AI-Driven Comic Generation: Exploring the Creative Potential of Generative AI in Digital Storytelling

Creative sectors have accepted AI into their industry for establishing modern methods of generating digital content. This study introduces a novel AI-based framework based on AI technology, using GANs along with Stable Diffusion models to automate comic development. This study looks at juxtaposing narrative outlining through text with automated visual generation toward an integrated system that produces adaptable comic panels with appropriate visual structure. The research methodology that the project has followed can be built on three cornerstones: advanced GAN schemes for text generation and pre-processing, followed by image synthesis through Stable Diffusion. A specially developed algorithm for speech bubbles determined the optimal placement of that text, so it would function well and maintain a semblance of beauty. By iteratively refining and tuning the model, this system was evaluated. Initial observations regarding visual coherence and narrative alignment were hopeful, but further tests using quantitative metrics-for instance, FID for images and BLEU for text, as well as broader user feedback-would be needed to validate the efficacy of the model entirely. The impediments were, however, GAN mode collapse, irregular speech-bubble layout, and inconsistent artistic styles. Further research would uncover the potential role of AI systems in easing the comic generation process for creators, educators, and designers of digital content to enhance accessibility and efficiency. This method shows promising applicability in various domains like automated narratives, customizable comics, and educational material. Further along the way, the scientists plan to improve panel storytelling, create an intuitive interface, and expand the dataset to include more artistic styles. Such enhancements could maximize the gain from automated comic conception

What is the impact of the level of democracy on voter turnout among youth?

In 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

Appendix Files of the Master’s Thesis “Experimental Determination of Microbial Preservation in Cosmetic Formulations Using Modified ISO 11930 Methods”

This dataset contains the appendix files of the Master’s Thesis “Experimental Determination of Microbial Preservation in Cosmetic Formulations Using Modified ISO 11930 Methods.” The files include raw experimental data in Excel format, covering microbial counts, preservative efficacy testing, and neutralizer validation across different formulations and bacterial strains. These supplementary materials provide detailed numerical results that support the analyses and figures presented in the main thesis document. They ensure transparency and reproducibility of the study by granting access to the complete underlying data

Standardisierung der REST-Services in der IT-Landschaft des BLB NRW

Standardisierung der REST-Services in der IT-Landschaft des BLB NR

Radio Astronomy Essentials: Calibration Techniques with the 2.3m Radio Telescope at Rhine-Waal University

This thesis discusses calibration and, in this context, multiple ways of determining the system temperature of the 2.3-metre radio telescope at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kamp-Lintfort. Two methods for determining the system temperature are described here: the hot/cold-method and the derivation from the radiometer equation using measurement data from a source with a known brightness temperature, in this case, S7. Both methods deliver different results, depending on the measurements and assumptions on which they are based. The results show that the data basis and uncertainties should always be considered when analysing the observational data to be able to evaluate the results correctly. Overall, the telescope is quite suitable for educational observations, especially of the 21-cm line of neutral hydrogen. Furthermore, instructions have been created for the various tasks so that the results are reproducible and comprehensible. The entire process is made transparent, from planning the observations and setting up the telescope to measuring and analysing the data. In addition, basic concepts of radio astronomy are described in theory to provide valuable background knowledge. On this basis, the use of the telescope enables students and amateur astronomers to understand and apply the basic principles of radio astronomy and to plan and carry out their own observations

One Mission. Mission Statement (Version 1)

