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In the future, learning will be essentially characterized by the ability to regulate the learning process and monitor success independently from a teacher. The technical possibilities offer better access to learning contents, precise and more individualized feedback, and learning phases adapted precisely to the needs of the learner in terms of scope and pace. In this study, we investigate an important aspect of the digitization of teaching/learning processes using the example of laboratory scripts for chemistry students at university. The focus is on looking up terms and concepts in preparation for the lab internships, firstly in a paper-based glossary and secondly in a digital glossary. During a two-day study, a total of 16 students prepared for experiments on two topics with completely identical materials. We then studied the influence of content knowledge, motivation, and cognitive load. While all students show significant learning achievements, there are no significant differences between the groups. Furthermore, results show that pure digitization of information has no effect, despite the theoretically assumed advantages.

Inquiry-based learning (IBL) is a type of problem-based learning. While IBL aims at reflecting the work of practicing researchers, only some students will pursue an academic career. We therefore designed a course that provides opportunities for IBL by applying participant observation to internship work experience inside and outside academia. Using this internship course as an example, we investigated, how master's students in health science executed an IBL assignment regarding the application of participant observation and presentation of findings. In addition, the understanding of occupational fields provided through the IBL assignment was examined.To determine whether learning objectives were met, a document analysis of IBL assignments comprising presentation slides and field protocols was performed. Within content analysis, a category grid was used examining (a) suitability of chosen research objectives, (b) execution of field protocols, (c) sufficiency of reporting and (d) extent of reflection.49 IBL assignments from the years 2020-2022 were included. Sides of IBL observations were: (a) organizations providing health care (n = 28); (b) administrations of health care (n = 8); and (c) research institutes (n = 13). Within students' field protocols, the level of detail of descriptions differed. 30 assignments included reflection on the methods used and research experience. In about a third of IBL assignments, indication of observation type, theoretical background and data analysis was missing.Using participant observation of internship work-experience for IBL can serve as a teaching tool for students to develop methodological skills. For future courses, we developed a checklist to strengthen reporting, reflection and use of theory. As internships are often integrated in degree programs in health sciences similar courses could be implemented in different programs, given qualified methodological guidance., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This essay explores the material imperatives of nineteenth-century statistical ambition, at a time when the nature of paper itself underwent rapid change. It expands the concept of paper technologies to include knowledge about the materials themselves, as well as the infrastructures, techniques, and agreements that made it possible for the right kind of paper to be made available for particular purposes. Taking the production of the forms for the Prussian census as a case in point, it argues that the enumeration effort of Prussian census statisticians went far beyond designing a form, collecting information, noting and compiling figures, or creating tables. Paper knowledge to define and control the material substance of the forms mattered as much as political impetus and statistical methods in getting the census right. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bündnis Junger Ärztinnen und Ärzte (BJÄ, Alliance of Young Physicians in Germany) has presented a position paper (PP) on Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) against the background of an unfolding hospital reform in Germany, and they describe existing deficits of PGME in Germany. Based on this, demands were made of legislators, employers and medical associations which could result in a sweeping reformation of PGME. Hospital reforms can only be accomplished with well trained and motivated physicians. In this respect the BJÄ regards the reform of hospitals and the health-care system as a chance for a reform of PGME, which is long overdue. Legislative competence for PGME lies with the States of the Federal Republic of Germany and this warrants an adjustment of state medical association laws to accommodate the demands of the BJÄ. Generally PGME must be taken into consideration in all health-care legislation, in analogy to the meanwhile globally adopted principle of "Health in all Politics (HiAP)". The BJÄ has made every endeavour to produce this PP. The responsible stakeholders and actors in the health-care system would be well-advised to take the position paper seriously with a dwindling physician work force in hospitals and serious quality deficits in PGME. Hence, the BJÄ must be comprehensively supported. They need congenial partners to define the scientific foundation of all their demands, to test their application under real life conditions in hospital and outpatient care, to pursue research on the impact on patient care and on the intended transformation of the health-care system. This might best be accomplished by partnering with a scientific Association for Postgraduate Medical Education as has been the case in many countries for decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current situation in Germany is characterised by significant differences between the two types of higher education institutions offering bachelor's degree programmes in midwifery at both universities of applied sciences and universities. These differences are noticeable in admission procedures, resource allocation, content focus and competence assessment at the respective institutions, which in turn result in heterogeneous study experiences. This article highlights the challenges currently facing bachelor degree programmes and the academic qualification of midwives, and identifies future requirements for the development of degree programmes in theory and practice as well as theory-practice transfer, and assessment formats. Furthermore, this article covers the content-related and structural-organisational requirements to develop in-depth academic skills grounded in theory teaching, the facilitation of clinical placements at an academic level, the training of qualified practical instructors and the development of applicable competence-based assessment formats, especially for the state exam. The development of a standardised, high-quality academic education for midwives in Germany requires networking of the different academic sites/locations to exchange experiences in teaching/learning and assessment formats. Furthermore, it can facilitate the development of a standardised competence-oriented model and core curriculum as well as the definition of quality criteria and standards for study programmes of midwifery science. The Midwifery Science Committee (AHW) in the DACH Assoviation for Medical Education (GMA) offers an optimal platform for cooperation between the different universities. The existing challenges for the further professional development of midwives can only be overcome by collaboration and pooled expertise., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Plappert et al.)

