TY - THES A1 - Nair, Abijay T1 - Development of a CANBUS network for RoboBoat N2 - Autonomous marine vessels have seen use since as far back as World War I, with the Imperial German Navy’s Fernlenkboot. Such vessels find more modern use in the logistics sector and as survey vessels, where the continuous operation made possible by autonomy provides distinct advantages in their respective tasks and industries. This thesis presents the development of a CANBUS-based internal network for the RoboBoat autonomous surface vessel project of the Rhine-Waal university of Applied Sciences. It is designed to be the basis on which further development of on-board electronics can take place. It will also act as a platform for further development of the RoboBoat itself, as well as for future projects by students of Rhine-Waal University’s FabLab Blue that require such communication architecture. The resulting network is built around the NMEA 2000 standard and off-the-shelf microcontroller boards and network cables, which have enabled quick and fairly robust communication between the different control modules employed in the prototype. NMEA 2000 was chosen owing to its compatibility with modern marine hardware like the multi-function displays, as well as for a simple path to backwards-compatibility with older, less expensive NMEA 0183 hardware. The development process incorporates the systematic process of Engineering Design by G. Pahl and W. Beitz, which guides the processes used here to make various design decisions. KW - CANBUS KW - RoboBoat KW - NMEA KW - NMEA 2000 Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-23481 ER - TY - THES A1 - Feider, Vivien T1 - Einfluss von Ernährungswissen auf Ernährungsverhalten und Körpergewicht im Kontext der Krebsprimärprävention bei Studierenden N2 - Einleitung: Krebs ist sowohl in Deutschland als auch weltweit eine der häufigsten Todesursachen. Zur Entstehung von Krebs tragen genetische Faktoren und Lebensstilfaktoren bei. In der Phase des jungen Erwachsenenalters werden die im Kindesalter etablierten Ernährungsgewohnheiten und Verhaltensmuster infrage gestellt. Der neue Lebensabschnitt und die dadurch eintretende eigenständige Verantwortung für Einkauf und Zubereitung von Mahlzeiten kann zu Veränderungen der Gewohnheiten führen. Bisher gibt es in Deutschland nur wenige bis keine Studien, die die Ernährungsgewohnheiten, das Körpergewicht und das Ernährungswissen in Bezug auf das Krebsrisiko bei Studierenden erfassen. Methodik: Im Rahmen dieser Bachelorarbeit werden Studierende der Hochschule Rhein Waal in Kleve zu ihrem Wissen über ernährungsspezifische Krebsrisiken und Übergewicht als Krebsrisikofaktor sowie zu ihrem individuellen Ernährungsverhalten und Körpergewicht befragt. Die Befragung erfolgt online über einen Fragebogen, der im Rahmen der Bachelorarbeit entwickelt wurde und an bereits standardisierten Fragebögen orientiert ist. Die Daten werden mit deskriptiver Statistik und Korrelationsanalysen ausgewertet, um Zusammenhänge zwischen Ernährungswissen, Ernährungsverhalten und BMI zu identifizieren. Ergebnisse: Bei der untersuchten Stichprobe an Studierenden können signifikante geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede im Wissen über ernährungsspezifische Krebsrisiken erkannt werden, wobei weibliche Studierende über ein signifikant höheres (p = 0,0066) Wissen als die kombinierte Gruppe aus männlichen und diversen Studierenden verfügen. Im Wissen über Übergewicht als Krebsrisikofaktor können keine signifikanten (p = 0,3513) geschlechtsspezifischen Unterschiede festgestellt werden. Ein höheres Wissen über Ernährung und ernährungsbedingte Krebsrisiken geht mit einem gesünderen Ernährungsverhalten einher (p = 0,0009). Zwischen Wissen über Übergewicht als Krebsrisiko und BMI besteht keine signifikante negative Korrelation (p = 0,8662). Diskussion: Die Ergebnisse zum Wissen über ernährungsspezifische Krebsrisiken und zum Einfluss von Wissen auf das Ernährungsverhalten bestätigen Zusammenhänge, die bereits in internationalen Studien beschrieben wurden. Ein Zusammenhang zwischen Wissen über Übergewicht als Krebsrisikofaktor und BMI von Studierenden wurde bislang nicht untersucht. Zudem wird der Bedarf, bestehende Wissenslücken durch Präventions- und Bildungsmaßnahmen zu schließen, um Übergewicht und ungesunde Ernährungsgewohnheiten sowie deren gesundheitliche Folgen zu verhindern, verdeutlicht. KW - Krebs KW - Primärprävention KW - Ernährung KW - Krebsrisiko KW - Übergewicht KW - Studierende Y1 - 2026 ER - TY - THES A1 - Müsch, Yannick T1 - Kolmogorov-Arnold-Transformer: Untersuchung hybrider KAN-Transformer-Architekturen im Hinblick auf Skalierung, Effizienz und Interpretierbarkeit N2 - Transformers have become the de-facto standard architecture in Machine Learning, particularly in Natural Language Processing. However, they are computationally expensive to train, with approximately two-thirds of non-embedding parameters residing in Multi-Layer Perceptrons (MLPs). Liu et al. (2024) revisited the long-disregarded Kolmogorov-Arnold representation theorem and demonstrated promising results in specific domains such as symbolic regression and PDE solving. Whether Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs) generalize to other domains, particularly NLP, remains an open research question. This work systematically evaluates five architecture configurations: MLP baseline, MLP with B-Spline activation, KAN with B-Spline, KAN with Mean aggregation, and Group-Rational KAN (GR-KAN) - across three model sizes (15M, 41M, 124M parameters). Experiments are conducted on text classification (“AG News”) and language modeling (“FineWeb”) tasks. Identical components (attention, embeddings) isolate performance differences to the feed-forward topology. Statistical validity is ensured through multiple random seeds and parameter-matched comparisons. KAN-based architectures achieve performance parity with MLPs on classification tasks (±0.5 percentage points accuracy). However, they consistently underperform on language modeling, with perplexity increases of +7 to +28 points. Training efficiency overhead ranges from 1.5–2.0× for KANs, while GR-KAN approaches baseline speed. Notably, KANs exhibit significantly higher sparsity (≈ 90% vs. ≈ 40%), enabling compression factors of 1.4–1.6× with minimal performance degradation. The MLP+B-Spline control condition reveals that performance deficits stem from KAN topology rather than activation functions. KANs present a viable alternative for discriminative NLP tasks but do not outperform MLPs for generative language modeling. The postulated interpretability advantage through learnable activation functions could not be empirically confirmed - learned functions degenerate to quasi-linear transformations. Future research should explore alternative basis functions and selective hybridization strategies. KW - Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks KW - Transformer KW - hybrid architectures KW - naturallanguage processing KW - language modeling KW - interpretability KW - scaling KW - sparsity KW - B-splines Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-23376 ER - TY - THES A1 - Mujaya, Tanaka Peter T1 - Design and Development of a Computer Vision System for detecting Assembly Errors in LEGO Models N2 - This thesis presents the design and development of a computer vision system for detecting assembly errors in LEGO models within The Digital Factory Game, a production simulation exercise at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The system automates quality assurance by replacing manual visual inspection with machine learning-based classification, deployed on edge hardware. KW - Computer Vision KW - Machine Learning KW - AI Development KW - YOLO KW - Data Analysis KW - Quality Assurance Y1 - 2026 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-23367 ER - TY - THES A1 - Joseph, Balogun T1 - The Role of Online Marketplaces in Reshaping Agribusiness Sales and Distribution: Evidence from Ibadan and Lagos, Nigeria. N2 - 1.1 Context and Background Online marketplaces are applications or web sites on which products are advertised and sold. They are used in the agricultural sector to bring sellers and buyers together. Farmers advertise about their products and customers give their orders. The payment may be done prior or after delivery. The tools enable farmers to sell without traveling. They also decrease the number of intermediaries. There are sites that allow the customer to rate sellers. There are also people sharing updates on delivery or assisting with tracking goods (Eweoya et al., 2021). Trade in farm goods is evolving in Nigeria, owing to online trade. Most of the farmers would sell in open markets only. The prices were frequently low and middlemen absorbed the better part of the profit (Morepje et al., 2024). It is now easier to connect farmers and buyers by way of mobile phones and enhanced internet. Through online, farmers are able to access directly to homes, stores and even export firms. They save time and minimize wastes because customers do not need to travel in order to make an order. This idea was tested with some of the pioneer platforms in Nigeria (Abubakar et al., 2019). Farmcrowdy began as an initiative to finance small growers and match them with consumers. Agricorp constructed a system to exchange crops such as ginger and grains between states. OjaNow also connects small farms with homes and restaurants who desire fresh food. The services are used to assist farmers in selling more as they remain on their farms. Customers are able to shop and deliver farm products to their front door by making an online order. The platforms also assist the farmers to know what is being demanded as well as the price that the buyers are willing to pay. They operate most of them on basic mobile phones and hence can be used even in places with poor internet connections (Ogbeide-Osaretin and Ebhote, 2020). Online market places have changed the way farmers market their produce because they reach a greater distance than the local area. Most farmers used to sell within their towns only, but now digital platforms enable them to sell to the buyers in such cities 2 like Lagos, Abuja and Ibadan. By using such platforms, they are no longer restricted to set days of the market since sales may be carried out at any given time. This flexibility is time-saving, generates more turnover, and allows farmers to deliver food to a larger group of consumers, such as hotels, stores, and schools (Mani and Singh, 2022). Online tools have also decreased the price of selling farm produce in addition to increasing their markets. Farmers will have the opportunity to self-service their prices and deal directly with buyers by eliminating transport costs and bypassing several intermediaries. This enhanced control on prices does not only enhance their earnings, but also promotes fairness and transparency in trade. Buyers, in their turn, have an advantage of price comparison between various sellers prior to acquiring a particular good, which causes more competitive pricing and low fraud potential (Xiao, et al., 2021). The use of online platforms in integrating with local logistics and transport networks has made delivery much faster. Today many platforms collaborate with professional drivers and delivery crews that provide the delivery of the orders and their transportation at the same time. This has been especially beneficial to perishable products like tomatoes, vegetables, and fruits, whose delivery must be done in a timely manner to preserve their freshness and quality. Consequently, fewer produce is wasted as it goes to waste prior to reaching the consumers hence less waste and the general efficiency of the supply chain. Buyers get healthier and fresher food, and sellers save some money and losses of unsold or spoilt products. This credibility also builds trust between the two parties, as customers get to trust merchants with quality goods, and sellers go out of their way to keep their standards (Agrawal et al., 2021). Farmcrowdy, Thrive Agric, OjaNow, and Agricorp are the ones that have introduced similar systems in Nigeria, where both large-scale and smallholder farmers can engage in an effective and efficient digital trade (Akinwale et al., 2023). Most farmers