Abstract Remote participation in school is possible today with the help of telepresence robots. Such technologies can offer great opportunities for children with long-term illnesses to continue attending school. Consequently, telepresence robots are already used in some schools when children are absent for long periods. However, despite their positive impact, such robots also create challenges for the privacy of people involved in such a setting. Therefore, in this paper, we discuss the user needs of such robots in this specific and privacy-sensitive application field. We held three workshops with different user groups with and without experience with the robots. Among them were formerly and currently ill children, parents, teachers, head teachers, media educators, and supporting personnel. We discussed their experiences (if any), ideas, expectations, and concerns with a focus on privacy aspects to find out about the user needs of different user groups. Our results reveal various interrelationships and conflicts between the individual actors. They serve as a basis to discuss the implications for the design of future telepresence robots for schoolchildren.

Abstract Telepresence robots offer great opportunities for children with long-term illnesses to continue attending school. Consequently, they are already used if children are absent for long periods. When designing such systems, the privacy of various stakeholders must be considered. However, conflicts often arise because the privacy requirements of different user groups cannot be fulfilled simultaneously. In this paper, we analyze the corresponding trade-offs that have to be made when designing telepresence robots under conflicting privacy requirements. We analyzed previous literature and held three workshops with different user groups (children, parents, teachers, head teachers, media educators, and supporting personnel) with and without experience with telepresence robots in schools. Based on the literature and the workshop results, we present four major privacy trade-offs we identified and discuss design approaches for them. With this work, we contribute to the design research on telepresence robots in schools by revealing the major privacy-related conflicts and potential design approaches to overcome the conflicts.

Abstract Robots are gradually being freed from their safety fences due to the advances in safety features integrated with most new robots. These robots enable a new form of human-robot interaction in which contact is possible. There are two robot-related factors that play a decisive role in the interaction dynamics and human perception in such a case - the motion speed and distance the robot keeps away from the human. Literature indicates that these factors influence whether humans perceive trust, safety, and comfort, which are essential components in the acceptance of robots by their end users. However, although speed and distance were intensively investigated in isolation, little is known about their combined effect. To this end, we conducted an experiment investigating the impact of the industrial robot arm’s approaching speed and stopping distance on the users’ trust, safety, and comfort while they were performing a collaborative task. Our results provide interesting insights into the implications of speed and trust. While we were able to replicate former studies in terms of implications of speed and distance, our data does not show any interaction effect between the two variables. However, our participants’ observations indicated that distance impacts the dependent variables more severely than speed.

Zusammenfassung: Bislang existierte keine deutschsprachige, validierte Übersetzung der Academic Motivation Scale (AMS). Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist daher die Validierung einer deutschen Übersetzung der AMS in zwei Studien. Die Übersetzung der AMS folgte dem TRAPD-Modell, einer Weiterentwicklung der Back-Translation-Methode. Die erste zweiwellige Studie (N = 211) zeigte gute bis sehr gute interne Konsistenzen und mit den Originalversionen der AMS weitgehend übereinstimmende Retest-Reliabilitäten. Die postulierte siebenfaktorielle Struktur wies gegenüber einem ein- bzw. dreifaktoriellen Modell den besten Modell-Fit auf. Die zweite zweiwellige Studie (N = 221) analysierte die konvergente und divergente Validität, sowie die Kriteriumsvalidität. Zusammenfassend verfügt die deutsche Version der AMS über gute psychometrische Eigenschaften und kann daher in Forschung und Praxis eingesetzt werden.

Mit „Blindterni" wird ein inklusives Spiel für Menschen mit Sehbehinderung nach der Methode Design Thinking entwickelt. Für die Fertigung wird ein verbreitetes und günstiges additives Verfahren gewählt. Iterationsschleifen bei Entwicklung und Testung sorgen dabei für eine hohe Nutzerakzeptanz. Die Resonanz der Testgruppe einer Schule mit dem Förderschwerpunkt Sehen ist durchweg positiv und trägt ihrerseits maßgeblich zur Verbesserung bei. Das Spiel verfolgt den opensource-Ansatz und kann so von enthusiastischen Laien mit Zugang zu einem 3D Drucker einfach und günstig gefertigt werden.