The objective of academic training is to prepare midwives as independent healthcare professionals to make a substantial contribution to the healthcare of women in their reproductive years as well as to the health of their children and families. This article therefore describes the professional and educational requirements derived from the legal midwifery competencies within the new midwifery act. Furthermore, it identifies the conditions that need to be established to enable midwives in Germany to practise to their full scope in compliance with statutory responsibilities. Educational science, academic efforts, policymaking and accompanying research should work in synergy. This in turn enables midwives to achieve the maximum scope of their skills, with the objective of promoting physiological pregnancies and births. Consequently, it can strengthen early parenthood in alignment with the national health objectives of "health around childbirth". The academisation of the midwifery profession presents a profound opportunity for professional development in Germany. It is essential that midwives receive training based on the principles of educational science and care structures that are yet to be developed. This can enable them to perform within the wide range of their professional tasks to the highest standards, thereby ensuring the optimal care of their clients. Moreover, there is a chance to implement sustainable improvements in healthcare provision for women and their families during the reproductive phase and the period of parenthood in Germany., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Striebich et al.)

In Nazi Germany (1933–45), reclaiming waste became an intrinsic component of the regime's economy as well as its ideological, racial, and expansionist ambitions. National Socialist interventions into waste streams began in 1934 with salvage campaigns. The state then brought urban waste policies and municipal waste services under its control, restructuring and 'Aryanising' the waste salvage trade. Moreover, both consumers and producers were prompted to collect and reprocess waste. Over time, the gradual expansion of the Nazi waste recovery policies and campaigns – here referred to as the 'Nazi waste exploitation regime' – brought forth a determined vision of a circular economy in which no waste whatsoever should escape its reclamation for the national community or Volksgemeinschaft. This article sketches the actors, structures, and objectives of this waste exploitation regime for the case of rags and paper and uncovers its entanglement with Nazi racist and genocidal ideology and expansionism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Waste paper recycling utilization has been increasing in Iran and world paper industries which offers many benefits to the environment and humans. Municipal waste is also reused after recycling processes. Cardboard recycling industry has great environmental and economic importance and helps overcone the lack of wood resources and high demand for paper products. It plays an important role in the development of paper-related industries. However, recycling can be associated with the reduction in the optical properties of the paper. The use of nanoparticles in the paper industry is also expanding gradually. Nanosilica is one of the most important nanoparticles which is used as a retention aid in the paper industry. In order to reduce the consumption of long fibers and obtain the desired optical properties, the use of nanosilica alone or in combination with other materials such as cationic starch and cationic polyacrylamide is investigated. The purpose of this research is to compare the effect of individual and combined use of nanosilica additives, cationic polyacrylamide, cationic starch and long fibers on the optical properties of white liner paper pulp. Methodology: In this study, white paper pulp with the brightness of at least 78% and the gloss of at least 45% was used to prepare handmade paper sheets. Long fiber kraft chemical pulp from coniferous wood imported from Russia with the brightness of 89% was used in the laboratory paper sheet making. Nanosilica powder (NanoSiO2) (Degussa), Germany, cationic polyacrylamide (Farinret K325 brand, Degussa, Germany), and cationic starch (LyckebyAmylex, Slovakia) were used. Independent treatments included the addition of 10% refined long fibers pulp, 6% nanosilica, 1.5% cationic starch and 0.15% cationic polyacrylamide and combined treatments included 6% nanosilica and 1.5% cationic starch and 6% nanosilica and 0.15% cationic polyacrylamide. Then 127 g.m-2 handmade papers were prepared and the optical and microscopic properties were evaluated. Results: The results showed that by adding 10% long fibers, the brightness decreased and by using 6% nanosilica, the maximum brightness was reached. Meanwhile, the whiteness of papers with 6% nanosilica was minimum and with the dosage of only 0.15% cationic polyacrylamide, the whiteness reached at the maximum value. Opacity showed its highest value with the combination of 6% nanosilica and 0.15% cationic polyacrylamide. Also, by increasing the amount of polyacrylamide and cationic starch, individually or in combination with nanosilica, the opacity increased. The light absorption coefficient was the lowest in papers with 6% nanosilica and the light scattering coefficient was the highest in papers containing 6% nanosilica and 0.15% cationic polyacrylamide. A colorimeter was used to measure the color components and the results showed that the additives had an effect on the brightness and whiteness of the papers. Also, changes in the color spectrum and the value of color change were also observed. Additives increased the darkness and changes in different colors. Conclusion: The use of nanosilica individually and in combination with starch and cationic polyacrylamide increases the brightness of papers. Also, the use of cationic polyacrylamide individually and in combination with nanosilica leads to an increase in the whiteness and opacity of papers. The brightness factor of the papers, which is representative of the L* component, decreased with the exception of the addition of 10% long fibers and 6% nanosilica. The amount of overall color change with ΔE* was the lowest in samples containing 1.5% cationic starch and the highest in samples containing 0.15% cationic polyacrylamide. The use of some treatments can lead to a decrease in the optical properties and a decrease in the printability quality of the white liner. To solve this problem, mechanical pulp that has been decolorized or coated on the surface of the paper can be used. The presence of nano-silica particles in the structure of the paper improves the surface structure and reduces the prosity, which results in the reduction of surface roughness and less light refraction, and increases the light reflection and brightness of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditionally, direct medical competences are taught in medical studies, whereas leadership and quality management competences are hardly taught, although graduates are already confronted with management tasks at the beginning of their clinical work. With the upcoming amendment of the Medical Licensing Regulations, this topic area will probably be addressed and must be adequately taught by the faculties. The learning objectives in the area of quality management listed in the current working version of the German National Catalogue of Learning Objectives in Medicine (NKLM) 2.0 have so far been formulated in rather general terms and need to be concretized., Aim: To develop a competence-based learning objectives catalog for the topic area of quality management in medical studies as a structured framework recommendation for the design of faculty teaching-learning programs and as a suggestion for further development of the NKLM., Methods: The competence-based learning objectives catalog was developed by an eight-member working group "Quality Management in Education, Training and Continuing Education" of the Gesellschaft für Qualitätsmanagement in der Gesundheitsversorgung e.V. (GQMG) within the framework of a critical synthesis of central publications. The members of the project group have many years of project experience in quality management in health care as well as in university didactics., Results: Six basic competence goals as well as 10 specific competence goals could be formulated and consented upon. These are each flanked by a list of essential basic concepts and examples. These focus on quality improvements, including patient safety and treatment success against the background of a physician leadership role in an interprofessional context., Discussion: A competency-based set of learning objectives has been compiled that encompasses the necessary concepts and basic knowledge of quality management required for those entering the profession to understand and actively participate in quality management after completing medical school. To the authors' knowledge, no comparable learning objectives catalog is currently available for medical studies, even internationally., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2023 Vogeser et al.)

