Over the last four decades, the shared service centres idea has emerged as a predominant solution to reorganise the support processes of companies worldwide. A stream of academic literature emphasises their potential for ambitious cost savings, shaping the impression that the 'holy grail' for managing companies' administrative costs has been found. However, quantitative evidence based on publicly available financial data is scarce. With the assistance of an umbrella review, this article aims for a structured evaluation of secondary and tertiary SSC literature in that regard. The analysis of 22 publications confirmed initial perceptions. Quantitative data evaluating the impact of SSC organisations on firms administrative cost structure are absent. Furthermore, heterogeneous research procedures yield diverse outputs, deviating from established standards for structured literature reviews. The gathered results substantiate the need for additional investigations at the primary research level, to finalise evidence search and devise a research agenda to address identified gaps.

Mit diesem Buch hältst Du den Kompass für das moderne B2B Marketing im digitalen Zeitalter in der Hand. Von der Marketingstrategie über Kanäle und Tools findest Du alles, was Du als CMO oder Marketingexperte in einem mittelständischen B2B-Unternehmen benötigst. Wir geben Dir Werkzeuge an die Hand, Silos aufzubrechen und abteilungsübergreifend eine wirksame Kommunikation aufzusetzen, die mehr leistet als nur kurzfristig Leads zu produzieren. Unser Playbook ist dabei hands-on und voller Best Practices, Checklisten und Erfahrungsberichten.

Das B2B Digital Marketing Playbook ist nichts, was Du von vorne bis hinten durchackern musst. Benutzt es wie ein Handbuch: Immer dann, wenn eine Frage oder ein Thema im Job auftaucht – nachschlagen, lesen, umsetzen.

Ein Buch aus der Praxis für die Praxis – ein Buch für B2B-Marketers, die Ihre Marketing-Performance für alle sichtbar steigern wollen. Diese zweite Auflage wurde vollständig aktualisiert und erweitert.

Since October 2017, 3D audio recordings have been made every month at the Vogelinsel nature reserve on Lake Altmühlsee, Germany. The recordings start one hour before and end one hour after sunset. The microphone, position and recording device are identical for all recordings. Each recording is analysed by hand using the same analysis method, whereby the content of the recordings is annotated. The weather data for the recording days is collected. The recording and weather conditions at the recording location are documented photographically. This data set is highly unique due to the 3D recording technique and the long duration of the acoustic observation of nature at one spot. In addition to collecting further data, the project aims to compare the recordings with known algorithmic bioacoustic analysis methods in order to better understand the changes in nature at the recording site (possibly caused by climate/biodiversity change), to develop further algorithmic methods of soundscape analysis and to use the recordings and additional data for nature education, medical-therapeutic and wellness contexts. The article describes the data collection in detail, outlines the comparative results achieved so far, presents our additional analysis methods and gives an outlook on the future of the project.

The possibilities and limitations of realtime-auralizations of an acoustic laboratory with the “WWISE Spatial Audio” are discussed by 3D-modelling and auralizing a test rig designed for sound reduction index measurements in VR. The simulated results were compared to real measurements with the acoustic parameters: Reverberation Time [T30] and Sound Reduction Index [SRI], each with three binauralization methods used and further optimizations done with Dolby Atmos for headphones. The results showed a deviation and partly a correlation within the “Just Noticeable Differences [JND]” and a precise reproduction of the sound reduction index within WWISE was possible for test components with the lowest real SRI-values. The frequency dependent SRI-values were subtracted from the audio file using bandpass filters - before using “WWISE” for sound playback in VR. The results of this work can be a seen as a technical analysis and fundament for future research regarding realtime-auralization capabilities of audio middlewares.

