TY - JOUR T1 - 12/2025 Gebührenordnung der Bibliothek der Hochschule Rhein-Waal vom 30.01.2025 T3 - Amtliche Bekanntmachungen der Hochschule Rhein-Waal - 2025-12 Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-21854 VL - 2025 IS - 12 ER - TY - THES A1 - Muthyapaga, Sujit Kumar T1 - Enhancing Plastic Degradation in Anaerobic Environments Using Biodigesters and qualitative quantitative analysis of biogas. N2 - Plastic pollution has been one of the significant challenges worldwide. We must develop innovations and recycling technologies with millions of tons of plastic produced annuallyThe amount of plastic waste in landfills, seas, and ecosystems has been seriously degrading the environment. New innovative ideas for reducing plastic waste, such as biodigesters and composting methods, are being utilized worldwide. This research examines options such as anaerobic biodigesters and composting techniques to improve plastic breakdown in controlled atmosphere conditions. In anaerobic digestion, digestion happens with the help of microbial organisms as they help break down the organic materials without oxygen and break down the plastics, simultaneously generating renewable energy resources. This research evaluates polymers developed through a blown film extrusion process at different temperatures, such as Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT), Polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxy hexanoate(PHBH), Bioplast GF 106, and Ecovio, under anaerobic conditions. The degradation results of polymers after a specific period were analyzed based on their mechanical and chemical properties. The research aimed to assess the rates and effectiveness of plastic decomposition in biodigesters compared to conventional degradation methods while also exploring the viability and scalability of biodigesters for managing plastic waste. This research provides information on the degradation of polymers under anaerobic conditions and how the temperature produced affects their degradation, along with methane production. This information could inform future strategies and regulations focused on decreasing plastic pollution and improving sustainability. KW - PLA KW - PBAT KW - GF 106 KW - Ecovio KW - Plastic degradation KW - Anaerobic digestion KW - Biodigesters KW - SEM KW - FTIR analysis KW - Composting KW - Blown film. Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Dierkes, Annika Marie T1 - Über Kochbox Prototypen für eine gesündere und nachhaltigere Lebensmittelauswahl im Supermarkt Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Helou, Ziad T1 - Opportunities and challenges for the solar industry in Lebanon. N2 - Lebanon faces a significant energy crisis characterized by unreliable electricity supply, political instability, and outdated infrastructure. This thesis explores the potential of solar energy as a sustainable solution to address these challenges, focusing on economic, technical, and regulatory barriers while drawing comparative insights from Cyprus’s renewable energy model. The research examines three primary questions regarding the economic and technical challenges hindering solar energy adoption in Lebanon, the lessons that can be learned from Cyprus to inform solutions, and the comprehensive strategies that can support the development of Lebanon’s solar energy sector. The findings reveal that while Lebanon has experienced rapid growth in solar energy adoption, the sector is undermined by systemic issues such as low-quality imports, skill gaps, insufficient grid infrastructure, and the dominance of diesel generators. Comparative analysis with Cyprus underscores the importance of robust regulatory frameworks, financial accessibility, public-private partnerships, and accreditation systems for solar installers. Additionally, the analysis highlights the critical role of improving capacity factors in Lebanon, with findings showing that even a 1% increase could supply power to over 16,000 homes, emphasizing the potential efficiency gains for Lebanon’s solar energy sector. The thesis also evaluates Lebanon’s progress toward its 2030 renewable energy targets, noting that while the country appears to have met these targets in percentage terms, the achievement is largely a result of reduced electricity generation rather than genuine renewable capacity growth. Recommendations include enforcing quality standards, establishing national accreditation systems, addressing corruption, and leveraging international funding for infrastructure modernization and workforce development. This research emphasizes that Lebanon’s transition to renewable energy is not only a technical and economic endeavor but also a pathway to greater energy independence and environmental sustainability. KW - Solar energy KW - Renewable energy KW - Capacity factor KW - Grid modernization KW - Energy policy KW - Lebanon energy crisis KW - Solar photovoltaics KW - Energy transition KW - Distributed energy systems KW - Solar market regulation KW - Energy storage KW - Microgrid integration KW - Power grid stability KW - Reverse current flow KW - Islanding effect KW - Net metering KW - Sustainable