Ultrasound practice is a longstanding tradition for radiology departments, being part of the family of imaging techniques. Ultrasound is widely practiced by non-radiologists but becoming less popular within radiology. The position of ultrasound in radiology is reviewed, and a possible long-term solution to manage radiologist expectations is proposed. An international group of experts in the practice of ultrasound was invited to describe the current organisation of ultrasound within the radiology departments in their own countries and comment on the interaction with non-radiologists and training arrangements. Issues related to regulation, non-medical practitioners, and training principles are detailed. A consensus view was sought from the experts regarding the position of ultrasound within radiology, with the vision of the best scenario for the continuing dominance of radiologists practising ultrasound. Comments were collated from nine different countries. Variable levels of training, practice, and interaction with non-radiologist were reported, with some countries relying on non-physician input to manage the service. All experts recognised there was a diminished desire to practice ultrasound by radiologists. Models varied from practising solely ultrasound and no other imaging techniques to radiology departments being central to the practice of ultrasound by radiologists and non-radiologist, housed within radiology. The consensus view was that the model favoured in select hospitals in Germany would be the most likely setup for ultrasound radiologist to develop and maintain practice. The vision for 20 years hence is for a central ultrasound section within radiology, headed by a trained expert radiologist, with non-radiologist using the facilities. Critical relevance statement The future of ultrasound within the radiology department should encompass all ultrasound users, with radiologists expert in ultrasound, managing the ultrasound section within the radiology department. The current radiology trainees must learn of the importance of ultrasound as a component of the 'holistic' imaging of the patient. Key points: 1. Ultrasound imaging within radiology departments precedes the introduction of CT and MR imaging and was first used over 50 years ago. 2. Non-radiology practitioners deploy ultrasound examinations to either 'problem solve' or perform a comprehensive ultrasound examination; radiologists provide comprehensive examinations or use ultrasound to direct interventional procedures. 3. Radiology does not 'own' ultrasound, but radiologists are best placed to offer a comprehensive patient-focused imaging assessment. 4. A vision of the future of ultrasound within the radiology department is encompassing all ultrasound users under radiologists who are experts in ultrasound, positioned within the radiology department. 5. The current radiology trainee must be aware of the importance of ultrasound as a component of the 'holistic' imaging of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The main basis for the public recognition of the merits of scientists has always been the system of scientific publications and citations. Our goal is to identify and analyze the most cited articles in the Public, Environmental & Occupational Health category. (2) Methods: We searched the Web of Science for all articles published in the "Public, Environmental & Occupational Health" category up to March 2022 and selected the 100 most cited articles. We recorded the number of citations, the journal, the year of publication, quartile, impact factor, institution, country, authors, topic, type of publication and collaborations. (3) Results: 926,665 documents were analyzed. The top 100 had 401,620 citations. The journal with the most articles was the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology and the one with the highest number of citations was Medical Care. The year with the highest number of articles in the top 100 was 1998. The country with the highest percentage of publications was the USA and the most productive institution was Harvard. The most frequent keywords were bias, quality, and extension. The largest collaboration node was between the USA, Canada, Germany, Spain, Australia, France, and Sweden. (4) Conclusions: This bibliometric study on Public, Environmental & Occupational Health provides valuable information not only to identify topics of interest in the analyzed category, but also to identify the differences in the topics they study.

In the wake of local initiatives and developmental funding programs, interprofessionality is now included in national curricula in the German-speaking countries. Based on the 3P model (presage, process, product), this position paper presents the development of interprofessional education in recent years in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and places it in an international context. Core aspects as legal frameworks, including amendments to occupational regulations as well as the formation of networks and faculty development are basic requirements for interprofessional education. New topics and educational settings take shape in the process of interprofessional education: patient perspectives and teaching formats, such as online courses, become more important or are newly established. The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on interprofessional education is explored as well. Among many new interprofessional courses, particularly the implementation of interprofessional training wards in Germany and Switzerland are positive examples of successful interprofessional education. The objective of interprofessional education continues to be the acquisition of interprofessional competencies. The main focus is now centered on evaluating this educational format and testing for the corresponding competencies. In the future, more capacities will be required for interprofessional continuing education and post-graduate education. Structured research programs are essential to ascertain the effects of interprofessional education in the German-speaking countries. In this position paper the GMA committee on interprofessional education encourages further advancement of this topic and expresses the aim to continue cooperating with other networks to strengthen and intensify interprofessional education and collaboration in healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A large part of the population in Germany makes use of naturopathic, complementary and integrative medical treatments. There are now numerous scientific studies that provide evidence of efficacy for certain indications. At German medical faculties, selected procedures and their application are taught within the cross-sectoral unit called QB 12 and some elective courses, with a focus on specific aspects are offered. So far, however, there has been no structured curriculum that longitudinally anchors teaching across medical studies and enables all students to consider naturopathic and complementary medical options for patient care later on and to integrate them effectively into the diagnostic and treatment process. Objective: The aim of this position paper is to show the relevance of this topic for medical education, to clarify terminology and to present core competencies and possible implementation options for training. Method: The Integrative Medicine and Perspective Pluralism Committee of the German Association for Medical Education developed this position paper in a multi-stage consensual process, in cooperation with the Forum of University Work Groups on Naturopathic Treatment and Complementary Medicine. Results: First, different umbrella terms were discussed and an existing definition of integrative medicine and health was chosen for subsequent use. Building on this step, the status of education and its scientific foundation in Germany was considered in