The positive effects that bioacoustic environments in nature can have on people raise the question of the extent to which bioacoustic recordings can have positive effects as well when played back via VR in the context of a hospital. This paper presents a study in which the effect of a 3D soundscape recording including a 360° still image on geriatric patients in a clinic was investigated. 28 test subjects each spent 15 minutes in a 360° VR room, surrounded by six projection screens and 14 loudspeakers. The study was conducted in a geriatric rehabilitation ward. The recording location was chosen in a nearby recreation and nature reserve. The subjects' state of mind was measured at four points in time using a standardised psychological measurement procedure. During the 15-minute stay in the virtual nature, biosignals of various vital parameters were recorded. In addition, the room was opened to patients and staff at defined times and their use was recorded. The staff were asked about their experiences. The results show that playback increased the well-being of most participants. The therapeutic possibilities of using 3D bioacoustic recordings are discussed and future research and application scenarios for the system are presented.

The interactive soundscape education project, ‘Klangwelt-Entdecker’, aims to raise awareness of the soundscape in a nature reserve. By scanning QR codes with their smartphones at six listening stations on a circular route along the bird island on Lake Altmühlsee, Germany, visitors can experience the diversity of the soundscape of the site throughout the year and obtain information about the bioacoustics of the local nature and birdlife via the project website. The initiative places a special focus on the effects of climate change on the soundscape and aims to convey a greater understanding of the acoustic facets of nature. Sounds are used from a database that has been fed with monthly 3D sound recordings of the bird island for more than 7 years. The impact of the project with regard to the soundscape educational objectives will be analysed by means of a study among participants of the circular walk. The results of the study will be presented and discussed in the context of existing similar projects. Based on this, well-founded demands are made on nature education and, in particular, bioacoustics and soundscape education.

The development of digital musical instruments is often pursued from a substance-ontological functional and physical perspective. However, many musicians talk less about music from a functional and physical perspective but more about the experienced phenomena they encounter when making music. In this article, instrumental playing and musical interaction will be considered from two perspectives: the broadly used substance-ontological view and the process-ontological approach as drafted by Alfred North Whitehead. The instrumental focus here is on digital and traditional bowed stringed instruments and varying descriptions of the interaction on the instrument. Related works and these descriptions are looked at from the two perspectives mentioned. It is shown why it often comes to a bifurcation of nature into primary and secondary qualities of musical interaction during the interface design process. Furthermore, it is shown that musicians' requirements for digital musical instruments are sometimes unfavourably excluded. These problems will be exemplified and suggestions for a process-ontological perspective on the design of musical interaction will be presented. Also an example of a highly market relevant design principle of a musical sound synthesis system fitting to the process-ontological understanding of musical interaction is presented and discussed.

Das zentrale Ziel eines Home-Energy-Management-System (HEMS) besteht darin, den Ladevorgang von Elektrofahrzeugen sowie den Betrieb von Wärmepumpen und Heizstäben (Power-to-Heat) in Kombination mit elektrischen und thermischen Speichern zeitlich zu flexibilisieren. Auf der einen Seite ermöglicht die Flexibilisierung durch ein HEMS einen kostenoptimierten Betrieb durch die Erhöhung des Eigenverbrauchs der Photovoltaikanlage (PV-Anlage) sowie von dynamischen Stromtarifen. Auf der anderen Seite besteht die Notwendigkeit flexible Verbraucher, sogenannte „steuerbare Verbrauchseinrichtungen“ (SteuVE), und zukünftig PV-Anlagen durch ein HEMS in das Stromnetz zu integrieren. Jedoch gibt es derzeit keine umfassende Marktübersicht beziehungsweise Markttransparenz.

Engineers and scientists, i.e. STEM educated persons, are seen as strong drivers for technology and knowledge-driven growth and productivity in the high-tech sector including ICT services. However, since 2020 there has been a decline in the absolute number of new entrants to STEM courses.

In 2023, the Federal Statistical Office of Germany reported that 6.5% fewer students had enrolled on STEM courses in Europe. By contrast, countries in the Arab world and East Asia were able to significantly increase the proportion of STEM graduates.

