Open Access

We present a new method for investigating the oxidation and emission behavior of air-permeable materials. Employing this method, a differentiated statement can be made about the extent to which critical volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein are contained in the material as impurities or formed by thermo-oxidative degradation of the polymer matrix in the use phase. The parameters affecting methods of VOC analysis are reviewed and considered for the developed method. The molecular mechanisms of VOC formation are discussed. Toxicological implications of the reaction kinetics are put into context with international guidelines and threshold levels. This new method enables manufacturers of cellular materials not only to determine the oxidative stability of their products but also to optimize them specifically for higher durability. Environmental Implication: Cellular materials are ubiquitous in the technosphere. They play a crucial role in various microenvironments such as automotive interiors, building insulation, and cushioning. These materials are susceptible to oxidative breakdown, leading to the release of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. The ecotoxicological profiles of these compounds necessitate monitoring and regulation. The absence of reproducible and reliable analytical methods restricts research and development aimed at risk assessment and mitigation. This work significantly enhances the toolbox for optimizing the oxidative stability of any open-cell cellular material and evaluating these materials in terms of their temperature-dependent oxidation and emission behavior.

Investigations into volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from polymer fleeces used in particle filtering half masks were conducted and evaluated against the German hygienic guide value for total volatile organic com- pounds and the “Lowest Concentration of Interest” for construction products. All masks showed emission of Xy- lene. In 94 % of samples, up to 24 additional aromatic compounds were found. 17 % of samples showed terpenes, 53 % emitted aldehydes, 77 % exhibited caprolactam and 98 % released siloxanes. All masks exceeded the TVOC hygienic guidance value level 5 of 10 mg/m³. Emission levels were investigated for masks immediately after their packages were opened and for masks that were “vented” for two weeks. Further, the emissions were repeatedly measured to investigate the decrease of emissions. An exponential decline was observed and a fitting function was calculated. The influence of the two commonly gas chromatograph (GC) hyphenated detectors, mass spectrometer (MS) and flame ionization detector (FID) on the VOC quantification, as well as the influence of temperature on the emission of VOCs were investigated. A statistical analysis of emission value differences for Notified Bodies was conducted and CE 2163 and 2020-1XG proved to be outliers.

This systematic review critically examines existing literature on the effects of spontaneous fermentation on the nutritional and antinutritional properties of the aforementioned food staples, focusing on the changes in nutrients, digestibility, and antinutrients. The literature search flow was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRiSMA-2020) approach. Only peer-reviewed journal articles published in English between 2002 and 2024 were sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. A total of 67 articles were considered eligible after the title, abstract, full text, and quality assessment. It was evident from the various studies consulted in this review that traditional fermentation, though being an ancient food processing practice, remains an important approach for increasing the level of nutrients, reducing antinutritional factors, and enhancing the nutrient digestibility of cereals, legumes, roots, tuber, and plantain. This has made fermented foods an important part of diet and nutrition in many cultures around the world, especially in the global south, with limited access to sophisticated food processing techniques and infrastructure. Overall, the findings suggest that incorporating spontaneous fermentation into the preparation of cereals, legumes, roots, and tuber crops can be a valuable strategy for enhancing the nutritional value and health-promoting properties of these dietary staples.

Durch die Integration theoretischer Debatten, Perspektiven aus der Praxis und aktuellen Forschungsprojekten gelingt in diesem Lehrbuch eine umfassende Perspektive auf die Beziehungsgestaltung in der Sozialen Arbeit. Der erste Teil entwickelt ein theoretisches Rahmenwerk zur Vertiefung des prozessionstheoretischen Verständnisses. Im zweiten Teil werden verschiedene Handlungsfelder und praktische Umsetzungen beleuchtet. Der dritte Teil präsentiert aktuelle Forschungsprojekte, die die Beziehungsgestaltung aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven untersuchen. Das Buch richtet sich an Fachkräfte, Studierende und Wissenschaftler:innen, die ihre Einsichten in die sozialarbeiterische Beziehungsgestaltung erweitern möchten.

From 2023-25, a collaboration between Middlesex University and Université des Mascareignes, both in Mauritius, with the University of Potsdam and FH Münster – University of Applied Sciences, both in Germany, empowered university staff to be agents of innovation and make a tangible impact on practice and policy with a particular focus on their institutions’ internal and external quality assurance and enhancement. The comment reports on the first ever National Multiplication Training (NMT) in Mauritius and reflects on the ways forward of Quality Assurance in Mauritius' Higher Education.

Bedingt durch die Rechtslage im Verhältnis von Bund und Ländern kann der Bund Hochschulaktivitäten vielfach nur auf Projektbasis befristet fördern. Solche Programme (wie der Qualitätspakt Lehre) sind auch außerhalb der Forschung immer häufiger geworden und werden an Bedeutung noch gewinnen. Also lohnt es, die Erfolgsaussichten von Anträgen, Verläufen und der Einführung der Ergebnisse in den Hochschulalltag durch Change Management zu steigern. Ein Aspekt daraus ist die Einführung einer Projekt-Kommunikations-Scorecard, die in diesem Beitrag in vorgestellt wird.

Carmen S. Lienen, Andrea Monika Frisch, Agostino Mazziotta and Anette Rohmann present and analyze the photo voice method as a tool to engage and empower people living in marginalized communities. Photo voice is a community-based action research method that allows clients to visually document their everyday lives, particularly with regards to community struggles over needs, issues and strategies aimed at practical solutions for the community. Regarding the third mission of social work, that is to address social inequality, social justice and social change, the authors argue that the method provides clients with a lifeworld orientation, promotes the development of social workers’ sensitivity to diversity, and strengthens the relationship between clients and providers.

Der Wert eines Unternehmens muss für eine Reihe von Anlässen ermittelt werden. . Aus steuerlicher Sicht ist die Bewertung für Zwecke der Unternehmensnachfolge von besonderem Interesse. Dabei stellt sich oft die Frage, wie eine einfache und kostengünstige Bewertung vorgenommen werden kann. Vor diesem Hintergrund sind Multiplikatorverfahren von besonderem Interesse. Der Beitrag widmet sich diesen Verfahren.