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Nachhaltige Fernwärmeerzeugung in Deutschland
No full textDie Dissertation untersucht die Transformation der Fernwärmeerzeugung in Deutschland mit dem Ziel, bis 2045 eine nachhaltige und treibhausgasneutrale Versorgung zu erreichen. Vor dem Hintergrund der klimapolitischen Zielsetzungen des Bundes-Klimaschutzgesetzes und der zentralen Rolle der Fernwärme in der Wärmewende analysiert die Arbeit bestehende Transformationsplanungen, entwickelt ein ökologisch nachhaltiges Zielszenario und leitet Handlungsempfehlungen für Politik und Praxis ab.
Im ersten Schritt wird ein umfassendes Zielbild für eine nachhaltige Fernwärmeerzeugung im Jahr 2045 entwickelt. Dabei werden verschiedene Erzeugungstechnologien – darunter grüne Gase, Biomasse, Abwärme, Power-to-Heat, Geothermie und Solarthermie – hinsichtlich ihrer ökologischen Auswirkungen, Ressourceneffizienz und Klimawirkung bewertet. Die Analyse zeigt, dass insbesondere die Nutzung von Ab- und Umweltwärme, unter Zuhilfenahme von Großwärmepumpen, zentrale Bausteine einer nachhaltigen Fernwärmeversorgung darstellen, während der Einsatz von Biomasse und Wasserstoff aufgrund begrenzter Verfügbarkeit und konkurrierender Nutzungsansprüche nur in begrenztem Umfang sinnvoll ist.
Darauf aufbauend erfolgt eine empirische Erhebung des Status quo der Transformationsplanungen deutscher Fernwärmeversorger. Die Ergebnisse zeigen Diskrepanzen zwischen den geplanten Maßnahmen und dem entwickelten Zielbild, insbesondere hinsichtlich des weiterhin hohen gasbasierten Einsatzes und einem unzureichenden Hochlauf von Großwärmepumpen.
In einem dritten Schritt wird auf Basis eines Fallstudienvergleich bei fünf Fernwärmeversorgern die Entscheidungslogiken und Einflussfaktoren auf die Transformationsstrategien untersucht. Dabei zeigt sich, dass Pfadabhängigkeiten, regulatorische Unsicherheiten und ein inkonsistentes Förderregime zentrale Hemmnisse für eine nachhaltige Transformation darstellen. Die Arbeit schließt mit konkreten Handlungsempfehlungen zur Anpassung der regulatorischen Rahmenbedingungen, zur gezielten Förderung nachhaltiger Technologien und zur Stärkung der kommunalen Wärmeplanung. Sie leistet damit einen wissenschaftlich fundierten Beitrag zur Gestaltung einer ökologisch und ökonomisch tragfähigen Fernwärmewende in Deutschland.This Dissertation examines the transformation of district heating generation in Germany with the aim of achieving a sustainable and greenhouse gas-neutral supply by 2045. Against the backdrop of the climate policy objectives of the Federal Climate Protection Act and the central role of district heating in the heat transition, the thesis analyzes existing transformation plans, develops an ecologically sustainable target scenario, and derives recommendations for action for policymakers and practitioners.
The first step is to develop a comprehensive target vision for sustainable district heating
generation in 2045. Various generation technologies – including green gases, biomass,
waste heat, power-to-heat, geothermal energy, and solar thermal energy – are evaluated in terms of their ecological impact, resource efficiency, and climate impact. The analysis shows that the use of waste heat and environmental heat with the aid of large heat pumps in particular are key components of a sustainable district heating supply, while the use of biomass and hydrogen is only advisable to a limited extent due to limited availability and competing uses.
Based on this, an empirical survey of the status quo of the transformation plans of German district heating suppliers is carried out. The results reveal discrepancies between the planned transformation efforts of district heating suppliers and the target vision developed, particularly with regard to the continuing high share of gas-based energy sources and an insufficient ramp-up of large heat pumps.