access them via mobile phones as majority of the applications are phone-based. These sites are very popular in cities where there are greater internet connectivity. They are used by farmers to add the name of crops and buyers to make orders. During harvest, when there is plenty in supply, use is greatest. These tools are more acceptable by young farmers compared to the old. They are also common among traders and restaurants as they require constant supply. Information is also 3 useful on online platforms. Farmers are aware of the demand of crops and their price rates. This helps them plan better. They grow what people want. They also make the best decision regarding the time to sell. Buyers utilize the same information to determine whether the prices can increase or decrease. Other websites provide notifications to make fast decisions. This enhances better planning of farmers and reduces waste (Alkahtani et al., 2021). Online sales have simplified the process of farming, but a number of issues also persist. Previous research has concentrated largely on the rural farmers with little attention paid to the use of these digital tools by the smallholder and urban farmers. Visiting the city like Ibadan and Lagos, farmers have special marketing and distribution issues that are not the same as found in the countryside (Sadiq et al., 2025). A large number of these urban farmers work on small pieces of land and depend on fast sales in order to avoid losses after harvest. Nevertheless, they have problems with the lack of storage facilities and the inadequacy of transport systems (Agri et al., 2020). Few studies have examined these particular constraints in the smallholder farmers (Kabo-Bah & Bannor, 2025). The available research is rather inclined to investigate farmers access to the online platform instead of studying the impact of these tools on logistics, the speed of delivery, or storage (Trang et al., 2024; Olamide et al., 2024). Consequently, some critical questions will go unanswered, including the ways in which digital platforms can mitigate food wastage or make supply more efficient. Smallholder and urban farmers should be given more attention in future studies to offer a complete picture of the effects of online marketplaces (Akanni and Gabriel, 2020). There are numerous impediments in agribusiness in online marketplaces. Trust is a major concern. Online payments are a worry to the farmers since they are not sure that they are safe. Customers are concerned with counterfeits that are sold via these sites. A lot of farmers also cannot access because of poor power supply and weak network. Other farmers are not phone savvy and like their traditional mode of selling (Eweoya et al., 2021). One of the concerns is capacity building. The farmers should be well trained on how to utilize online sales tools. In their absence, a number of them might not enjoy the use of digital platforms. Hence, further research is necessary that will help to investigate the ways these tools are applied in the day-to-day life of farmers and how they can be trained to achieve better results. Online sales can empower farm 4 markets in Nigeria, albeit, its implementation requires farmers to leverage it effectively. It will be possible to understand which areas these platforms are most effective and which ones provide difficulties and use this information to develop more effective training and support programmes by the government and agricultural support groups. It will contribute to reinforcing what is already effective and bridging the gaps that may still exist (Ogbeide-Osaretin and Ebhote, 2020). Therefore, online stores are influencing the movement of food between farms and Nigerian households. They create new sales opportunities and enhance crop planning but there are still numerous problems. The studies are required to observe the impact of these platforms on storage, transportation as well as urban agriculture. An explicit analysis of the areas will inform policies that can empower farmers and enhance food supply. Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-23358 ER - TY - THES A1 - Ko, Tin Long T1 - The advancement of the ball point game N2 - Lean management concepts are dynamic, yet students often meet them as static definitions. This thesis advances the Ball Point Pen Game into a production simulation that exposes bottlenecks, queues, work-in-process accumulation and defects while keeping the pen-assembly task simple and standardised. Using design-based research, one design-test-reflect cycle was executed: redesign requirements were derived from Lean and lean-game education literature, implemented as roles, control rules and learning objectives, and piloted in class. The revised game increases complexity without adding product difficulty by introducing an explicit order-release rhythm (takt), separated material and information flows, visual control, and progressive pull logic across three rounds. Across rounds, batch size is reduced stepwise, supermarket/Kanban replenishment is introduced, and a simple poka-yoke prevents assembly errors. A pilot execution with seven students evaluated the redesign using a single-group pre–post knowledge test, a post-game perception questionnaire, and in-game KPIs (throughput, lead time, WIP and defects) supported by observation notes. Results are interpreted as exploratory due to the small sample and lack of a control group. Participants reported high engagement and that game discussions helped translate observations into improvement actions, aligning with prior evidence that simulation games can support understanding and transfer in Lean education. However, implementation deviations required by the small group (role merging and ad-hoc facilitation changes) reduced instruction clarity for at least one participant. The thesis delivers a reusable player/instructor manual plus design rationales and measurement procedures to guide the next test and a larger evaluation with stronger internal validity. KW - Lean Management KW - Simulation games KW - Game based learning Y1 - 2026 ER - TY - THES A1 - Süyrüge, Eyüp T1 - Vergleich von FPGA und Mikrocontroller für die Echtzeitverarbeitung von Audiosignalen zur Richtungserkennung mittels FFT und TDOA einschließlich LED-basierter Visualisierung N2 - Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, ein praxisnahes System zur Echtzeitverarbeitung von Audiosignalen mit dem Fokus auf der Richtungsbestimmung von Schallquellen zu entwickeln. Als Hardwareplattformen werden dafür ein Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) und ein Mikrocontroller (MCU) eingesetzt. Dabei konzentriert sich die Arbeit auf die Untersuchung der beiden Plattformen, wobei die Leistungsfähigkeit, Genauigkeit und Ressourceneffizienz verglichen werden. Zu diesem Zweck werden Algorithmen der Signalverarbeitung, besonders die Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) und die Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), implementiert und ausgewertet. KW - FPGA KW - Mikrocontroller KW - Echtzeitverarbeitung KW - Audiosignale KW - FFT KW - TDOA Y1 - 2026 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-23229 ER - TY - THES A1 - Ustritski, Nikita T1 - Competitiveness of Green vs. Traditional Companies: A Comparative Study in the Automotive, Hospitality, and Fashion Industry N2 - This thesis compares short-term and long-term competitiveness between green and traditional companies in the automotive, hospitality, and fashion industries. Existing research rarely examines multiple industries together or evaluates competitiveness using both time perspectives, creating a clear research gap. The research question asks how green and traditional companies differ in financial performance, innovation, consumer trust, and regulatory responsiveness. The hypothesis proposes that green companies show lower short-term competitiveness, but higher long-term competitiveness than traditional firms. A qualitative comparative case study approach is applied using secondary data, including annual reports, sustainability disclosures, ESG ratings, and international regulatory frameworks. Six companies are analysed: Tesla and Toyota in the automotive sector, Hilton and Wyndham in hospitality, and Kering and H&M in fashion. Their competitiveness is assessed through a structured framework that distinguishes between immediate business outcomes and long-term strategic development. The findings show that traditional companies perform better in the short term due to efficient cost structures, established operating models, and stable supply chains. Green companies, however, achieve stronger long-term competitiveness by investing in innovation, transparency, and alignment with tightening regulatory and consumer expectations. Tesla, Hilton, and Kering demonstrate superior long-term performance, while Toyota, Wyndham, and H&M maintain advantages mainly in the short term. The results support the hypothesis and highlight sustainability as an important driver of long-term competitiveness. The study offers cross-industry insights for academics, managers, and policymakers and identifies opportunities for future research on sustainable business models. KW - Sustainability KW - Competitiveness KW - Innovation KW - Green companies KW - Traditional companies Y1 - 2026 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-23123 ER - TY - THES A1 - Achale Arrah Nyama, Bateatey T1 - Development of Sustainable Nanofibre Wound Dressing Using Solution Blow Spinning. N2 - This thesis investigates the production of polylactic acid (PLA) fibrous mats using a low-energy, airbrush-based solution blow spinning (SBS) method with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a greener solvent. The study addresses how changes in PLA concentration and air pressure influence fibre formation, fibre diameter distribution, and non-woven mat structure, and examines the implications for incorporating tea tree oil(TTO) and pectin into the resulting materials. PLA solutions in DMC were prepared at multiple concentrations, and the SBS process was evaluated using realistic deposition observations and calculated estimates of material consumption. Fibre morphology was analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing fibrous structures and parameter-dependent differences in diameter distributions and mat heterogeneity. Chemical structure was assessed via FTIR spectroscopy, which indicated that the produced fibre mats were dominated by PLA-characteristic spectral features (and possible DMC contributions), while providing limited evidence for substantial pectin or TTO contributions in the measured spectra under the tested conditions. Thermal analysis (STA) was used to interpret important PLA thermal transitions and to identify possible traces of composites within the fibres. A qualitative hydrophilicity approach based on water droplet wetting behaviour was applied as an initial indicator of surface wettability and potential pectin effects, while recognising its limitations compared to full contact-angle measurements. Overall, the results support SBS with DMC as a viable route to produce PLA fibrous mats and show clear process–structure relationships. However, they also show that better mixing methods and stronger confirmation evidence are needed at every step of the characterisation chain in order for additive incorporation to work. KW - PLA KW - Nanofasern KW - Airbrush-Spinning KW - Wundauflagen KW - Grüne Chemie KW - Dimethylcarbonat KW - Nachhaltige Biomaterialien KW - Antibakterielle Wundauflagen KW - Faserherstellung KW - Polylactic acid KW - Nanofibers KW - Solution blow spinning KW - SBS KW - Low-energy fiber fabrication KW - Wound dressing materials KW - Green solvents KW - Dimethyl carbonate KW - DMC KW - Sustainable biomaterials KW - Antibacterial coatings Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-23107 ER - TY - THES A1 - Terhardt, Isabel T1 - Nachhaltiger Sonnenschutz für die Haare: Produktentwicklung und experimentelle Methodenfindung zur Bewertung der Lichtschutzwirkung N2 - Human hair is significantly affected by UV radiation. UVA and UVB radiation in particular cause hair to become drier and more porous, making it more prone to structural damage. These effects can be attributed to the breakdown of the hair