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Vielen Unternehmen gelingt es aufgrund der hohen Komplexität nicht, sich bietende Chancen der digitalen Transformation der Arbeitswelt auszuschöpfen und Risiken zu vermeiden. Um die Digitalisierung aktiv gestalten zu können, müssen die für die jeweiligen Digitalisierungsinitiativen relevanten Handlungsfelder identifiziert werden. Hier setzt die vorliegende Forschung an. Anhand einer Einzelfallstudie in einem mittelgroßen deutschen Versicherungsunternehmen werden im vorliegenden Beitrag die konkreten Auswirkungen der digitalen Transformation auf die beteiligten Mitarbeiter analysiert und Implikationen diskutiert. Hierzu wurde ein Digitalisierungsprojekt, und zwar die Digitalisierung der bislang papierbasierten analogen Geschäftsprozesse (E-Akte), in den Blick genommen. Auf Basis der Durchführung und Auswertung von 24 Interviews, in denen die direkten Effekte der Veränderungsmaßnahme aus Sicht der Mitarbeiter und Führungskräfte erfasst und analysiert wurden, ließen sich 10 Handlungsfelder identifizieren, in denen sich die Arbeitswelt des untersuchten Unternehmens durch die Digitalisierung des Geschäftsprozesses verändert.
»Flexible Arbeitspraktiken: Eine Analyse aus pragmatischer Perspektive«. Traditional human resource management (HRM) research can hardly relate to today's developments in the world of work. Organizational boundaries are blurred because of the complexity due to globalization, digitalization, and demographic changes. In practice, new ways of organizing work can be found that depend on the specifics of the work situation. In this paper, we build on the economics of convention (EC) to elaborate on the current challenges HRM scholarship is confronted with and provide a theoretical lens that goes beyond the tension between market and bureaucracy principles in actual employment settings. We apply EC’s situationalist methodology to examples of the challenging coordination of flexibility in the workplace. We explain two hybrid forms of coordination – compromises and local arrangements – and highlight the dynamics of employment practices in organizations related to these forms. Thereby, we show that different modes of coordination in employment are applied in a fluctuating manner that depends on the specific situations. In doing so, we further seek to remind HRM scholars of the fruitfulness of the pragmatist perspective in analyzing work practices, as well as extending its conceptual toolkit for future analysis.
Disziplinierung ohne politische Diskriminierung: warum es Marktkräfte in der Währungsunion bedarf!
(2019)
Die Reform der Währungsunion sollte folgende zwei Aspekte verknüpfen: einerseits die Übernahme einer stärkeren politischen Stabilitätsverantwortung und andererseits die Stärkung der Marktkräfte. Nur so kann das Prinzip von Eigenverantwortung und Haftung abgesichert werden. Zudem sollte die Politik im Euroraum einen Abwicklungsmechanismus für überschuldete Mitgliedsländer etablieren.
This paper studies option pricing based on a reverse engineering (RE) approach. We utilize artificial intelligence in order to numerically compute the prices of options. The data consist of more than 5000 call- and put-options from the German stock market. First, we find that option pricing under reverse engineering obtains a smaller root mean square error to market prices. Second, we show that the reverse engineering model is reliant on training data. In general, the novel idea of reverse engineering is a rewarding direction for future research. It circumvents the limitations of finance theory, among others strong assumptions and numerical approximations under the Black–Scholes model.
Nach der Euro- und Wirtschaftskrise in den Jahren seit 2010 verzeichnet die Europäische Union (EU) derzeit einen soliden Wirtschaftsaufschwung in allen Mitgliedstaaten. Der Anteil Europas an der Weltwirtschaft beträgt rund 30 Prozent. Das europäische Wirtschaftswachstum ist 2018 mit 2,1 Prozent sogar größer als das in Deutschland mit 1,6 Prozent. Eine Analyse der Dauer von Aufschwungsphasen zeigt, dass Europa im Vergleich zur Weltwirtschaft sogar unerwarteter Spitzenreiter ist. Seit den 1970er-Jahren liegt die durchschnittliche Dauer eines europäischen Wirtschaftsaufschwungs bei über dreißig Quartalen; sie ist mithin deutlich höher als in den USA und Japan.
