ESG 2025 – Relevanz, Herausforderungen und strategische Perspektiven in deutschen Unternehmen: Kurzbericht auf Basis einer Civey Studie

Aus Punkt 1: Die Diskussion zu den Themen Umwelt (Environmental), Soziales (Social) und Unternehmensführung (Governance) (ESG) – hat sich in den letzten Jahren zunehmend polarisiert. Während einige Stimmen das Konzept als ideologisch motiviert ansehen, oder es als bloßes Marketinginstrument kritisieren, das zunehmend obsolet wird, zeigt die vorliegende Studie ein differenzierteres Bild. Befragt wurden zwischen dem 10.02. und 04.03.2025 rund 1.500 privatwirtschaftliche Entscheidungsträger:innen aus Unternehmen mit mindestens 50 Mitarbeitenden in Deutschland. Die Ergebnisse liefern Einblicke in die aktuelle Praxis und strategische Ausrichtung deutscher Unternehmen hinsichtlich ESG-relevanter Themen.:1. Hinführung und Studiendesign 2 2. ESG ist nicht tot – wird aber strategischer 2 3. Schutz von Demokratie und Minderheiten gewinnt an Bedeutung – Unternehmerische Positionierung wird aber ambivalent bewertet 3 4. Umweltziele dominieren, gesellschaftspolitische Themen polarisieren 5 5. Diversität und Inklusion wird kritisch gesehen 6 6. Deutschland agiert moderat im internationalen ESG-Vergleich 7 7. ESG ist immer noch ein Nischenthema in der Unternehmensstrategie 8 8. Themen mit Zukunft: Energie und Emissionsreduktion 9 9. Schlussbetrachtung und Implikationen für Wirtschaft und Forschung 9 10. Quellen und statistische Angaben 12 Autoren 1

Weiße Neuseeländer

In einer Faltblattreihe wird über die sechs gefährdeten einheimischen Kaninchenrassen Sachsengold, Angorakaninchen, Meißner Widder, Weiße Neuseeländer, Deutsche Riesenschecke und Hermelinkaninchen informiert. Die Flyer geben Auskunft zu Zuchtgeschichte, Kennzeichen, Haltung und Bestandsentwicklung. Ziel ist es, den Schutz gefährdeter Rassen zu unterstützen und mehr Züchter für deren Erhalt zu gewinnen. Dazu sind Ansprechpartner mit Kontaktdaten aufgelistet. Redaktionsschluss: 27.08.202

Numerical 3D-bifurcation analysis of star-shaped crack patterns using the energy method

The present research deals with a three-dimensional (3D) Finite Element Method (FEM) bifurcation analysis based on the global mechanical potential that can be used to find the parameters at which a crack pattern changes. In our case we want to analyze at which point the star-shaped shrinkage cracks in an aqueous colloidal suspension filled in a glass cylinder change from four to three or two cracks growing. The driving force for the crack growth is shrinkage caused by diffusion controlled drying. The 3D crack front geometry is described efficiently by using a Fourier series approach. Based on steady-state crack growth, the Fourier coefficients are determined in a first step using an optimization algorithm. As a result, the time dependent crack growth can be determined. In a second step, the bifurcation point is determined by an eigenvalue analysis of the second order derivatives of the potential energy of the system. If the lowest eigenvalue reaches zero the fundamental solution becomes unstable and a transition will occur. Our analysis shows that the transition from four to two cracks is preferred over the transition from four to three cracks

Commodity production and African migration to Turkey, now and in the premodern past

African Migration in Turkey is an under-researched area despite the long history of migration between West Africa and the Ottoman Empire and the large number of African migrants in Turkey. The connection of this historical and contemporary migration movement with commodity production reveals not only the basic dynamics and patterns but also the global character of this mobility. While the flow of labor and commodities between Africa and Turkey continues, especially with Turkey's new Africa policy after 2002, African migrants are also implementing their own interests and agendas. Thus, an interdisciplinary approach encompassing history, economics, and anthropology reveals intertwined transformations and networks that provide a perspective for historical changes.A migração africana na Turquia é uma área pouco pesquisada, apesar da longa história de migração entre a África Ocidental e o Império Otomano e do grande número de migrantes africanos na Turquia. A conexão entre esse movimento migratório histórico e contemporâneo e a produção de commodities revela não apenas as dinâmicas e padrões básicos, mas também o caráter global dessa mobilidade. Enquanto o fluxo de trabalho e commodities entre a África e a Turquia continua, especialmente com o surgimento de uma nova política africana da Turquia após 2002, os migrantes africanos também estão implementando seus próprios interesses e agendas. Assim, uma abordagem interdisciplinar que abrange história, economia e antropologia revela transformações e redes entrelaçadas que nos fornecem uma perspectiva para as mudanças históricas