development KW - Public-private partnerships KW - Solar waste management KW - Energy infrastructure Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Gumiel Silva, Karen T1 - DECOLONIZING THE INDIGENOUS FEMALE BODY IN BOLIVIA: BRAIDS AND ATTIRE. N2 - This thesis explores the decolonization of the Indigenous female body in Bolivia, focusing on the cultural significance of traditional attire and hair practices among Chola women. It examines how the pollera (traditional skirt) and braids, initially imposed during the colonial era, have been reappropriated as symbols of cultural pride and resistance against ongoing discrimination. Through ethnographic research, including interviews and digital ethnography, this study investigates how Chola women navigate and redefine their identities within a society marked by racial and social hierarchies. The research draws upon postcolonial feminist theories, particularly the works of Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Aníbal Quijano, and María Lugones, to analyze the complex interplay of power, representation, and agency in the context of Bolivian Chola culture. The findings highlight the resilience and agency of Chola women in transforming symbols of oppression into powerful expressions of cultural identity and resistance, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of their experiences in contemporary Bolivian society. KW - Indigenous women KW - Chola KW - Decolonization KW - Identity KW - Resistance Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-21809 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - 11/2025 Dritte Änderungssatzung zur Prüfungsordnung für den Bachelorstudiengang Biomaterials Science an der Hochschule Rhein-Waal vom 10.03.2025 T3 - Amtliche Bekanntmachungen der Hochschule Rhein-Waal - 2025-11 Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-21762 VL - 2025 IS - 11 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - 10/2025 Prüfungsordnung für den Bachelorstudiengang „Engineering for Sustainability“ an der Hochschule Rhein-Waal vom 18.02.2025 T3 - Amtliche Bekanntmachungen der Hochschule Rhein-Waal - 2025-10 Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-21755 VL - 2025 IS - 10 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - 09/2025 Prüfungsordnung für den Bachelorstudiengang „Engineering“ an der Hochschule Rhein-Waal vom 18.02.2025 T3 - Amtliche Bekanntmachungen der Hochschule Rhein-Waal - 2025-09 Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-21748 VL - 2025 IS - 9 ER - TY - THES A1 - Erarslan, Kerem T1 - "Failed Innovations - What can we learn from failures?" N2 - In today’s fast-changing world, innovation is essential for staying competitive and makes it very important to understand what leads to the success or failure of innovations. This thesis examines the question: “How can lessons from failed innovations be used to improve organizational strategies and boost future innovation success?”. With the help of a comprehensive analysis of case studies involving mainly failed innovations, this study identifies the key lessons that companies learn from past failures. Using a solid theoretical framework, including the innovation matrix and innovation management success factors, the study highlights the importance of organizational learning, the importance of corporate identity, adaptability and strategic alignment. The results of this paper show that companies can improve their innovation strategies by analyzing failures in a systematic way, embracing a culture of defensibility and implementing structured processes for regular improvement. The results also show that a company’s own corporate identity, combined with the loyalty of its customers, can sometimes be of great value. The study contributes to innovation management by providing actionable recommendations for innovators trying to manage the complexity of innovation in a fast-changing environment. Finally, the insights gained from this study emphasize the value of learning from mistakes as a path to sustainable innovation success. Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-21738 ER - TY - THES A1 - Olfert, Jennifer T1 - Sustainability and the Fast Fashion Paradox of Gen Z - A qualitative Analysis of Consumer Characteristics and Cognitive Dissonance N2 - This study delves into the fashion preferences and decision-making processes of six Gen-Z participants, shedding light on their intricate choices. Despite a shared emphasis on visually appealing fashion and moderate sustainability knowledge, participants showed a limited inclination towards sustainable choices. Notably, price takes precedence, reflecting a prevalent budget-conscious approach. Surprisingly, participants exhibit a low preference for consistency, challenging the expectation of significant cognitive dissonance in their fashion choices. The results suggest a minimal role of cognitive dissonance, indicating a relaxed decision-making style. The study underscores the dominance of ultra-fast fashion, design, and affordability in participants' choices. Future research is encouraged to address and reduce Gen-Z's (ultra-) fast fashion