This paper develops a new methodology in order to study the role of dynamic expectations. Neither reference-point theories nor feedback models are sufficient to describe human expectations in a dynamic market environment. We use an interdisciplinary approach and demonstrate that expectations of non-learning agents are time-invariant and isotropic. On the contrary, learning enhances expectations. We uncover the “yardstick of expectations” in order to assess the impact of market developments on expectations. For the first time in the literature, we reveal new insights about the motion of dynamic expectations. Finally, the model is suitable for an AI approach and has major implications on the behaviour of market participants.
Der AM Field Guide gibt einen ersten strukturierten Überblick in die komplexe und vielschichtige Welt der additiven Fertigungsverfahren. Getrennt nach den Materialien Polymere, Metalle und weitere Matrialien werden die gängisten jeweils auf dem Markt angebotenen AM-Verfahren schematisch dargestellt und der Verfahrenskern in Kurzform beschrieben. Neben den hier dargestellten Hauptverfahren gibt es viele Derivate und Sonderverfahren, die ebenfalls eingesetzt werden, jedoch nicht explizit gezeigt sind. Zu beachten ist, dass in dem jungen Bereich der additiven Fertigung viele Hersteller ihren AM-Anwendungen eigene Namen geben, so dass eine allgemeingültige umfassende Klassifizierung nur ansatzweise erreichbar ist.
Die Passagierzahlen an deutschen Flughäfen steigen konstant. Flughafenmedien bieten daher ein großes Potenzial für Werbetreibende, eine hohe Reichweite zu generieren sowie hochwertige Zielgruppen spezifisch anzusprechen. Insbesondere digitale Werbemedien genießen an Flughäfen eine groß Beliebtheit und werden von der Mehrzahl der Reisenden in der Regel stärker wahrgenommen als analoge Werbung. Sie bleiben besser im Gedächtnis und sorgen für eine willkommene Abwechslung während der oftmals langen Verweildauer am Flughafen.
Collaborative apparel consumption is proposed as more sustainable alternative to conventional consumption. The purpose of this study is the exploration of consumers’ motives to participate in collaborative apparel consumption. Findings suggest that consumers’ intention to participate in collaborative apparel consumption is mainly influenced by financial benefits, convenience and sustainability awareness.
Successful digital offerings are created at the intersection of what technologies can deliver and what customers want and will pay for. That point of intersection, however, has proved to be elusive. To find it, companies must experiment repeatedly, cocreate with customers, and assemble cross-functional development teams - and the insights gleaned along the way must be shared internally.
In this article, we discuss how several of the nearly 200 companies we've studied have built and exercised these capabilities. We also take a close look at how one company, Schneider Electric, is using them to acquire and share customer insights.
Forschungsfrage: Wie können sich Unternehmen als attraktive Arbeitgeber positionieren, wenn sie bei jungen Bewerbern der Generation Y kaum bekannt sind und ihre Produkte als wenig attraktiv wahrgenommen werden?
Methodik: Szenariostudie mit Daten aus einer schriftlichen Befragung
Praktische Implikationen: Solche Unternehmen sollten auf die Nutzenversprechen einer Employer Brand setzen, um sich als attraktiver Arbeitgeber für diese Zielgruppe zu positionieren. Voraussetzung dafür ist eine auf die Zielgruppe abgestimmte und präzise Kommunikation über die relevanten Attraktivitätsmerkmale.
This paper generalizes the theory of policy uncertainty with the new literature on rational inattention. First, the model demonstrates that inattention is dependent on the signal variance and the policy parameter. Second, I discover a novel trade-off showing that a policy instrument mitigates attention. Third, the policy instrument is non-linear and reciprocal to both the size and variance of the signal. The unifying theory creates new implications to economic theory and public policy alike.
We report an investigation into the distribution of copper oxidation states in oxide films formed on the surfaces of technical copper. The oxide films were grown by thermal annealing at ambient conditions and studied using Auger depth profiling and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Both Auger and UV–Vis data were evaluated applying multivariate curve resolution (MCR). Both experimental techniques revealed that the growth of Cu2O dominates the initial ca. 40 nm of oxide films grown at 175 °C, while further oxide growth is dominated by CuO formation. The largely coincident results from both experimental approaches demonstrates the huge benefit of the application of UV–Vis spectroscopy in combination with MCR analysis, which provides access to information on chemical state distributions without the need for destructive sample analysis. Both approaches are discussed in detail.
