TY - THES A1 - Wissigkeit, Tobias T1 - Interaction design strategies for conversational video games to accommodate for anomalous user- and AI behaviors: A case study on integration strategies for interaction-based AI technologies in games using participatory design methods. N2 - The recent development of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has inspired some game developers to try and integrate it into games. Anomalous behavior by generative AI or users seems undesirable and effort is being made to find ways on how to prevent anomalous responses by generative AI. However, these responses are a unique trait of generative AI and in our project, we explore strategies on how the negative effects of anomalous user and AI behavior can be mitigated, instead of trying to prevent them from appearing. We want to leverage their uniqueness as an intended game mechanic and see in what context these strategies can work. To achieve these goals, we researched already existing integrations of generative AI features in games and entertainment as well as possible connections to game mechanics and systems that are not related to AI. Based on this, we created 4 prototypes of conversational games with generative AI characters, which allowed the AI to create anomalous responses and did not limit the player freedom of what they may input. In our 36 participatory design sessions, we found that anomalous user and AI behavior can have a positive influence on the player's experience if a game's story is set up in a way that it can allow new and diverging story threads, that are created by the player and AI, to be integrated and if there are supplementary game mechanics, that allow the player to follow the intended story and complete the game. KW - Generative AI KW - Video Game Design KW - Human-AI Interaction KW - AI Hallucinations KW - Participatory Design Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-19710 ER - TY - THES A1 - Kottek, Nick T1 - Echtzeit-Erkennung von Gesten des deutschen Fingeralphabets mithilfe eines Convolutional Neural Networks N2 - Sign language is an important factor in the integration of deaf and hard of hearing people into society. Due to the limited number of people who speak sign language, there is a communication barrier that needs to be addressed. In recent years, sign language has been an important field of research. There have been numerous attempts at trying to find a solution to this problem. This thesis focuses on the German finger alphabet, which has not been researched as much. It examines whether it is possible to recognize the gestures of the German finger alphabet in real time with a convolutional neural network. For that, literature is consulted, and a prototype is developed. The prototype includes a newly created dataset with 2,500 images distributed over 25 gestures, a convolutional neural network, and software for real-time translation of a video stream. The prototype demonstrates the feasibility of realizing such a task. The convolutional neural network achieves an accuracy of 99.61%. On a powerful desktop computer, the prediction of a single frame takes between 36 and 40 ms. However, there are some limitations and restrictions to the quality of prediction caused by factors such as lighting and background. Additionally, certain similar gestures, such as M and N, are difficult to distinguish. Based on these results, ideas and suggestions for future studies are presented. KW - convolutional neural network KW - sign language KW - German finger alphabet KW - image classification KW - real-time recognition Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-19768 ER - TY - THES A1 - Skaf, Leen T1 - Living Green Walls in the Workplace: Evaluating the Impact on Employee Well-being, Productivity, and Indoor Environmental Quality N2 - Living Green Walls (LGWs) represent a promising pathway towards sustainable agriculture and have proven psychological benefits applicable to educational and workspace environments (Van den Berg et al., 2016). This bachelor thesis investigates the impact of LGWs on indoor environmental quality, employees' well-being, and performance in the offices of the Facility Management Department of Hochschule Rhein-Waal (HSRW) - Kleve campus. A hybrid methodology is adopted, combining sensor measurements of physical parameters and a self-developed questionnaire assessing perceived LGW impact. The sensors are set up in four offices, three of which featured LGWs, while the questionnaire is distributed online to workers