Calculation of the Losses of Series-Hybrid Powertrains

Regarding mobile machinery, particularly agricultural tractors, there is an ongoing competition for the most suitable technology to achieve optimum functionality with maximum efficiency. In this competition, the efficiency of electric series-hybrid powertrains （ESHPs） is often depicted as worse than the efficiency of mechanical-hydraulic power-split powertrains （MHPSPs）. On closer inspection of these statements, however, systematic errors, such as unequal balance limits, neglected size effects and nonlinearities, non-observance of recent technical developments and standards, or erroneous application of research results regarding MHPSPs on ESHPs are often evident. For verification （and under avoidance of the systematic errors mentioned above）, the losses of an ESHP of 150 kW power are for example calculated and compared with the losses of a typical MHPSP of the same power. The comparison of the losses shows that the ESHP clearly exceeds the efficiency of the comparative MHPSP in the main working range and that there is still potential for improvement.

Expatriation as an Element of Diversity Management

The ongoing internationalization of companies goes hand in hand with an increase of international assignments. With it, knowledge is transferred and diverse teams emerge in the subsidiaries abroad. However, expatriation management and diversity management have been separated areas so far. Thus, the readiness to use expatriation as an integral element of an overall diversity strategy has been evaluated in an exploratory empirical study. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews have been conducted with both expatriates and HR （human resources） managers in six subsidiaries and the headquarters of an international mechanical engineering company. It was found that operative aspects of the expatriate management dominate the viewpoint of those involved. However, the findings also suggest that an implicit recognition of advantages that stem from the variety of individual employees exists. Willingness to systematically strengthen the exchange and learning process was detected. Based on these results, a new approach could be conceptualized and implemented. This provides various foci for further research.

Testing of the Adhesion of Herpes Simplex Virus on Textile Substrates and Its Inactivation by Household Laundry Processes

Viral infections like Herpes simplex increasingly pose a serious threat to European health care systems and welfare of the population. Indirect transmission routes of infections via inanimate surfaces are often underestimated. In this study, we investigated the adhesion and persistence of Herpes simplex virus on cotton fabrics as well as its inactivation by domestic laundry. Virus adhesion to textile fibers was distinct, because viral DNA was detectable on fabrics for at least 48 hours after contamination as well as after home laundry. Particles remained infectious for several hours at room temperature and partially for 48 hours at 2℃ - 8℃. Nevertheless, domestic laundry was able to inactivate virus particles given that detergents were adequately used. This confirmed that standard household laundry processes, as established in Europe, are a suitable tool to reduce infectious Herpes virus particles from textiles, thereby supporting the prevention of infections circulating in the household and community.