Homogeneous and monodispersed furan functionalised melamine-formaldehyde particles were produced. As a precursor, 2-chloro-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (Mel) was selectively substituted with 2-aminomethyl furan (Fu) units in a convenient one step reaction. The pure reaction product Fu-Mel, which was used without further purification, was reacted with formaldehyde by conventional sol-gel condensation in aqueous medium to yield chemically homogenous, spherically shaped and monodispersed particles. The particles were analysed using ATR-FT-IR, Raman, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, TGA, SEM and DSC measurements. The reactivity of the furan groups located at the particle surface was studied by performing a thermoreversible Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction with bis-maleimide coupling agents. The formed networks showed thermoreversible behaviour, which was characterised by dynamic IR and DSC measurements.
Today many vertical retailers are operating different sales channels at the same time and are respon-sible for the range of products in all sales channels. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether for vertical fashion retailers a format-specific assortment policy can be observed on the German mar-ket. To investigate this topic in addition to secondary data of a literature research, quantitative prima-ry data was collected through a structured observation by conducting store checks. The combination provides insights into the research topic, allows to build hypotheses and to get a current and specific answer on the research topic. The study revealed all vertical retailers exploit the advantage of unlim-ited capacity of the online shop by offering in this channel mainly the broadest and deepest assort-ment. Within the retail store the vertical retailers focus on offering full-price goods for the current season in full size sets. Compared to the online shop here are less styles sophisticated presented and adjusted on the sales floor. For the outlet channel all brands showed a higher density of products and at least a price reduction of 30 per cent. The present paper is limited by time, depth and language of secondary data collection. As the study only conducted quantitative data within limited observations additional visual data over a longer period is necessary.
The purpose of this paper is to assess if the strategy development of the fashion industry is oriented to the long or short term. Following the theory of dynamic capabilities, this paper argues that a long term strategic orientation can be observed in corporate foresight activities. A multi methodological research approach is chosen to answer the research question. The findings suggest that the fashion industry is lagging behind other industries in terms of future orientation and therefore long-term strategy development, even though the challenges in the business environment are not perceived as less relevant.
In der zunehmenden Individualisierung von Produkten zeigt sich, dass Kundennähe und digital vernetzte Zusammenarbeit aller Partner wertvolle Erfolgspotenziale darstellen. Für komplexe Kundenauftragsprozesse gilt es, zu vernetzen und die Prozesse und Systeme in Form eines ganzheitlichen Ansatzes zukunftsfähig zu gestalten. Dabei wird der Herausforderung begegnet, Daten und Dokumente zu digitalisieren und den manuellen Aufwand zu reduzieren. Der Untersuchungsgegenstand ist der Abwicklungsprozess, ausgehend von einer Online-Konfiguration durch den Kunden bis zur Bestellabwicklung. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Vorgehensmodell aufgezeigt, das Unternehmen in die Lage versetzt, ihren Kundenauftragsprozess durch ein digitales Geschäftsmodell zukunftsfähig auszugestalten. Nutzenpotenziale sind eine verstärkte Kundenbindung durch eng verzahnte digitale Kollaboration, verstärkte Wirtschaftlichkeit durch Reduktion der Prozesskosten sowie eine Optimierung der Customer Experience durch effiziente Abläufe.
The data present in this article affords insides in the characterization of a newly described bi-functional furan-melamine monomer, which is used for the production of monodisperse, furan-functionalized melamine formaldehyde particles. In the related research article Urdl et al., 2019 data interpretations can be found. The furan functionalization of particles is necessary to perform reversible Diels-Alder reactions with maleimide (BMI) crosslinker to form thermoreversible network systems. To understand the reaction conditions of Diels Alder (DA) reaction with a Fu-Mel monomer and a maleimide crosslinker, model DA reaction were performed and evaluated using dynamic FT-IR measurements. During retro Diels-Alder (rDA) reactions of the monomer system, it was found out that some side reaction occurred at elevated temperatures. The data of evaluating the side reaction is described in one part of this manuscript. Additional high resolution SEM images of Fu Mel particles are shown and thermoreversible particle networks with BMI2 are shown. The data of different Fu-Mel particle networks with maleimide crosslinker are presented. Therefore, the used maleimide crosslinker with different spacer lengths were synthesized and the resulting networks were analyzed by ATR-FT-IR, SEM and DSC.
A new two-dimensional fluorescence sensor system was developed for in-line monitoring of mammalian cell cultures. Fluorescence spectroscopy allows for the detection and quantification of naturally occurring intra- and extracellular fluorophores in the cell broth. The fluorescence signals correlate the the cells' current redox state and other relevant process parameters. Cell culture pretests with twelve different excitation wavelengths showed that only three wavelengths account for a vast majority of spectral variation. Accordingly, the newly developed device utilizes three high-power LEDs as excitation sources in combination with a back-thinned CCD-spectrometer for fluorescence detection.