Heimat in der Fremde: Schaffung von Raum für Geschwisterkinder in Rehabilitationskliniken

Der Aufenthalt in einer Rehabilitationsklinik ist ein Teil des Prozesses, der auf den Schlaganfall bei Kindern folgt. Dieser Prozess ist sehr lang und mühsam. Dabei ist die Unterstützung der Familie besonders wichtig. Zu den Familienmitgliedern gehören Eltern, aber auch Geschwisterkinder. Diese spielen eine große Rolle im Leben der Kinder mit Schlaganfall. Auch deshalb ist eine Mitaufnahme von Geschwisterkindern während der Rehabilitation keine Ungewöhnlichkeit. Die folgende Forschung untersucht den Aufenthalt der Geschwisterkinder in Rehabilitationskliniken und welche Rollen sie dabei einnehmen. Die Forschungsfrage bezieht sich auf die räumliche Unterstützung für Geschwisterkinder während dieser besonderen Zeit

Verbesserte Synthese von 3-Isocyanatopropyltrialkoxysilanen für die industrielle Anwendung

Die kontinuierliche Thermolyse von Alkyl-3-trialkoxysilylpropylcarbamaten ist die im industriellen Maßstab genutzte Synthese von 3-Isocyanatopropyltrialkoxysilanen. Die Produktausbeute und -qualität wird dabei von vielen Einflussfaktoren bestimmt. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden der Druck, die Reaktortemperatur, der verwendete Kolonnentyp, die Geschwindigkeit der Eduktzufuhr und die Reinheit des Ausgangsstoffes als wesentliche Faktoren erkannt. Systematische Versuche zur Stabilisierung des Thermolyseprozesses wurden durchgeführt. Außerdem wurde der Einfluss verschiedener LEWIS-Säuren auf den Prozess untersucht. Eine alternative, bislang nicht etablierte Synthese von 3-Isocyanatopropyl-trialkoxysilanen über die Hydrosilylierung von Allylisocyanat mit Triethoxy- und Trimethoxysilan in Gegenwart von Übergangsmetallkatalysatoren wurde ebenfalls untersucht. Eine rasche Deaktivierung der Katalysatoren erwies sich als charakteristisch für diese Reaktion. Maßnahmen zur Verlängerung der Katalysatoraktivität wurden untersucht und gefunden

Design and implementation of M-learning framework for virtual ICT education in Colleges of Education in Ghana

