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Assessment of the availability and sustainability of using agricultural residues and side streams in the Heinsberg region as raw material in a transdisciplinary circular bioeconomy
No full textThis bachelor thesis asseses the potential for utilizing agricultural residues and by-products in non-agricultural industries. Qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey are employed to gather stakeholders' perspectives, including farmers and industry experts, in order to assess the feasibility and impact of integrating agricultural residues into non-traditional sectors. The study examines post-harvest residue landscapes and current utilization practices, while gauging farmers' inclination towards selling residues to other industries. The synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data enables the research to provide insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with the utilization of agricultural residues. This, in turn, informs strategies for the sustainable management of resources and the integration of industries
Job Satisfaction and the Workplace Expectations of Young Professionals
No full textIn the context of changing workplace norms and rapidly changing technological environments, this thesis examines the effects of expectations about the workplace on young professionals' career decisions and job satisfaction in Germany. It evaluates the impact of workplace flexibility, corporate culture, and further training opportunities on young professionals through a review of existing literature and a survey conducted by the author. This analysis is guided by theoretical frameworks such as the Person-Environment-Fit Theory, Social Cognitive Career Theory, Job Demand-Resources Model, Boundary Theory, Expectancy Theory of Motivation, and Human Capital Theory, which comprehensively understand the relationship between environmental elements and job satisfaction and career decision-making processes. The findings show that career growth and job satisfaction are significantly increased when there is a strong match between the expectations of young professionals and the realities of their work environments. The study emphasizes how important it is for organizations to modify their approaches to create work environments that encourage young professionals’ career ambitions and satisfaction. This study offers insightful information about efficient organizational strategies that may draw in, fulfill the needs of, and keep young professionals satisfied
Design, control and development of gas handling unit for hydrogen supply system for a 10kW fuel cell system
No full textHydrogen fuel cells have been gaining attentions for marine mobility application because of it’s potential as a promising green technology with high energy intensity and reduced weight; Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel cell generates electric power by consuming hydrogen and oxygen as reactants. The fuel cell system consists of multiple sub-systems such as anode gas supply components, cathode air compressors with humidification systems and a cooling circuit. They all must be regulated according to the nominated working conditions of the stack, and one of the most important parameters is the hydrogen supply feed of the fuel cell system. The hydrogen supply system must be robust to handle different working conditions of the stacks such as load fluctuation, purging of water and nitrogen from anode side and subsequent pressure fluctuations. It is critical to control the anode pressure with respect to varying conditions since unbalanced H2 supply can lead to membrane failure, hydrogen starvation and drying out which can lead to deterioration and reduce the lifetime of the stack. The thesis describes the development of “Gas Handling Unit” as the effective hydrogen supply system which will be incorporated with a particle filter, switch off solenoid valve, proportional valve, pressure transmitters and a pressure safety valve for venting during critical conditions. The design and control of the gas handling unit is detailed along with material compatibility of metals and sealants polymers with hydrogen applications. The relevant safety regulations and technical standards are identified and followed during the design process
12/2024 Richtlinie zur Ausübung des Hausrechts an der Hochschule Rhein-Waal (Hausordnung) vom 03.09.2024
No full textVisualisierung klimafreundlicher Baumaßnahmen am Beispiel der Stadt Xanten
No full textDue to anthropogenic climate change, cities need to be restructured. New measures are necessary to achieve climate neutral cities. With the assistance of 3D Programs, concepts against flooding, heat and in favor of mobility transition can be visualized.
This thesis will emphasize why it is so relevant to take actions against climate change and will investigate which measures are helpful, especially in cities. In connection, the ideation of measures for the City of Xanten will be presented. Subsequently, the process of chosen Design Style and concepts for various Xanten locations will be explained and displayed. These elaborated concepts can be seen as a thought provoking impulse for at least Xanten, which may be realized in the future
"SCHOOL FEEDING AND PUBLIC FOOD PROCUREMENT PROGRAMS AS A POLICY INSTRUMENT TO PROMOTE SMALLHOLDER FARMING AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS – A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
No full textFamily farms and smallholders have been kept out of the market niche due to their competition with larger multinational corporations. Smallholder farmers can enter the food market easily by linking them with school feeding programs. National school feeding programs exist globally. However, food quality is a major factor in the success of these programs in enhancing student nutrition. This offers opportunities for family farms to supply nutritious, local organic produce to regional schools and gain access to the food market in urban areas. Students and farmers can benefit from this integration along with all supply chain contributors. Nevertheless, proper management of these supply chains, programs, and farms is a necessity.
