@masterthesis{Richter, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Richter, Sebastiaan}, title = {The influence of lime, iron sulphate-lime mixtures, and iron compounds on bioavailable phosphorous}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {Available nutrients for higher plants in the soil are crucial in agriculture and can be repressed by farming practices. The objective of this thesis was to determine if the application of a lime-FeSO4 mixture reduces the available phosphorus for higher plants further than conventional liming. For this, soils from the Lower Rhine region in Germany with different soil properties were collected, treated with different applications, and incubated over a predefined time. Aerobic and anaerobic conditions were created by raising the soils' water content to 50\% and 100\% of their maximum water holding capacity. Bioavailable phosphorus was extracted from the incubated samples with the Calcium-acetate-lactate (CAL) method, and analysed in the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). Statistical analysis was conducted with the open-source program "R for statistical computing". Results showed that not the treatment but rather the type of soil had a significant effect on the phosphorus availability. At some extent the WHC significantly influenced the phosphorus availability. In general, lime-FeSO4 mixtures showed a tendency to have higher phosphorus availability than conventional liming. Effects of long-term field application cannot be determined because the experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions for a limited time. For farming, further field experiments and monitoring of fields where the lime-FeSO4 mixtures are regularly applied can exclude negative long-term effects and determine sufficient the effect of lime-FeSO4 mixtures on bioavailable phosphorus.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Nidola, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Nidola, Marta}, title = {Frass upcycling: study on the properties of frass and its use as fertilizer and soil amendment in agriculture}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {Frass, as by-product of the emerging insect market, has been used as fertiliser worldwide. However, the impacts on soil microbial community structure and activity have been not yet well characterized. The aim of this study was to assess the effects that frass from black soldier fly reared on 3 different diets may cause when applied fresh and dried (70°C) on a sandy loam soil, in 2 application rates (0.2 and 2\% w/w). For that, frass was chemically characterized before a 28-days incubation, at the end of which samples were analysed from the chemical and biological point of view. It was found that thermal treatments and diets didn't vary significantly in microbiota stimulation, even though a chemical analysis would suggest the potential for enriched-frass from pig effluent and wheat bran to encourage microorganisms differently from beer \& coffee diet. Furthermore, fresh frass contrarily to what expected didn't contribute with living microorganisms to enhance microbial activity and growth. However, a difference was reported for the application rates, with the 2\% leading to more mineralisation than control. A trend for 2\% dried frass from B\&C was found, indicating the establishment of an efficient community of fungi slowly mineralizing recalcitrant and exhausted frass. Results indicate that more studies testing application rates ranging between 2 and 2.5\% have to be conducted. In fact, there is evidence that BSFF between the mentioned application rates could enhance a fast microbial growth leading to a substantial mineralisation of frass, thus availability of nutrients in the short and long term.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Rademacher, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Rademacher, Marian Evelin}, title = {Entwicklung eines Modells zur Untersuchung des Einflusses von pr{\"a}biotischen Wirkstoffen und Konservierungsmitteln auf das Hautmikrobiom}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {Der gezielte Einsatz von pr{\"a}biotischen Wirkstoffen in kosmetischen Produkten, zur Verbesserung des Hautbildes mittels Beeinflussung des Hautmikrobioms, wird zunehmend verfolgt. Das Gleichgewicht der residenten Bakterien auf der menschlichen Haut ist sowohl f{\"u}r die {\"a}ußere Erscheinung als auch f{\"u}r die Gesundheit von großer Bedeutung. Mittels Anwendung des pr{\"a}biotischen Wirkprinzips, bekannt aus dem Lebensmittelbereich bez{\"u}glich spezifischer F{\"o}rderung des Darmmikrobioms zur Verbesserung des Immunsystems, werden pathogene Bakterien im Wachstum gehemmt und positive Bakterien gef{\"o}rdert. Die {\"U}bertragung des Wirkprinzips, von sowohl Pr{\"a}biotika wie auch Postbiotika, vom Lebensmittel- in den Kosmetikbereich findet zunehmend statt. Es besteht die Notwendigkeit die Wirkungsweise der Wirkstoffe zu verstehen und geeignete Untersuchungsmethoden bez{\"u}glich der Pr{\"u}fung der Wirksamkeit anzuwenden. Zielgebend der Forschung der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die Entwicklung eines geeigneten in- vitro Modells zur Pr{\"u}fung der Wirksamkeit einzelner pr{\"a}biotischer bzw. postbiotischer Wirkstoffe, eingearbeitet in verschiedenen Formulierungsarten. Zus{\"a}tzlich gilt es herauszufinden inwiefern Konservierungsmittel Einfluss auf das Hautmikrobiom aus{\"u}ben. Die Herausforderung besteht darin eine Oberfl{\"a}che, als geeignetes {\"A}quivalent zur menschlichen Haut, zu finden, auf der die Formulierungen aufgetragen und verglichen werden k{\"o}nnen. Zur Entwicklung eines geeigneten Modells wurde mittels Modifikation und Behandlung von einzelnen Lederwaren die Wirksamkeit von pr{\"a}- und postbiotischen Wirkstoffen untersucht. Aus dem Leder wurden, aus insgesamt sieben residenten Bakterien, verschiedene bakterielle Tr{\"a}ger erstellt. Auf den Tr{\"a}gern wurden drei verschiedene pr{\"a}biotische Wirkstoffe, in Kombination mit einem Konservierungsmittel, in verschiedenen Einsatzkonzentrationen und Auftragsmengen mit einer Einwirkzeit von 30 min appliziert. Als Vergleich wurden die Wirkstoffe als Rohstoff mittels Screening- Verfahren bez{\"u}glich ihrer Wirksamkeit gepr{\"u}ft. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass durch Anwendung des Modells das Wachstum der Bakterien durch die in den Formulierungen enthaltenden Wirkstoffe beeinflusst wird. Durch Variation der Einsatzkonzentrationen, Auftragsmengen und Formulierungsarten k{\"o}nnen unterschiedliche Einfl{\"u}sse auf das bakterielle Wachstum beobachtet werden. Eine Hemmung der pathogenen und F{\"o}rderung der positiven Bakterien wurde ersichtlich. Das Modell erm{\"o}glicht die Untersuchung pr{\"a}- und postbiotischer Wirkstoffe, die in Formulierungen eingearbeitet wurden, bez{\"u}glich deren Wirksamkeit auf einer haut{\"a}hnlichen Oberfl{\"a}che. F{\"u}r eine Etablierung des Modells sind weitere Versuchsreihen mit einer h{\"o}heren Variation von Wirkstoffen und Bakterien notwendig.}, language = {de} } @masterthesis{Kulms, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Kulms, Leander}, title = {Paludiculture and farming practices for carbon storage in peatlands - a case study at the lower Rhine}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {Moors have fascinated and scared humanity for centuries. Recently, these wetlands are discussed about for their Climate Change mitigation potential by re-wetting efforts. Since most studies on the topic of potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction in Germany focus on large areas in the North and South of Germany, this study observes a smaller example area of organic soil in Kleve, North-Rhine Westphalia. It is analyzed in terms of suitability for paludiculture as well as for potential savings of GHG and a reduction of the Global Warming Potential (GWP). The study introduces a ranking system that allows an easy estimation of the suitability of fields, based on criteria that assign points from 1 to 4 per criteria. The total for each field is compared with one another. Emission values are based on the GEST-approach, developed by moor scientists in Greifswald, Germany. This study compares current field emissions in Kleve and compares them to theoretical agricultural cultivation scenarios that are simulated and projected onto said fields. The scenarios include the cultivation of Phragmites australis, a grazing system with Bulbalus arnee and the neglection of agriculture supplemented with photovoltaic power harvesting. The research highlights that maintaining high water levels is crucial for significant greenhouse gas emission savings. Water levels of around the soil surface level are assumed to have the highest potential for such savings. Phragmites australis cultivation and the grazing scenario demonstrate the highest potential for savings, reaching up to 2118.56 t CO2-equivalent per hectare annually. Although the findings of this study are promising, it is strongly recommended to update this study with newer findings in the future and to consider production-related emissions that extend the sole on-field emissions.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Khedher, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Khedher, Lara}, title = {Evolution of CRISPR-Cas genome editing methods: Chances and challenges in biotechnology}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, CRISPR, are located on DNA sequences, which encode for an antiviral defense mechanism in bacteria and archaea. Together with CRISPR-associated proteins, Cas endonucleases, CRISPR-Cas has emerged into a powerful platform for editing DNA and RNA. This thesis investigates the evolution and function of this prokaryotic defense mechanism and points out the three most applied CRISPR-Cas systems in relation to current applications in biotechnology. Furthermore, chances and challenges of named systems as well as a guideline for choosing the appropriate system with Cas endonucleases is framed. Therefore, several scientific databases were screened for the most informative and influential publications around the topic. Information was collected and organized in a reference management software. The utilized literature was tabularly denoted and gives an overview of the broad scope of CRISPR-Cas. The analysis of the topic shows, that CRISPR-Cas offers a broad application range with a huge chance for genome editing. A conclusion of this thesis is, that CRISPR-Cas has an enormous potential to be implemented for human genome editing. However, its challenges should be cleared beforehand. Further research has to be done to fully understand the impact CRISPR-Cas may have in future.