OPUS Publikationsserver der Hochschule Rhein-Waal
Not a member yet
1076 research outputs found
Sort by
Determination of Total Carbon with Infrared Absorption Method After Combustion in an Induction Furnace for Ferro-Chromium Alloys
No full textIn this thesis, an evaluation of the determination of the total carbon in ferroalloys, with a focus on ferrochromium, via infrared absorption after combustion in an induction furnace is conducted. The experiments were performed over a period of 4 months with the goal of setting a robust calibration for carbon detection in ferroalloys. Ferrochromium ranging from 0,01 % to 9,03 % carbon was used as a reference material for the calibration. It was tested by using independent certified reference materials of ferrochromium but also additional ferroalloys like ferro-manganese, -silicon, - niobium, -titanium and -vanadium for the validation process. The statistical calculations were performed using the NORDTEST standards to ensure reliable results. Additionally, the drift of the machine and the detection and quantification limits were investigated. It revealed that the drift had to be applied daily, and that the quantification limit of the detector in the CS-analyzer is around 0,012 % carbon. As a result of the statistical calculations, it appeared that the measurement uncertainty is carbon percentage dependent. This led to the creation of a function that can estimate the measurement uncertainty dependent on the carbon percentage for future analysis.
Subsequential testing proved the emission of reasonable results for all tested materials, validating that the set calibration can be applied to those materials without further refinement of the calibration method
08/2024 Vierte Änderungssatzung zur Prüfungsordnung für den Bachelorstudiengang Mechatronic Systems Engineering an der Fakultät Technologie und Bionik der Hochschule Rhein-Waal vom 19.06.2024
No full textWertschätzung in Organisationen – die Effekte von Wertschätzung und sozialer Unterstützung auf das Stresserleben und die Fluktuationsabsicht von Mitarbeitenden
No full textIn der vorliegenden Studie wurde Wertschätzung im Hinblick auf ihren Zusammenhang zu sozialer Unterstützung sowie dem Stresserleben und der Fluktuationsabsicht von Mitarbeiten untersucht. Erwartet wurde eine durch Wertschätzung vermittelte negative Assoziation zwischen sozialer Unterstützung und dem Stresserleben von Mitarbeitenden, und dass Stress den Zusammenhang zwischen Wertschätzung und Fluktuationsabsicht vermittelt. Untersucht wurde außerdem, ob sich die Wertschätzungen aus verschieden Quellen gegenseitig in ihren Effekten auf das Stresserleben beeinflussen. Die Daten zur Analyse wurden mittels eines Online-Fragebogens erhoben. Die Testpersonen wurden aus dem privaten Umfeld des Autors und über eine Online-Plattform rekrutiert. Die Analyse basiert auf Daten von 65 Arbeitnehmern und 118 Arbeitnehmerinnen, von denen 69,4% Vollzeit beschäftigt waren. Wertschätzung hatte einen negativen Effekt auf das Stresserleben und die Fluktuationsabsicht von Mitarbeitenden. Der Effekt auf die Fluktuationsabsicht wurde teils durch das Stresserleben mediiert. Auch soziale Unterstützung hatte einem negativen Effekt aus das Stresserleben, der jedoch durch die Wertschätzung vermittelt wurde. Der stärkste Effekt auf das Stresserleben wurde für die Wertschätzung von Vorgesetzen gemessen, gefolgt von der Wertschätzung durch Kolleg/-innen. Ein Interaktionseffekt auf das Stresserleben fand sich nur für die Wertschätzung durch Vorgesetzte und die durch Klient/-innen. Die Ergebnisse untermauern die Relevanz eines wertschätzenden Verhaltens am Arbeitsplatz, insbesondere des Verhaltens von Vorgesetzten. Wertschätzung erscheint als ein adäquates Mittel gegen Stresserleben und Fluktuation in Organisationen. Eine Möglichkeit Wertschätzung zu zeigen, scheint in Unterstützungsangeboten zu bestehen. Soziale Unterstützung, die keine Wertschätzung kommuniziert, zeigt keinen signifikanten Effekt auf das Stresserleben von Mitarbeitenden.In this study, appreciation towards employees was examined regarding its connection to social support, stress, and intention to fluctuate. A negative association between social support and the stress of employees mediated by appreciation was expected, along with stress mediating the negative correlation between appreciation and intention to fluctuate. It was also examined whether the appreciation of different sources influence each other in their effects on stress. The analysis data was collected through an online questionnaire. The test subjects were recruited from the author's private environment and an online platform. The analysis is based on data from 65 male and 118 female employees. 