In this review, the impacts of local procurement for school meal programs are discussed with data from different national programs. Perspectives of farmers, distributors, school management, students, and parents are discussed to assess the advantages of buying from family farms. Challenges faced in the process of procurement from smallholders and associated risks are also examined. Social actors including producers, distributors, consumers, and government that participated in these studies give their opinions on school feeding programs. The main problems arise from the lack of budget and incentives available to farms and faulty logistics that can affect quality and quantity of school meals. Organizational strategies to promote sustainable supply chains and investment in agriculture policies are practical solutions for these challenges
Utilisation of biomass waste as feed for edible insects and how it can be used to close the food economy cycle and contribute to food security in Sub Sahara Africa
No full textThe world is facing a critical challenge in meeting the growing demand for food particularly in developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa where population growth is outpacing food production. It presents a formidable challenge exacerbated by urbanization, shifting consumption patterns and global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, alternative food sources such as edible insects are gaining traction as sustainable solutions. Edible insects offer comparable nutrition to traditional protein sources while requiring minimal resources for farming. However, unsustainable harvesting practices endanger wild insect populations. To counter this, insect farming emerges as a promising strategy, leveraging efficient conversion rates and organic waste utilization. This paper explores how edible insects can integrate into circular food economies, converting organic waste into valuable resources, bolstering food and feed security, and mitigating waste. Specifically, it examines the potential of insects like black soldier fly larvae, yellow mealworms, houseflies, and house crickets in SSA for waste management and sustainable nutrition. The discussion encompasses insect abundance, waste utilization, economic cycles, and environmental benefits. Furthermore, it explores the quality and quantity of available urban organic waste streams, waste-to-insect combinations, and the socioeconomic implications of insect farming, including gender dynamics and consumer acceptance. The review highlights the need for regulatory frameworks to govern the edible insect industry in SSA and emphasizes the potential of insect farming to contribute to food security, environmental conservation, and economic development in the region
Analysing Marketing Strategies of Agroforestry-Grown Walnuts: Lessons for the Lower Rhine Region
No full textAgroforestry (AFS) could help fight climate change by sequestering carbon (Nair et al., 2021). However, few markets accurately reflect the value of agroforestry products, posing a barrier to farmers implementing AFS (Litschel et al., 2023). In addition, while AFS could i.e. help the Lower Rhine Region reduce nitrate pollution, there is little research on AFS in this region. This thesis aims to reduce these barriers to AFS in the Lower Rhine Region by developing a marketing strategy for one promising agroforestry product: walnuts (Juglans regia).
To do this, consumer prices of 62 walnut products from 15 stores in the Kleve area were collected over 46 days to gain an insight into the local market. Secondly, expert interviews were conducted with three German walnut producers to assess their marketing strategies. The SIVA framework (Solution, Information, Value, Access) by Dev and Schultz (2005), was used to analyse the transcripts. Then, the results were adapted to the context of the Lower Rhine Region and agroforestry to provide marketing guidelines for producers of AFS-grown walnuts in the Lower Rhine Region.
Results show that not only could new walnut producers successfully compete with imported walnuts in the Lower Rhine Region, but that agroforestry could also be a significant asset to their marketing strategy
Islamic Banking and Finance: Supply and Demand in Germany
No full textThis paper examines the current landscape of Islamic banking and finance in Germany through two research approaches. The online survey investigated the awareness and perception of consumers, the views on Islamic banks, the social media presence and advertisements of Islamic banks, the usage of consumers, and the demographics of the group. The survey reached 402 participants consisting of Muslims and Non-Muslims, who expressed a moderate demand for Islamic banks. The Internet analysis, focused on search results on Google, identifying the suppliers of Islamic banking and finance products and services within the first ten links. Currently, KT Bank AG is the only Islamic bank operating in Germany. Zinsfrei Investments GmbH and Inaia GmbH provide financial services in the investment sector. Overall, the current landscape shows a moderate demand and a limited supply
Effectiveness of neurotrim Method as Rehabilitation Method for Individuals with Chronical Ankle Instability
No full textThis study investigates the efficacy of the neurotrim method as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals affected by Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI). The research aims to determine the effectiveness of this method in improving balance and proprioception in individuals with CAI. Assessments of biometric parameters, including age, height, weight, and BMI, were conducted alongside the neurotrim-based rehabilitation program to explore their potential correlations with balance outcomes. The findings reveal a consistent and positive correlation between the neurotrim method and enhanced balance performance in individuals with CAI. Height consistently emerged as a factor influencing balance across assessments, while the relationships of age, weight, and BMI with balance outcomes displayed fluctuations over assessment phases. The outcomes of the study underscore the potential of the neurotrim method as a promising rehabilitation intervention for individuals with CAI, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to enhance balance in this population