an international context. In the next step, a competency profile for medical training, consisting of seven areas of competency, was developed and described in detail with regard to naturopathic, complementary and integrative medicine. Implementation options were identified using possible starting points in the curriculum and using established examples of best practice. Conclusion: Despite different priorities at each faculty, it was possible to find an agreement on the development of competencies and anchoring them in medical education on the basis of a common definition of terms. Currently, the implementation in the mandatory and elective areas is very heterogeneous. As part of the current revision of the Medical Licensure Act, there are many possible starting points for the integration of naturopathic and complementary medical teaching content, especially in interprofessional and general practice courses. The implementation and accompanying research of targeted teaching settings should lay the foundations for a long-term and binding integration into medical education. Overall, it is clear that medical education in the field of naturopathy and complementary and integrative medicine has the potential to develop comprehensive core medical competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the implementation of the Excellence Initiative and the Excellence Strategy, German higher education institutions have been restructuring university governance, especially those selected as Universities of Excellence. This study uses a holistic and mission-related integrated governance approach to conduct a qualitative analysis of the governance transformation of German Universities of Excellence, aiming to provoke discussion on transforming governance to optimize organizational effectiveness and sustainable development of German higher education institutions. Transforming governance of German Universities of Excellence involves mission statements, strategic goals, institutional strategies, research, teaching, the third mission, internationalization, global engagement, governance relationships and structures, institutional leadership, funding, autonomy, innovation, digital transformation, quality assurance, and sustainable development, aiming to enhance accountability, performativity, transparency, openness and organizational effectiveness with efficient administrative management in alignment with institutional missions, vision, core values, and strategic goals.

Background: While substantial progress has been made in the development of disease-modifying medications for multiple sclerosis (MS), a high percentage of treated patients still show progression and persistent inflammatory activity. Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) aims at eliminating a pathogenic immune repertoire through intense short-term immunosuppression that enables subsequent regeneration of a new and healthy immune system to re-establish immune tolerance for a long period of time. A number of mostly open-label, uncontrolled studies conducted over the past 20 years collected about 4000 cases. They uniformly reported high efficacy of AHSCT in controlling MS inflammatory disease activity, more markedly beneficial in relapsing-remitting MS. Immunological studies provided evidence for qualitative immune resetting following AHSCT. These data and improved safety profiles of transplantation procedures spurred interest in using AHSCT as a treatment option for MS. Objective: To develop expert consensus recommendations on AHSCT in Germany and outline a registry study project. Methods: An open call among MS neurologists as well as among experts in stem cell transplantation in Germany started in December 2021 to join a series of virtual meetings. Results: We provide a consensus-based opinion paper authored by 25 experts on the up-to-date optimal use of AHSCT in managing MS based on the Swiss criteria. Current data indicate that patients who are most likely to benefit from AHSCT have relapsing-remitting MS and are young, ambulatory and have high disease activity. Treatment data with AHSCT will be collected within the German REgistry Cohort of autologous haematopoietic stem CeLl trAnsplantation In MS (RECLAIM). Conclusion: Further clinical trials, including registry-based analyses, are urgently needed to better define the patient characteristics, efficacy and safety profile of AHSCT compared with other high-efficacy therapies and to optimally position it as a treatment option in different MS disease stages. Plain language summary: Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis Substantial progress has been made in the development of disease-modifying medications for multiple sclerosis (MS) during the last 20 years. However, in a relevant percentage of patients, the disease cannot completely be contained. Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) enables rebuilding of a new and healthy immune system and to potentially stop the autoimmune disease process for a long time. A number of studies documenting 4000 cases cumulatively over the past 20 years reported high efficacy of AHSCT in controlling MS inflammatory disease activity. These data and improved safety profiles of the treatment procedures spurred interest in using AHSCT as a treatment option for MS. An open call among MS neurologists as well as among experts in stem cell transplantation in Germany started in December 2021 to join a series of video calls to develop recommendations and outline a registry study project. We provide a consensus-based opinion paper authored by 25 experts on the up-to-date optimal use of AHSCT in managing MS. Current data indicate that patients are most likely to benefit from AHSCT if they are young, ambulatory, with high disease activity, that is, relapses or new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions. Treatment data with AHSCT will be collected within the German REgistry Cohort of autoLogous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation MS (RECLAIM). Further clinical trials including registry-based analyses and systematic follow-up are urgently needed to better define the optimal patient characteristics as well as the efficacy and safety profile of AHSCT compared with other high-efficacy therapies. These will help to position AHSCT as a treatment option in different MS disease stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anaesthesiologie & Intensivmedizin is the property of DGAI e.V. - Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Anasthesiologie und Intensivmedizin e.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Currently, more than 30,200,000 COVID-19 cases have been diagnosed in Germany alone. However, data regarding prevalence of COVID-19 in children, both in Germany and internationally, are sparse. We sought to evaluate the number of infected children by measuring IgG antibodies. Methods: Oropharyngeal swabs were collected between December 2020 and August 2021 to measure SARS-CoV-2, and capillary blood for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (by rapid test NADAL® and filter paper test Euroimmun® ELISA); venous blood was taken for validation (Roche® ECLIA and recomLine Blot) in 365 German children aged 3–16 years from 30 schools and preschools. We used multiple serological tests because the filter paper test Euroimmun® ELISA performs better in terms of sensitivity and specificity than the rapid test NADAL®. The Roche® ECLIA test is used to detect SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and the recomLine Blot test is used to rule out the possibility of infection by seasonal SARS-viruses and to test for specific SARS-CoV-2 proteins (NP, RBD and S1). In addition, one parent each (n = 336), and 4–5 teachers/caregivers (n = 90) per institution were tested for IgG antibodies from capillary blood samples. The total study duration was 4 months per child, including the first follow-up after 2 months and the second after 4 months. Results: Of 364 children tested at baseline, 3.6% (n = 13) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using Euroimmun® ELISA. Seven children reported previously testing positive for SARS-CoV-2; each of these was confirmed by the Roche® Anti-SARS-CoV-2-ECLIA (antibody to spike protein 1) test. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies persisted over a 4-month period, but levels decreased significantly (p = 0.004) within this timeframe. The median IgG values were 192.0 BAU/ml [127.2; 288.2], 123.6 BAU/ml [76.6; 187.7] and 89.9 BAU/ml [57.4; 144.2] at baseline, 2 months and 4 months after baseline, respectively. During the study period, no child tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by oropharyngeal swab. A total of 4.3% of all parents and 3.7% of teachers/caregivers tested positive for IgG antibodies by Euroimmun® ELISA at baseline. Conclusion: We noted a rather low seroprevalence in children despite an under-reporting of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Measurement of IgG antibodies derived from capillary blood appears to be a valid tool to detect asymptomatic infections in children. However, no asymptomatic active infection was detected during the study period of 4 months in the whole cohort. Further data on SARS-CoV-2 infections in children are needed, especially in the group of <5-year-olds, as there is currently no licensed vaccine for this age group in Germany. The Robert Koch Institute's Standing Commission on Vaccination (STIKO) recommended COVID-19 vaccination for 12–17 and 5–11 year olds in August 2021 and May 2022 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal for Educational Research Online / Journal für Bildungsforschung Online is the property of Waxmann Verlag GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Social norm interventions hold the potential to change people's behavior. Five field experiments (N = 1,163) examined the effects of a simple and easily realizable social norm nudge based on the social media format "Be like Bill." The nudge consisted of a stick figure named Toni that communicated descriptive and injunctive norms regarding pro-environmental or pro-social behaviors. Nudge conditions were compared to no-intervention control conditions. Experiment 1 (N = 179) focused on paper towel consumption in a women's restroom at a German university. The nudge condition used less paper towels than the control condition, d = 0.48. Experiment 2 (N = 183) replicated this result (d = 0.32) in a more diverse setting of a women's restroom at a German Christmas market. Experiment 3 (N = 250) examined differences in the effects of prescriptive (i.e., 'do-norm') versus proscriptive (i.e., 'do not-norm') social norms on paper towel consumption again in a university women's restroom. The effectiveness of both social norm nudge conditions was shown in comparison to the control condition (d = 0.46; d = 0.40), while the prescriptive and proscriptive social norm manipulations did not differ. Experiment 4 (N = 206) applied the nudging approach to the use of plastic lids in a coffee shop, where no effect was found. Finally, Experiment 5 (N = 345) focused on the pro-social behavior of mask wearing in a bakery toward the end of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions in Germany. In the nudge condition, more visitors put on face masks compared to the control group, d = 0.39. Limitations and contextual factors regarding the applicability of our social norm nudge are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has been widely applied and accepted in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Despite numerous studies exploring the effects of DBS on the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), there is a limited number of articles summarizing this research. The purpose of this study is to investigate the current trends, hot topics, and potential in research surrounding DBS therapy for PD, as well as to anticipate the challenges of such research. Methods: We searched the Web of Science Core Collection database (WoSCC) for DBS research literature related to PD published from January 2014 to January 2024, utilized CiteSpace, VOS viewer, the bibliometric online analysis platform, Scimago Graphica, Microsoft Excel 2021, and R software version 4.2.3 for data analysis. And we conducted quantitative research on publications, citations, journals, authors, countries, institutions, keywords, and references, visualized the results in network graphs. Results: From 2014 to 2024, papers from 39 journals from 11 countries were among the top 100 cited. Most papers were published in Neurology, with the highest average citations per paper in Nature Neuroscience. The United States (US) contributed the most publications, followed by the United Kingdom (UK) and Germany. In terms of total publications, University College London (UCL) contributed the most papers. The primary classifications of articles were Clinical Neurology, Neurosciences, and Surgery. The top five keywords were subthalamic nucleus, DBS, PD, medical therapy, and basal ganglia. Cluster analysis indicates that DBS research focus on improving quality of life and applying computational models. Conclusion: Through bibliometric analysis, researchers could quickly and clearly understand the hotspots and boundaries of their research field, thus guiding their research direction and scope to improve research efficiency and the quality of outcomes. Although studies indicate that DBS is currently a crucial method for treating advanced PD, in the long run, creating a personalized, lowcost treatment regimen with precise targeting and long-term efficacy poses a challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil and soil biodiversity are often a neglected component in assessments of ecosystems and their services. One of the reasons is the increasing complexity of scientific investigation of biotic and abiotic interactions and mechanisms from soil biodiversity and soil components via ecosystem structures, processes, and functions that finally provide specific ecosystem services for human well-being. In particular, soil-related cultural ecosystem services are missing in the publications on interactions. We tested this hypothesis by using a systematic literature analysis and taking Germany as a case study. The findings revealed a huge research gap. Among 2104 peer-reviewed scientific papers, covering all types of soil-related ecosystem services, only 28 publications were related to soil-related cultural ecosystem services in Germany. Furthermore, the terminological awareness of "ecosystem services" is still limited. The following five main categories for cultural soil-related ecosystem services were identified: (1) place of sense, (2) spiritual value, (3) recreation, (4) forecasts and measures, and (5) soil as an archive. Soil as an archive was further divided into storage, archaeological site, and reconstruction of the past. By highlighting the importance of cultural soil-related ecosystem services and their interactions with soil biodiversity, this study underlines the urgent need to better consider soil biodiversity and soil processes in ecosystem service assessments. This systemic and interdisciplinary approach increases also the societal and political relevance of soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have investigated the relationship between the energy performance of buildings and housing prices. First, this paper identifies a price premium for energy efficiency within the German rental market. Then, the indexed price differences and associated marginal benefits are compared with the marginal costs of energy retrofits. An extensive database of Germany's largest online platform for housing over a time span