In a third step, the decision-making logic and factors influencing the transformation strategies are examined on the basis of a case study comparison between five district heating suppliers. This shows that path dependencies, regulatory uncertainties, and an inconsistent subsidy regime are key obstacles to an ecologically sustainable transformation. The study concludes with concrete recommendations for action to adapt the regulatory framework, promote sustainable technologies in a targeted manner, and strengthen municipal heat planning. It thus makes a scientifically sound contribution to shaping an ecologically and economically viable district heating transition in Germany
Deep multi-biometric fuzzy commitment scheme: fusion methods and performance
No full textBiometric cryptosystems enable privacy-preserving authentication using biometric data, such as fingerprints or iris scans. However, single modalities suffer from limited entropy, impacting both recognition performance and security. This work investigates the fusion of multiple biometric characteristics in a Deep Multi-biometric Fuzzy Commitment Scheme. In the experimental setup, we demonstrate how Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNNs) are used to tackle the challenge of non-uniform representations by generating uniform embeddings. Uni-modal databases of iris and fingerprint embeddings, as well as the corresponding multi-biometric database, are employed for this purpose. Three fusion methods are proposed: concatenation, interleaving, and random shuffling within the fuzzy commitment scheme using error correction methods based on Hadamard and Reed-Solomon codes. The evaluation of performance and security reveals that random shuffling outperforms other methods like interleaving and concatenation in terms of recognition performance. Concatenation displayed the lowest performance. Finally, the findings are summarized and potential improvements are discussed
Multi-agent reinforcement learning for controlling gantry robot systems
No full textIndustry 4.0 forces a major transition in the field of production and logistics. On one hand this transition offers a great potential for increasing efficiency and productivity, but on the other hand, it requires a fundamental adaptation of processes and the associated software systems. One of the new requirements is that production control algorithms should be able to autonomously and dynamically adjust to changing conditions on the shop floor. Reinforcement learning is one approach to enable the required autonomy. This paper presents a new decentralized multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) algorithm for controlling complex gantry robot systems that meets these requirements. The algorithm is capable to train autonomous agents for gantry robot systems control utilizing more than one gantry or producing more than one product efficiently. Furthermore, the training of the MARL approach is much faster compared to a comparable single-agent approach. The training results are validated and presented for different setups of the gantry system
A modular visual analytics dashboard for patient health data
No full textIn everyday outpatient care, office-based medical professionals often face a growing volume of patient records, spanning years or even decades, while consultation times remain critically short. Much of this information is embedded in unstructured documents such as physician letters, lab reports, and diagnostic notes. The lack of time makes it difficult for physicians to comprehend the patients’ medical history and to base decisions on the full health and disease history. This paper presents a modular Visual Analytics approach particularly designed to support general practitioners in navigating long-term patient histories. Using transformer-based large language models, the system automatically extracts and classifies relevant clinical entities from unstructured documents. These extracted elements are mapped to a set of predefined data categories and visualized through tailored, interactive components, such as medication intake timelines, blood count diagrams, and named-entity highlighted texts. Visual components are selected dynamically based on content type and clinical relevance, allowing medical professionals to explore patient histories efficiently and to identify critical information at a glance. The modular architecture facilitates integrating new document types and visual modules, ensuring flexibility and scalability. Designed for real-world applicability, the system aims to reduce cognitive load, improve information accessibility, and support time-sensitive decision-making in primary care
Can the Voice of Children Be Heard?
Get PDFBeteiligung von Kindern und Jugendlichen ist seit vielen Jahrzehnten als Handlungsprinzip in der Kinder- und Jugendhilfe anerkannt und zudem rechtlich verankert. Der hiermit verbundene fachliche Anspruch ist allerdings hoch und nicht selten werden große Diskrepanzen zwischen dem Anliegen, gelingende Partizipation (institutionalisiert) zu ermöglichen und der tatsächlichen Umsetzung, deutlich. Der folgende Beitrag widmet sich diesem Kontinuum und führt zudem in den Schwerpunkt ‚Can the voice of children be heard?‘ ein.Participation of children and young people has been recognized as a principle of action in child and youth welfare for many decades and is also anchored in law. However, the professional demands associated with this are high and it is not uncommon for large discrepancies to become clear between the desire to enable successful participation on the one hand and reality on the other. The following article is dedicated to this continuum and also introduces the focus ‘Can the voice of children be heard?
Development of a GIS-based register of biogas plant sites in Lower Saxony, Germany: a foundation for identifying P2G potential
No full textBackground
Although Germany’s biogas capacity accounts for almost 7% of its installed worldwide capacity, the expansion of biogas plants has stagnated owing to the expiry of Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act Erneuerbare–Energien–Gesetz (EEG) subsidies for existing biogas plants. Indeed, without alternative concepts such as power-to-gas (P2G) ensuring their continuing operation, many existing biogas plants must close down to ensure their continuous operation. A detailed spatial register of biogas plant sites must be developed to evaluate the potential for further operation (and thereby promote Germany’s sustainable energy transition). In particular, Lower Saxony, a German federal state, was hit hardest by the expiry of subsidies, as there is a lack of spatially high-resolution information to identify which biogas plants have P2G potential as an end-of-subsidy strategy. This study discusses the development of a geographic information system-based register for these plants.
Methods
A register was developed using geographic information system (GIS). Spatial data on existing biogas plants in Lower Saxony were selected from the Digital Landscape Model (DLM) data, with additional information coming inter alia from the Marktstammdaten-register , the Germany-wide core energy market data register. The data were merged into a single register for Lower Saxony, and aerial photographs were used to validate the biogas plant site.
Results
A total of 1704 biogas plant sites were identified throughout Lower Saxony. Spatially resolved plant information on production capacity suggests that three quarters are suitable for inclusion in a methanization concept. Because plants at 85% of the sites will no longer be subsidised by 2035, end-of-subsidy strategies will soon become relevant.