Abstract This study examines the effectiveness of expressive writing in reducing work stress. Expressive writing involves structured written exercises of self-disclosure for cognitive and affective processing of stressful experiences over several writing sessions. Using a 3x3 mixed design, we examined the effects of the intervention on work stress as well as work-related motivation and attitudes in 62 German participants. We found a sex-specific effect in the significant reduction of exhaustion in men in the experimental group. In contrast, women in the control group showed significantly higher levels of exhaustion. This effect was not found for women in the experimental group. Despite the limitations of our research in terms of sample differences in baseline levels, our research identifies an alleviating effect of expressive writing on emotional exhaustion as the core facet of burnout. Future research should specifically select individuals with higher levels of stress to address the limitations mentioned.

Zusammenfassung: Der letzte Beitrag des Themenhefts fasst die Debatte um Subjektivität, Intuition und Bauchgefühl als Entscheidungsgrundlagen in der Personalauswahl zusammen, wie sie ausgehend vom Schwerpunktartikel von Deters und Klopprogge (2025a) zur Diskussion gestellt wurde. Die Herausgeber reflektieren die Kernaussagen der Autoren, die eine Balance zwischen objektiver Diagnostik und subjektiver Intuition fordern und eine deutliche Diskrepanz zwischen wissenschaftlicher Theorie und unternehmerischer Praxis wahrnehmen. Die Rezeption im Themenheft zeigt ein breites Spektrum von Positionen: Während Intuition teils als wertvoller Impuls in komplexen Entscheidungsprozessen gesehen wird, warnen Kritiker vor ihrer Anfälligkeit für Biases. Die Herausgeber plädieren für integrative Verfahren und diagnostische Zugänge, die subjektive und objektive Ansätze verbinden, und betonen die Notwendigkeit eines differenzierten, praxisnahen Dialogs zwischen Wissenschaft und Praxis, um fundierte und zugleich flexible Entscheidungsprozesse zu gestalten.

Editorial

Abstract It is thought that cells surviving ionizing radiation exposure repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and restore their genomes. However, the recent biochemical and genetic characterization of DSB repair pathways reveals that only homologous recombination (HR) can function in an error-free manner and that the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways canonical NHEJ (c-NHEJ), alternative end joining (alt-EJ), and single-strand annealing (SSA) are error-prone, and potentially leave behind genomic scars and altered genomes. The strong cell cycle restriction of HR to S/ G2 phases and the unparalleled efficiency of c-NHEJ throughout the cell cycle, raise the intriguing question as to how far a surviving cell reaches after repairing the genome back to its pre-irradiation state. Indeed, there is evidence that the genomes of cells surviving radiation treatment harbor extensive genomic alterations. To directly investigate this possibility, we adopted next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and tested a normal human fibroblast cell line, 82-6 hTert, after exposure up to 6 Gy. Cells were irradiated and surviving colonies expanded and the cells frozen. Sequencing analysis using the Illumina sequencing platform and comparison with the unirradiated genome detected frequent genomic alterations in the six investigated radiation survivor clones, including translocations and large deletions. Translocations detected by this analysis and predicted to generate visible cytogenetic alterations were frequently (three out of five) confirmed using mFISH cytogenetic analysis. PCR analysis of selected deletions also confirmed seven of the ten examined. We conclude that cells surviving radiation exposure tolerate and pass to their progeny a wide spectrum of genomic alterations. This recognition needs to be integrated into the interpretation of biological results at all endpoints, as well as in the formulation of mathematical models of radiation action. NGS analysis of irradiated genomes promises to enhance molecular cytogenetics by increasing the spectrum of detectable genomic alterations and advance our understanding of key molecular radiobiological effects and the logic underpinning DSB repair. However, further developments in the technology will be required to harness its full potential.