Ein Halo-Effekt liegt vor, wenn der Eindruck eines dominanten Merkmals die Beurteilung anderer Eigenschaften eines Objekts beeinflusst. Es handelt sich um eine kognitive Verzerrung, die zu verzerrten Beurteilungen führt. In einem sportbezogenenen Kontext ist der Halo-Effekt bislang kaum erforscht worden, obwohl dies wesentlich dazu beitragen könnte, das Denken und Verhalten von Sportfans zu verstehen. Das Ziel des vorliegenden Beitrags ist es, die Frage zu beantworten, die gleichermaßen für die Theorie und die Praxis des Sportmanagements von Interesse ist: gibt es einen Halo-Effekt im Fußball? Der Beitrag präsentiert die Ergebnisse einer empirischen Untersuchung, in deren Rahmen Fans von Vereinen aus der deutschen Fußball-Bundesliga befragt wurden.
The detection and characterisation of oxide layers on metallic copper samples plays an important role for power electronic modules in the automotive industry. However, since precise identification of oxide layers by visual inspection is difficult and time consuming due to inhomogeneous colour distribution, a reliable and efficient method for estimating their thickness is needed. In this study, hyperspectral imaging in the visible wavelength range (425–725 nm) is proposed as an in-line inspection method for analysing oxide layers in real-time during processing of copper components such as printed circuit boards in the automotive industry. For implementation in the production line a partial least square regression (PLSR) model was developed with a calibration set of n = 12 with about 13,000 spectra per sample to determine the oxide layer thickness on top of the technical copper surfaces. The model shows a good prediction performance in the range of 0–30 nm compared to Auger electron spectroscopy depth profiles as a reference method. The root mean square error (RMSE) is 1.75 nm for calibration and 2.70 nm for full cross validation. Applied to an external dataset of four new samples with about 13,000 spectra per sample the model provides an RMSE of 1.84 nm for prediction and demonstrates the robustness of the model during real-time processing. The results of this study prove the ability and usefulness of the proposed method to estimate the thickness of oxide layers on technical copper. Hence, the application of hyperspectral imaging for the industrial process control of electronic devices is very promising.
Die digitale Transformation verändert branchenübergreifend Geschäftsmodelle und ist damit ein Schlüssel für den langfristigen Unternehmenserfolg. In der Praxis scheitert sie jedoch häufig an der richtigen Umsetzung. Der Digital-Business-Excellence-Ansatz soll Unternehmen helfen, den digitalen Wandel erfolgreich zu gestalten.
In vitro, hydrogel-based ECMs for functionalizing surfaces of various material have played an essential role in mimicking native tissue matrix. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used to build microfluidic or organ-on-chip devices compatible with cells due to its easy handling in cast replication. Despite such advantages, the limitation of PDMS is its hydrophobic surface property. To improve wettability of PDMS-based devices, alginate, a naturally derived polysaccharide, was covalently bound to the PDMS surface. This alginate then crosslinked further hydrogel onto the PDMS surface in desired layer thickness. Hydrogel-modified PDMS was used for coating a topography chip system and in vitro investigation of cell growth on the surfaces. Moreover, such hydrophilic hydrogel-coated PDMS is utilized in a microfluidic device to prevent unspecific absorption of organic solutions. Hence, in both exemplary studies, PDMS surface properties were modified leading to improved devices.
Indoor localization systems are becoming more and more important with the digitalization of the industrial sector. Sensor data such as the current position of machines, transport vehicles, goods or tools represent an essential component of cyber physical production systems (CCPS). However, due to the high costs of these sensors, they are not widespread and are used mainly in special scenarios. However, especially optical indoor positioning systems (OIPS) based on cameras have certain advantages due to their technological specifications. In this paper, the application scenarios and requirements as well as their characteristics are presented and a classification approach of OIPS is introduced.