69.4% of all employees worked full time. Appreciation had a negative effect on the stress and the fluctuation of employees. The effect on the intention to fluctuate was mediated by stress. Social support also had a negative effect on stress, but it was mediated by the appreciation. The strongest effect on stress was measured for the appreciation of supervisors, followed by the appreciation by coworkers. An interaction effect on stress was only found for the appreciation by superiors and those by clients. The results underline the relevance of an appreciative behavior in the workplace, in particular the behavior of supervisors. Appreciation appears to be an adequate remedy for stress and fluctuation in organizations. One way of showing appreciation seems to be in support offers. Social support that does not communicate appreciation does not show any significant effect on the stress of employees
Data Analysis of the "Loyalty Program-Valeo Specialist Club" to Improve the Independent Aftermarket: Designing an Efficient Marketing Strategy
No full textNowadays, a loyalty program is one of the most significant marketing tools for winning genuine customer loyalty. Valeo, a global automotive supplier, also offers the Valeo Specialist Club loyalty program and rewards garage or workshop members who only purchase Valeo spare parts. The core intent of this study is to understand the importance of the Valeo loyalty application, members’ insights, and their experiences for improving the future planning, aftermarket performance, and management of the Value Specialist Club. In today’s competitive market, products, services, and customer loyalty are valuable assets, so the program was created to enhance member satisfaction and loyalty with the Value Specialist Club. A mixed-method approach was used to answer the study question and findings, improve member satisfaction, and refine marketing strategies, using a survey as primary data and Qlik Sense as secondary data. Besides, using a survey methodology, the study collected 79 responses from different countries (the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands) and analyzed the data with only 58 Specialist Club member's responses. A reliability examination was additionally accomplished to measure the accuracy of the collected survey data. Qlik Sense, Microsoft 365, and Excel 2016 were used for data analysis and visualization, which involved descriptive analysis, correlation coefficients, and text sentiment analysis. The study results show positive trends in member satisfaction across four markets, but a decreasing engagement rate is noticeable. In general, members from all countries were satisfied with Valeo products and services, contrasting with moderate dissatisfaction with the Valeo Specialist Club app and customer service. The study also found a strong correlation between the Valeo Specialist Club app, loyalty service, and customer service, suggesting improvements to meet member expectations and preferences. Nevertheless, the study also emphasizes the need to enhance the Valeo Specialist Club registration process, loyalty program features, and benefits to align with current trends, foster increased member satisfaction, and sustain loyalty within the independent aftermarket. Furthermore, the conclusions of this study will aid in developing upcoming marketing plans
An Elaborated Environmental Life Cycle Assessment on Renewable Energy in Germany
