IRF: Institutional Repository FHNW

Welcome to the publication and research database of the FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland.

The institutional repository contains publications, projects and student theses.

Further information can be found in the IRF manual (available in German).

 

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Publication
The impact of childcare-group situational age composition on caregiver-child interactions
(Taylor & Francis, 29.11.2019) Diebold, Tatiana; Perren, Sonja
The present study investigated the role of situational age composition in the quality of caregiving. We specifically examined the impact of age range, the number of children present younger than 18 months, and median age, on the caregiver-child interaction quality under unique conditions of flexible and age-heterogeneous childcare. Caregiver-child interactions in nine childcare groups were observed over four mornings (N observation cycles = 144). The results from multilevel structural equation modelling showed that wide age range and a higher number of very young children present were related to lower quality of observed behavioural, emotional and learning support. Most importantly, the findings suggest that the effects of age range can be explained by the number of children less than 18 months old. Implications for further research and mixed-age programmes’ practice and policy are discussed.
01A - Journal article
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Publication
Working conditions, job stress and work-related consequences among hospital employees—differences by professional group, working hours and job levels: A cross-sectional study
(Public Library of Science, 12.03.2026) Hander, Nicole R.; Erschens, Rebecca; Klein, Thomas; Jarczok, Marc N.; Mulfinger, Nadine; Rieger, Monika A.; Junne, Florian; Angerer, Peter; Puschner, Bernd; Müller, Andreas; Küllenberg, Janna; Maatouk, Imad; Süß, Stefan; Gesang, Elena; Ruhle, Sascha; Gündel, Harald; Rothermund-Nassir, Eva; Marcatto, Francesco
Objective Hospital employees face significant occupational stress that negatively impacts both their well-being and organizational outcomes. This challenge is amplified during times of staff shortages, economic difficulties and conflicting roles. To support hospital workers effectively and create a positive work environment, it is crucial to identify specific groups experiencing greater challenges. This study examines how working conditions, job stress, and related consequences vary across professional groups, working hours, and job levels within hospitals. Methods The study analyzed data from 406 employees (66% female) across three German hospitals, collected between December 2019 and January 2020 as part of the SEEGEN (Mental Health at the Hospital Workplace) study on mental health in hospital workplaces. Group differences in target variables were investigated via between-group one-way independent analyses of variance. Results Results showed that nurses, part-time employees, and non-leadership staff reported the most significant needs for improvement. Nurses experienced the lowest effort-reward balance, reduced job satisfaction, and the highest intention to leave their jobs. Part-time workers felt less control over their work decisions, perceived poorer cooperation among occupational groups, and reported a weaker psychosocial safety climate compared to full-time employees. They were also more irritated, less satisfied, and more inclined to consider leaving their jobs. Additionally, part-time workers rated their employers as less attractive and were less likely to recommend them. Leadership positions appeared to offer a protective effect against some of these negative outcomes. Conclusions In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive view of the differing work stressors and consequences faced by hospital staff based on their roles, work hours, and job levels. These insights emphasize the importance of tailoring interventions to target specific groups within hospitals to enhance occupational health and create supportive work environments. Trial registration German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS): DRKS-ID DRKS00017249 (Registration Date: 8th October 2019).
01A - Journal article
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Publication