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the integration of mobile technology has ushered in a transformative era, redefining how knowledge is acquired and disseminated. Mobile learning represents a dynamic paradigm shift in how individuals engage with educational content, offering unprecedented flexibility, accessibility, and interactivity. The main focus of this research was to design a mobile learning framework for ICT education in the Ghanaian context. Mobile learning is taking center stage in the education sector in this digital age coupled with the recent global pandemic, and playing a key role in adaptive, ubiquitous learning and intelligent tutoring system designs. The importance of mobile learning in ICT education should therefore not be overemphasized. Different researchers have provided a variety of definitions of mobile learning, per this research, the term mobile learning refers to a teaching and learning strategy that is implemented through wireless technologies and mobile devices to support access to learning resources and enhance student engagement and interaction regardless of time, place, and context. Mobile devices are significantly impacting teaching and learning in an era dubbed M-learning. Despite all the benefits associated with mobile devices developing countries such as Ghana have not been able to optimize the full potential therein. This study explored factors that could serve as a benchmark for effective mobile learning design and its implementation in colleges of education, based on the findings, a mobile learning framework for developing student-teacher knowledge about ICT and its applications in the classroom to maximize the full potential of mobile devices was proposed. The research employed a mixed-method design. Among the major factors that could influence the design and implementation of mobile learning in Ghana as revealed by this study are classified under three major headings: Tutor factors, Technological Infrastructure, and the Learner. It was revealed that tutor characteristics such as teaching philosophy, pedagogical knowledge, Technological knowledge, Attitude/Perception towards technology, assessment strategies, Technological infrastructure such as internet connectivity, availability of smart mobile devices, virtual platforms, and Learner factors such as knowledge about technology, learning preferences, content, learning objectives, and special needs coupled with contextual factors such as national technology integration policies, curriculum, sociocultural/religious beliefs, and data/privacy policies are the major factors that could influence the design and implementation of mobile learning in the Ghanaian Colleges of Education. These factors were therefore considered the building blocks for the mobile learning framework designed in this research:FACULTY OF EDUCATION i ABSTRACT iii DEDICATION iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT v TABLE OF CONTENTS vi LIST OF TABLES ix LIST OF FIGURES x CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Background of study 1 1.2 Statement of the problem 11 1.3 Objectives 13 1.4 Justification 13 1.5 Scope of the study 14 1.6 Organization of the Study 15 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ON LEARNING, MOBILE LEARNING AND ICT EDUCATION IN GHANA 16 2.1 ICT for Teaching and Learning 16 2.3 Learning Theories Underpinning Mobile Learning 19 2.4 Foundational Theories for Knowledge Development 22 2.5 Learning Activity 24 2.6 Concept of Informal Learning 25 2.7 Formal Learning 26 2.8 Learning Media and Technology 27 2.8.1 Role of Learning Media in Teaching and Learning 28 2.9 Competence 30 2.10 Digital Competency Framework for Teachers 31 2.11 The Concept of E-Learning 43 2.11.1 Types of E-Learning 44 2.11.2 The Advantages of E-Learning 45 2.11.3 Challenges of E-Learning 48 2.12 Distance Learning 49 2.12.1 Advantages of Distance Learning 50 2.13 Mobile Learning 52 2.13.1 Basic Elements of Mobile Learning 53 2.13.2 Features of Mobile Learning 56 2.13.3 Effective Integration of M-Learning in Education 57 CHAPTER THREE: EMPIRICAL STUDIES ON MOBILE LEARNING FRAMEWORKS 64 3.1 Mobile Learning Frameworks 66 3.2 M-Learning in Ghana 73 3.3 Mobile Learning Activity Design 77 4.1 Study Location 96 4.2 Target Population 97 4.3 Sample Size 98 4.4 Sampling Procedure 99 4.5 Types of Data 100 4.6 Data Collection Instruments 100 4.6.1 Interview guide 100 4.6.2 Questionnaires 101 4.7 Pilot Study 101 4.8 Data Collection Procedure 102 4.9 Data Cleansing 103 4.10 Data Processing and Analysis 103 4.11 Ethical Consideration 105 4.11.1 Informed Consent 106 4.11.2 Respect Privacy 106 4.11.3 Protection 106 4.11.4 Acknowledgement 106 5.1 Demographic Distribution of Participants 108 5.2 Factors Affecting the Adoption and Deployment of M-learning System in Colleges of Education in Ghana. 113 5.3 Conducting the Survey 114 6.1 Results 116 6.1.1 Learner Differences as a Factor Affecting Adoption and Development of M-Learning 116 6.1.2 Attitude of Tutors toward New Media 117 6.1.3 Digital Infrastructure in Colleges of Education 118 6.1.4 Perception of the Effectiveness of ICT Solutions 119 6.1.5 Tutors Pedagogical Knowledge 120 6.1.6 The Use of Internet and Mobile Devices by Tutors 121 6.1.7 Internet for Other Activities 122 6.1.8 Internet for Learning 122 6.1.9 Use of Mobile Devices by Tutors 123 6.1.10 ICT Skills and Proficiency of Tutors of Colleges of Education 124 6.2 Mobile Learning Didactics (Teaching ICT through WhatsApp) 125 6.3 Summary of Findings 135 6.4 Discussion 137 6.5 Conclusion 139 Conceptual Framework for Mobile Learning. 145 7.1 Learners 146 7.2 Content 148 7.3 Tutor 149 7.4 Pedagogy 149 7.5 Assessment and Feedback 150 7.6 Tutors' Perception and Attitude 150 7.6.2 Usefulness of Use 151 7.6.3 Tutors’ M-learning skills 151 7.6.4 Tutors’ Reflective Practices 152 7.7 Mobile devices 153 7.7.1 Virtual Platform 154 7.7.2 Inclusivity 155 7.7.3 Connectivity 156 7.8 Context 157 7.9 Framework Evaluation 159 7.10 Conclusion 161 CHAPTER EIGHT: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 162 8.1 Significant Findings 162 8.2 Contributions of the Research 163 8.3 Limitations of the Research 165 8.4 Recommendations and Future Work 165 8.5 Conclusion 167 REFERENCES 168 APPENDIX 196 Appendix 1 197 Appendix 2 197 Appendix 3 199 Appendix 4 199 Appendix 5 200 Appendix 6 201 Appendix 7 202 Statements 202 Appendix 8 203 Appendix 9 203 Appendix 10 204 Appendix 11 204 List of Abbreviations……………………………………………..……………………………….…………..22

Modeling and evaluation of thermo-mechanical properties of open-cell ceramic foams for metal melt filtration