No full textLife Cycle Assessment is a method of assessing the environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of a product. It was standardized by ISO to aid comparison of different studies employing the method of Life Cycle Assessment. The standard contains the phases: Goal and Scope, Life Cycle Inventory, Life Cycle Impact Assessment, and Interpretation. A Life Cycle Assessment is conducted on renewable energies in Germany, namely Wind Energy, Solar Energy, Bioenergy, and Green Hydrogen Energy. The data collection phase of the life cycle inventory was performed under several assumptions and limitations which extend to the results. It is established through the results of the study that Green Hydrogen energy holds the greatest environmental impacts out of the four energies. This impact is justified as Green Hydrogen is an energy carrier, rather than a producer. The impacts of Wind Energy, Solar Energy, and Bioenergy are compared in the absence of Green Hydrogen Energy, as they are all energy producers. It is found that the overall environmental impacts of Bioenergy are the greatest of the three, while Wind Energy has the lowest impacts. Solar Energy had greater impacts than Bioenergy in certain impact categories. Comparison of this study with previous Life Cycle Assessments reveals some similarities and differences. Contrasting this study to the German Sustainable Development Strategy shows that the strategy as well as the current trends are supported by the results of this study, but can be improved in certain aspects
Paludiculture and farming practices for carbon storage in peatlands – a case study at the lower Rhine
No full textMoors have fascinated and scared humanity for centuries. Recently, these wetlands are discussed about for their Climate Change mitigation potential by re-wetting efforts. Since most studies on the topic of potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction in Germany focus on large areas in the North and South of Germany, this study observes a smaller example area of organic soil in Kleve, North-Rhine Westphalia. It is analyzed in terms of suitability for paludiculture as well as for potential savings of GHG and a reduction of the Global Warming Potential (GWP). The study introduces a ranking system that allows an easy estimation of the suitability of fields, based on criteria that assign points from 1 to 4 per criteria. The total for each field is compared with one another. Emission values are based on the GEST-approach, developed by moor scientists in Greifswald, Germany. This study compares current field emissions in Kleve and compares them to theoretical agricultural cultivation scenarios that are simulated and projected onto said fields. The scenarios include the cultivation of Phragmites australis, a grazing system with Bulbalus arnee and the neglection of agriculture supplemented with photovoltaic power harvesting. The research highlights that maintaining high water levels is crucial for significant greenhouse gas emission savings. Water levels of around the soil surface level are assumed to have the highest potential for such savings. Phragmites australis cultivation and the grazing scenario demonstrate the highest potential for savings, reaching up to 2118.56 t CO2-equivalent per hectare annually. Although the findings of this study are promising, it is strongly recommended to update this study with newer findings in the future and to consider production-related emissions that extend the sole on-field emissions
Documentation and Further Development of a Digital Factory Simulation Game
No full textThe fusion of digital technologies in manufacturing and production initiates the progress in Industry 4.0. This paper explores the literature review on Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT). The literature review explores the historical background and components of Industry 4.0. It also highlights the elements of IoT and the concept of a digital factory. In the context of digitalization, the integration of a digital factory simulation game is relevant. The
game provides a comprehensive view of manufacturing and production in a lab environment.
This paper addresses the gameplay concept, comparing the manual and digitalized phases.
It highlights how the game reflects a virtual factory environment by integrating with IoT devices. Several industries implement technological elements in today’s dynamic industrial landscape for smooth and efficient productivity. By presenting an overview of the digital elements used in the game and the industries, this paper assists in comparing the industrial elements to the game. The framework involves an analysis of technologies commonly used
in the industries to establish connectivity of the game. Thus, the primary concern of this paper comprises the evaluation of the industrial elements of the game through a feasibility study to design a roadmap for further development of the game.
