Augsburg University of Applied Sciences

About: Augsburg University of Applied Sciences is a education organization based out in Augsburg, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: User interface & Usability. The organization has 100 authors who have published 151 publications receiving 1311 citations. The organization is also known as: Hochschule Augsburg & Hochschule Augsburg University of Applied Sciences.

Determinants and Specificities of Eco-Innovations Compared to Other Innovations—An Econometric Analysis for the French and German Industry Based on the Community Innovation Survey

Abstract: Many recent papers deal with exploring and explaining the determinants of eco-innovations for different countries supporting the formulation of efficient policy measures to trigger eco-innovation activities of firms. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of econometric cross-country analyses allowing recognizing common cross-country determinants, but also country-specific characteristics of eco-innovations. Based on data from the fourth Community Innovation Survey for France and Germany, the present paper contributes to fill this gap. Using a fully harmonized econometric model for the two countries, we are able to detect remarkable similarities concerning the different determinants of eco-innovations despite differences in the national innovation systems. The results confirm the central role of regulation and cost savings as motivations for eco-innovations compared to other innovations. Furthermore, eco-innovative activities seem to require more external sources of knowledge and information. Due to the res...

A new design approach for shell-and-tube heat exchangers using genetic algorithms from economic point of view

Abstract: A heat exchanger is a device that is used to transfer heat between two or more fluids that are at different temperatures. Heat exchangers are essential elements in a wide range of systems, including the human body, automobiles, computers, power plants, and comfort heating/cooling equipment. The most commonly used type of heat exchanger is the shell-and-tube heat exchanger, the optimal design of which is the main objective of this study. A primary objective in the heat exchanger design is the estimation of the minimum heat transfer area required for a given heat duty, as it governs the overall cost of the heat exchanger. However there is no concrete objective function that can be expressed explicitly as a function of design variables and in fact many numbers of discrete combinations of the design variables are possible. In the present study, genetic algorithms (GA) has been successfully applied for the optimal design of shell-and-tube heat exchanger by varying the design variables: outer tube diameter, tube layout, number of tube passes, outer shell diameter, baffle spacing and baffle cut. LMTD method is used to determine the heat transfer area for a given design configuration.

Empirical determinants of eco-innovation in European countries using the community innovation survey

Abstract: The determinants of eco-innovation activities have been widely explored for single countries. However, there is a lack of analyses comparing different countries. The Community Innovation Survey (CIS 2008) allows for an analysis of the determinants of eco-innovation in 19 different European countries. This paper focuses on Eastern Europe as the determinants of eco-innovation have not yet been systematically analyzed for these countries. Concerning the introduction of eco-innovations, this analysis shows that regulation activities and environmentally related subsidies seem to be more important for the Eastern countries than they are for the “richer” Western European countries. Furthermore, the Eastern European countries rely more on competitors and external R&D as information sources, indicating a technology transfer from West to East.

Perceived control in indoor environments: a conceptual approach

Abstract: Building automation systems provide the potential to optimize the energy consumption of buildings as well as to detect failures in the operation of buildings. The system comprising building form–HVAC–building automation–user is becoming more complex. Providing the occupants with control over the indoor environment is widely accepted for its positive effect on their satisfaction. This paper explores what the term ‘perceived control’ means conceptually and draws implications for its application to the design and management of buildings. Personality- and environmental-psychology emphasize the importance of personal control to humans. The adaptive model of thermal comfort, findings from post-occupancy evaluations and surveys in real buildings also indicate the importance of high levels of perceived control. These models and findings exist in parallel and have not yet been interconnected and translated into models for the built environment. A new conceptual approach to explain perceived control is proposed. Sa...

The relevance of personal characteristics and gender diversity for (eco‐)innovation activities at the firm‐level: Results from a linked employer–employee database in Germany

Abstract: The burgeoning literature on the determinants of eco‐innovation has not yet considered the influence of the personal characteristics of a firm's employees. The paper opens this “black box” of unexplained heterogeneity: it has often been observed that firms with broadly similar characteristics take different decisions concerning eco‐innovations. In fact, latent variables such as the greenness of a firm may be explained by the personal characteristics (gender, family status, geographic origins, education, etc.) of the firm's staff and decision‐makers. The linked employer–employee database of the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) in Germany makes such an analysis possible based on data for 2010–2012. The results of an econometric analysis show that having a large proportion of highly qualified women and a mixed‐gender management board are positively correlated with innovation activities in the environmental sector. The results further confirm that export‐oriented firms are more likely to innovate, firms characterized by staff overaging innovate to a lesser extent and greater competition pressure encourages innovation.