A variety of measures are needed to make STEM attractive to students. This paper explains a package of measures to systematically familiarize children and young people with STEM and thus allay their fears of studying science and engineering. Over the past eight years, the Faculty of Engineering at Ansbach University of Applied Sciences has developed a concept in which participants from pre-school age to high school graduates are addressed with all their senses in age-appropriate laboratory experiments. The Ansbach model for promoting STEM acceptance begins with children of pre-school age by playfully awakening their natural curiosity. In child-friendly experiential spaces at the university, children experience themselves as researchers. In workshop topics from the fields of microbiology, food technology, and molecular biology, which become increasingly complex with the level of education, pupils are introduced to engineering and scientific issues in an age-appropriate way. It is always about experiencing science with all the senses and thus opening up not only a cognitive but also an emotional awareness for STEM.

To reduce the heavy time burden on individual members of the university, the measures are coordinated within the faculty and realized with the involvement of as many faculty members as possible in a modular way resulting in approximately four to six person weeks to attract 400 pupils per year.

Die Generation Alpha wird in einer digital vernetzten Welt sozialisiert. Konnektivität ist ein Schlüsselaspekt im Leben dieser jungen Menschen. Das hat Auswirkungen auf ihr Konsumverhalten. Inwiefern, das erläutert Prof. Dr. Katharina Klug, Professorin für Wirtschaftspsychologie an der Hochschule Ansbach, in ihrem Beitrag.

Der Fachbeitrag beleuchtet die Herausforderungen des Wissensverlusts durch den Ruhestand von Babyboomern in kommunalen Verwaltungen. Die Stadt Nürnberg hat in Zusammenarbeit mit der Hochschule Ansbach verschiedene Instrumente entwickelt, um das Erfahrungswissen von ausscheidenden Mitarbeitenden zu sichern. Diese Methoden umfassen Seminare, Leitfäden, Erklärvideos und ein digitaler Assistent. Ein besonderes Augenmerk liegt auf dem Expert Debriefing, bei dem Wissenstragende durch moderierte Sitzungen unterstützt werden. Zudem wird die innovative Methode der Büro-Fika vorgestellt, die das Wissensteilen in einem informellen Rahmen fördert. Der Einsatz von KI-gestützten Assistenten zur Wissenssicherung zeigt die zukunftsorientierte Ausrichtung der Stadt Nürnberg in diesem Bereich. Der Beitrag verdeutlicht, wie durch gezielte Maßnahmen der Wissensverlust minimiert und die Qualität der Dienstleistungen aufrechterhalten werden kann.

Dieses Buch führt in die Grundlagen der Statistik ein. Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf Prognose-Modellierung. Es ist ein angewandtes Buch für Anfänger. Sie lernen, Daten mit Hilfe der Programmiersprache R aufzubereiten und Vorhersagen abzuleiten mit Hilfe einfacher linearer Modelle.

Industrial parts often demand high dimensional accuracy and mechanical strength. This study introduces a method using Response Surface Methodology and composite desirability to simultaneously optimize these performances in components manufactured through additive processes. The approach was validated on Polylactic Acid parts fabricated through Fused Filament Fabrication. Optimized process parameters included a print speed of 80 mm/s, a layer height of 0.2 mm, a fan speed of 50%, and an extrusion temperature of 210 °C, yielding tensile strength of 53.27 MPa and dimensional deviations under 5%. Experimental validations showed less than a 5% deviation between predictions and outcomes. The findings provide valuable insights into improving the quality and performance of printed components in various industrial applications, such as gears, highlighting the significance of multi-response optimisation in 3D printing processes. This study ultimately contributes to more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing processes.