Although integrins are responsible for the interaction of cells with their environment, e.g., the extracellular matrix or artificial substrates, there is still a lack of knowledge about their role in cell adhesion and migration on protein-coated substrates with microtopography. Understanding such interactions could lead to new applications in e.g., medical implants as well as shed light on processes such as embryonic development, angiogenesis, wound healing, and tumor progression. In this work, the influence of surface topography and chemistry on αvβ3 and α5β1 integrin-mediated cell adhesion and migration of healthy and malignant human cell types (human coronary artery endothelial cells, human osteosarcoma cells, and human skin fibroblasts cells) was studied, using microgrooved and flat substrates covered by two different extracellular proteins, fibronectin and vitronectin. Although some general behaviors can be observed, cell migration (speed, directionality, and persistence time) and morphological adaptation (cell area, aspect ratio, and circularity) of cells on protein coated microgrooved substrates are mainly dependent on the cell type and its specific integrin expression.
Digital light microscopy techniques are among the most widely used methods in cell biology and medical research. Despite that, the automated classification of objects such as cells or specific parts of tissues in images is difficult. We present an approach to classify confluent cell layers in microscopy images by learned deep correlation features using deep neural networks. These deep correlation features are generated through the use of gram-based correlation features and are input to a neural network for learning the correlation between them. In this work we wanted to prove if a representation of cell data based on this is suitable for its classification as has been done for artworks with respect to their artistic period. The method generates images that contain recognizable characteristics of a specific cell type, for example, the average size and the ordered pattern.
Stronger than they look
(2019)
Cancer cells invade confined microchannels via a self-directed mesenchymal-to-amoeboid transition
(2019)
Cancer cell invasion through physical barriers in the extracellular matrix (ECM) requires a complex synergy of traction force against the ECM, mechanosensitive feedback, and subsequent cytoskeletal rearrangement. PDMS microchannels were used to investigate the transition from mesenchymal to amoeboid invasion in cancer cells. Migration was faster in narrow 3 μm-wide channels than in wider 10 μm channels, even in the absence of cell-binding ECM proteins. Cells permeating narrow channels exhibited blebbing and had smooth leading edge profiles, suggesting an ECM-induced transition from mesenchymal invasion to amoeboid invasion. Live cell labeling revealed a mechanosensing period in which the cell attempts mesenchymal-based migration, reorganizes its cytoskeleton, and proceeds using an amoeboid phenotype. Rho/ROCK (amoeboid) and Rac (mesenchymal) pathway inhibition revealed that amoeboid invasion through confined environments relies on both pathways in a time- and ECM dependent manner. This demonstrates that cancer cells can dynamically modify their invasion programming to navigate physically confining matrix conditions.
Nur auf den ersten Blick erscheint es unschlüssig, Entscheidungen von Managern einerseits und Wildwasserfahren andererseits im Zusammenhang zu sehen. Der Autor kennt beide Seiten. Seit Jahrzehnten ist er mit dem Wildwasserfahren im Kajak vertraut. Vor der Berufung zum Professor hat er im Management mittelgroßer Unternehmen bis hin zu großen Konzernen gearbeitet, zuletzt als Geschäftsführer im Anlagenbau und in der Energiewirtschaft. Bereits damals erinnerten ihn das chaotische und turbulente Wildwasser an entsprechende Vorgänge im Unternehmen.
Nicht-kommerzielle Gast-Gastgeber-Beziehungen sind im Tourismus kein neues Phänomen, ermöglichen sie ursprünglich überhaupt Reisen. Die Verbreitung neuer Gastfreundschaftsnetzwerke im digitalen Zeitalter veränderte jedoch etwas: zu Grunde liegende Werte wie Freundschaft und Authentizität, Selbst-Erfahrung, Netzwerkpflege und ökonomisches Kalkül scheinen besondere Reise-Erlebnisse zu konstituieren und die etablierten Touristik-Unternehmen vor ganz neue Herausforderungen zu stellen... Dahinter stehen grundlegende Fragen guter Lebensführung, wie diese bereits in der Nikomachischen Ethik des Aristoteles thematisiert wurden.
Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (Ad-MSCs) have great potential for bone tissue engineering. Cryogels, mimicking the three-dimensional structure of spongy bone, represent ideal carriers for these cells. We developed poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) cryogels, containing hydroxyapatite to mimic inorganic bone matrix. Cryogels were additionally supplemented with different types of proteins, namely collagen (Coll), platelet rich plasma (PRP), immune cells-conditioned medium (CM), and RGD peptides (RGD). The different protein components did not affect scaffolds’ porosity or water-uptake capacity, but altered pore size and stiffness. Stiffness was highest in scaffolds with PRP (82.3 kPa), followed by Coll (55.3 kPa), CM (45.6 kPa), and RGD (32.8 kPa). Scaffolds with PRP, CM, and Coll had the largest pore diameters (~60 µm). Ad MSCs were osteogenically differentiated on these scafffolds for 14 days. Cell attachment and survival rates were comparable for all four scaffolds. Runx2 and osteocalcin levels only increased in Ad-MSCs on Coll, PRP and CM cryogels. Osterix levels increased slightly in Ad-MSCs differentiated on Coll and PRP cryogels. With differentiation alkaline phosphatase activity decreased under all four conditions. In summary, besides Coll cryogel our PRP cryogel constitutes as an especially suitable carrier for bone tissue engineering. This is of special interest, as this scaffold can be generated with patients’ PRP.
Die KI trägt schon heute wesentlich mit zu unserem Wohlstand bei und wird dies in Zukunft immer mehr tun. Aber sie treibt wie alle technologischen Erfindungen seit der Dampfmaschine das Wirtschaftswachstum weiter an. Weil die Grenzen des Wachstums auf dem Planeten Erde aber längst überschritten sind, müssen wir hier gegensteuern. Dieses Steuern kann und soll nicht durch ein Verbot der Forschung erfolgen. Denn der Wissensdrang von uns Menschen ist gut und wichtig. Verbote sind wichtig zum Beispiel beim Einsatz von autonomen Kampfrobotern, aber nicht bei einzelnen Produkten und Dienstleistungen.
Das Mittel der Wahl zur Steuerung der Wirtschaft ist das Wirtschaftssystem. Die Wirtschaft hat in erster Linie dem Gemeinwohl zu dienen und nicht dem Kapital oder dem Geld. Darin sind sich die großen Wirtschaftspioniere Adam Smith, John Maynard Keynes und Karl Marx einig. Gefragt ist daher eine Reform von Wirtschafts- und Finanzsystem.
Angesichts großer globaler Herausforderungen wie z.B. dem Klimawandel befindet sich die Entwicklungszusammenarbeit im Wandel und sieht sich zunehmend der Frage ihrer Wirksamkeit gegenübergestellt. Dieser Beitrag diskutiert, welchen Beitrag Sustainable Entrepreneurship zu einer Verbesserung ihrer Wirksamkeit leisten kann. Im Rahmen dessen wird zunächst die Ethik Albert Schweitzers und ihre Bezüge zu Konzepten der Nachhaltigen Entwicklung beleuchtet und im nächsten Schritt kriteriengeleitet diskutiert, inwieweit Albert Schweitzer als Prototyp eines Sustainable Entrepreneurs bezeichnet werden kann und was dies für die Konzeption und Ausrichtung der Entwicklungszusammenarbeit bedeuten könnte. Ebenso wird diskutiert, inwieweit Nachhaltige Entwicklung, insb. die Nachhaltigkeitsziele der Vereinten Nationen (SDG) als Orientierungsrahmen für die Entwicklungszusammenarbeit dienen kann. Ausgehend von dem Befund, dass für Sustainable Entrepreneurs die Finanzierung ihrer Aktivitäten ein erheblicher Engpassfaktor darstellt, wird diskutiert, inwiefern Sustainable Finance-Instrumente dazu beitragen können, die Finanzierungsbedingungen für Sustainable Entrepreneurs und damit den Impact ihrer Aktivitäten zu verbessern. Abschließend wird anhand eines aktuellen Fallbeispiels der Impact aufgezeigt, den Sustainable Entrepreneurs, die nach dem Vorbild Albert Schweitzers agieren, erzielen können.
An important shift in software delivery is the definition of a cloud service as an independently deployable unit by following the microservices architectural style. Container virtualization facilitates development and deployment by ensuring independence from the runtime environment. Thus, cloud services are built as container based systems - a set of containers that control the lifecycle of software and middleware components. However, using containers leads to a new paradigm for service development and operation: Self service environments enable software developers to deploy and operate container based systems on their own - you build it, you run it. Following this approach, more and more operational aspects are transferred towards the responsibility of software developers. In this work, we propose a concept for self-adaptive cloud services based on container virtualization in line with the microservices architectural style and present a model-based approach that assists software developers in building these services. Based on operational models specified by developers, the mechanisms required for self-adaptation are automatically generated. As a result, each container automatically adapts itself in a reactive, decentralized manner. We evaluate a prototype which leverages the emerging TOSCA standard to specify operational behavior in a portable manner.