Abstract Electrospinning has been widely used as a versatile technique to generate nanofibers of various materials. It is also helpful in teaching topics ranging from macromolecular chemistry to physics, safety, and sustainability at various levels of difficulty and student involvement. Simple and safe hands-on experiments/manual assays can be realized for less than 30 euros to demonstrate polymer viscosity and nanofiber alignment and solubility. Students can further study (super)hydrophobicity and even upcycle packaging waste into useful filter materials but also improve the electrospinning setup from a manual assay to an inexpensive Arduino-based 3D printed research platform. Alternatively, the latter can be used for teacher demonstrations of more challenging experiments that can also be easily done using a commercial syringe-pump.

Abstract The synergistic combination of various sorbitol-based organogelators with polyolefins allows the preparation of porous support structures for immobilized phase change materials (PCMs). Using a PCM as a solvent for the preparation leads to dimensionally stable composite materials with extremely high loading rates and low leakage of PCMs. Detailed investigations were performed on the kind of polyolefin support and its mass fraction concentration in the PCM, the temperature-dependent softening and failure under superimposed load, the efficiency of heat transport and the retention capacity over several melting/solidification cycles in various measurement setups. In particular, paraffin wax in combination with 1,2,3-trideoxy-4,6:5,7-bis-O-[(4-propylphenyl)methylene]-nonitol (TBPMN) and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) showed the best results in terms of high dimensional stability, low leakage, excellent processability and competitive heat capacity. The herein-established one-step preparation method saves time and energy compared to the loading of pre-formed porous supports and improves application-related properties at the same time.

Abstract The aim of this chapter is to address the impact of formal and informal institutions on women’s entrepreneurship and to extend our understanding of issues influencing women-owned businesses and women’s entrepreneurship in the context of a transition economy, such as Georgia. Our work specifically addresses formal institutions, such as governmental initiatives, financial institutions, and business-relevant education. It also addresses informal institutions, such as women’s role in society, the use of informal networks of connections and acquaintances, and gift-giving practices. Drawing on results from an online focus group discussion with women entrepreneurs in Georgia, we provide initial insights into the critical constraints and supporting factors that local women entrepreneurs experience. Based on the interrelation of institutions and women’s entrepreneurship, we conclude that changes in formal institutions do not lead directly to changing informal institutions. Due to the lack of trust in formal institutions, women entrepreneurs are more likely to look for business development solutions outside the official frames, including illegal or unethical means of survival. Nevertheless, increased opportunities – induced by specific entrepreneurship policies and programs – encourage women to enter entrepreneurship. In addition to this, entrepreneurship enables women in Georgia to overcome gender discrimination issues, which is more prevalent in employment relationships in the local labor market than in entrepreneurial activities.

Abstract Indigenous people across the globe have all too often been marginalised and not been considered in decisions that directly concern their life. We maintain the significance of incorporating indigenous perspectives in society to create a global dialogue through direct participation. In this light we propose a situated action in which our co-author from the Ju/’hoansi tribe, one of the San ethnicity in Southern Africa, digitally records semi-structured conversations with members of other indigenous communities at the conference and public spaces in Sibu. Then participants are engaged into a participatory exploration of processing the audio files into sound installations and soundscapes which “amplify indigenous voices“. We anticipate that the products can be reused for further initiatives in the different countries, raising awareness and calling for action on matters of concern for indigenous people.

Abstract With the increasing number of refugees seeking protection and a new home in Germany, our society faces the task of optimally integrating those refugees. This includes integration into the labor market. This chapter deals with the integration of refugees into small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We explore why SMEs choose to integrate refugees into their business, what opportunities they see in it, what challenges integration brings, and what management considers as success factors of a successful integration. The results show that a successful integration is based on a combination of the individual commitment of the refugees, the acceptance and support of the management and workforce in the company as well as clear, reliable institutional framework conditions.

