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The impact of Social Media Advertisements on the Buying Behavior of Gen Z
No full textSocial media has changed digital marketing, which makes it possible for businesses to engage with consumers through targeted advertising. Generation Z is an important demographic because they spend a high amount of time on social media platforms and have strong purchasing power. This study explores the impact of social media advertisements on the buying behavior of Generation Z by investigating key factors such as platform preferences, ad effectiveness, trust in social media advertisements, and
purchasing motivations. By using a mixed method approach, this study gives insights into the impact of social media advertisements from 200 participants with a survey. The findings show that Instagram and TikTok are the most influential social media platforms in driving purchasing decisions, while Facebook does not have a strong impact on this generation. In addition, this study emphasizes that specific advertising formats, such as Instagram Stories and TikTok In-Feed ads, are the most effective in catching attention
and influencing purchases. Furthermore, this study shows that trust plays an important role in social media advertising and many consumers from this generation are skeptical toward social media advertisements over traditional stores emphasizing that companies need to prioritize authenticity, transparency, and influencer marketing. This research provides important insights for businesses to improve their digital marketing strategies and improve engagement with Generation Z. Companies can have higher conversion rates and enhance their advertising effectiveness by focusing on platform-specific ad formats, personalized advertisements, and trust building to influence this generation
What is the impact of the level of democracy on voter turnout among youth?
No full textIn the last decades, two disturbing trends have been developing simultaneously: a declining state of democracy worldwide and a growing electoral disengagement of youth (18-24 years old). The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between the level of democracy and youth voter turnout. Gathering secondary data from publicly available data sets and reports (the CSES, Afrobarometer, and the Economist Intelligence Unit), I conduct six correlation analyses between the level of democracy (and its components) and voter turnout among youth. As a result, I find a significant positive association between the level of democracy and youth turnout. Among the components of democracy, functioning of government demonstrates the most significant positive correlation with electoral participation among youth. I conclude that autocratisation could serve as an explanans of youth growing abstention from voting. At the same time, this suggests a potential for the level of democracy to boost the electoral behaviour of youth by influencing the functioning of government. While further research is needed to establish the causal relationship, this study lays a relevant foundation for it
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Capital Market Efficiency and Investment Behavior: A Comparative Analysis of Investors in Developed and Emerging Markets
No full textThis thesis explores the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on capital market efficiency and investor behavior, with a comparative lens on developed and emerging markets. It investigates how AI technologies—such as machine learning, robo-advisors, and algorithmic trading—are reshaping
investment strategies, reducing behavioral biases, and influencing market dynamics. The study integrates theoretical frameworks, including the Efficient Market Hypothesis, Behavioral Finance, and the Adaptive Markets Hypothesis, to contextualize AI’s role in modern finance. A mixed-methods approach
combines literature review, empirical analysis, and survey data from Germany, India, and Pakistan to assess regional disparities in AI adoption, trust, and effectiveness. Findings reveal that while AI enhances decision-making and market efficiency, its benefits are unevenly distributed due to infrastructural,
regulatory, and digital literacy gaps. German investors exhibit higher trust and adoption rates, leading to more efficient and diversified investment behavior, whereas emerging markets face barriers such as limited access and awareness. The thesis concludes with policy recommendations to foster inclusive AI integration and outlines future research directions to bridge the digital divide in global financial system
Emotionserkennung über den Einsatz von Messinstrumenten.
No full textDie zuverlässige Erkennung von Emotionen mittels Herzfrequenzvariabilität ist eine große methodische Herausforderung, da Verfahren von der Emotionsinduktion über die Datenbereinigung bis zur Modellierung stark voneinander abweichen. In diesem Method-Paper wurden die verschiedenen methodischen Entscheidungen systematisch dargestellt und anhand eines exemplarischen Studiendesigns verdeutlicht. Die Untersuchungen haben gezeigt, dass bisher kein einheitliches methodisches Vorgehen definiert wurde. Demnach sollten das Studiendesigns an die gewünschten Anwendungssituationen angepasst werden.