Plastics components are degrading over time to small entities mostly known as microplastics (MP). Microplastics particles (MPPs) (by definition <5 mm) can enter the human food chain on different levels. MPPs have been found in several organisms and human heart tissue. MPPs also occur in the plant world. MPPs can be analyzed by light microscopy (LM). The different MP hydrocarbons distinguish from biomaterial matrices. But the degradation doesn’t stop. Microplastics can degrade further to nanoparticles (NPs), being smaller than cells. These nanoplastics particles (NPPs) require higher efforts to be detected. Electron microscopy (EM) is suitable to depict those nanoscale regions. Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) are often well visible in bulk biomaterial with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). But polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) are more difficult to be detected in biomaterials than MNPs. Dependent on experiment and imaging conditions, PNPs can be distinguished from bulk biomaterial with SEM. Thus, we approach this issue with correlative microscopy (CM) to develop reliable NPP analytics. Using a plant model system with PNPs, combining LM and fluorescence microscopy (FM) with SEM data in a correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) approach, non-uniform patch formation of NPPs in- and outside the biomaterial matrix is observed. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Raman, micro-computer tomography (uCT), ultramicrotomy (UM) and focused ion beam (FIB) data provide additional information. Specific discovery of contaminated plant biomaterial areas is thus possible with single NP resolution. The investigation of the biomaterial matrix behaviour exposed to different PNP sizes and materials is so enabled. The procedural correlative microscopy approach reveals that PNPs seem to be tightly attached to the biomaterial. It indicates further that basic food cleaning procedures might be insufficient for PNP or NPPs removal. The model system can reliably detect PNPs, showing solution pathways in general NPPs analytics.

A systematic sequence of materials was investigated to develop phytic-acid (Phyt)–based flame retarded poly(lactide acid) (PLA), while factoring in molecular weight (MW), crystallinity and mechanical properties. Synergistic approaches were developed based on combinations with lignin and expandable graphite (EG), as well as by applying different Phyt salts of melamine (Mel), piperazine (Pip), and arginine (Arg). Compounds were twin screw extruded, injection molded, hot pressed and investigated with thermal analysis, size exclusion chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, tensile testing, limited oxygen index (LOI), UL 94, cone calorimeter, and scanning electron microscope. 16.7 wt.% flame retardant (FR) slightly enhances crystallization while MW remains unchanged in PLA Phyt Arg and PLA Phyt Mel. LOI was improved to 43.7 vol.% for PLA Phyt Arg, UL 94 V0 achieved for PLA Phyt Pip. Cone calorimeter results show total heat evolved reduced by 14 %, maximum average rate of heat emission 43 % lower, and peak heat release rate reduced by 50 % for PLA Phyt Mel. Phyt Mel combined with EG increased the char yield of PLA to 20 wt.% and 15.5 wt.% at 600 and 900 °C, respectively. Phyt is exploited to enhance char yield, stabilize the intumescent char, and lower the apparent effective heat of combustion. The combination of Phyt Mel and EG was proposed as an efficient FR for PLA via an evidence based developing route.

This study explores the unique operating behavior of an alkaline water electrolysis cell equipped with an ion-solvating membrane, operated with a diluted alkaline electrolyte, specifically 1-M potassium hydroxide (1M KOH), in anode feed mode. Our investigations reveal several key insights. Charge transport: In an ion-solvating membrane, charge transport occurs through both the cations and anions of the electrolyte. Due to electro-osmosis, cation transport to the cathode results in a combined hydrogen-electrolyte discharge from the cathode compartment of the electrolysis cell. The discharged electrolyte is more concentrated than the electrolyte supplied to the anode. The concentration and flow rate of the electrolyte increase with current density and electrolyte temperature. Current density dependence: Since only a fraction of the total charge is transferred by hydroxide ions within the membrane, current density strongly depends on the electrolyte flow through the anode compartment. Membrane stability and performance: The membrane’s mechanical and chemical stability enables operation at high temperatures, up to 80 ◦C. This stability enables increased current density at a given cell voltage. Effects of catalyst use: Using cathode catalysts with high surface areas, such as Raney-Ni, enhances current density because highly concentrated liquid potassium hydroxide forms at the cathode during operation. Anode catalysts with high surface areas increase current density, but only if the flow of hydroxide ions is not impeded. Otherwise, the jV-curve exhibits transport-limited behavior.