before and after the LGW installation. Eight workers participated in the study, of which 62.5 % were female, and 37.5 % were male, with age range between 25 and above 45 years old. The results indicate a positive overall impact of LGWs on office environmental quality and employee well-being. The CO2 concentration was reduced on average by 30 ppm, whereas the relative humidity was increased, on average, by approximately 6 %. Hence, the LGWs enhanced slightly the air quality in the offices. Moreover, the target group claimed that their motivation level, on average, was raised by 15% after exposure to the LGWs. Hence, half of them agreed that the LGWs impacted their performance positively. However, challenges emerged concerning LGW technical design and employee engagement with the research. Despite obstacles, the study suggests potential for future improvements in methodology and technical aspects, offering promising project ideas for further research. Furthermore, the overall positive impact of LGW in this study has proven that integrating such systems into work environment can boost the motivation level of the workers and improve the environmental quality in workspaces. Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-19696 ER - TY - THES A1 - Tebest, Marie T1 - Schneller Nachweis der Methicillin-Resistenz bei Staphylokokken-Isolaten Vergleich verschiedener Methoden N2 - Methicillin Resistente Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) gehören zu gefürchteten Erregern eines bunten Bildes von Infektionen, die bis zu einer Sepsis reichen können. Eines der größten Probleme von MRSA ist die hohe Pathogenität und die Entwicklung von zusätzlichen Resistenzen gegenüber weiteren Antibiotikaklassen. Die schnelle Identifizierung von MRSA und das Anlegen eines Antibiogramms ist daher entscheidend für eine frühe Therapie-Empfehlung und damit verbunden eine optimale Behandlung des Patienten. Aufgrund dessen wird in der vorliegenden Arbeit nach weiteren Möglichkeiten in der mikrobiologischen Diagnostik gesucht, um die Zeitspanne zwischen dem ersten Laborverdacht auf eine MRSA-Infektion und der spezifischen Antibiotikatherapie nach der Erregeridentifizierung zu reduzieren. Dazu wurden zwei verschiedene Methoden (MRSA-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) und Penicillin-Bindeprotein 2a (PBP2a)-Schnelltest), bezüglich ihrer Leistungsdaten mitdem Goldstandard zum Nachweis der Methicillin-Resistenz (VITEK-2 und Cefoxitin� Bestätigungstest) verglichen. Die klinischen Isolate für die experimentelle Durchführung stammen aus Blutkulturflaschen und Abstrichen von intraoperativen Wunden. Insgesamt wurden 74 Isolate retrospektiv getestet, darunter 26 (35%) MRSA� Isolate, 24 (32,5%) Methicillin-sensibler Staphylococcus aureus-Stämme und 24 (32,5%) Koagulase-negative Staphylokokken (KnS). In der MRSA-PCR kam es zu 15 (20%) fraglichen Ergebnissen, weshalb die Methode für eine zuverlässige Routinediagnostik nicht geeignet erschien. Nach Ausschluss der fraglichen Ergebnisse hatte die PCR einen positiven prädiktiven Wert (PPW) von lediglich 65,7%. Die Sensitivität lag bei 92,9%, die Spezifität bei 93,5% und der negative prädiktive Wert (NPW) bei 99,0%. Der Schnelltest besaß eine Spezifität und einen PPW von 100%, eine Sensitivität von 97,3% und einen NPW von 99,6%. Des Weiteren ergaben sich zusätzliche Vorteile bei der Verwendung des Schnelltestes durch die kürzere Laufzeit, den geringeren Kostenaufwand und die Einfachheit der Durchführung. Der ermittelte Zeitgewinn durch PCR oder Schnelltest betrug im Vergleich zum VITEK-2 zwischen 15 und 23,8 Stunden, was für die betroffenen Patienten von erheblichen klinischem Vorteil war. Zusammenfassend hatte der PBP2a-Schnelltest sowohl für S. aureus- als für KnS-Isolate bessere Leistungsdaten als die verwendete MRSA-PCR und wurde deshalb in die Routinediagnostik des Labors eingeführt. N2 - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are among the feared pathogens of a colourful picture of infections that can range up to sepsis. One of the biggest problems of MRSA is its high pathogenicity and the development of additional resistance to other classes of antibiotics. The rapid identification of MRSA and the creation of an antibiogram is therefore crucial for an early recommendation of therapy and therefore an optimal treatment of the patient. For this reason, the present work seeks further possibilities in microbiological diagnostics in order to reduce the time span between the first laboratory suspicion of MRSA infection and