Supplementary materials and supporting documents can be found in the appendices of the thesis, expanding the approach of the game
Vergleich von normativen Verfahren zur Bestimmung des chemischen Sauerstoffbedarfs in unterschiedlichen Matrices
No full textDie vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit dem Vergleich normativer Verfahren der Bestimmung des chemischen Sauerstoffbedarfs verschiedener Abwasserproben der Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG. Das Ziel der Vergleichsanalyse ist es, die Machbarkeit einer Substitution der nasschemischen Verfahren gemäß DIN 38409-41:1980-12 und DIN 38409-44:1992-05 mit ST-Verfahren hinsichtlich der Übereinstimmung der Messwerte des chemischen Sauerstoffbedarfs zu überprüfen. Grund für die vergleichende Analyse ist der hohe Verbrauch toxischer Reagenzien wie Quecksilbersulfat in Kaliumdichromat und silbersulfathaltige Schwefelsäure bei der Durchführung der nasschemischen Bestimmungen. Durch Darlegung der Arbeitsschritte der Durchführung der nasschemischen Verfahren, bei denen es zu Kontakt der Laborant*innen mit toxischen Reagenzien kommt, konnte das hohe Risiko der Gesundheitsgefährdung im Vergleich zum ST-Test ermittelt werden. Da der Chemikalienverbrauch vergleichend aufgezeigt wurde, konnte die Einsparung absoluter Mengen toxischer Reagenzien bei einer erfolgreichen Substitution mit den ST-Tests errechnet werden. Die statistische Auswertung der Messergebnisse erfolgt in graphischer Darstellung nach Bland-Altman. Für die Beurteilung der Tolerierbarkeit der Abweichungen der nasschemischen Messwerte von denen der ST-Tests erfolgt die Kontextualisierung regulatorischer Vorgaben für den Parameter CSB je nach Matrix. Die Auswertung und Begutachtung der Messergebnisse ließen feststellen, dass die Bestimmung mittels ST-Tests ausreichend übereinstimmende Messwerte generiert und eine Substitution durchführbar ist.This paper deals with the comparison of normative methods for determining the chemical oxygen demand of various wastewater samples from Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG. The aim of the comparative analysis is to check the possibility of substituting the intricate methods according to DIN 38409-41:1980-12 and DIN 38409-44:1992-05 with ST methods regarding the concordance of the measurements of the chemical oxygen demand. Due to the extensive consumption of toxic reagents when executing the analysis in accordance to DIN 38409-41:1980-12 and DIN 38409-44:1992-05, the proposition for this comparison was made. Said toxic reagents such as mercury sulphate in potassium dichromate and sulphuric acid containing silver sulphate contribute to the high risk of health hazards compared to the ST test which is determined by describing the steps of the procedure while performing the intricate procedures in which the laboratory technicians come into contact with toxic reagents. As the chemical consumption is compared, it is possible to calculate the savings in absolute quantities of toxic reagents in case of a successful substitution with the ST tests. The statistical evaluation of the measurement results is presented in graphical form according to Bland-Altman. The regulatory specifications for the COD are contextualized depending on the matrix to assess the tolerability of the deviations measured values of the St tests from those of the analysis according to DIN 38409-41:1980-12 and DIN 38409-44:1992-05. The evaluation and assessment of the measurement results show that the determination using ST-tests generates sufficiently matching values of the COD and that a substitution is doable in the case of the waste waters of Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG
Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medical DrugsThe Treatment of Common Illnesses in Comparison with Western medicine
No full textThe efficacy of treating common illnesses with traditional Chinese medical drugs has been a subject of growing interest and debate especially when compared to established practices of modern
Western medicine. The integration of alternative and traditional medicine practices also gains significance as healthcare systems evolve.
This literature review aims to comprehensively assess and compare the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medical drugs with modern Western medial drugs in addressing common illnesses. Through a systematic analysis of reviewed scientific articles, clinical studies, and relevant literature the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medical drugs will be identified and compared to modern Western medical drugs and treatment options in context of the treatment success rates, symptom relief, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction.
The study focuses on the herbal based remedies and their traditional therapeutic treatment methods, to illuminate their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic benefits for a range of common illnesses such as the common cold and flu, digestive disorders, musculoskeletal pain, and skin conditions. Furthermore, the potential synergies between the two practices will be explored, as integrative healthcare becomes increasingly important as a comprehensive approach to patient wellbeing.
Through a comprehensive analysis of the available medical literature and clinical data, this paper attempts to address the potential of traditional Chinese medical drugs as an alternative or complementary method to modern Western medicine for various common illnesses. The findings may contribute to informed decision-making by healthcare professionals and patients, offering insights into the strengths and limitations of each approach. Additionally, the research aims to foster a deeper understanding of cross-cultural medical practices and their potential integration into contemporary healthcare systems