Abstract The principle of separation between editorial content and commercial communication protects both the democratic and the commercial function of mass media. This article compiles all available statutory and professional regulations in Germany as an example of the various aspects of the principle of separation, such as the labeling obligation, the prohibition of paid content and tying transactions, as well as the handling of numerous forms of presentation of editorial advertising. Subsequently, the state of research is reported for the individual aspects of the principle of separation, in particular with regard to description and effect. Finally, proposed solutions for current application and desiderata are compiled.

ABSTRACT Advancements in sequencing technologies have revolutionized environmental research, leading to a superior understanding of ecosystem functions. In recent years, high-throughput sequencing techniques evolved from short-read Illumina sequencing to long-read Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing. While Illumina still dominates the sequencing market and offers high accuracy with low error rates, it is limited by shorter read lengths. ONT provides much longer reads, allowing for greater taxonomic resolution but at the cost of higher error rates. Since existing comparative amplicon analyses deal almost exclusively with prokaryotes, it is uncertain if ONT can serve as a reliable alternative to Illumina regarding protistic metabarcoding approaches. Therefore, this study focuses on comparing error rates, taxonomic classification accuracy, and the community composition of sequences obtained from Illumina and ONT sequencing of the 18S V9 rRNA gene region as well as the full-length 18S rRNA gene from sediment samples. In addition, the applicability of the recently updated Natrix2 amplicon processing pipeline for both sequencing approaches was evaluated. While higher error rates were observed for ONT reads, especially for short reads, the full-length ONT 18S sequences achieved greater taxonomic classification accuracy down to the species level. Illumina V9 sequencing, by contrast, provided reliable classification only down to the phylum level. An analysis of community compositions revealed significant taxonomic differences between the sequencing approaches, with ONT identifying more subtle responses of species to external influences. Nevertheless, the basic community patterns were detectable with all sequencing approaches. To conclude, this study showed for the first time that particularly full-length 18S ONT sequencing can serve as a reliable alternative to Illumina V9 sequencing for protist analysis and may even outperform Illumina depending on the specific research objectives.

Abstract In this study, we report highly crosslinked hybrid aerogels with an organic backbone based on vinylmethyldimethoxysilane (VMDMS) with tuneable properties. For an improved and highly reproducible synthesis, a prepolymer based on 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4V4) and VMDMS as monomers was prepared and purified. Di-tert-butylperoxide (DTBP) concentrations of 1 mol% initiate the radical polymerization of the mentioned monomers to achieve high yields of polymers. After purification, the obtained viscous polyorganosilane precursor could be reproducibly crosslinked with dimethyldimethoxysilane (DMDMS) or methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) to form gels in benzylic alcohol (BzOH), water (H2O) and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH). Whereas freeze-drying these silica-based hybrid aerogels led to high thermal conductivity (>20 mW m−1K−1) and very fragile materials, useful aerogels were obtained via solvent exchange and supercritical drying with CO2. The DMDMS-based aerogels exhibit enhanced compressibility (31% at 7 kPa) and low thermal conductivity (16.5 mW m−1K−1) with densities around (0.111 g cm−3). The use of MTMS results in aerogels with lower compressibility (21% at 7 kPa) and higher density (0.124 g cm−3) but excellent insulating properties (14.8 mW m−1K−1).