consumption, promoting sustainability knowledge and a greater preference for sustainable fashion. KW - Generation Z KW - Fast Fashion KW - Sustainability KW - Cognitive Dissonance Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-21720 ER - TY - THES A1 - Kong, Xin T1 - Brief Introduction to Chinese Economy and its Relationship with World Commodity Prices N2 - This thesis examines the intricate relationship between China’s economic development and global price dynamics across various industries. Since the implementation of economic reforms in 1978, China has transitioned from a largely agrarian society to a global industrial powerhouse, profoundly influencing international markets. This study investigates how China’s rapid industrialization and expanding demand for raw materials, such as oil, steel, and copper, have led to price fluctuations worldwide, contributing to rising commodity prices while simultaneously driving down costs in the consumer goods sector through low-cost manufacturing exports. By reviewing existing literature and analyzing economic data, this research seeks to identify the key mechanisms linking China’s economic activities to global price changes. This study provides insights into the potential impacts of similar developmental trajectories in other emerging economies, illustrating how economic policies, resource demands, and export-driven manufacturing contribute to shaping global market trends. Findings from this thesis can aid policymakers, economists, and business leaders in anticipating future global economic patterns driven by rising emerging economies. KW - Chinese economy and commodities’ proces Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Friedrich, Fabian T1 - Wie beeinflussen Wertschätzung am Arbeitsplatz, wahrgenommene organisationale Unterstützung und psychologische Sicherheit die Arbeitszufriedenheit, Absentismus und Fluktuation? N2 - Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es den Einfluss zwischen Wertschätzung am Arbeitsplatz, wahrgenommener organisationaler Unterstützung (POS) und psychologischer Sicherheit mit der Arbeitszufriedenheit, Absentismus und Fluktuationsabsicht anhand einer deutschen Stichprobe zu untersuchen. Es wurde zudem erwartet, dass Wertschätzung eine vermittelnde und moderierende Rolle hinsichtlich der wahrgenommenen organisationalen Unterstützung einnimmt. Dazu fand eine Querschnittsuntersuchung vom 02.12. bis 18.12.2024 mittels Online-Fragebogen statt. Zum Einsatz kamen größtenteils bewährte Messinstrumente der quantitativen Forschung. Für die Messung des Absentismus in Form von krankheitsbedingten Fehlzeiten wurde ein Item aus der empirischen Forschung gebildet. Zudem wurden demografische Daten (z.B. Alter, Geschlecht, Arbeitszeitmodell) erfasst. Nach Bereinigung der Stichprobe umfasste diese 55 deutsche Teilnehmende im Alter von 20 bis 66 Jahren, wobei 53% weiblich und 47% männlich waren. Es zeigte sich, dass Wertschätzung am Arbeitsplatz isoliert und im Zusammenspiel mit POS einen Einfluss auf die Arbeitszufriedenheit und Fluktuationsabsicht von Mitarbeitenden hat. Des Weiteren konnte Wertschätzung den Effekt von POS auf die Arbeitszufriedenheit partiell vermitteln. Zudem konnte ein signifikanter Interaktionseffekt zwischen POS und Wertschätzung auf den Absentismus gezeigt werden. POS und psychologische Sicherheit konnten isoliert betrachtet einen Einfluss auf die Ausprägung der Arbeitszufriedenheit ausüben. Aufgrund des geringen Stichprobenumfangs und eingeschränkter Repräsentativität sollten die Ergebnisse durch weitere Studien repliziert werden. Die Limitationen der Untersuchung sowie Implikationen wurden in dieser Arbeit diskutiert. KW - Wertschätzung am Arbeitsplatz KW - Wahrgenommene organisationale Unterstützung KW - POS KW - Psychologische Sicherheit KW - Krankheitsbedingte Fehlzeiten KW - Fluktuationsabsicht KW - Arbeitszufriedenheit KW - Absentismus Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-21694 ER - TY - THES A1 - Sarmiento Gonzalez, Maria Angelica T1 - Sustainable commercialization of Baru in the Cerrado: mapping its Value Chain for rural livelihood enhancement N2 - Land-use transformation and insufficiently protected areas have led to extensive deforestation and conversion of native vegetation for croplands and pastures in the Cerrado, Brazil’s second-largest ecosystem and one of the world’s biggest biodiversity hotspots. The sustainable harvesting and commercialization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) offer a potential alternative, contributing to sustainable development by enhancing rural livelihoods, promoting environmental conservation, fostering economic diversification, empowering vulnerable socio-economic groups, and encouraging sustainable resource management. Among Cerrado's promising NTFPs is the Baru nut (Dipteryx alata), a nutrient-dense product rich in protein, fiber, zinc, and healthy oils, with potential therapeutic applications for various health issues. Its unique composition and versatility present an opportunity for sustainable commercialization that enhances rural livelihoods while promoting health benefits. Incorporating