Safe Buildings for Us. Die Chancen der Digitalisierung nutzen, Gebäude sicherer zu machen
(Hochschule für Architektur, Bau und Geomatik FHNW, 09.01.2026) Aerni, Roman; Mettler, Patrick; Dainton, Nora; Schneider, Oliver; Beratungsstelle für Unfallverhütung (BFU)
Die BFU steht im Zuge der fortschreitenden Digitalisierung von Bau- und Planungsprozessen vor der Aufgabe, sicherheitstechnische Prüfungen weiterhin verlässlich, nachvollziehbar und fachlich fundiert durchzuführen. Digitale Bauwerksmodelle, datenbasierte Planunterlagen und automatisierte Analyseverfahren verändern die Rahmenbedingungen und erhöhen die Anforderungen an Effizienz, Transparenz und Skalierbarkeit. Eine gezielte digitale Aufbereitung der BFU-Empfehlungen ist zentral, um Prüfprozesse in digitalen Bauprozessen weiterzuentwickeln, ohne die Qualität sicherheitstechnischer Beurteilungen zu beeinträchtigen. Die Masterarbeit untersucht, inwiefern sich ausgewählte BFU-Empfehlungen mithilfe offener Standards sinnvoll in digitale Bauprozesse integrieren lassen und welche Rolle KI-gestützte Werkzeuge bei der Beurteilung von Plänen und digitalen Bauwerksmodellen übernehmen können. Ziel ist eine Standortanalyse sowie die Ableitung einer Handlungsempfehlung, welche den praktischen Mehrwert bestehender Technologien sowie deren funktionale und methodische Grenzen aufzeigt. Im Rahmen eines Proof of Concept werden verschiedene KI-Tools sowie ein eigens entwickelter Prototyp analysiert und miteinander verglichen. Die Bewertung erfolgt anhand definierter Kriterien wie z.B. Datenzugänglichkeit, Erkennungsgenauigkeit und Skalierbarkeit. Der PoC veranschaulicht, inwiefern automatisierte Prüfverfahren Planungsfehler in frühen Projektphasen reduzieren können. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass KI-gestützte Systeme ein hohes Unterstützungspotenzial besitzen, jedoch technologische und methodische Limitationen aufweisen. Eine vollautomatische, normativ abgeschlossene sicherheitstechnische Prüfung ist derzeit noch nicht möglich. Der Prototyp zeigt jedoch, dass eine regelbasierte und nachvollziehbare Unterstützung menschlicher Prüfprozesse realisierbar ist und eine tragfähige Grundlage für die Weiterentwicklung eines domänenspezifischen Assistenzsystems bildet.
11 - Student thesis
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Publication
Guided multi-fidelity bayesian optimization for data-driven controller tuning with digital twins
(IEEE, 2026) Nobar, Mahdi; Keller, Jürg Peter; Forino, Alessandro; Lygeros, John; Rupenyan, Alisa
We propose a guided multi-fidelity Bayesian optimization framework for data-efficient controller tuning that integrates corrected digital twin simulations with real-world measurements. The method targets closed-loop systems with limited-fidelity simulations or inexpensive approximations. To address model mismatch, we build a multi-fidelity surrogate with a learned correction model that refines digital twin estimates using real data. An adaptive cost-aware acquisition function balances expected improvement, fidelity, and sampling cost. Our method ensures adaptability as new measurements arrive. The digital twin accuracy is re-estimated, dynamically adapting both cross-source correlations and the acquisition function. This ensures that accurate simulations are used more frequently, while inaccurate simulation data are appropriately downweighted. Experiments on robotic drive hardware and supporting numerical studies demonstrate that our method enhances tuning efficiency compared to standard Bayesian optimization and multi-fidelity methods.
01A - Journal article
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Publication
Smartes Experimentieren: Kognitive Aktivierung und digitale Tools im Physikunterricht
(12.03.2026) Longhitano, Marco
Experimente sind ein zentraler Bestandteil des Physikunterrichts. Dabei sollen Schüler:innen nicht nur «nach Rezept» experimentieren, sondern über naturwissenschaftliche Konzepte nachdenken und zu einem vertieften Verständnis von Naturphänomenen gelangen. In diesem Workshop diskutieren wir, wie beim Experimentieren eine kognitive Aktivierung erreicht werden kann und wie digitale Tools (z.B. mittels Smartphone-Sensorik und der Phyphox-App) dabei helfen können. Im Fokus stehen der kollegiale Austausch über gelungene Praxisbeispiele und konkrete Ideen für den eigenen Unterricht.
06 - Presentation