protein keratin. Suitable in vitro and ex vivo models were used to demonstrate the degradation of hair keratin by UV radiation and to illustrate this visually using real strands of hair. The aim of this work was to develop physically effective protection for hair against UV radiation and to demonstrate the protective effect of such sunscreen products on hair keratin using a specially developed methodology. In line with the current trend toward “skinification” concepts and formulation approaches from facial care were transferred to the hair care sector. For this purpose, a sun protection spray with modern oil-soluble and water-soluble UV filters was developed. Particular attention was paid to the optimal solution of the UV filters in an aqueous O/W emulsion and the subsequent sprayability of the emulsion in order to be able to apply the product evenly to the hair. The aspect of sustainability also played an important role in the selection of raw materials and the manufacturing process. In vitro tests were performed on specially manufactured keratin-containing agarose plates, irradiated with UV light, and then evaluated photometrically using a BCA assay. The samples treated with the product showed a significantly higher keratin content compared to untreated samples, indicating a protective effect against UV-induced keratin degradation. In addition, ex vivo tests on real hair strands confirmed a positive effect of the product treatment on the appearance and feel of the hair. The methodology developed represents an innovative approach to investigating the protective effect of hair sunscreen products on hair keratin and provides a basis for further research and product development. However, adjustments and optimizations of the formulation are necessary for standardization of the methodology. KW - Hair photoprotection KW - UV induced hair damage KW - Keratin degradation KW - In vitro hair model KW - Keratin agarose plate KW - Protein quantification KW - BCA assay KW - Sunscreen for hair KW - Hair fiber protection KW - UVA UVB irradiation KW - Photostability KW - Cosmetic formulation KW - Sprayable emulsion KW - Sustainable hair care KW - Film former KW - Color fading KW - Hair photodegradation KW - Ex vivo model KW - Protein loss KW - Biomimetic substrate KW - UV exposure assay KW - Spectrophotometric analysis KW - Statistical analysis ANOVA. Y1 - 2026 ER - TY - THES A1 - Gravenhorst Arias, Valentina T1 - Betalain accumulation and biosynthetic gene expression in grain Amaranth species exposed to salt stress N2 - Amaranth species have gained renewed interest as a nutritional pseudocereal, with increased climate resilience and a high content of bioactive compounds, such as betalains. These nitrogen-containing pigments contribute to stress tolerance and have applications as natural colorants and food supplements due to their antioxidant properties. This study investigated the effect of high salt stress (200mM NaCl) on growth, physiological performance, betalain accumulation, pigment composition, and gene expression in six Amaranth accessions over a 14-day period of exposure. Phenotypic observations revealed visible stress symptoms, such as reduced growth and leaf senescence, whereas physiological parameters such as photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and internal CO2 concentration remain unaffected by salinity. Spectrophotometric quantification showed an increase in betalain concentrations after the 14-day testing period in all genotypes, salt treatment showed minor inconsistent effects. The total betalain concentration was quantified, the results per accession are for Ama 104 3.013 mg/100 g FW, Ama 124 2.944 mg/100 g FW, Ama 154 4.088 mg/100 g FW, Ama 157 4.735 mg/100 g FW, Ama 162 2.227 mg/100 g FW, Ama 169 18.248 mg/100 g FW. Characterization of betalains with HPLC-DAD-MS analysis confirmed the presence of amaranthine and isoamaranthine as the dominant betalain present in Amaranth leaves, which is consistent with the known betalain presence of grain amaranth species; no betaxanthins were detected. Gene expression analysis of CYP76AD2, DODA2, DODAα2, and SOS1 revealed no significant transcriptional induction under salt stress after the 14-day salt stress treatment. These results may suggest that betalain accumulation occurred due to normal developmental regulation rather than a salinity effect. However, analysis 24-48 after salt stress induction is recommended to conclude. The combined results reveal variation in pigment levels and salinity-stress response and demonstrate the resilience of grain amaranth to increased salinity exposure. The variation in pigment accumulation indicates the importance of selecting high-betalain accessions for industrial applications at an early stage. Future research should focus on early transcriptional levels and regulatory mechanisms to better understand stress response in the betalain pathway of these amaranth accessions. Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Bhalla, Kushagra T1 - Strategic Obsolescence Management: Developing a Process-Oriented and Financially Viable Concept N2 - Industrial machinery is designed for long operating periods, but many electronic and mechatronic components used in these systems are discontinued after a short product lifecycle. This situation causes challenges for Strama-MPS, especially in the Global Service division, where long-term spare-parts availability and reliable customer support are required. When components are no longer available, urgent procurement, redesigns under time pressure, longer downtimes and higher service costs put additional load on internal departments and can negatively affect customer relationships. This thesis develops a structured and financially viable approach to obsolescence management for Strama-MPS. The current situation was analysed using expert interviews and SAP and PRO.FILE data for the period 2018 to September 2025. The evaluation of more than 13,000 obsolete materials showed fragmented communication, insufficient lifecycle documentation and that only a few large suppliers systematically send PCN notifications, while many others do not. To summarise the results, a Power BI dashboard was created that shows portfolio age, part criticality, successor availability and supplier concentration. The analysis identified an average part age of 6.75 years, a cost-at-risk of around €1 million and a high-risk group mainly consisting of electrical and control components. In a second step, the active parts portfolio was evaluated to identify future risks. Using manually cleansed Excel files and Power BI models, a lifecycle forecast was developed for the period 2026–2029. It highlights early-warning patterns in connectors, sensors, I/O modules and control units with short technology cycles and high dependency. These results enable earlier evaluation of alternatives, more controlled last-time-buy decisions and more proactive customer communication. Based on these findings, the thesis proposes a target framework in line with DIN EN IEC 62402:2025-05. It defines responsibilities, decision and communication paths, and workflows between the relevant departments. A dedicated Obsolescence Manager is assigned as the central process owner and is supported by SmartPCN-compatible input formats, lifecycle dashboards and an implementation plan that starts with an internal pilot and later includes the roll-out of PCN Global as the OM software. The strategic options were assessed using an MCDA, comparing reactive, proactive and strategic approaches. The results show that a dedicated role combined with suitable software offers a good balance between cost control, early-warning capability and acceptance. The financial analysis indicates that the concept can pay back within the first year by reducing emergency sourcing, redesign work and service delays, while also improving collaboration, decision quality and long-term service performance. Overall, the proposed structure provides a clear basis for more consistent and reliable lifecycle handling across the organisation. KW - Obsolescence Management KW - Product Lifecycle Management KW - Spare Parts Availability KW - Global Service Engineering KW - Product Change Notification KW - DIN EN IEC 62402 KW - Industrial Engineering KW - After-Sales Service KW - Capital Goods Industry KW - Lifecycle Risk Management Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Arslan, Yesim T1 - Evaluation of Urban Consumer Behaviour in Düsseldorf: Practical Implications for Strengthening Farmer-Consumer Relationships N2 - This study examines how to strengthen the relationship between urban consumers and local farmers in Düsseldorf through direct purchase. The background of climate change, long supply chains, and growing consumer detachment from food production form the motivation to bring consumers and agricultural producers closer together, especially in urban areas such as Düsseldorf. Therefore, this study explores which factors influence consumer willingness (intention) and actual purchasing behavior of regional products. The work is based on the Theory of Planned Behavior model (TPB), extended by the additional variable trust and uses a mixed-method approach, which combines literature review, an online survey (n=150), and two semi-structured interviews with local farmers. The statistical results show that attitude, social norms, perceived behavioral control, and trust do not significantly influence regional purchasing intention or actual behavior. The only significant effect can be seen on the willingness to pay higher prices for regional products in different age groups. Older consumers (>36) show significantly higher willingness to pay higher prices than younger consumers (<35). Furthermore, the findings show a clear attitude-behavior gap, where interest or positive attitude towards regional products cannot be translated into real purchasing behavior of regional products. Additional descriptive results show that prices, convenience, and product variety influences grocery choices the most, and social media and recommendations from friends/family are most relevant information sources. Based on these insights, this study develops implications for farmers, consumers, and the city with the goal of strengthening the relationship between local farmers and urban consumers. Key recommendations include hybrid approaches by combining stronger digital visibility with strong personal interaction. Additionally, target group specific actions for younger and older consumers are presented as well as models that combine flexibility with direct exchange such as hybrid CSA. All in all, to strengthen the relationship between urban consumers and local producers cultural and structural changes are required, in which consumers, producers and the city itself share common responsibility. Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Jagjit Singh, Humjeet Singh Gill T1 - The effect of shearing in a twin-screw extruder on the mechanical properties of biopolymers (PLA+PBAT) using varied screw designs N2 - The primary aim of this research project was to determine the effects of shearing on the structure of a blend of biopolymers (PLA+PBAT) through tailored screw designs in a twin-screw extruder. To achieve this, 3 different twin intermeshing co-rotating screw designs of an extruder were used. The designs were mainly focused on the kneading and mixing part of the screw which has a shearing effect on the biopolymer. The experiments were carried out by keeping the temperature, screw speed and feed rate constant. To carry out the experiment, a 60:40 blend of PBAT and PLA was utilized. The compounded pellets produced from the 3 screw designs were then used in a Blown Film machine. Furthermore, tensile test was conducted on the resulting samples. The shear strength and strain of the films were calculated. Tear test of the films were additionally carried out to validate the findings. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) test was conducted to study the functional groups, identifying the chemical interactions and phase compatibility of the of PLA&PBAT blend. The results showed that the screw with 3 kneading blocks (HS) and 2 kneading blocks (MS) exhibited almost similar ultimate strength and ultimate strain. The screw design with only conveying elements had lower ultimate strength and strain. The kneading blocks played a role on the mixing and shearing of the biopolymer structure in the blend. Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22950 ER - TY - THES A1 - Ganev, Ivan T1 - Design and Implementation of a Virtual Gearbox N2 - This thesis represents the design and implementation of a virtual gearbox functionality as a system with an end goal to be used on the Electric Gokart platform. The design includes a 3-part solution consisting of: - Human-machine interface (HMI) – that is a physical hardware as a separate unit with its own housing - Intermediary software for transfer of input information and output feedback of the user – as software code - Control Model – MATLAB Simulink model to be run on the main computer of the platform to facilitate the motion control Due to the system complexity and multidomain solution the work has been broken down and documented to focus on a specific aspect for each deliverable. The human machine interface focuses on the hardware aspect of the functionality – research on and evaluation of different components for the input, feedback and communication and the impact of each component to the further development of the intermediary software. The software part is focused on choosing and implementing an efficient and logical handling of the sampling and relay of information to prevent the potential problem of communication network overload. And finally, the Simulink Control Model will focus on investigating input information, processing and motion control realised via torque control. The information is to be used used in developing a system response model evaluating it on the prototype and allowing tuning via system identification in the MATLAB Simulink development environment. Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Malov, Ernest T1 - Development of selection criteria and systematic methodology for the design of novel hydrogels N2 - Hydrogels are a broad field of materials with applications in many niche areas. To advance the state of the art, research should explore new combinations of chemical and practical components to discover syntheses with novel emergent properties. However, given the vast amount of information available, it is challenging to systematically narrow the search to an effective comparison of a few select candidates. This work proposes a selection and evaluation methodology for building a comparative scope to decide on a set of hydrogel recipe components. Recipe design needs are determined using an existing bibliometric analysis of a hydrogel subfield, and available options are sourced from literature reviews, then assessed based on properties discussed in the literature. Candidates for the crosslinking initiation mechanism, the monomer system, and the crosslinking control method are evaluated separately and sequentially. Recipe permutations are possible as multiple choices are scored. The resultant recipe is a photoinitiated (LAP; irradiated at 380.5nm), thiol-ene (TMPMP-Maleimide), light-patterned (maskless PWM-DLP) hydrogel that swells and bends in response to water due to osmolyte (D-Sorbitol) diffusion. This novel formulation is not currently present in the literature; however, it does not exhibit any chemical or practical incompatibilities. A range of component concentrations, possible failure scenarios, and recommended fixes are provided for initial testing. Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22934 ER - TY - THES A1 - Kazimli, Farid T1 - Origami Applications in Engineering N2 - This thesis explores how origami-inspired modular structures—specifically uniformly thick, load-carrying designs—can be prototyped using accessible 3D printing work flows. We focus on translating geometric folding principles into real materials and hinges suitable for repeated deployment by designing printable panels and connectors, and by validating performance with a bar-and-hinge simulation approach. Physical prototypes are fabricated and tested for packing ratio, deployment re peatability, and stiffness-to-mass. Results indicate that thick-panel origami can be produced with consumer 3D printers while retaining compact storage, rapid deployment, and promising structural behavior. The work outlines a practical path toward portable, reusable, and more sustainable engineering systems that minimize material use, support repair and reuse through modularity, and simplify logistics through high packing ratios. Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22848 ER - TY - THES A1 - Al Sela', Subhi Moh'd S. T1 - Application of Carbon Fiber and Advanced Composites in Restorative Dentistry: A Study in Material Efficiency, Manufacturing viability, Market Potential and Innovation. N2 - This work presents a multidisciplinary evaluation of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polyether Ether Ketone (CF-PEEK) as a core material for hybrid dental crowns, combined with lithium disilicate (E-max) veneers. The objective was to assess the mechanical, manufacturing, and economic feasibility of introducing CF-PEEK into restorative dentistry through an engineering-driven approach. A systematic literature review compared the elastic modulus, flexural strength, and density of CF-PEEK with conventional materials such as zirconia and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Results show that CF-PEEK exhibits a modulus close to natural dentin and lower density, offering improved biomechanical compatibility and reduced stress transmission. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) was identified as the most flexible and sustainable production method, minimising material waste and enabling customised crown fabrication. The study concludes that the CF-PEEK + E-max hybrid crown is mechanically viable and aligns with sustainability goals, though improvements in bonding, colour masking, and clinical validation remain necessary. This approach demonstrates how industrial engineering tools including TRIZ, QFD, and KANO can effectively guide innovation in dental materials and workflows. Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22823 ER - TY - THES A1 - Kumar, Vivek T1 - Assessing Sustainability Reporting Obligations and Regulatory Compliance for LINEG: An Analysis of EMAS Alignment with Emerging EU Directives. N2 - This thesis assesses the preparedness of LINEG, a German public water utility, for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). It evaluates the extent to which LINEG’s EMAS-based environmental disclosures align with CSRD/ESRS and where extensions are required to meet comprehensive ESG obligations. The analysis is grounded in Stakeholder Theory and Valente’s Stage Model to connect accountability expectations with organizational sustainability maturity. Methodologically, a qualitative case study and qualitative content analysis are applied to LINEG’s EMAS statements and relevant regulatory texts, using deductive categories derived from CSRD/ESRS and SASB, complemented by inductive coding to capture LINEG-specific themes. Peer utilities are referenced to contextualise findings. Findings show a strong environmental foundation— externally validated data on energy, emissions, water, and biodiversity—indicating partial readiness for ESRS E-standards. However, material gaps remain in social and governance areas (e.g., workforce metrics, affordability and service quality indicators, stakeholder engagement processes, and board-level oversight of sustainability). Applying Valente’s model positions LINEG between Defensive and Isolated stages: largely compliancedriven, with initiatives not yet embedded across strategy and governance. The thesis proposes a roadmap to consolidate environmental disclosures into ESRS structures, conduct a double-materiality assessment, expand S and G indicators, formalise stakeholder engagement, and assign clear governance responsibilities. Limitations arise from a single-case, document-based approach and the evolving German transposition of CSRD, which may adjust timelines and specific requirements once fully enacted. KW - CSRD KW - EMAS KW - Sustainability Reporting KW - Water Utilities Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Mohajeri Nejad, Mostafa T1 - Development and implementation of an adaptive control system for automizing and optimizing the performance of a rolling fluid (setur) hydro-turbine N2 - This thesis presents the design and implementation of an automated control system for a laboratory-scale SETUR (Sedlacek's Blade-less Rolling Fluid Turbine) hydro turbine test rig. The goal was to enable precise and repeatable experiments by automating the regulation of the turbine’s water level and data acquisition process. The developed system integrates multiple sensors, including discrete liquid level sensors, pressure transducers, and a flow meter, interfaced with an Arduino-based controller. A PID-based control algorithm with gain scheduling was designed to adapt to the nonlinear flow dynamics across different operating regimes of the turbine. The control loop operates at a 0.5 s sampling rate and employs layered signal filtering and calibration routines to compensate for sensor noise, offset, and scaling errors. The complete hardware setup includes signal conditioning circuits for analog sensors, digital communication for actuator control, and real-time data monitoring via serial output. Experimental results demonstrate that the system achieves stable water-level regulation within approximately two minutes after pump activation and maintains steady-state operation without overshoot or sustained valve saturation. The overall measurement uncertainties were quantified as ±3.06 % FS for pressure and ±5.2 % FS for flow, meeting the predefined accuracy requirement of ≤ 5 % FS. The developed automation platform provides a reliable foundation for further research on the SETUR turbine, including efficiency characterization, advanced control development, and future integration of IoT-based supervisory monitoring and data analysis tools. KW - SETUR KW - Automated Test-bench KW - Process Automation KW - Renewable Energies KW - Hydro Turbines KW - SCADA Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Usluer, Egehan T1 - Applying Different Path Planning Algorithms to a Mini Mars Rover for an Uncharted Maze N2 - This thesis explores how an already built Mini Mars Rover can autonomously navigate an uncharted maze, first by mapping it and then by applying different pathfinding strategies. The Mini Mars Rover uses IR sensors for wall detection, encoder-based odometry for tracking movement, an IMU for heading corrections, for input for more accurate localization. The strategy combines exploration techniques with practical path execution on real hardware, focusing on the challenges that come up when algorithms meet the physical world. Exploration applied by using a combination of Breadth-First Search (BFS) with the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) approach, as well as a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) strategy. Although both methods showed promising results in simulation, in hardware testing same results were not gathered. For the path planning, three pathfinding algorithms Flood Fill, Dijkstra’s, and A* are implemented and compared. The results of those algorithms and the strategy to adopt them into the robot is implemented. The project demonstrates a possibility of adaptation of those algorithms and their feasibility. The Mini MarsRover serves as a solid base for further development and improvements. Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22775 ER - TY - THES A1 - Tariq, Suleman T1 - Optimising Heat Loss Reduction and Facilitating the Transition to Biogas in Industrial Applications. N2 - This study has evaluated the heat loss potential and energy consumption at the industrial level. Notably, heat loss on a large scale at the industrial level has been recognized as neither economically nor environmentally sustainable. Moreover, the continued use of fossil fuels (natural gas) has been reviewed as unsustainable due to their adverse effect and limited availability, posing challenges for the present and future. Heat loss is optimized at the continental production site in Villingen-Schwenningen. Heat loss through exhaust fans, which extract heat from inside the building and release it to the environment to maintain the internal temperature, has been analysed. The released heat is lost in the environment. To recover this energy loss, the integration of a plate-to-plate heat exchanger is proposed. This approach recovers the rejected heat to preheat the incoming fresh air supply, replacing the traditional heat coil operated on natural gas. Additionally, the transition of natural gas to biogas has been explored. The district heating twin pipe (DN 80) is considered for the smooth flow of thermal energy. For this project, a financial analysis of return on investment (ROI) for 10 years is conducted, the thermal energy flow rate over 2.1km, and heat loss during the transfer phase are calculated. The results have shown significant importance for the recovered energy by integration of a plate-to-plate heat exchanger; yearly, 1.2 GW of energy can be recovered, reducing the consumption of natural gas and making a complete transition towards biogas, economically and environmentally beneficial. KW - Industrial heat loss recovery using plate-to-plate heat exchangers: Transition from natural gas to biogas for sustainable energy at the Continental AG Villingen-Schwenningen site. Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Flören, Marie Catherine T1 - Immersives Erleben Ein Einblick in das Immersionsverständnis der Anbieter:innen immersiver Besucherattraktionen N2 - Immersive experiences have been gaining popularity for the past few years within the tourism industry. This bachelor thesis aims to collect and present the understanding of the word immersion as it is interpreted by different organizers of immersive experiences within the tourism industry. Further, this thesis seeks to collect strategies and artistic methods used in the creation of immersive events and attractions to understand which are used to facilitate an immersive experience for the visitors. Moreover, looking to the future, the thesis also intends to garner possible future developments within the immersive industry, as predicted by the organizers interviewed for this thesis. To answer these questions, five organizers and designers of different immersive experiences were interviewed. The results show that the understanding of the term immersion differs between different organizers. It was possible to identify that the individual definitions range from overly spatial and design-oriented to strongly narrative-oriented, as well as an immersion as the absorption of an environment or the participation within the environment. Furthermore, it was possible to identify multiple strategies used in immersive experiences, some of which have not yet been found in current research. The interviewed organizers suggest that immersive design will be a trend within the tourism industry. However, they also state that the term is currently already being overused and diluted in its meaning. This work establishes a basis on which future research can expand by further investigating the definition of the term ‘immersion’ within the tourism industry. KW - Immersive Experiences KW - Immersion KW - Spatial Design KW - Narrative Design KW - Experience Economy Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Vasovic, Luka T1 - Development, Controller Design and Validation of a Torque Vectoring System for an All-Wheel Drive Electric Go-Kart N2 - This thesis investigates the design and simulation-based evaluation of a yaw-rate control system using torque vectoring for an all-wheel-drive electric go-kart with independently driven wheels. The work is conducted within a purely model-based framework, employing MATLAB and Simulink to replicate the vehicle dynamics and control interactions in a controlled virtual environment. Torque vectoring describes the distribution of drive torque between individual wheels to influence the yaw moment of the vehicle. This enables targeted improvements in stability, responsiveness, and cornering performance beyond what is achievable with steering input alone. In this study, yaw rate is selected as the primary control variable. A reference yaw rate is derived from the linear bicycle model, and the control objective is to minimize the error between the reference and the simulated actual yaw rate by applying corrective yaw moments through differential torque allocation. A Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller is implemented to track the reference yaw rate. Gain tuning is performed using MATLAB’s PID Tuner, leveraging the system transfer function extracted from the simulation model. The complete control system is integrated into a modular Simulink model of the go-kart, which incorporates the 2-DOF bicycle model for lateral and yaw dynamics, as well as subsystems for maneuver generation and torque vectoring logic. Controller performance is assessed through standard vehicle dynamics test maneuvers, including ramp steer, step steer, and double lane change. For each maneuver, simulations are performed both with and without torque vectoring, allowing quantitative comparison of yaw rate tracking accuracy, stability, and trajectory. The results demonstrate that torque vectoring substantially improves yaw rate tracking and reduces the understeer tendency of the simulated vehicle, particularly during transient maneuvers. Even in a simplified small-scale vehicle model, the benefits of active yaw moment control are evident, underscoring the relevance of torque vectoring for enhancing dynamic performance in electric vehicles with independent wheel actuation. The modular simulation framework developed in this work also provides a foundation for future experimental validation on the physical research platform as well as further developments on the simulation model. KW - Torque Vectoring KW - Vehicle Dynamics KW - Vehicle Simulation KW - Bicycle Model Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Simsek, Seyda T1 - The Impact of Increasing Use of Artificial Intelligence in Human Resource Management on Employees N2 - This study examines the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in human resource management (HRM) and its effects on employees, considering both operational benefits and the ethical, social, and psychological implications. Its analyzes real-world applications of AI in recruiting, performance management, talent development, and HR administration using qualitative secondary data from academic papers, industry publications, and case studies published between 2018 and 2024. To examine employee experiences, organizational issues, and ethical implications, a combined analytical approach is used, which incorporates the Technology Acceptance Model, Job Demand-Control Model, human-centered AI concepts, and the European Commission's Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI. While AI can increase effectiveness, reliability, and strategic HR results, the findings highlight concerns about algorithmic bias, reduced human engagement, and risks to employee autonomy and well-being. This paper addresses the significance of organizational planning, transparency, and responsible oversight in AI implementation, highlighting that technology should supplement rather than replace human judgment. The study offers an understanding of the human-centered and ethical aspects of AI in HRM, as well as insights for organizations seeking to use AI responsibly while maintaining employee trust and engagement. KW - artificial intelligence in human resources KW - HR automation KW - AI in HRdecision-making KW - AI in recruitment KW - AI in the workforce Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22687 ER - TY - THES A1 - Aldorino, Bryan T1 - Design, Development, and Testing of a Vision-Based Calibration System for Liquid Handling Robot N2 - This thesis presents the development of a vision-based calibration routine for an open-source liquid handling system, addressing the challenge of integrating reliable labware detection into an existing robotic platform with minimal hardware redesign. The study adopts an experimental, prototype-driven approach, evaluating multiple proof-of-concept configurations before selecting a top-mounted camera solution as the most viable. The implemented system employs OpenCV’s ArUco marker detection to locate labware, combined with a closed-loop tracking routine that iteratively aligns the camera’s principal point with the detected tag. Alternative approaches, such as rule-based detection with a side-mounted camera, provided valuable insight into system constraints including lighting sensitivity, and variability of labware. The chosen final setup demonstrated reliable calibration output in the form of labware position and orientation data, stored in .JSON format for integration into higher-level control software. The system proved capable of reliable marker-based calibration under controlled conditions. Furthermore, the results highlight both the strengths of the approach such as modularity and adaptability, and its limitations, particularly possible interference due to glare and relatively high setup time. Future work includes integrating object detection models, multi-camera systems for improved pose estimation, and extending the system towards real-time quality control in laboratory automation. Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22637 ER - TY - THES A1 - Wienands, Noa Lilly T1 - The Motivation behind the International Mobility of German University Graduates and Students: A focus on Economic Perceptions and Aspirations for Cultural and Professional Growth N2 - This thesis examines the motivations behind the international mobility of German university students and graduates focusing on the role of economic conditions, personal motives, the labor market and perceived career opportunities. It evaluates how the assessment of these aspects influences the willingness to pursue a life and career abroad through a review of existing literature and an online survey conducted by the author. The theoretical background draws on Push-Pull Theory to present migration motives, Neoclassical Economics and the New Economics of Labor Migration to highlight economic reasons and the evaluation of cost and benefits, and Expectancy-Value Theory and Self-Determination Theory to examine the connection of expectations and intrinsic motivations and values related to migration intentions. The data of the survey, conducted among German university students and graduates shows that the economic assessment is not a main motivator for a life abroad but a mix of socioeconomic factors can increase the willingness to go abroad. The study highlights the importance of personal reasons, especially personal growth and cultural experience as it increases the willingness among educated Germans to migrate. Professional growth particularly, if evaluated as better abroad as well as a bad assessment of the German labor market increase the willingness for international mobility. The thesis contributes to a better understanding on the dynamics behind the international mobility intentions among highly skilled individuals in Germany. Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22620 ER - TY - THES A1 - Mughal, Abdul Qadir T1 - Design and Development of an Automated Hyperspectral Imaging System for Plant Monitoring N2 - This thesis presents the design and construction of a prototype automated plant monitoring system that integrates hyperspectral imaging with a custom linear motion structure for greenhouse applications. Controlled by an Arduino-driven stepper motor, the system positions two hyperspectral cameras (covering visible–near-infrared and short-wave infrared ranges) and a stereo RGB camera along a linear guide to capture consistent and repeatable measurements. Calibration and data acquisition are managed by specialized software, enabling detection of early drought stress indicators such as pigment and water content changes before visible symptoms occur. Assembled and tested at Fraunhofer IGD, the prototype demonstrated reliable operation and consistent spectral data collection, providing a versatile foundation for future enhancements including automated workflows, machine learning–based analysis, and application in diverse agricultural settings. KW - Hyperspectral Cameras KW - Linear Motion KW - Automation KW - Agriculture Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22614 ER - TY - THES A1 - Ziriko, Ponsiano T1 - Provenance influence on African Baobab (Adansonia digitata) mycorrhization potential. N2 - African baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) tree parts are mostly harvested for nourishment and economic purposes. However, the products are only extracted from the wild and are threatened by depletion which necessitates research into the species domestication and cultivation. Mycorrhization involves promoting foreign and native mycorrhiza linkages to improve the roots’ efficiency in nutrients and moisture acquisition. While origin can impact the development of A. digitata, its impact on the species mycorrhization potential is not well understood, and was investigated in this thesis. A. digitata plants were grown from seeds of semi-arid, sub-humid and humid zone origins of Benin inside a controlled climate chamber. The seedlings from each origin received native soil, commercial mycorrhiza fungi (alternative) and control treatments. Growth parameters were determined before treatments application and at termination. Models combining the effects of treatment, zone origin, unique tree characteristics and block arrangement were used for statistics. Only seedlings of the humid zone origin had significantly higher initial leaf count than counterparts from other origins. Insignificant differences among origins and treatments were observed for all the other parameters. Inconsistent significant interaction of treatment and origins was observed for final leaf count, stem diameter, root collar diameter, fresh taproot and dry lateral root weights. The results indicated A. digitata seedlings’ ability to show morphological similarities when grown under uniform conditions irrespective of the genetic variations which might exist among seedlings. These growth trends were not 1 affected by the presence of commercial and native microbes. Inconsistent interaction effects warrant further investigation to ascertain specific individual tree seedlings which might have been significantly impacted by treatments. Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Koch, Daniel T1 - Emotionserkennung über den Einsatz von Messinstrumenten. N2 - Die zuverlässige Erkennung von Emotionen mittels Herzfrequenzvariabilität ist eine große methodische Herausforderung, da Verfahren von der Emotionsinduktion über die Datenbereinigung bis zur Modellierung stark voneinander abweichen. In diesem Method-Paper wurden die verschiedenen methodischen Entscheidungen systematisch dargestellt und anhand eines exemplarischen Studiendesigns verdeutlicht. Die Untersuchungen haben gezeigt, dass bisher kein einheitliches methodisches Vorgehen definiert wurde. Demnach sollten das Studiendesigns an die gewünschten Anwendungssituationen angepasst werden. Untersuchungen im Rahmen der Emotionsforschung sollten demnach mit einer festen Zielsetzung und umfassender Planung erstellt werden. KW - Emotionserkennung KW - HRV KW - HRV-Methoden KW - EKG Signalverarbeitung KW - Emotion KW - Emotionspsychologie KW - Herzfrequenzvariabilität KW - Herzratenvariabilität Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Boulmane, Aya T1 - Development of a Web-Based Tool for Estimating Lifecycle CO₂ Emissions of Electric vs. Diesel Vehicles in Germany N2 - Due to rapid technological development, the transport sector has emerged as one of the most difficult areas to reduce decarbonization, balancing its high global greenhouse gas emissions. In Germany, the shift from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to electric vehicles (EVs) has become a key focus of national and EU climate policies. Nevertheless, the transition to EVs is associated with a multitude of factors that need to be considered, including emissions from manufacturing, the energy used during operations, and post-operational treatment. This thesis focuses on the design, development, and refinement of a web-based CO₂ Lifecycle Emission Calculation tool that compares cradle-to-grave emissions of EVs and diesel ICEVs based on different driving scenarios in Germany. It is based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Methodology as indicated in ISO 14040/14044. With the tool, the manufacturing, operational, and end-of-life emissions are estimated based on validated datasets from peer-reviewed literature and authoritative bodies (IPCC, IEA, UBA). The tool’s modular structure, which was developed in Python with the Streamlit framework, also allows for other languages to be added, selection of the region’s grid mix, scenario comparisons, and results visualization in multi-level dashboards. Findings of the literature review show that the tool is accurate for both types of vehicles as the known lifecycle emissions ranges for both types are captured. Carbon payback periods for EVs ranged from less than three years to over eight years depending on the grid context, from renewable-rich to coal-intensive. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that both grid CO₂ intensity and annual mileage hold the greatest influence over lifecycle results. This research contributes to sustainability as it fills the void that exists between academic LCA models and consumer-facing applications with a transparent, reproducible, and user-configurable decision-support tool. Improvements can be made by incorporating real-time grid emission data, expanding the vehicle datasets, and including additional CO₂ environmental impact categories. Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - -, Monish Suresh T1 - Buck Converter Control using Gaussian Process Regression N2 - In this bachelor thesis, I investigate the feasibility of Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) (Williams and Rasmussen 2006) in the control of a buck converter (R. W. Erickson and aksimovic 2020). I develop a prototype digital controller for a buck converter, which uses a trained GPR model to predict the PWM duty cycle required to obtain a desired output voltage. I use an Analog Discovery 2 (AD2) (Digilent Inc. n.d.) as an interface between the GPR controller and the buck converter hardware by providing real-time voltage measurements to the controller and generating the PWM signal. I compare the performance of the GPR controller with the TPS629210DRLR Integrated Circuit (IC) (Texas Instruments 2022), which uses an analog control method and serves as the reference performance standard. I compare the performance of the GPR controller and the IC based on their ability to maintain a target voltage during a load change involving an RC load. The results are evaluated based on the voltage regulation accuracy and load voltage settling time. The results show that both controllers are able to set the load voltage within 1% of the target value. However, the GPR controller has a settling time around 3 times longer than the analog controller. The longer settling time is due to latencies from communication with the AD2 and the time required for duty cycle computation. Despite this, the settling time difference is short enough to consider the digital GPR controller competitive to the reference analog control method, especially since the current prototype is not optimized to reduce these latencies. The findings of this thesis highlight both the potential and limitations of the digital control of a buck converter. Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22458 ER - TY - THES A1 - Böttcher, Lena T1 - Prototypische Entwicklung einer Low-Code-Anwendung zur Visualisierung statistischer Kennzahlen und Analyse ihrer Aussagekraft für die Finanzverwaltung. N2 - Diese Bachelorarbeit stellt dar, wie statistische Kennzahlen für die Finanzverwaltung möglichst aussagekräftig visualisiert und analysiert werden können, um statistische Eigenschaften großer Datenmengen intuitiv und schnell verständlich nutzbar zu machen. Mit einer Low-Code-Plattform wurde ein Prototyp entwickelt, der diese Anforderungen realisiert und mit geringen Programmierkenntnissen erweitert werden kann. Diese Arbeit nutzt den Design Science Research (DSR)-Ansatz und erläutert ihn. Die Phasen der Demonstration der Nutzung und der Evaluation des Prototyps dieses Ansatzes wurden zusammengefasst. In dieser zeigte sich, dass die visualisierten statistischen Kennzahlen kontextbezogen eine hohe Aussagekraft besitzen können. Eine ganzheitliche Analyse, die auf anwendungsfallbezogenem Datenwissen basiert, bildet die Grundlage für eine fundierte Interpretation. In Zusammenhang mit der Betrachtung und kombinierten Interpretation mehrerer statistischer Kennzahlen können so Fehlinterpretationen vermieden und der Gewinn zusätzlicher Erkenntnisse gefördert werden. Die erzeugten Visualisierungen ermöglichen eine strukturierte Auswertung großer Datenmengen, setzen jedoch teilweise statistische Grundkenntnisse bei den Nutzenden voraus, die diese Ausarbeitung vermittelt. Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Elmessiry, Abdalrahman T1 - implementation and investigation of a distributed robotic chess system N2 - This thesis presents and evaluates a distributed robotic system that successfully integrates a native Windows chess engine (Fritz 19) with a containerized ROS2-based robot control system, operating on a single host computer. The architecture is designed to solve the common challenge of bridging disparate operating systems in real-time robotics. Performance analysis over 35 moves demonstrates the architecture’s high reliability, achieving a 100% success rate in the software pipeline from command generation to execution planning. The study quantifies the system’s primary performance bottleneck, showing that the physical robot movement averaged 22.6 seconds, while the underlying communication latency was negligible at 2.89 ms. This highlights a crucial distinction between computational speed and the challenges of physical manipulation. Compared to existing human-robot chess systems, which typically operate within a single OS or rely heavily on computer vision, this work contributes a validated architectural alternative. Its primary contribution is a single-host framework that integrates a native Windows application with a containerized ROS2 system. This provides a robust solution for developers needing to bridge disparate software ecosystems in real-time robotics and establishes a performance baseline demonstrating that such integration is highly efficient. KW - ROS2 KW - Distributed Systems KW - Containerization KW - Chess Robot. Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Heidenreich, Kathrin Lilli T1 - Assessing National Resilience to Hybrid Threats: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of European Countries N2 - Hybrid threats pose a growing challenge to European security, targeting state vulnerabilities through combined military and non-military means. Resilience has become the key strategy to counter these threats, yet little empirical research explains why some countries are more resilient than others. This thesis uses Qualitative Comparative Analysis on 36 European countries to identify which conditions lead to national resilience. Findings show that resilience results from specific combinations of factors: strategic prioritization of hybrid threats, prior exposure to attacks, EU and NATO membership, and the absence of Soviet-era legacies. The study recommends states develop clear strategies, institutionalize learning from past incidents, and strengthen multilateral cooperation. Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Thissen, Erik T1 - Entwicklung eines prototypischen Tools zur Automatisierung der Erstellung von Linked Open Data aus Open Data Datensätzen N2 - Linked Data has become an increasingly important publication format for structured information. This thesis explores the extent to which the conversion of Open Data into Linked Open Data can be automated and identifies the main challenges and sources of error. The creation of a prototypical tool was used to gain insights into these challenges and sources of error during the conversion to Linked Data. These were then analyzed and solutions to these problems created. The resulting tool was evaluated with different Open Data datasets. The results show that it is able to partially automate the process of converting Open Data to Linked Open Data and that it succeeded in eliminating key barriers, like the necessary programming skills, currently needed to create Linked Data. This prototype contributes towards decreasing the barrier of entry to create Linked Data and indicates that further research could lead towards the fully automatic conversion to RDF. KW - Linked Data KW - Open Data KW - Automation KW - Data Processing KW - RDF Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Olgun, Ismail T1 - Standardisierung der REST-Services in der IT-Landschaft des BLB NRW N2 - Standardisierung der REST-Services in der IT-Landschaft des BLB NRW Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Rademacher, Jens T1 - Evaluierung eines Onboarding-Konzepts im Rettungsdienst mit Handlungskonzeptempfehlung N2 - Der Rettungsdienst in Deutschland steht angesichts steigender Einsatzzahlen, des demographischen Wandels und veränderter Erwartungen an Arbeitgeber:innen vor der zunehmenden Herausforderung ausreichend Fachkräfte zu gewinnen und zu halten. Vor diesem Hintergrund gewinnt Personalmarketing zunehmend an Bedeutung. Der Erstkontakt im Rahmen des Onboardings ist ein entscheidender Faktor, um Integration, Zufriedenheit und langfristige Mitarbeiterbindung zu sichern. Im Rahmen dieser Bachelorarbeit wurde beim Deutschen Roten Kreuz - Kreisverband Neuss e.V. (DRK-Neuss), ein neues Onboarding-Konzept für angehende Rettungssanitäter:innen entwickelt und im Ausbildungszeitraum August bis September 2024 mit 17 neuen Mitarbeitenden erprobt. Ziel war es, das Konzept mithilfe qualitativer Interviews nach Mayring zu evaluieren und Handlungsempfehlungen für eine systematische Einarbeitung im Rettungsdienst abzuleiten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass insbesondere fehlende Standardisierung, inkonsistente Kommunikation und uneinheitliche Betreuung Schwächen im bisherigen Prozess darstellen. Gleichzeitig wurden positive Ansätze wie die Einführung eines Begrüßungstages und die individuelle Betreuung hervorgehoben. Die Arbeit leitet konkrete Empfehlungen ab, u. a. zur Einführung eines Paten-Systems, strukturierte Checklisten sowie klare Verantwortlichkeiten im Einarbeitungsprozess. Ein durchdachtes Onboarding ist essenziell, um neue Mitarbeitende effektiv einzugliedern und den Rettungsdienst des DRK-Neuss zukunftssicher im Personalbereich aufzustellen. KW - Onboarding KW - Rettungsdienst KW - Evaluation KW - Qualitative Inhaltsanalyse KW - Handlungsempfehlung Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Hadi, Abdul T1 - Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Capital Market Efficiency and Investment Behavior: A Comparative Analysis of Investors in Developed and Emerging Markets N2 - This thesis explores the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on capital market efficiency and investor behavior, with a comparative lens on developed and emerging markets. It investigates how AI technologies—such as machine learning, robo-advisors, and algorithmic trading—are reshaping investment strategies, reducing behavioral biases, and influencing market dynamics. The study integrates theoretical frameworks, including the Efficient Market Hypothesis, Behavioral Finance, and the Adaptive Markets Hypothesis, to contextualize AI’s role in modern finance. A mixed-methods approach combines literature review, empirical analysis, and survey data from Germany, India, and Pakistan to assess regional disparities in AI adoption, trust, and effectiveness. Findings reveal that while AI enhances decision-making and market efficiency, its benefits are unevenly distributed due to infrastructural, regulatory, and digital literacy gaps. German investors exhibit higher trust and adoption rates, leading to more efficient and diversified investment behavior, whereas emerging markets face barriers such as limited access and awareness. The thesis concludes with policy recommendations to foster inclusive AI integration and outlines future research directions to bridge the digital divide in global financial systems Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22350 ER - TY - THES A1 - Bhatt, Revant Nitin T1 - Characterization and Optimization of Process Parameters for Polycaprolactone-based Medical Scaffolds for a Magnetic Planar Drive-based 3D Printer N2 - This thesis investigates the optimization of process parameters for a Magnetic Planar Drive (MPD)-based 3D printer to fabricate Polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds for medical applications. The study aims to identify an optimal set of parameters that ensures high-dimensional accuracy while maintaining structural integrity. A systematic experimental methodology was adopted, beginning with a full-factorial design to establish baseline parameters for printing temperature (170°C), printing speed (15 mm/s), and nozzle diameter (0.4 mm). A Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was employed to optimize critical parameters, specifically layer height, raster width, and mover levitation height. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) identified layer height as the most dominant factor influencing dimensional accuracy (p < 0.0001), while raster width and mover levitation had lesser effects. The experimental validation of the optimization results revealed discrepancies between the numerically and empirically optimized parameter sets. Although the numerically optimized settings had a theoretically superior accuracy of 98.29%, their practical implementation led to structural failures, specifically the collapse of scaffold bridges. In contrast, the empirically optimized set (layer height: 0.2 mm, raster width: 0.45 mm, mover levitation height: 2.25 mm) consistently achieved a mean dimensional accuracy of 97.14% while maintaining stable printability. The findings demonstrate the potential of MPD-based 3D printing for fabricating medical scaffolds and establishing a validated parameter set. Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22330 ER - TY - THES A1 - Müller, Anna T1 - The Dialectic of Enlightenment & Gender Equality : Potentials of Critical Theory for the Re- and Deconstruction of Women's Roles in a Patriarchal Society N2 - This thesis examines the ambivalent nature of a supposedly enlightened society using the tools of Critical Theory. The work employs the dialectical method, drawing on Horkheimer and Adorno’s 'Dialectic of Enlightenment' to analyze the contradictory development of gender relations within a seemingly rational and emancipated modernity. The central thesis posits that the ideals of the Enlightenment—devoted to liberty, reason, and equality—dialectically reverse into their opposites. The focus lies on the social role of women, who experience societal subjugation as a result. Through a historical analysis of Early, High, and Late Enlightenment, two structural concepts are identified that emerge from Enlightenment thought: (1) the categorically dichotomized production of knowledge, and the (2) transition from monarchical to physiocratic bourgeois systems. It is shown how a complementarity of the sexes is legitimized on the basis of categorial-dichotomized knowledge production, which is divided into dichotomized social spheres in the sense of an equal society on the basis of their supposedly natural abilities. This creates a dialectical moment that places women in a seemingly natural, but actually ideologically shaped position of subjugation. The third part of the thesis applies Negative Dialectics to deconstruct prevailing gender relations. It questions the foundations of dichotomous knowledge production and explores the compatibility of feminist theories with Critical Theory. Furthermore, it critically engages with identity politics. The aim is to rethink the concept of “woman” from a dialectical-feminist perspective and to outline possibilities for a more equitable societal order beyond rigid categorical designations. KW - Critical Theory KW - Dialectic of Enlightenment KW - Intersectionality KW - Negative Dialectics Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22319 ER - TY - THES A1 - Moncada Torres, Valentina Bernardita T1 - Identifying Policy Opportunities for the Costa Rican Cocoa Market: A Comparative Analysis with the Dominican Republic N2 - Cocoa is a crop native to Costa Rica that once thrived as one of the country’s principal exports. Its decline began in the late 1970s following severe disease outbreaks and has been further affected by a lack of sustained institutional support. This thesis presents a comparative analysis of the cocoa sectors in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic due to the latter’s good positioning in the global cocoa market. It aims to identify policy opportunities that could support the revitalization of Costa Rican cocoa production. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders across both countries and thematically analysed according to six key areas: general characteristics, exports and market access, labour conditions, public policy and framework, support framework, and growth potential. Findings suggest that the Dominican Republic’s success is due to continued governmental prioritization and support, alongside the presence of strong producer associations that facilitate access to post-harvest infrastructure, international markets, and organic certification. In contrast, Costa Rica’s sector remains fragmented, with limited coordination, restricted market access, and minimal governmental support. Nonetheless, recent increases in global cocoa prices and renewed institutional interest have created favourable conditions for reactivating and strengthening the sector. This study highlights the need for strengthened producer organization and culturally grounded support for Indigenous cocoa producers. The broader aim of the study is to enable producers to improve their quality of life through increased profitability. KW - Cocoa production KW - Costa Rica KW - Dominican Republic KW - Comparative study KW - Agricultural Policy KW - Market Access KW - Producer Support Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22308 ER - TY - THES A1 - Stolbova, Kristina T1 - What is the impact of the level of democracy on voter turnout among youth? N2 - In the last decades, two disturbing trends have been developing simultaneously: a declining state of democracy worldwide and a growing electoral disengagement of youth (18-24 years old). The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between the level of democracy and youth voter turnout. Gathering secondary data from publicly available data sets and reports (the CSES, Afrobarometer, and the Economist Intelligence Unit), I conduct six correlation analyses between the level of democracy (and its components) and voter turnout among youth. As a result, I find a significant positive association between the level of democracy and youth turnout. Among the components of democracy, functioning of government demonstrates the most significant positive correlation with electoral participation among youth. I conclude that autocratisation could serve as an explanans of youth growing abstention from voting. At the same time, this suggests a potential for the level of democracy to boost the electoral behaviour of youth by influencing the functioning of government. While further research is needed to establish the causal relationship, this study lays a relevant foundation for it. KW - Youth voter turnout KW - Level of democracy KW - Correlation analysis Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Nguyen, Minh Duy T1 - Development of an arduino-controlled smart storage rack for component reels using MQTT and RS485 communication protocols N2 - This thesis represents the development of an innovative storage rack system designed to manage electronic component reels in the manufacturing environment efficiently. The system integrates multiple custom-designed PCBs equipped with many LEDs and sensors, each assigned to individual storage slots. Each storage slot is equipped with an LED and an infrared (IR) sensor. The sensors detect the presence of reels, while the LEDs provide visual guidance for storing or locating