Conclusions
The GIS-based analysis is a reliable and low-error method for identifying biogas plant sites in Lower Saxony. Almost all plants were included in the registry. The greatest advantages over existing registers and at the same time the unique characteristics of our register were the exact spatial localisation of the plants and the highly up-to-date nature of the data. The register enables the initial (spatial) identification, characterisation, and analysis of potential sites for P2G end-of-subsidy strategies. Overall, the register has significant potential as an advisory basis
3rd EUt+ Workshop on Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology May 21st and May 22nd 2024 Book of Abstracts
No full textDesign of experiments for cost optimization of a glucose assay using a coupled enzymatic reaction: a practical laboratory course
No full textStatistical design of experiments (DoE) is a key method for the systematic planning, execution, and analysis of experiments. In academia, it enables efficient scientific study design, particularly in the natural and engineering sciences, by identifying complex relationships between variables while reducing experimental effort. In industry, especially in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors, DoE is used to optimize processes, identify critical parameters, ensure quality, and meet regulatory standards. It supports resource conservation, shortens development times, enhances product quality, and reduces costs. This laboratory practical is offered to Master’s students in the Chemical Technology and Biotechnology program. It aims to lower the cost of a glucose assay while ensuring a robust response signal that enables the safe detection of 0.125 mM d -glucose by employing an enzyme activity model. Students first design an efficient experimental plan using DoE software, followed by hands-on implementation of the experiments and statistical evaluation of the results. Through this process, they learn to apply DoE for optimizing complex, multivariable systems, and will develop a comprehensive understanding of the effect that various factors and their interactions have on the response signal. The skills and insights gained are broadly transferable to a range of experimental and industrial challenges, particularly in the natural sciences
Influence of early relationship disruptions and critical life events on change in attachment security
No full textHintergrund
Psychotherapie kann Bindungsrepräsentationen im Sinne höherer Bindungssicherheit verändern. Frühe Beziehungsbrüche, aber auch spätere kritische Lebensereignisse haben einen Einfluss auf Bindung. Bisher ist nicht erforscht, inwiefern sie auch die Veränderung von Bindungssicherheit durch Psychotherapie beeinflussen.
Fragestellung
Die Studie untersucht den Einfluss früher Beziehungsbrüche und kritischer Lebensereignisse auf die Veränderung der Bindungssicherheit bei depressiven Patientinnen durch stationäre Psychotherapie.
Material und Methoden
Es wurden 43 klinisch depressive Patientinnen und 42 psychisch gesunde Kontrollprobandinnen eingeschlossen. Bindungssicherheit wurde zu Beginn und am Ende einer stationären Psychotherapie mit dem Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) erhoben. Frühe Beziehungsbrüche wurden im AAI erfasst, kritische Lebensereignisse mit der Adverse Life Events Scale (ALES) erhoben.
Ergebnisse
Kritische Lebensereignisse waren zur Baseline mit geringerer Bindungssicherheit assoziiert. Frühe Beziehungsbrüche, nicht aber kritische Lebensereignisse sagten eine geringere Zunahme an Bindungssicherheit nach stationärer Psychotherapie vorher.
Diskussion
Frühe Beziehungsbrüche erschweren möglicherweise die Integration neuer Beziehungserfahrungen und eine Veränderung der Bindungssicherheit, sodass therapeutische Interventionen angepasst werden müssen.Background
Psychotherapy can change attachment representations towards greater attachment security. Both early relationship disruptions as well as later critical life events have an influence on attachment; however, it has not yet been investigated to what extent they also affect changes in attachment security through psychotherapy.
Objective
The study examines the influence of early relationship disruptions and critical life events on changes in attachment security among women with depression during inpatient psychotherapy.
Material and methods
In this study 43 clinically depressed women and 42 mentally healthy female controls were included. Attachment security was assessed at the beginning and end of inpatient psychotherapy using the adult attachment interview (AAI). Early relationship disruptions were recorded with the AAI and critical life events were assessed using the adverse life events scale (ALES).
Results
Critical life events were associated with lower attachment security at baseline. Early relationship disruptions but not critical life events, predicted a smaller increase in attachment security through inpatient psychotherapy.
Conclusion
Early relationship disruptions may make it more difficult to integrate new relational experiences and to increase attachment security, suggesting that therapeutic interventions may need to be adapted
Design of experiments for cost optimization of a glucose assay using a coupled enzymatic reaction: a practical laboratory course
No full textStatistical design of experiments (DoE) is a key method for the systematic planning, execution, and analysis of experiments. In academia, it enables efficient scientific study design, particularly in the natural and engineering sciences, by identifying complex relationships between variables while reducing experimental effort. In industry, especially in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors, DoE is used to optimize processes, identify critical parameters, ensure quality, and meet regulatory standards. It supports resource conservation, shortens development times, enhances product quality, and reduces costs. This laboratory practical is offered to Master’s students in the Chemical Technology and Biotechnology program. It aims to lower the cost of a glucose assay while ensuring a robust response signal that enables the safe detection of 0.125 mM d -glucose by employing an enzyme activity model. Students first design an efficient experimental plan using DoE software, followed by hands-on implementation of the experiments and statistical evaluation of the results. Through this process, they learn to apply DoE for optimizing complex, multivariable systems, and will develop a comprehensive understanding of the effect that various factors and their interactions have on the response signal. The skills and insights gained are broadly transferable to a range of experimental and industrial challenges, particularly in the natural sciences