Open-cell ceramic foams are used in metal melt filtration processes to clean and calm the liquid melt. Due to the high temperatures and pressure of the melt, thermo-mechanical stresses occur in the filter structures, which require a corresponding evaluation of strength, deformation, and failure. The ceramic materials used no longer behave elastically and brittle at operating temperatures of up to 1650 ◦ C, but exhibit viscoplastic behavior. Experimental investigations of the deformation of filter structures during the filtration process are difficult or even impossible, which is why simulation methods are used to investigate the filtration process and the filter loading. The filters considered in this work are manufactured using a replica process in which a ceramic slurry is applied to an open-cell polyurethane foam, which is dried and fired in a thermal process. Real filter structures consist of a network of several thousand struts with varying geometries. Direct numerical simulation of these geometries is possible in principle, but it is very complex and expensive, which is why homogenization methods are used. Representative volume elements of the ceramic foams are generated and analyzed using the finite element method. The micro-macro relations determined in the process are mapped using corresponding continuum mechanical models. These models allow the evaluation of the thermo-mechanical behavior of filter materials and filter structures. This thesis provides a critical overview of methods for generating, characterizing, and homogenizing foam structures. The generation of realistic foam structures is carried out using various methods from the fields of mathematics and mechanics and is described in detail. Analytical and data-driven approaches are used for the actual homogenization. The analytical approaches use adaptations of continuum mechanical models from the field of granular media. The data-driven approaches use neural networks, which replace or supplement hard-to-describe thermodynamic potentials used in material modeling. Both approaches can be used in a developed general framework for the modeling of any porous structures. As a result of the research and modeling work carried out, generic and real foams are compared in terms of their topological and geometrical properties. It is discussed how local geometrical variations of foam structures affect the macroscopic behavior, considering different thermo-mechanical properties such as elasticity, viscoplasticity, and fracture strength. The developed homogenization concepts are compared with each other and with other concepts from the scientific literature and evaluated with respect to their accuracy, flexibility, and efficiency. Finally, possible further developments and applications are discussed.:1. Introduction 1.1. Motivation and objectives 1.2. Structure of the thesis 2. State of the art research 2.1. Integration of sub-project B05 into the CRC 920 2.2. Manufacture of open-cell foam structures 2.2.1. Schwartzwalder process 2.2.2. Additive manufacturing 2.2.3. Additional coatings 2.2.4. Bulk material properties 2.3. Characterization of open-cell foam structures 2.3.1. Topological and geometrical characteristics 2.3.2. Thermo-mechanical characteristics 2.3.3. Fluid dynamical characteristics 2.4. Modeling of open-cell foam structures 2.4.1. Geometrical models of foams 2.4.2. Direct numerical simulation 2.4.3. Homogenization approaches 2.4.4. Data-driven and machine-learning approaches 2.4.5. Constitutive models for open-cell foam structures 3. Modeling of open-porous ceramic foams 3.1. Foam surfaces of strut networks based on implicit functions 3.2. Sphere packings and Laguerre tessellations 3.3. Surface evolver, dry foams, wet foams, and foam froth 3.4. Voxel models and isosurfaces of foams 3.5. Finite element model 3.5.1. Models with structural elements 3.5.2. Unstructured tetrahedral meshes 3.5.3. Structured meshes 3.6. Generating foam structures using FoamGUI 3.7. Homogenized constitutive models 3.7.1. Scale bridging, meso and micro models 3.7.2. Effective elastic properties 3.7.3. Elastic limit surfaces 3.7.4. Effective yield surfaces 3.7.5. Modified Ehlers model 3.7.6. Constitutive model for viscoplastic behavior 3.7.7. Constitutive framework for plastic behavior 3.7.8. General return algorithm 3.7.9. Application to the phenomenological models 3.7.10. Hybrid models 3.7.11. Neural networks 3.7.12. Data sampling for the neural network training 3.7.13. Parameter identification for the modified Ehlers model 4. Results 4.1. Geometrical foam models 4.1.1. Foam models based on implicit functions 4.1.2. Foam models based on sphere packings 4.2. Effective thermo-mechanical properties 4.2.1. Geometry dependent elastic properties 4.2.2. Yield and failure surfaces 4.2.3. Fracture mechanical properties 4.2.4. Fracture mechanical properties for thermo-shock loading 4.2.5. Visco-plastic properties 4.2.6. Effective plastic properties 5. Conclusions & Discussio

A joint proteomic and genomic investigation provides insights into the mechanism of calcification in coccolithophores

Coccolithophores are globally abundant, calcifying microalgae that have profound effects on marine biogeochemical cycles, the climate, and life in the oceans. They are characterized by a cell wall of CaCO3 scales called coccoliths, which may contribute to their ecological success. The intricate morphologies of coccoliths are of interest for biomimetic materials synthesis. Despite the global impact of coccolithophore calcification, we know little about the molecular machinery underpinning coccolithophore biology. Working on the model Emiliania huxleyi, a globally distributed bloom-former, we deploy a range of proteomic strategies to identify coccolithogenesis-related proteins. These analyses are supported by a new genome, with gene models derived from long-read transcriptome sequencing, which revealed many novel proteins specific to the calcifying haptophytes. Our experiments provide insights into proteins involved in various aspects of coccolithogenesis. Our improved genome, complemented with transcriptomic and proteomic data, constitutes a new resource for investigating fundamental aspects of coccolithophore biology