from 2016 to 2020 is used in a hedonic regression approach. In addition, to extract the marginal costs of energy consumption abatement, a dataset of 1048 rental units regarding green-retrofit measures is utilized. Although a significant green premium is identified in the rental market, the findings suggest that it is not high enough to compensate landlords for the money they have to spend to retrofit. The marginal costs exceed the marginal benefits by far. Furthermore, it is found that the German government's recent plans to split the carbon tax between landlords and tenants do not change this because the price per metric ton of carbon is insufficiently high. Limitations with respect to the data basis and consequently to the interpretation of the results exist. Nevertheless, the findings can help both tenants and landlords in their decision-making, as well as policy makers in the implementation of decarbonization efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents a global research scenario in the domain of quantum sensing in quantitative and qualitative terms. The study is based on an analysis of 588 global publications in the field, sourced from the Scopus database for the period 1991-2020. The study identified key countries, organizations and authors, network collaborative linkages at national, institutional, and author level. In addition, it identified broad subject areas intersecting quantum sensing research, key journals for research communications, and broad characteristics of highly-cited papers. The study finds that the USA and Germany lead the world ranking in quantum sensing research with a combined share of 50% to the global output. The USA, Germany, and Italy are the home countries to 13 of the top 15 most productive organizations, and also the home countries to 14 of the top 15 most productive authors in the subject. The top journals publishing most research publications are Physical Review A, Physical Review Letters and New Journal of Physics. However, in the most cited journals list in the subject, Agriculture & Forest Meterology, Science and Physical Review A tops the list. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 11th Revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Injuries, and Causes of Death (ICD-11) will replace its predecessor as international standard for cause-of death-statistics. The digitization of healthcare is a main motivation for its introduction. In parallel, the replacement of the paper-based death certificate with an electronic format is under evaluation. At the moment, the death certificate is used in paper-based format with ICD-10 for coding in Germany. To be prepared for the switch to ICD-11, the compatibility between ICD-11 and the electronic certificate should be assured. Objectives were to check the appropriateness of diagnosis-related information found on death certificates for an ICD-11 coding and to describe enhancements to the certificate's structure needed to fully utilize the strengths of ICD-11. As part of an exploratory test of a respective application, information from 453 electronic death certificates were provided by one local health authority. From a sample of 200 certificates, 433 diagnosis texts were coded into the German version of ICD-11. The appropriateness of the results as well as the further requirements of ICD-11, particularly with regard to post-coordination, were checked. For 430 diagnosis texts, 649 ICD-11 codes were used. Three hundred and sixty two diagnosis texts were rated as appropriately represented through the coding result. Almost all certificates contained diagnosis texts that lacked details required by ICD-11 for a precise coding. The distribution of diseases was very similar between ICD-10 and ICD-11 coding. A few gaps in ICD-11 were identified. Information requested by ICD-11 for a mandatory post-coordination were almost entirely absent from the death certificates. The structure and content of the death certificate are currently not well prepared for an ICD-11 coding. Necessary information was frequently missing. The line-oriented structure of death certificates has to be supplemented with a more flexible approach. Then, the semantic knowledge base of ICD-11 should better guide the content related input fields of a future electronic death certificate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous existing buildings in Germany lack corresponding BIM models. Advanced analysis and visualization purposes, including indoor navigation, energy demand simulations, and building materials recycling on these buildings presents significant challenges, as only Level of Detail 2 (LoD2) models provided by local housing authorities, along with architectural drawings and textual descriptions of the internal structures, are available. This paper proposes a semi-manual workflow, LoD2BIM, to facilitate the efficient reconstruction and conversion of existing building models, particularly transforming Germany's official 3D Building Models in LoD2 into comprehensive, information-rich IFC models using open-source software. Through the integration of BaseX and CesiumJS, the visualization, querying and extracting of one LoD2 model from CityGML file become easy and feasible. Central to the LoD2BIM workflow is Blender, it acts as the primary platform for model editing, reconstruction and conversion. Users can expediently rebuild and refine LoD2 models utilizing Blender's visual interface and the tool floorplan to blender3d, based on floorplans or detailed written descriptions. New Blender add-ons are developed to streamline the model import and conversion process. The BlenderBIM add-on is also modified to facilitate the automatic batch assignment of mesh as IFC classes. This workflow not only showcases the reconstruction and subsequent conversion of CityGML models into IFC models but also illustrates the potential to act as an alternative to commercial software in Building Information Modeling (BIM) editing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper asks the question, 'What does Islamic education mean for the 21st century university?' To begin with, the paper addresses the modern university as an institution facing numerous challenges, which can be conceived of by understanding the nature of the 'academic imagination'. In so doing, this argument draws on the fundamental elements of thought itself by foregrounding imagination as a primary route by which knowledge is conceived, created and disseminated. At root, it is an argument that suggests that to understand the university is to apprehend its imaginative functions. 'Problems of the imagination' are thereafter defined as 'depth perception', 'vertigo' and 'paralysis', respectively. In light of these challenges, the rise of Centers of Islamic Theology in Germany, and Islamic education as a discipline in particular, are considered as uncharted paths towards a discussion of the dilemmas of contemporary academia. Methodologically, the paper is a philosophical reflection on the role of the future of the university and the place of Islamic Theology and Islamic education therein. As such, use of the contemporary literature on higher education, as well as classical works on Islamic education, shall be employed for the purposes of the argument. In so doing, this paper turns the normative discussion of contemporary Islamic education on its head: from how we may make room for such education in the modern university, to consider how its presence may help the institution and its imaginative conundrums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant shift toward green energy solutions, with Germany leading the way in the transition to renewable energy through its Energiewende initiative. This topic is of great importance as it offers valuable insights for other countries in the European Union and worldwide seeking sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives for their energy sectors. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of Germany's green energy transition, focusing on the technological advancements, strategic management, and country economics that drive this transformation. Utilising a bibliometric study research method, the paper analyses data from scientific publications in the Scopus database and employs VOSviewer and Bibliometrix software to develops bibliometric maps of keyword co-occurrences. The analysis reveals the main changes in Germany's green energy transition, uncovering the meaning and important structures of keywords, suggesting new directions for research, and pointing out strategies based on the technological transition toward renewable energy sources and green job creation. By integrating sustainable development and technological changes, this study contributes to the understanding of green energy transition strategies and their impact on adjacent domains, offering valuable insights for business and society. Furthermore, the assessment of Germany's green energy transition serves as a valuable example for governments and policymakers in other countries, helping them to learn from Germany's experience and implement similar strategies in their energy sectors. The full paper will discuss the limitations of the paper and potential directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Companies from the mechanical engineering industry are eager to embrace new technologies in their pursuit of a competitive advantage. However, the complete digitalization of the sector encounters limitations, as certain aspects necessitate human supervision or manual labor. This is where the concepts of Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0, and digital transformation become relevant. The aim of the research presented in this paper was to gather and extract valuable insights and lessons from the experiences of German companies in the plastic extrusion machinery sector with digital transformation (DT). Qualitative interpretative research was used, using in-depth expert interviews with C-level executives. We organized the findings into three categories: (i) DT communication initiatives, including the elimination of paper, CRM solutions, messenger services, home office, and online procurement platforms; (ii) departments and areas most involved, including accounting and procurement, sales and production, and construction; and (iii) cost–benefit perception, including positive assessment, long-term impacts, and variation from company to company. The results provide valuable insights into the progress of DT initiatives in companies operating in the pipe extrusion sector in Germany. Additionally, several DT misconceptions were identified, thereby enriching the DT misconceptions framework that has been intensely discussed in the DT literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to find optimized headlight distributions based on real traffic data, a three-step approach has been chosen. Since the complete investigations are too extensive to fit into one single publication, this paper is the second of three papers. Over the course of these papers, a novel way to optimize automotive light distributions based on real-life traffic and eye-tracking data is presented. Over all three papers, 119 test subjects participated in the studies, with over 15,000 km of driving, including recordings of gaze behavior, light data, detection distances and other objects in traffic. In the first paper, an ideal headlight distribution for straight roads with no other road users was identified. The second paper aims to collect the data required to modify this idealized headlight distribution for use on real roads. The first step is to find the extent to which real roads differ from an ideal, straight road. To do this, the German traffic space was analyzed. A new test vehicle recorded video and GPS data over a selected route. The video data were then evaluated by a machine learning algorithm. Object recognition software was used to find different traffic participants and road signs. Camera calibrations were used to find the exact angles of these objects. Using publicly available road data combined with the recorded GPS data, the video data were split into different road categories, and traffic object distributions were calculated for urban roads, country roads and motorways. The resulting analyses provided representative distributions of vehicles and highway signs along different types of roadways and roadway geometries. The GPS data were also used to find the curvature distributions along the selected route. These data were then used to optimize segment sizes for an adaptive driving beam. Overall, increasing the number of segments above 100 did not have appreciable benefits. These data will also be used in the third paper, where along the same route, the gaze distribution of drivers was recorded and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to find optimized headlight distributions based on real traffic data, a three-step approach has been chosen. The complete investigations are too extensive to fit into a single paper; this paper is the last of a three part series. Over the three papers, a novel way to optimize automotive headlight distributions based on real-life traffic and eye tracking data is presented. Across all three papers, a total of 119 test subjects participated in the studies with over 15,000 km of driving, including recordings of gaze behaviour, light data, detection distances, and other objects in traffic. In this third paper, driver gaze behaviour is recorded while driving a 128 km round course, covering urban roads, country roads, and motorways. This gaze behaviour is then analysed and compared to prior work covering driver gaze behaviour. Comparing the gaze distributions with roadway object distributions from part two of this series, Analysis of Real-World Traffic Data in Germany and combining them with the idealized baseline headlight distribution from part one, different optimized headlight distributions can be generated. These headlight distributions can be optimized for different driving requirements based on the data that is used and weighting the different road types differently. The resulting headlight distribution is then compared to a standard light distribution in terms of the required luminous flux, angular distribution, and overall shape. Nonetheless, it is the overall approach that has been taken that we see as the primary novel outcome of this investigation, even more than the actual distribution resulting from this effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is among the most common injuries in forensic medicine, the identification of which is of particular importance in forensic practice. To reveal the circumstances and trends of TBI in the forensic field, we used the Web of Science (WoS) database for comprehensive retrieval. We made a metrological analysis of 1,089 papers in the past 50 years (1972-2021). The United States and Germany have the most forensic research on TBI. Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) has been the focus of attention for many years, and much effort has been devoted to its diagnosis in forensic pathology. Infants and children are the subgroups of most concern, especially in infant and child abuse cases. Research on identifying shaken baby syndrome has received increasing attention in recent years. Overall, our study provides a comprehensive list and analysis of the articles regarding TBI in legal medicine, which may shed light on recognizing the trends and research hotspots in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) involves cognitive decline beyond typical age-related changes, but without significant daily activity disruption. It can encompass various cognitive domains as the causes of MCI are diverse. MCI as well as frequent comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety affect individuals' quality of life. Early interventions are essential, and computerized cognitive training (cCT) is an established treatment method. This paper presents the protocol for the NeuroNation MED Effectiveness Study, evaluating the self-administered mobile cCT intervention ("NeuroNation MED") in individuals with MCI to assess training effects on cognitive domains, health competence, neuropsychiatric symptoms, psychological well-being, and the general application usability. Methods: This study protocol presents a single-blinded multicenter randomized controlled trial that will be carried out in six study centers in Germany and Luxembourg. We included adults with MCI (existing F06.7 ICD-10-GM diagnosis and TICS ≥ 21 and ≤ 32). The intervention group will use a mobile, multi-domain cCT ("NeuroNation MED") for 12 weeks. Meanwhile, the wait list control group will receive standard medical care or no care. The eligibility of volunteers will be determined through a telephone screening. After completion of the baseline examination, patients will be randomly assigned to one of the experimental conditions in a 2:1 ratio. In total, 286 participants will be included in this study. The primary outcome is the change of cognitive performance measured by the index score of the screening module of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery. Secondary outcomes are changes in the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Health-49, Health Literacy Questionnaire, among others. All of the primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the 12-week post-allocation period. Furthermore, the intervention group will undergo an assessment of the System Usability Scale, and the training data of the NeuroNation MED application will be analyzed. Discussion: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a mobile self-administered cCT in enhancing cognitive abilities among individuals diagnosed with MCI. Should the findings confirm the effectiveness of the NeuroNation MED app, it may confer possible benefits for the care management of patients with MCI, owing to the accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and home-based setting it provides. Specifically, the cCT program could provide patients with personalized cognitive training, educational resources, and relaxation techniques, enabling participants to independently engage in cognitive training sessions at home without further supervision. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00025133. Registered on November 5, 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research in economics and sociology demonstrates the existence of significant occupational segregation by sexual orientation and gender identity and differences in a range of labor market outcomes, such as hiring chances, earnings, and leadership positions. In this paper, we examine one possible cause of these differences that is associated with the disadvantaged position of sexual and gender minorities in the labor market: LGBTQ* individuals' choices aimed at avoiding possible discrimination. This paper examines LGBTQ* people's relative importance of income, time, promotion prospects, an LGBTQ*-friendly work environment, and diversity management in the decision for or against a job. Based on a discrete choice experiment conducted in a large online sample recruited through social media in Germany (N = 4,507), an LGBTQ*-friendly work climate accounted, on average, for 33.8 percent of respondents' decisions which is comparable with the relative importance of income. Overtime, a diversity management on company level and promotion prospects are less important in the job decision process of LGBTQ* people. While the results show only small differences by sexual orientation, they show group-specific preferences by gender identity. An LGBTQ*-friendly work climate is more important for cisgender women of the LGBTQ* community and gender minorities than for cisgender men of the LGBTQ* community. In contrast, income is less important for gender minorities and cisgender women of the LGBTQ* community than for cisgender men of the LGBTQ* community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This paper provides an initial exploration of Ukrainian–Russian bilingualism in the context of the war-affected migration from Ukraine to Austria and Germany. While extensive research exists on various aspects of Ukrainian– Russian bilingualism in relation to Ukraine itself, thus far no studies have been conducted on this bilingualism in the diasporic context, i.e., as a language of the first and subsequential generations with a migrant background in Austria and Germany. Methods: To address this research gap, our paper examines the language attitudes of two respondent groups with a Ukrainian background in the two countries: migrants and refugees who left Ukraine after 2014 and those who left after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. In the framework of a sociolinguistic survey, we describe their current attitudes regarding the use of Ukrainian and Russian, among others, in relation to the actual and intended use of the language(s) in the multilingual context of migration. The survey eliciting information on demographic information, language proficiency, language attitudes and language use was conducted on 406 Ukrainians in two host countries (Austria: n = 103; Germany: n = 306). First, we compared self-rated proficiency in Ukrainian and Russian as well as attitudes and use of these languages. Second, we applied a network modelling analysis to determine the nature of relationships between these variables. Results and discussion: The results indicated that proficiency in Ukrainian and in Russian were the strongest nodes in the model affecting language use and language attitudes toward the respective languages. Our data analysis focused on the pragmatic and symbolic value of Russian and Ukrainian playing a crucial role in the language vitality in multilingual settings. The paper discusses the imbalanced correlation of the symbolic and pragmatic value of Ukrainian and Russian in the diasporic Ukrainian communities. While Ukrainian has gained a higher symbolic status, Russian maintains a better pragmatic one, despite its negative symbolic status. However, we anticipate that the increasing symbolic value of Ukrainian and the diminishing value of Russian will lead to an increase in the use of Ukrainian also in Russian-dominant bilingual groups of Ukrainian migrants and refugees, even as an insider-code in hermetic minority groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an innovative approach to decentralized data management in the German energy market, focusing on the use of decentralized data management with the help of Data Spaces to facilitate the automated change of energy suppliers within 24 h. The central focus of this research is the MakoMaker Space, a demonstrator project that employs the Connector from the Eclipse Data Space Components. The MakoMaker project demonstrates the successful automation of energy supplier changes, emphasizing the preservation of customer data sovereignty. It shows an alternative approach to the process, putting the customer into the center. Customers retain control of their data, which is accessible to providers as needed. While the paper discusses the potential for further enhancements, such as the integration of an identity provider and the development of a sustainable business model for service coordination, the primary focus is on the demonstrator's successful application in a pilot setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Max-Planck-Institut für Gesellschaftsforschung Discussion Papers is the property of Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)