technological breakthroughs, especially for storage, but individual agents can and do already start to build and operate such systems. In contrast, large-scale systems could potentially be more efficient from a techno-economic point of view. However, new political frameworks are required that enable long-term cooperation among sovereign entities through mutual trust. Which scope first achieves its breakthrough is not clear yet.}, language = {en} } @article{MehtaZoerner2025, author = {Mehta, Kedar and Z{\"o}rner, Wilfried}, title = {Crop selection in Agri-PV: international review based strategic decision-making model}, volume = {2025}, pages = {100143}, journal = {Solar Compass}, number = {16}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2772-9400}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solcom.2025.100143}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Agri-Photovoltaics (Agri-PV) is well known for its dual land use, integrating solar energy generation with agricultural production. This not only optimizes land use but also enhances food and energy security. Since Agri-PV is closely linked with crop cultivation, it is not solely about energy generation but also requires careful consideration of crop suitability within Agri-PV installations. Despite its significance, there is limited information available to guide decision-making for crop selection in Agri-PV systems. Selecting suitable crops remains a complex challenge, as factors such as shading tolerance, water requirements, and economic viability vary across different geographical and climatic conditions. This study develops a novel, review-based decision support model for crop selection in Agri-PV systems, synthesizing international research and case studies to provide a structured framework for decision-making. The model is based on 12 main crop typologies and key parameters such as water use, shading adaptability, crop yield/economic potential, and space requirements, derived from 117 research articles and case studies from 25 countries. By leveraging insights from successful international implementations, the model provides a practical framework for policymakers, farmers, and energy planners to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of Agri-PV projects. Findings suggest that crop selection strategies must align with regional climate conditions and PV system design to maximize synergies between energy and food production. High-value crops that require less space and have higher shade tolerance are more suitable for small-scale or decentralized Agri-PV systems. Future research should focus on advanced modeling techniques, AI-driven optimization, and real-world pilot studies to further refine decision-making in Agri-PV deployment. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on Agri-PV systems by providing a novel crop suitability matrix for effective decision-making.}, language = {en} } @article{PrueferWeisserGlushychetal.2025, author = {Pr{\"u}fer, Kevin and Weisser, Eduard and Glushych, Viktor and Tr{\"o}ber, Philipp and Hartmann, Christoph and Volk, Wolfram}, title = {Seebeck Coefficient Modification via Extreme High-Speed Laser Material Deposition for Tool Materials}, volume = {2025}, journal = {Procedia CIRP}, number = {137}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2212-8271}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2025.02.265}, pages = {265 -- 270}, year = {2025}, abstract = {During blanking and cold forming of metals, thermoelectricity almost always occurs. While thermoelectric voltages can be used for temperature measurement via a tool-workpiece thermocouple, currents significantly influence adhesion formation. In both cases, the thermoelectric behavior of tool and workpiece materials, characterized by the Seebeck coefficient, plays a decisive role. While a large difference in coefficients increases the accuracy of temperature measurement, similar coefficients improve wear behavior. Currently, there is no method to adjust the Seebeck coefficient of materials without experimental procedures, which restricts the selection of tool materials based on their Seebeck coefficient. This study presents a novel approach for adjusting the Seebeck coefficient of tool steels using tailored coatings applied by extreme high-speed laser material deposition (EHLA). Therefore, an analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of chemical composition, substrate material and its heat treatment on the thermoelectric and mechanical behavior of the coating. The results demonstrate that targeted modification via tailored EHLA coatings is possible.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GeierHeinl2025, author = {Geier, Johannes and Heinl, Patrizia}, title = {Towards a Metric to Assess Neural Network Resilience Against Adversarial Samples}, booktitle = {Availability, Reliability and Security: ARES 2025 EU Projects Symposium Workshops, Ghent, Belgium, August 11-14, 2025, Proceedings, Part I}, editor = {Skopik, Florian and Naessens, Vincent and De Sutter, Bjorn}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-032-00642-4}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-00642-4_16}, pages = {272 -- 290}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Neural networks are vulnerable to adversarial attacks. Existing robustness evaluation methods have notable limitations, which makes robustness assessment challenging. This work explores robustness evaluation techniques and identifies key factors, including distance metrics, loss functions, attack generation algorithms, attacker models, specificity, and computational resources. Building on those factors, a novel robustness metric for classification tasks is proposed. Our metric accounts for both, targeted and untargeted attacks across three attacker models, while incorporating accuracy and loss into a weighted aggregation. The scoring includes robustness-versus-perturbation and loss-versus-perturbation curves. Our robustness metric offers a more reliable evaluation and deeper insights into model vulnerability compared to previous approaches.}, language = {en} } @article{HennighausenYarzaNavarroSchaerEller2025, author = {Hennighausen, Christine and Yarza Navarro-Sch{\"a}r, Vanessa Gabriela and Eller, Eric}, title = {AI-Mediated Communication in E-Commerce: Implications for Customer Trust}, volume = {49}, pages = {e70111}, journal = {International Journal of Consumer Studies}, number = {5}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1470-6431}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.70111}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies offer new potential for marketing and customer operations, such as automation and personalization of customer service. However, more must be understood about how AI-mediated communication (AI-MC) affects customer trust. We conducted an online experiment to investigate the impact of AI-MC on customer trust in an online retail context. We presented N = 294 participants with two email scenarios describing a product return context, labeled as written by either (a) a service employee, (b) a service employee assisted by AI, or (c) AI on behalf of the service employee. We further varied levels of service criticality to consider customers' perception of vulnerability. Our findings revealed higher customer trust ratings in the online retailer when the email communications were written by the service employee, compared to those written by the service employee assisted by AI. When analyzing the different components of trust, it was found that communications written by the service employee assisted by AI reduced perceptions of both the online retailer's benevolence and integrity, while communications written by AI on behalf of the employee led to lower perceived integrity of the online retailer. Surprisingly, service criticality did not affect trust ratings. We discuss the managerial implications of integrating generative AI into customer service in the context of the EU AI Act, which came into force on 1 August 2024.}, language = {en} }