the specific antibiotic therapy after pathogen identification. For this purpose, two different methods (MRSA� polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) rapid test) were compared with the gold standard for the detection of methicillin resistance (VITEK-2 and cefoxitin confirmatory test). The clinical isolates oft he study were derived from blood culture bottles and swabs from intraoperative wounds. A total of 74 isolates were retrospectively tested including 26 (35%) MRSA, 24 (32.5%) methicillin� sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and 24 (32.5%) coagulase-negative staphylococci(CnS). In the MRSA-PCR 15 (20%) questionable results were obtained, which is why the method did not appear suitable for reliable routine diagnostics. After excluding the results in question, the PCR had a positive predictive value (PPV) of only 65.7%. The sensitivity was 92.9%, the specificity was 93.5% and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 99.0%. The rapid test showed a specificity and PPV of 100%, a sensitivity of 97.3% and a NPV of 99.6%. In addition, the use of the rapid test has yielded additional benefits in terms of shorter turnaround, lower costs and ease of implementation. The estimated time gain by PCR or rapid test was between 15 and 23.8 hours compared to VITEK-2, which was of significant clinical benefit to the affected patients. In summary, the PBP2a rapid test for both S. aureus and CnS isolates had better performance data than the MRSA-PCR used and was therefore introduced into routine laboratory diagnostics. KW - Methicillin-Resistenz Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-19727 ER - TY - THES A1 - Haas, Alexandra T1 - Empirische Untersuchung der Ätiologie von subklinischem Wahn in einer gesunden Stichprobe: Der Einfluss von Kindheitstrauma, Theory of Mind Fähigkeiten und einem niedrigen Selbstwert N2 - Hintergrund: Psychotisches Erleben, wie z.B. Wahnerleben und Paranoia, zeigt sich in klinischen sowie in nicht-klinischen Stichproben in unterschiedlichen Ausprägungsstärken. Der aktuelle Forschungsstand geht davon aus, dass Wahn dimensional in der Allgemeinbevölkerung ausgeprägt ist und eine hierarchische Struktur aufweist, die von subklinischem Wahn bis hin zu psychotischen Störungen reicht. Risikofaktoren wie Kindheitstrauma, Theory of Mind (ToM) Defizite und ein geringer Selbstwert erhöhen die Wahrscheinlichkeit für wahnhaftes Erleben. Um ein besseres Verständnis der Ätiologie von subklinischem Wahn zu bekommen, ist es wichtig, die Effekte dieser Risikofaktoren in gesunden Stichproben zu untersuchen. Methodik: Die vorliegende Studie untersuchte 100 gesunde Proband*innen der deutschen Allgemeinbevölkerung in Bezug auf subklinisches Wahnerleben. Mittels Fragebögen und computergestützter neuropsychologischer Tests wurde subklinischer Wahn, Kindheitstrauma, ToM-Fähigkeiten und der Selbstwert der Proband*innen erfasst. Mehrere statistische Verfahren, wie eine Hauptkomponentenanalyse sowie Korrelations-, Regressions- und Mediationsanalysen wurden genutzt, um die Zusammenhänge, Varianzaufklärungen und die prädiktive Güte der genannten Variablen in Bezug auf subklinischen Wahn zu untersuchen. Ergebnisse: Subklinischer Wahn liegt in einem geringen Ausmaß in der Stichprobe vor. Ein signifikant positiver Zusammenhang zwischen subklinischem Wahn und Kindheitstrauma wurde gefunden. Zudem konnten signifikant negative Zusammenhänge zwischen subklinischem Wahn und ToM-Fähigkeiten sowie mit Selbstwert gefunden werden. Die Ergebnisse der Regressionsanalyse unterstreichen die prädiktive Güte von Kindheitstrauma und geringem Selbstwert für subklinischen Wahn. Darüber hinaus zeigt die parallele Mediationsanalyse, dass Selbstwert ein signifikanter Mediator für die Beziehung zwischen Kindheitstrauma und subklinischem Wahn ist. Zusammenfassung: Die Ergebnisse tragen zu einem besseren Verständnis der Ätiologie von subklinischem Wahn bei, indem sie den Einfluss von Kindheitstrauma, ToM-Defiziten und geringem Selbstwert in einer gesunden Stichprobe aufzeigen. Da wahnhaftes Erleben zu Einschränkungen im privaten, familiären und beruflichen Kontext führen kann, ist es von großer Bedeutung, präventive Maßnahmen, wie z.B. selbstwertsteigernde Angebote, für die Allgemeinbevölkerung zugänglich zu machen. Diese sollen der weiteren Ausbildung von klinisch relevantem Wahn entgegenwirken. Y1 - 2024 ER - TY - THES A1 - Mutai, Levi Kipchumba T1 - Utilisation of biomass waste as feed for edible insects and how it can be used to close the food economy