In vitro models of human adipose tissue may serve as beneficial alternatives to animal models to study basic biological processes, identify new drug targets, and as soft tissue implants. With this approach, we aimed to evaluate adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) and mature adipocytes (MA) comparatively for the application in the in vitro setup of adipose tissue constructs to imitate native adipose tissue physiology. We used human primary MAs and human ASCs, differentiated for 14 days, and encapsulated them in collagen type I hydrogels to build up a three-dimensional (3D) adipose tissue model. The maintenance of the models was analyzed after seven days based on a viability staining. Further, the expression of the adipocyte specific protein perilipin A and the release of leptin and glycerol were evaluated. Gene transcription profiles of models based on dASCs and MAs were analyzed with regard to native adipose tissue. Compared to MAs, dASCs showed an immature differentiation state. Further, gene transcription of MAs suggests a behavior closer to native tissue in terms of angiogenesis, which supports MAs as preferred cell type. In contrast to native adipose tissue, genes of de novo lipogenesis and tissue remodeling were upregulated in the in vitro attempts.
This paper examines the deployment of Power to-X technologies in the US energy system through 2040. For this analysis, Power-to-X technologies have been added to an input database representing the US energy system as a single region, which is used in conjunction with an energy system optimization model called Tools for energy model optimization and analysis (Temoa). Detailed data for each individual technology, including water electrolysis, hydrogen compression and storage, chemical processing to synthetic natural gas (SNG) and methanol was collected and entered to the input database. Under a deep decarbonization scenario, Power-to-X is deployed beginning in 2035 under the assumption of no new nuclear power plants installed and a restriction on biodiesel production based on limited area for growing crops. The major portion of the hydrogen generated by electrolysis from excess PV- and wind-generated electricity goes into the production of methanol. This result suggests that Power-to-X is used to generate transport fuels in order to reduce CO2 emissions especially in this sector.
In recent years Indonesia has been confronted with an excessive generation of municipal solid waste (MSW), predominantly present in the form of organic refuse. While moving towards integrated solid waste management (ISWM) is an important strategy used to control its generation, it is also now recognized that economic approaches need to be promoted as well in order to tackle the problem concertedly. In this case study, empirical approaches are developed to understand how market instruments could be introduced into environmental services and how to apply co-benefit approach in a green economy paradigm for Indonesia. We investigate the feasibility of introducing market instruments in Indonesia by appliying local co-benefit initiatives adapted from German experiences in integrating market instruments into MSW management practices. Currently co-benefit activities are undertaken in the Sukunan village (Yogjakarta) to promote waste composting using market incentives in the framework of community-based solid waste management (CBSWM). This scheme aims at reducing MSW generation at its source and mobilizing people to be involved in waste separation (organic and non-organic) at household levels. As a result, about 200,000 t of CO2 emissions could be successfully reduced annually. By integrating market instruments into waste management practices, the result of our studies sugggests that Indonesia could make positive changes to its environmental policy and regulation of MSW at local levels. The country's policymakers have played important roles in promoting the effectiveness of urban development with co-benefits approaches to facilitate its transition towards a green eccnomy.
This paper summarises the experiences with sustainability reporting in a very wide meaning at Universities of Applied Sciences (UoAS). It focuses on the communication of sustainability aspects and activities of universities. It provides a recommendation, a model for communicating the sustainability activities of universities and emphasises the values of this appraoch. This paper aims to find the most effective ways to convey education for sustainable development to a broad public and initiate communication about sustainability aspects with society.
The paper is based on action research done at two universities about the ways in which academic institutions can communicate with their stakeholders in order to report about their own role as a responsible university and also to make an impact on the sustainable development on a local and global scale.
Research is focussed on experiences at Universitites of Applied Sciences with their strong focus on applied research, education and transfer. However, these results can be helpful for each academic institution that wants to make a positive impact on society. The concept which we present focusses on the possible impact which universities can generate.
Seen as the contribution to the research field of sustainabitliy reporting the paper points out that a continuous qualitative reporting process with a focus on education for SD is an adequate and efficient approach to sustainability reporting for universities and an effective way to reach a broad public.
We show that there are several efficient methodss of communication ranging from the traditional sustainability report to publications which address the public and to more innovative methods using the web 2.0. We show and argue that for universities, alternative ways of sustainability communication may be more effective to achieve the sustainability mission.
The concept which we present gives the universities a broader impact on society and helps them to support sustainable development in an efficient way.