specific reels. To manage multiple sensors efficiently, a multiplexing method is used, allowing each Arduino Pro Mini to control up to 16 sensors with fewer pins. Multiple Arduino Pro Mini microcontrollers are deployed across different rack sections and communicate with a central master controller using the RS485 protocol. The master controller, based on an ESP32, connects to an MQTT broker to send and receive data from a storage management system. Users interact with the system through a web interface. When storing a reel, the user scans it into the online system, which then activates an LED to indicate the appropriate storage slot. When retrieving a reel, the system highlights its location via the corresponding LED. Sensors are used to confirm the presence or absence of reels within the slots ensuring accurate tracking of stored items in real time. The system is modular and scalable. In this thesis, the prototype demonstrates two levels of storage racks, each independently controlled and networked, validating the communication between multiple slave units and a master. Additionally, because of the different sizes of the reel, the design includes removable metal dividers between slots. When storing larger reels, dividers can be removed, and this change is also updated via MQTT to the online system. Power is supplied through a 5V, 30A power supply, ensuring stable operation of all electronic components. Overall, the results confirm that the system achieves reliable performance in both hardware and communication aspects, offering a practical and scalable solution for modern electronic component inventory management. KW - Smart Storage Rack MQTT RS485 Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22237 ER - TY - THES A1 - Chng, Ci Ern Katelyn T1 - Effects of Sewage Sludge Biochar as a Growing Media Component and Phosphate Fertiliser on the Cultivation of Potted Ornamental Plants N2 - There is increasing pressure from the German government on its citizens to reduce dependency on phosphate rock and peat, in agriculture and horticulture. This is due to the phosphate rock oligopoly with associated political instabilities, and the environmental consequences of peat harvesting. Past studies on soilless crop cultivation have shown promising outcomes for the phosphorus (P)-rich sewage sludge biochar (SSB) as an answer to these issues. However, SSB remains as one of the least studied biochar types in soilless ornamental cultivation. The objectives of this study were to investigate the viability of SSB as a P fertiliser and growing media component in pot cultivation of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). The addition of SSB at a 10% (v/v) rate to coco peat (SSB 10) was determined as the best composition. Although it did not outperform the control, SSB 10 plants were not significantly lower than the control plants in height, dry aboveground biomass, and number of poinsettia stems across all three species – except in poinsettia biomass. Other rates (5%, 15%, 20%) had significantly lower values in more than one parameter. Physicochemical characterisation also revealed increased P with increasing SSB rates in the growing media. Contrary to other studies, the pH of all growing media did not exceed ideal growing media pH values (5.3-6.5), further solidifying SSB’s viability as a growing media component. The reliability of our results could be improved by recording water uptake of the media, and selection of species with quantifiable aesthetics. KW - Biochar KW - P recovery KW - Sewage sludge KW - Pyrolysis KW - Ornamentals KW - Substrate KW - Growing media KW - Peat reduction Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22189 ER - TY - THES A1 - Rigotti, Roberta T1 - Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) and climate change: Assessing the potential in German agriculture with insights from Italian practices N2 - Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a crop loved in the Mediterranean, particularly in Italy, where it has a long tradition holding both cultural and economic value. It has many different uses, from fresh consumption to medicinal use and potential in the energy and cheese-making industry. In northern European countries, such as Germany, artichoke cultivation has not been largely present up until now, mostly due to climate limitations, like very cold winters. However, climate change may offer new opportunities for its introduction. This study wants to assess the viability and potential of artichoke cultivation in Germany under current and future climate conditions, with the support of climate reports and literature sources. Past German trials, together with insights from the Italian artichoke cultivation, are integrated into the analysis to offer a better understanding of potential practices and implications for a future cultivation of the crop in Germany. The study concludes that winter cultivation is unfeasible without proper winter protection practices or the development of reliable frost-resistant varieties. However, annual cultivation with harvest within the same season represents a promising option in most German states. Locally grown artichokes could translate into economic and environmental advantages by answering the increasing interest in fresh, healthy, and regionally sourced products. It would also presents an opportunity for diversifying agricultural production in response to climate change and shifting market demands while also filling a gap in the artichoke offer on the market. KW - Artichoke KW - Cynara scolymus KW - Climate change KW - Climate adaptation KW - Agriculture in Germany KW - Agriculture in Italy KW - Crop cultivation KW - Cultivation potential KW - Sustainable agriculture KW - Carciofo KW - RCP Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22178 ER - TY - THES A1 - Yankouski, Matsvei T1 - Simulation of Satellite Flares and their Impact on Ground-Based Observations N2 - With a growing number of satellites on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) the problem of light pollution arises, which is caused by the light reflected from satellite modules and directed to the ground-based observatories. This phenomenon is called satellite “flares” or “glints”. The goal of this work is to create a physical simulation model, which can recreate the conditions when the satellite flare is visible. The model is made in Python and uses a simplified geometry of reflection, orbit, solar panel parameters, and real-time TLE data. With the developed model it is possible to evaluate a variety of scenarios: single satellite, constellation and global maps of flare distribution with the given parameters. The simulation model allows for analysing the distribution of flares of time and space and checking the effectiveness of technical and legal norms. In the flow of the work numerical simulations are performed, heat maps are created, analysis and comparison with real data are made. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of this model as an instrument for planning and scheduling observations, developing less bright satellites and creating policy measures to decrease light pollution of the night sky. The results of this thesis are fundamental for expanding the model and integrating real data of all satellites. KW - Satellite flares KW - Light pollution KW - Astronomical observations KW - Satellite simulation KW - Satellite constellation KW - Specular reflection KW - Python modelling KW - Observation impact. Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22166 ER - TY - THES A1 - Pogrebnyak, Anna T1 - Application of the Ant Colony Algorithm for solving routing optimization problem in logistics N2 - In logistics there are different options of how the Traveling Salesman Problem can be solved. For that purpose, the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) may be used. In the thesis, the method is implemented in order to solve the routing optimization problem. In that case, the mathematical application is observed and analyzed. ACO parameters that affecting the working principles were researched in the thesis with the corresponding graphical representation. Based on the theoretical logic the Java language program is written for the purpose of realizing the ACO algorithm. In order to grade the effectiveness of the obtained results the additional model the Greedy method was applied. The developed program tool demonstrates the practical applications and a solution of the routing problem based on the real data in Wesel region. The thesis is focused on the route length optimization and cost reduction in terms of ACO implementation. KW - Ant Colony Optimization KW - Traveling Salesman Problem KW - Routing problem KW - Cost reduction KW - Route length optimization KW - Java software program Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22135 ER - TY - THES A1 - de Carvalho, Ben T1 - Assessment of Emissions from Pig Transportation using the GLEC-Framework N2 - With the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the EU-Taxonomy, the European Union has introduced mandatory sustainability reporting for certain companies to which slaughterhouses and food retailers belong to. Any emission causing practices along the complete supply chain have to be reported on, so that stakeholders and investors have better access to information for their assessment of the respective companies. In the area of animal production, the current literature deems emissions from live-animal transports as negligible, thus the majority of research focused mainly on assessing emission from on-farm operations. In conjunction with the development of an emissions calculator for live-animal transports, this paper deployed the in 2023 released Global-Logistics-Emissions-Council-Framework v3 for the first time to different exemplary transportation scenarios of live-pigs (Sus scrof domesticus) in Germany. The results showed that indeed the contribution of live-animal transport to the total emissions of animal products is significantly low. However, the assessed emissions are still a valuable parameter for sustainability reports as more data enables more accurate evaluations by stakeholders. KW - GLEC KW - Emissions KW - Emission calculation KW - Animal transport emissions KW - Carbon footprint Y1 - 2024 ER - TY - THES A1 - Kapinos, Noah Joel T1 - The impact of Social Media Advertisements on the Buying Behavior of Gen Z N2 - Social media has changed digital marketing, which makes it possible for businesses to engage with consumers through targeted advertising. Generation Z is an important demographic because they spend a high amount of time on social media platforms and have strong purchasing power. This study explores the impact of social media advertisements on the buying behavior of Generation Z by investigating key factors such as platform preferences, ad effectiveness, trust in social media advertisements, and purchasing motivations. By using a mixed method approach, this study gives insights into the impact of social media advertisements from 200 participants with a survey. The findings show that Instagram and TikTok are the most influential social media platforms in driving purchasing decisions, while Facebook does not have a strong impact on this generation. In addition, this study emphasizes that specific advertising formats, such as Instagram Stories and TikTok In-Feed ads, are the most effective in catching attention and influencing purchases. Furthermore, this study shows that trust plays an important role in social media advertising and many consumers from this generation are skeptical toward social media advertisements over traditional stores emphasizing that companies need to prioritize authenticity, transparency, and influencer marketing. This research provides important insights for businesses to improve their digital marketing strategies and improve engagement with Generation Z. Companies can have higher conversion rates and enhance their advertising effectiveness by focusing on platform-specific ad formats, personalized advertisements, and trust building to influence this generation. KW - Social Media KW - Generation Z KW - Buying Behavior KW - Consumer Trends KW - Social Media Advertising Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-21949 ER -