Baru-related products into local, national, and international markets could diversify economic opportunities while maintaining environmentally sustainable practices in both production and commercialization. Despite its potential, research on Baru remains scarce, creating a knowledge gap in the dynamics and challenges of its value chain. This study addresses this gap by employing a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the financial performance of each stage of the Baru value chain and identify existing challenges and market opportunities. Focused on Arinos, Minas Gerais, the research incorporates 29 interviews with local value chain actors, 14 supplementary interviews with institutional stakeholders, and secondary data analysis. The findings reveal a fragmented and predominantly informal value chain at the local level, faced with challenges such as physically intensive work, unreliable demand, power imbalances, low-profit margins, and limited institutional support. This research proposes strategies to foster collaboration, equity, transparency, and sustainable development of Baru’s value chain and contributes to a deeper understanding of this NTFP. Y1 - 2025 ER - TY - THES A1 - Yarram, Sunnyvijay T1 - Investigation of Anaerobic Digestion of Selected Bioplastics in Pilot-Scale Biodigesters N2 - Concerns have been raised about the end-of-life management of bioplastics as their demand increasing as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. The fate of bioplastic waste, especially packaging waste, remains largely unexplored in existing waste management systems. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is considered as a viable end-of-life option for bioplastics, however, current research has been primarily limited to lab-scale studies. This study investigated the anaerobic digestion of film samples made from Bioplast 106, PBAT, PLA and Ecovio (PLA/PBAT blend) under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions in pilot-scale biodigesters. The results of 90-day thermophilic AD demonstrated that PLA and Ecovio exhibited significant biodegradation of 36% and 50% by dry mass loss, respectively, while Bioplast 106 exhibited moderate biodegradation of 22.22%. The collective methane yield from these three bioplastics was 322.86 mL CH4/g VS, indicating their potential for biogas production. SEM and FT-IR analyses confirmed structural degradation of Bioplast 106, PLA, and Ecovio, while no degradation was observed for PBAT. PBAT showed high resistance to AD in pure and blended form (Bioplast 106, Ecovio). Bioplast 106 exhibited diverse degradation patterns, influenced by feedstock type, digester temperature, and processing conditions. This study might serves as valuable reference for assessing the anaerobic biodegradability of Bioplast 106 in pilot-scale biodigesters. This study further highlights the necessity of optimization of pilot-scale AD conditions to enhance the anaerobic biodegradability of slow-degrading bioplastics. KW - Anaerobic digestion KW - Bioplastics KW - Bioplast GF 106/02 KW - PLA KW - PBAT KW - Ecovio KW - Biogas KW - Methane yield KW - Pilot-scale biodigesters KW - Co-digestion KW - Biodegradable Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-21673 ER - TY - THES A1 - Dos Santos, Leonardo Henrique T1 - The effects of cannabinoids CBD and WIN 55 212-2 against oxidative stress in BR1 Astrocytes from a proteomic viewpoint N2 - Oxidative stress is a common hallmark observed in neurodegenerative diseases, acting either as a triggering factor or as a consequence of the neurodegenerative process. Astrocytes play a crucial role in mediating oxidative stress caused by physiological processes, such as the byproducts of mitochondrial function during cellular respiration. Given the critical role of oxidative stress in the progression of many neurodegenerative diseases, identifying molecules capable of modulating this response and mitigating oxidative damage is of considerable interest. Cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and WIN 55.212-2, known for their capability of influencing the endocannabinoid system through their interaction with cannabinoid receptors (namely, CB1R and CB2R), and therefore the Central Nervous System, are promising candidates for such modulation. This work aimed to explore, through proteomics, the potential effect that the mentioned cannabinoids might have against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide in astrocytes, possibly mitigating some of the oxidative damage. KW - Cannabis KW - WIN 55.212-2 KW - CBD KW - Astrocytes KW - Proteomics KW - Neurodegeneration KW - Neurodegenerative Diseases KW - OmicScope KW - Oxidative Stress KW - Hydrogen Peroxide KW - BR1 Astrocytes Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-21665 ER - TY - JOUR T1 - 08/2025 Ordnung über die Auslaufplanung für den Bachelorstudiengang „Nachhaltiger Tourismus“ der Fakultät Gesellschaft & Ökonomie an der Hochschule Rhein-Waal vom 04.02.2025 T3 - Amtliche Bekanntmachungen der Hochschule Rhein-Waal - 2025-08 Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-21657 VL - 2025 IS - 8 ER -