cycle and contribute to food security in Sub Sahara Africa N2 - The world is facing a critical challenge in meeting the growing demand for food particularly in developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa where population growth is outpacing food production. It presents a formidable challenge exacerbated by urbanization, shifting consumption patterns and global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, alternative food sources such as edible insects are gaining traction as sustainable solutions. Edible insects offer comparable nutrition to traditional protein sources while requiring minimal resources for farming. However, unsustainable harvesting practices endanger wild insect populations. To counter this, insect farming emerges as a promising strategy, leveraging efficient conversion rates and organic waste utilization. This paper explores how edible insects can integrate into circular food economies, converting organic waste into valuable resources, bolstering food and feed security, and mitigating waste. Specifically, it examines the potential of insects like black soldier fly larvae, yellow mealworms, houseflies, and house crickets in SSA for waste management and sustainable nutrition. The discussion encompasses insect abundance, waste utilization, economic cycles, and environmental benefits. Furthermore, it explores the quality and quantity of available urban organic waste streams, waste-to-insect combinations, and the socioeconomic implications of insect farming, including gender dynamics and consumer acceptance. The review highlights the need for regulatory frameworks to govern the edible insect industry in SSA and emphasizes the potential of insect farming to contribute to food security, environmental conservation, and economic development in the region. Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-19595 ER - TY - THES A1 - Decher, Isabelle T1 - Analysing Marketing Strategies of Agroforestry-Grown Walnuts: Lessons for the Lower Rhine Region N2 - Agroforestry (AFS) could help fight climate change by sequestering carbon (Nair et al., 2021). However, few markets accurately reflect the value of agroforestry products, posing a barrier to farmers implementing AFS (Litschel et al., 2023). In addition, while AFS could i.e. help the Lower Rhine Region reduce nitrate pollution, there is little research on AFS in this region. This thesis aims to reduce these barriers to AFS in the Lower Rhine Region by developing a marketing strategy for one promising agroforestry product: walnuts (Juglans regia). To do this, consumer prices of 62 walnut products from 15 stores in the Kleve area were collected over 46 days to gain an insight into the local market. Secondly, expert interviews were conducted with three German walnut producers to assess their marketing strategies. The SIVA framework (Solution, Information, Value, Access) by Dev and Schultz (2005), was used to analyse the transcripts. Then, the results were adapted to the context of the Lower Rhine Region and agroforestry to provide marketing guidelines for producers of AFS-grown walnuts in the Lower Rhine Region. Results show that not only could new walnut producers successfully compete with imported walnuts in the Lower Rhine Region, but that agroforestry could also be a significant asset to their marketing strategy. KW - agroforestry Y1 - 2024 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - 06/2024 Erste Änderungssatzung zur Ordnung zur Feststellung der studiengangsbezogenen künstlerisch-gestalterischen Eignung für den Masterstudiengang Design and Interaction der Fakultät Kommunikation und Umwelt vom 20.03.2024 T3 - Amtliche Bekanntmachungen der Hochschule Rhein-Waal - 2024-06 Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-19540 VL - 2024 IS - 06 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - 05/2024 Vierte Änderungssatzung zur Rahmenprüfungsordnung für die Bachelor- und Masterstudiengänge an der Hochschule Rhein-Waal vom 02.04.2024 T3 - Amtliche Bekanntmachungen der Hochschule Rhein-Waal - 2024-05 Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-19530 VL - 2024 IS - 05 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - 04/2024 Dritte Änderungssatzung zur Prüfungsordnung für den Bachelorstudiengang Mechanical Engineering B.Sc. der Fakultät Technologie und Bionik an der Hochschule Rhein-Waal vom 09.04.2024 T3 - Amtliche Bekanntmachungen der Hochschule Rhein-Waal - 2024-04 Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-19523 VL - 2024 IS - 04 ER -