Das Mission Statement der Arbeitsgruppe 04, „One Mission“, zum Hochschulentwicklungsplan (HEP) 2026–2030 der Hochschule Rhein-Waal leistet dreierlei: Erstens erfolgt eine Definition der „One Mission“ als Interpretation der Einheit von Studium, Lehre, Forschung und Transfer, dadurch versteht sich „One Mission“ auch als Beitrag zum Humboldt'schen Bildungsideal. Zweitens wird die Vision für die angestrebte Zielerreichung im Jahr 2030 beschrieben, wobei die „One-Mission“-Profilierung in Kombination mit weiteren identitären Eckpfeilern der Hochschule (Regionalität und Internationalität, Diversität und Nachhaltigkeitstransformation) als Alleinstellungsmerkmale projektiert wird. Drittens werden Gelingensbedingungen für „One-Mission“-Vorhaben in verschiedenen Skalierungen (vom Ad-hoc-Projekt bis zum transdisziplinären Studiengang) und Statusgruppen (Studierende, Lehrende, Forschende, Mitarbeitende) vorgeschlagen. Die fortlaufende Ergänzung und kontinuierliche Infragestellung der Inhalte, insbesondere der Gelingensbedingungen, ist dabei als work in progress ausdrücklich gewünscht

Decolonizing French loanwords in Vietnamese

For nearly a century, Vietnam was under French rule, a period that saw the introduction of new concepts, foods, clothing, and occupations. However, these objects were never meant for good, but rather instruments of colonial control. Over time, the local population adopted their names into everyday language, turning them into loanwords. Today, while most traces of the colonial era have faded, these loanwords persist. This raises a crucial question: Do loanwords serve as remnants of colonialism? And what role can a designer play in reclaiming them

Brief Introduction to Chinese Economy and its Relationship with World Commodity Prices

This thesis examines the intricate relationship between China’s economic development and global price dynamics across various industries. Since the implementation of economic reforms in 1978, China has transitioned from a largely agrarian society to a global industrial powerhouse, profoundly influencing international markets. This study investigates how China’s rapid industrialization and expanding demand for raw materials, such as oil, steel, and copper, have led to price fluctuations worldwide, contributing to rising commodity prices while simultaneously driving down costs in the consumer goods sector through low-cost manufacturing exports. By reviewing existing literature and analyzing economic data, this research seeks to identify the key mechanisms linking China’s economic activities to global price changes. This study provides insights into the potential impacts of similar developmental trajectories in other emerging economies, illustrating how economic policies, resource demands, and export-driven manufacturing contribute to shaping global market trends. Findings from this thesis can aid policymakers, economists, and business leaders in anticipating future global economic patterns driven by rising emerging economies

Development of an arduino-controlled smart storage rack for component reels using MQTT and RS485 communication protocols

This thesis represents the development of an innovative storage rack system designed to manage electronic component reels in the manufacturing environment efficiently. The system integrates multiple custom-designed PCBs equipped with many LEDs and sensors, each assigned to individual storage slots. Each storage slot is equipped with an LED and an infrared (IR) sensor. The sensors detect the presence of reels, while the LEDs provide visual guidance for storing or locating specific reels. To manage multiple sensors efficiently, a multiplexing method is used, allowing each Arduino Pro Mini to control up to 16 sensors with fewer pins. Multiple Arduino Pro Mini microcontrollers are deployed across different rack sections and communicate with a central master controller using the RS485 protocol. The master controller, based on an ESP32, connects to an MQTT broker to send and receive data from a storage management system. Users interact with the system through a web interface. When storing a reel, the user scans it into the online system, which then activates an LED to indicate the appropriate storage slot. When retrieving a reel, the system highlights its location via the corresponding LED. Sensors are used to confirm the presence or absence of reels within the slots ensuring accurate tracking of stored items in real time. The system is modular and scalable. In this thesis, the prototype demonstrates two levels of storage racks, each independently controlled and networked, validating the communication between multiple slave units and a master. Additionally, because of the different sizes of the reel, the design includes removable metal dividers between slots. When storing larger reels, dividers can be removed, and this change is also updated via MQTT to the online system. Power is supplied through a 5V, 30A power supply, ensuring stable operation of all electronic components. Overall, the results confirm that the system achieves reliable performance in both hardware and communication aspects, offering a practical and scalable solution for modern electronic component inventory management