Abstract Purpose Entrepreneurship and the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are considered important drivers of innovation. At the same time, the representation of women entrepreneurs in STEM remains low. Despite this disparity, a number of women still choose to start ventures and persist in pursuing their innovations in STEM. This study aims to examine the motivational factors that drive women entrepreneurs to approach and consistently pursue their innovations and ventures in STEM. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the concept of the heterogeneity of motivational factors (Graham and Bonner, 2022) and Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986, 2001; Wood and Bandura, 1989), 24 semi-structured interviews were conducted with women entrepreneurs in STEM. This approach allowed for an in-depth exploration of the heterogeneous motivational factors influencing women entrepreneurs in STEM. Findings The motivations of women entrepreneurs in STEM are multifaceted, interrelated and dynamic. They encompass personal and cognitive, behavioral and environmental factors and partly change over time. This study reveals two levels of heterogeneity: the heterogeneity of women entrepreneurs’ entrepreneurial motivations, and the within-context heterogeneity of women entrepreneurs in STEM themselves. Originality/value This study addresses the need for a deeper understanding of women entrepreneurs in STEM. By focusing on nuanced aspects of entrepreneurial motivations that are often overlooked in the existing literature, this research provides valuable insights and discusses implications for theory, policy and education.

Abstract This paper presents an integrated approach combining in-person teaching with digital assessments in a mechanical engineering course, leveraging a blended learning environment to enhance both physical and remote instructions. The primary focus is on addressing challenges associated with digital exams, such as hardware and software limitations, connectivity issues, and the risk of cheating. To mitigate these barriers for digital exams, the paper proposes creating unique exam tasks based on student IDs and employing semi-automatic grading of computer drawings using Python scripts, which streamline the assessment process while ensuring accuracy and fairness. Traditional assessment methods typically involve written exams, computer-based tests, practical labs, oral exams, and project-based assessments. These methods require students to attend exams in person, with activities strictly monitored to prevent cheating. However, this approach highlights the need to transition from traditional methods to digital assessments, focusing on knowledge application rather than simply recalling the information. In order to show the possibility of such a transition, a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) course is employed as a case study, where theoretical knowledge is assessed through digital quizzes and practical skills via design challenges and final exams. By creating unique tasks based on student IDs, the course ensures exam integrity and fairness and still allows students to work on the assigned problem on their own computer device and on their own time schedule. Additionally, a semi-automatic system compares the volumetric properties of student-generated 3D models with reference solutions using Python scripts. This approach significantly reduces manual grading workload while maintaining high assessment standards. The course structure aligns learning activities with desired outcomes through the Constructive Alignment of Biggs et. al. Weekly quizzes handled via Moodle automatically grade the theoretical knowledge of the students, while biweekly tutorials and practical sessions support the transition from theory to practical application. Design challenges, graded and contributing to the final exam score, motivate students and provide continuous feedback and assessment. This dynamic learning environment not only engages students but also enhances the retention of theoretical knowledge and its practical application through digital tools. In conclusion, this paper showcases the successful integration of digital assessment methodologies in mechanical engineering education. By addressing and overcoming challenges early, and aligning learning activities with outcomes, the blended learning approach enhances the educational experience. The strategic use of unique exam tasks and semi-automatic grading systems not only ensures fair and accurate assessments but also prepares students for the demands of the digital age in their professional careers.

Abstract In this paper, we shed light on shared hosting services’ security and trust implications and measure their attack surfaces. To do so, we analyzed 30 shared hosters and found that all of them might leak relevant information, which could be abused unnoticed. An adversary could use this attack surface to covertly extract data from various third parties registered with a shared hoster. Furthermore, we found that most hosters suffer from vulnerabilities that can be used by an internal attacker (i.e., someone using the service) to compromise other hosted services or the entire system.

Abstract This paper challenges the conventional assumption in cybersecurity that users act as rational actors. Despite numerous technical solutions, awareness campaigns, and organizational strategies aimed at bolstering cybersecurity, these often overlook the prevalence of non-rational user behavior. Our study, involving a survey of 208 participants, empirically demonstrates this aspect. We found that a significant portion of users (55.3%) would accept a substantial risk (35%) to click on a potentially malicious link or attachment. This propensity increases to 61% when users are led to believe there is a 65% chance of facing no adverse consequences. To address this irrationality, we explored the efficacy of nudging mechanisms within email systems. Our qualitative user study revealed that incorporating a simple colored nudge in the email intably enhance the ability of users to discern malicious emails, improving decision-making accuracy by an average of 10%.