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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Recently added
Membrane filtration
(Oxford University Press, 2023) Peter, Maryna; McQueen, David V.
Membrane systems provide a physical barrier to various contaminants in water and therefore are attractive for different applications. Depending on the type of the membrane and its pore size, membranes might remove microbial contaminants, organic chemicals, or salts. The membrane-based systems for drinking water purification exist at different scales. The costs have decreased considerably since the 1990s, increasing the attractiveness for various needs and affordability levels. Household tabletop filters and filters installed under a sink can be used when public water supply quality is unreliable or in emergencies with locally available buckets or jerry cans. Gravity or solar-driven systems exist for off-grid applications in schools, health care facilities, or small communities. Skid-mounted and container-based desalination units are deployed in emergencies when brackish or saline water sources are the only option. Large-scale membrane-based drinking water treatment plants operate worldwide for municipal drinking water treatment. The modular design and flexibility around the capacity, target contaminants, and available energy sources offer opportunities for membrane-based drinking water treatment in various contexts. Further research and development should focus on mitigating membrane fouling, and reducing energy consumption, costs, and the overall technical complexity of the systems.
04A - Book part
Electrode optimization for efficient resonant electro-optic frequency microcombs
(AIP Publishing, 10.04.2026) Häusler, Samuel; Volpini, Andrea; Finco, Giovanni; Li, Gaoyuan; Caër, Charles; Holzer, Jannis Serge; Sattari, Hamed; Zarebidaki, Homa; Prieto, Ivan; Lecomte, Steve; Grange, Rachel; Wildfeuer, Christoph; Grassani, Rachel
Resonant electro-optic comb generation in thin-film lithium niobate microrings is a powerful method for achieving large-bandwidth electro-optic combs with a small footprint. While significant progress has been made in optimizing the optical resonator, the on-chip microwave waveguide has been less explored. Here, we develop a generic analytical model that predicts the phase shift acquired by the optical wave, taking into account possible microwave losses, impedance and velocity mismatches, and different injection points. We apply this model to determine the optimal electrode length for a traveling-wave configuration and two standing-wave configurations, with microwave driving frequencies at different multiples of the optical free spectral range. We experimentally validate the model by measuring several devices fabricated at the chip and wafer levels.
01A - Journal article
Process quality of extended education offerings from an international perspective. How can primary school children from disadvantaged backgrounds be supported?
(Barbara Budrich, 2025) Schmidt, Jule; Ning, Haiqin; Nieuwenboom, Jan Willem; Schüpbach, Marianne; Lilla, Nanine
In many countries, children with low socio-economic status and with migration backgrounds are particularly disadvantaged in terms of their educational opportunities. Despite different forms, many extended education offerings around the world pursue a common educational focus, namely supporting the development of all students while reducing educational disadvantage related to social status, migration background, or any other diversity dimensions. Research shows that the process quality of extended education offerings is crucial for their effectiveness. This study examines experts’ understanding of the process quality of extended education offerings that are particularly beneficial for primary school children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The data comes from problem-centred expert interviews with researchers from 16 countries worldwide. Structuring qualitative content analysis identifies three quality dimensions that are emphasised by the experts: (a) principle of educational processes: interests- and needs-orientation, (b) formats and methods: variation, and (c) interactions between staff and children: appreciation and (learning) support. The identified dimensions highlight the crucial additional value of extended education compared to formal lessons and underline the relevance of embedding social-pedagogical principles in the diversity-sensitive design of extended education offerings to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
01A - Journal article
QUBO formulations and quantum optimization for the multi-dimensional knapsack problem with conflict, forcing and precedence constraints
(IEEE, 09.04.2026) Güney, Evren; Ehrenthal, Joachim
01A - Journal article
Viola ergonomics for thriving and health promotion: the influence of an instrument’s dimensions, positioning, and biomechanics on muscular effort
(Frontiers Research Foundation, 2026) Margulies, Oliver; Faller, Martin; Nübling, Matthias; Avery, Joshua; Verheul, William; Hildebrandt, Wulf; Hildebrandt, Horst
Background:
The great variability of viola dimensions is known. Contrary to the violin, a lack of scientific knowledge remains on how dimensions, positioning, and biomechanical parameters contribute to the high incidence of medical complaints in violists.
Aims:
This project investigated how an instrument’s dimensions affect objective and subjective levels of muscular effort in a player’s left hand and arm, together with the instrument’s position and biomechanical parameters.
Methods:
In a laboratory setting, a quantitative, intra-individual comparison between two violas, V1 and V4, predefined in dimensions and positions, and the participants’ own instrument was carried out. Muscle activation (EMG) and perceived effort (BORG) of 31 violists (15 m/16w, mean age 24.8 years, SD = 3.6) were recorded while playing a 16-s tune. Measurements with instruments V1 and V4 were conducted in standardized positions (A1, A2, B1, B2) without and with the players’ own instruments with ergonomic aids. EMG/BORG data were associated with individual biomechanical parameters (BHM).
Results:
Positional changes of the instruments’ longitudinal and lateral axes significantly affect target parameter values. Between the extreme positions A1 vs. B2, the mean delta for EMG decreased 29% relative to A1 (p < 0.001), and for perceived effort (BORG) 28% (p < 0.001). Comparing the instruments V1 and V4 shows significant differences for BORG (p < 0.05) but not for EMG at this data aggregation level. A key finding for biomechanics is the negative correlation between all arm length parameters with EMG and BORG (both p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Results for the viola reconfirm that instrument positioning affects muscle activation and subjectively perceived effort, highly significantly. This expands possibilities to deduce individualized ergonomic solutions, benefiting playing posture, practicing, and performance. The prevention and solution of Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (PRMDs) could be facilitated, permitting this group of musicians to thrive. Future sub-analysis aims to identify instrument build effects at the single-muscle level and for the hand positions under test. Further research in real-life settings will be needed to understand how longer durations of playing affect the same target parameters.
01A - Journal article