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Kieroth, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Kieroth, Alexander}, title = {An optimization approach for the distribution logistics using the example of the Vital Centrum Hodey KG}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {This thesis analyses how the Travelling Salesman Problem can be solved by applying the Simplex LP and the Evolutionary Algorithm with regards to driven kilometres. Each algorithm is solved by using the Excel Solver add-in provided by Microsoft Excel. The results of the two different algorithms are compared with the results of the route planning software PTV Map\&Guide Online for the purpose of having a proof that the software works efficiently. Using a cost analysis, the costs for delivering goods are calculated and compared with an external supplier who acted as the outbound logistics for the company HODEY. Now that the delivery is insourced, the costs can be reduced and HODEY gains more control over the outbound logistics. An approach on how to reduce the stop times at the customers' homes is analysed. Thus, the analysis provides information regarding where the delivery driver wastes most of their time. Additionally, an available space calculation of the delivery vehicles is carried out for the dispatching department of the company to avoid interim loading or unloading not planned for a delivery or retrieval tour}, language = {en} } @misc{Maier, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Maier, Franziska}, title = {Komparative Analyse von Literaturdaten und Herstellerangaben zur Effektivit{\"a}t antimikrobiell ausger{\"u}steter Oberfl{\"a}chen}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {Die schnelle Ausbreitung von Mikroorganismen wie Bakterien, Pilzen und Viren kann {\"a}ußerst sch{\"a}dlich sein und zu saisonalen Epidemien f{\"u}hren. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus k{\"o}nnen diese Mikroorganismen Lebensmittel und wichtige Materialien verunreinigen, was zu erheblichen wirtschaftlichen Verlusten f{\"u}hrt. Um die Ausbreitung von Mikroorganismen zu verhindern, ist es wichtig, die Wechselwirkungen zwischen verschiedenen Mikroben und Oberfl{\"a}chen zu verstehen, die zu deren Anhaftung und Wachstum f{\"u}hren. Ein solches Verst{\"a}ndnis ist entscheidend f{\"u}r die Entwicklung antimikrobieller Oberfl{\"a}chen. In dieser Arbeit werden verschiedene Ans{\"a}tze und Produkte zu den antimikrobiellen Oberfl{\"a}chen untersucht und Oberfl{\"a}cheneigenschaften mit antimikrobiellen Aktivit{\"a}ten in Beziehung gebracht und analysiert. Eine Gegen{\"u}berstellung der wichtigsten Hersteller von antimikrobiellen Oberfl{\"a}chen und deren Technologien wird durchgef{\"u}hrt und mit aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Studien belegt. Die {\"U}bersicht konzentriert sich auf die physikalische und chemische Modifizierung der Oberfl{\"a}chen, um die Benetzbarkeit, die Oberfl{\"a}chentopografie und die Oberfl{\"a}chenladung zu modulieren und so die Adh{\"a}sion, das Wachstum und die Vermehrung von Mikroben zu hemmen. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus werden die Anwendungsgebiete von antimikrobiellen Oberfl{\"a}chen dargestellt. Die allgemeinen Erwartungen an eine antimikrobielle Oberfl{\"a}che sind hoch, da sie die Anhaftung und das Wachstum von pathogenen Mikroben wirksam verhindern und langlebig sind. Sie sollen sicher f{\"u}r Mensch und Umwelt und m{\"o}glichst kosteng{\"u}nstig sein. Bislang wurde das Design antimikrobieller Oberfl{\"a}chen zumeist nach dem Zufallsprinzip durchgef{\"u}hrt, ohne dass f{\"u}r jede Designstrategie robuste Struktur-Aktivit{\"a}ts-Beziehungen oder die beabsichtigte Verwendung eines bestimmten antimikrobiellen Materials ber{\"u}cksichtigt wurden. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus werden in der vorliegenden Arbeit die wichtigsten Erkenntnisse der Systeme zur Entwicklung antimikrobieller Oberfl{\"a}chen kritisch diskutiert, ebenso wie die Grenzen der aktuellen Forschung und die L{\"u}cke, die noch geschlossen werden muss, bevor diese Ans{\"a}tze in der Praxis umgesetzt werden k{\"o}nnen.}, language = {de} } @masterthesis{Kuenneke, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {K{\"u}nneke, Felix}, title = {The influence of tire wear particles (microplastic) on food security With a focus on agriculturally relevant plant species (Avena sativa L., Brassica napus L. \& Zea mays L.) and soil organisms (Aporrectodea caliginosa \& Eisenia andrei)}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {Development and implementation of environmental assessment concepts must gain stronger positions in policy making. This thesis focuses on the influences of currently, widely unregulated microplastic tire wear particle emissions on food security. An overview of global differences in microplastic waste treatments is given. Changes in behavior, law-making and technical innovations are argued to be equally needed to stop the ongoing pollution to prevent negative impacts on ecosystem services as the foundations for food security. In an experimental set-up, three particle size ranges (<125,125-250, 250-500 μm) in three treatment concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1 \%) with a negative control were applied to determine the influence of microplastic tire wear on three arable crop species and two earthworm species. Evenly, for all administrations, no significant effects could be observed on the organisms' height, biomass, RSR, or body tissue. Nevertheless, the results should not be interpreted as an all-clear signal, as the experiments observed only a few of the vast amounts of microplastic sinks. More data is needed as the EU Commission's recent "call to action" emphasizes. Determination of species resilience factors and traits shall be foci of future investigations to find cofactors for solution strategies. A more precise definition of microplastic and its additives classifications will certainly aid the consensus on priorities in research and consumers' clarity about biodegradability.}, language = {de} }