Cleanable bag filter : comparisons of different testing methods of ageing of filter materials
(2019)
Cleanable bag filters are used to separate dust and other airborne particulate systems. Due to typical process conditions, they are subject to thermal, chemical and mechanical stress during use. The main objective of the IGF project no. 18307 "Investigation of the chemical and thermal degradation of cleanable filter media and improvement of their resistance by surface modification", was the development of a valid test method which can reproduce degradation caused by high temperatures and aggressive chemical atmospheres in a practice-oriented but time-saving manner. Within the IGF project, 2 accelerated ageing methods were applied, both of which have the decisive advantage of investigating damage in the gas phase. Many resistances of filter materials are otherwise carried out by immersing the materials in a mostly liquid damage medium at a defined temperature. These resistances are difficult to transfer ageing in the gas phase.
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss the current state of fashion business academic education worldwide. This is motivated by the wish to develop recommendations for the fashion business bachelor program of Reutlingen Uni versity.
Design/methodology/approach: This paper is based on a systematic review of relevant fashion business academic programs. A qualitative comparison is conducted through a categorization of the programs’ content and a score system evaluating the programs’ concepts.
Findings: Key findings were that several factors ensure successful fashion business education: Industry connections, international networks, project-based work, personalized career services and innovative approaches in teaching that include all steps along the fashion value chain.
Research limitations/implications: The research was primarily limited due to the limited number of schools assessed. As a result of the restricted time frame, those schools that were presented could only be analyzed regarding a few aspects. Future research should focus on a more in-depth analysis and further-reaching comparisons, e.g. comparisons with teaching concepts outside the fashion business area or with requirements by fashion companies.
After definition and the history of podcasts, in this book the role of podcasts in the communication strategy is mapped out. Podcast production, podcast types, podcast structures, and podcast advertising are explained. Podcast audiences and podcast in the fashion industry are introduced.
In a thorough explorative analysis, a general exploration of the podcast offering of the fashion sector was conducted. Then a selected podcast analysis with evaluation and conclusion, including a discussion of the future use of podcasts closes this book.
Digitale Selbstvermessungstechnologien wurden in den letzten Jahren zum Sinnbild rationaler und optimierter Lebensführung. Mit dem digitalen Prosumenten sind jedoch auch zahlreiche Pathologien verbunden. Der Beitrag verortet Lifelogging - digitalisierte Lebensprotokollierung - als auf Algorithmen basierende Form von Alchemie und Surrogat für echte soziale Utopien.
Usually battery chargers have two stages and DC charging current is considered to by necessary for a proper charging. To decrease the charger volume, a single stage LLC battery charger is investigated in this paper. PFC stage is eliminated, therefore no bulky capacitor is necessary any more, and battery is charged with a sinusoidal-like charging current. However, previous studies show that such a pulsating charging current has only minimal impact on battery life and efficiency. Design considerations of the resonant tank and optimal transformer design are presented. A 360W single stage LLC converter prototype for e-bike charger achieves a power factor of 0.98, efficiency of 0.93 and power density of 1,8kW/dm³.
Model-based hearing diagnosis based on wideband tympanometry measurements utilizing fuzzy arithmetic
(2019)
Today's audiometric methods for the diagnosis of middle ear disease are often based on a comparison of measurements with standard curves that represent the statistical range of normal hearing responses. Because of large inter-individual variances in the middle ear, especially in wideband tympanometry (WBT), specificity and quantitative evaluation are greatly restricted. A new model-based approach could transform today's predominantly qualitative hearing diganostics into a quantitative and tailored, patient-specific diagnosis, by evaluating WBT measurements with the aid of a middle-ear model. For this particular investigation, a finite element model of a human ear was used. It consisted of an acoustic ear canal and a tympanic cavity model, a middle-ear with detailed nonlinear models of the tympanic membrane and annular ligament, and a simplified inner-ear model. This model has made it possible to identify pathologies from measurements, by analyzing the parameters through senstivity studies and parameter clustering. Uncertainties due to the lack of knowledge, subjectivity in numerical implementation and model simplification are taken into account by the application of fuzzy arithmetic. The most confident parameter set can be determined by applying an inverse fuzzy method on the measurement data. The principle and the benefits of this model-based approach are illustrated by the example of a two-mass oscillator, and also by the simulation of the energy absorbance of an ear with malleus fixation, where the parameter changes that are introduced can be determined quantitatively through the system identification.