Untersuchungen im Rahmen der Emotionsforschung sollten demnach mit einer festen Zielsetzung und umfassender Planung erstellt werden
Design and Development of an Automated Hyperspectral Imaging System for Plant Monitoring
No full textThis thesis presents the design and construction of a prototype automated plant monitoring system that integrates hyperspectral imaging with a custom linear motion structure for greenhouse applications. Controlled by an Arduino-driven stepper motor, the system positions two hyperspectral cameras (covering visible–near-infrared and short-wave infrared ranges) and a stereo RGB camera along a linear guide to capture consistent and repeatable measurements. Calibration and data acquisition are managed by specialized software, enabling detection of early drought stress indicators such as pigment and water content changes before visible symptoms occur. Assembled and tested at Fraunhofer IGD, the prototype demonstrated reliable operation and consistent spectral data collection, providing a versatile foundation for future enhancements including automated workflows, machine learning–based analysis, and application in diverse agricultural settings
Applying Different Path Planning Algorithms to a Mini Mars Rover for an Uncharted Maze
No full textThis thesis explores how an already built Mini Mars Rover can autonomously navigate an uncharted maze, first by mapping it and then by applying different pathfinding strategies.
The Mini Mars Rover uses IR sensors for wall detection, encoder-based odometry for tracking movement, an IMU for heading corrections, for input for more accurate localization.
The strategy combines exploration techniques with practical path execution on real hardware, focusing on the challenges that come up when algorithms meet the physical world.
Exploration applied by using a combination of Breadth-First Search (BFS) with the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) approach, as well as a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) strategy. Although both methods showed promising results in simulation, in hardware testing same results were not gathered.
For the path planning, three pathfinding algorithms Flood Fill, Dijkstra’s, and A* are implemented and compared. The results of those algorithms and the strategy to adopt them into the robot is implemented.
The project demonstrates a possibility of adaptation of those algorithms and their feasibility.
The Mini MarsRover serves as a solid base for further development and improvements
Assessing Sustainability Reporting Obligations and Regulatory Compliance for LINEG: An Analysis of EMAS Alignment with Emerging EU Directives.
No full textThis thesis assesses the preparedness of LINEG, a German public water utility, for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). It evaluates the extent to which LINEG’s EMAS-based environmental disclosures align with CSRD/ESRS and where extensions are required to meet comprehensive ESG obligations. The analysis is grounded in Stakeholder Theory and Valente’s Stage Model to connect accountability expectations with organizational sustainability maturity. Methodologically, a qualitative case study and qualitative content analysis are applied to LINEG’s EMAS statements and relevant regulatory texts, using deductive categories derived from CSRD/ESRS and SASB, complemented by inductive coding to capture LINEG-specific themes. Peer utilities are referenced to contextualise findings. Findings show a strong environmental foundation— externally validated data on energy, emissions, water, and biodiversity—indicating partial readiness for ESRS E-standards. However, material gaps remain in social and governance areas (e.g., workforce metrics, affordability and service quality indicators, stakeholder engagement processes, and board-level oversight of sustainability). Applying Valente’s model positions LINEG between Defensive and Isolated stages: largely compliancedriven, with initiatives not yet embedded across strategy and governance. The thesis proposes a roadmap to consolidate environmental disclosures into ESRS structures, conduct a double-materiality assessment, expand S and G indicators, formalise stakeholder engagement, and assign clear governance responsibilities. Limitations arise from a single-case, document-based approach and the evolving German transposition of CSRD, which may adjust timelines and specific requirements once fully enacted
Investigation of Anaerobic Digestion of Selected Bioplastics in Pilot-Scale Biodigesters
No full textConcerns 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
Sustainable commercialization of Baru in the Cerrado: mapping its Value Chain for rural livelihood enhancement
No full textLand-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
DECOLONIZING THE INDIGENOUS FEMALE BODY IN BOLIVIA: BRAIDS AND ATTIRE.
No full textThis 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