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This follow-up study presents a design-based research (DBR) setting implemented over a three-year project called 'eKidZ - Teach Your Parents Well' which uses research-based learning and follows the four phases of DBR. In an iterative cycle, 20 teenagers aged 14-16 took on the role of researchers and investigated intergenerational learning and the multiplier effects of students participating in the Climate Change Education project 'k.i.d.Z.21 - Competent into the Future' on their parents, using the complete research process. Simultaneously, scientists implemented and tested the DBR setting to validate student research findings and to evaluate the quality of the educational setting. In this fully integrated DBR, using multiple methods (quantitative and qualitative), educational and scientific perspectives are brought together to evaluate students' findings and draw conclusions regarding their learning effects. These research results demonstrate that not only did students generate valid and reliable research, but - when changing perspectives - teenagers also contribute to the discussion about closing the gaps in science education and practice. By examining young people's research on Climate Change Education and recognising their contribution in scientific discourse, this paper offers a host of new insights. Highlights: Teenagers take on the role of researchers and perform reliable and valid research results on intergenerational learning and multiplier effects in Climate Change Education, by completing all phases of research-based learning. Design-based research is an effective method to combine science and education and thus delivering novel insights into science education and practice. High-quality Climate Change Education fosters constructive cooperation among all participants with inter - and intragenerational learning and multiplier effects. Constructivism, transdisciplinarity and research-based learning form the basis for effective design-based research and Climate Change Education.

Virtual reality (VR) is a potent educational tool with untapped potential in medical training. However, its integration into medical schools faces challenges such as cybersickness and hesitancy among medical students and professionals. Notably, there has been no systematic assessment of the acceptance of medical educational VR applications by both students and educators. In our single-center study, we enrolled 133 medical students and 14 medical educators. Following a practical demonstration of the established VR anatomy application, Sharecare YOU VR, participants completed a self-reporting survey based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), exploring user acceptance of information technologies and focusing on perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), and attitude toward using (ATU). We also sought insights into potential future applications of VR in medical education. Our findings indicate a high level of acceptance among medical students and educators upon structured exposure to VR with significantly positive responses for all three TAM variables (PU, PEU, and ATU). Intriguingly, hands-on experience influenced acceptance. Students envisioned VR's benefits in anatomy, surgery, emergency medicine, and communication skill training with patients. Both students and educators believed that VR could enhance traditional approaches and complement the existing curriculum, anticipating improved preparedness for medical students through VR training applications. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the receptivity of both students and educators to immersive technologies, including VR, in medical education. Importantly, the data suggest that the adoption of VR in this field would be welcomed rather than resisted, potentially enhancing students' self-efficacy and enriching the medical school curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes and analyses changes made in the organisation of higher education studies in Germany and Norway, following the recommendations of the Bologna Declaration. In both countries, the characteristic modes of university study have been circumscribed by the tradition of Humboldtian values and ideals, albeit to a different extent. On the basis of a cross-national and historical comparison of degree structures, implementation measures undertaken, results gained and the interpretation of various groups of actors involved in the reform process, we argue that the Bologna process has created considerable tensions within the higher education systems in the two countries. The domestication of the Bologna process in Germany and Norway testifies not only to the durability of the Humboldtian legacy, but also to the susceptibility of the Bologna process to national adaptation processes.

This article introduces a tri-national research and development project which aims to develop indicators for the cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary educational task "education for sustainable development" (ESD). These indicators are meant to help monitor the implementation of ESD efforts in schools and institutions of higher education and, potentially, may apply to educational monitoring reports. As these kinds of indicator-based reports address a variety of stakeholders, the article focuses on how these stakeholders are included in the process of developing a set of ESD indicators in the course of the project. Its empirical stages and intentions are therefore presented, as well as some of the project's main challenges and the ways of coping with them. (Contains 1 figure and 2 notes.)

The article summarizes some considerations about the development of indicators for education for sustainable development (ESD). It reflects the present state of discussion, especially from a German perspective, and includes present developments in the area of quality criteria and standards for ESD. These discussion threads only denote the beginning of a discourse that will eventually lead to a practicable instrument for estimating the progress of ESD. This article shall give suggestions for the systematic development of an indicator system for ESD linking three dimensions: levels of educational systems, key functions of indicators, and key aspects of indicator development. (Contains 5 figures and 5 notes.)

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to outline the particular character of the research and development project "Sustainable University--Sustainable development in the Context of University Remits" which lies both in its integrative perspective on universities and the attempt to transfer its findings onto other higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach: The paper describes the testing and further development of transdisciplinary research methods (transformative approach, scenario development) for the purpose of both exploring and testing potentials/capabilities for sustainable development of a single institution (case study University of Luneburg, Germany) against the backdrop of sustainability concept; and making this kind of development transferable to other universities. The paper offers additional reinforcement of strategic scope/effectiveness by means of reference to findings of higher education research (e.g. relevance of neo-institutionalism). Findings: There is empirical evidence for successful development of transdisciplinary techniques for sustainability in higher education domains (among others management, research, and teaching--cf. other contributions of this issue). Further, dissemination of the "Luneburg Approach" by establishing an intermediate level of collaboration between sustainability activists within universities and in higher education policy and administration (e.g. constitution of working groups in northern Germany and at the federal level). Research limitations/implications: There is a need for enhancing research tools for transdisciplinary sustainability science; deliberating on international transferability (current focus: (solely) German academia). Practical implication: A systemic approach is indispensable: instead of focusing upon isolated sustainability fields of action (management, research, teaching, etc.), all-embracing advancement to encompass their strategic relationships and thus synergies. Originality/value: The paper provides a holistic view of academic organisations addressing the issue of how universities are to be proactive in advancing sustainable development. (Contains 4 figures, 1 table and 1 note.)

This article discusses how far (and by what practical means) the growing global trend for universities to commit to sustainable development has spread across German academia. Following this introduction, part 2 will outline the political framework of the sustainability discourse in German higher education. Part 3 will emphasise the integration of sustainability principles into universities' operational practices and institutional missions through teaching and research. Part 4 discusses Eco-Audits for universities as a promising step towards sustainability. That the commitment to becoming a sustainable institution is not without its challenges is described in the final section, part 5, by a case study of the University of Luneburg. (Contains 1 note and 2 tables.)

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In the light of the unconventional monetary policies implemented by most large central banks around the world, there is an intense debate about the potential impact on the prices of capital assets. Particularly in Germany, skepticism about the sustainability of the current policy by the European Central Bank is wide spread and concerns about the emergence of a speculative price bubble in the housing market are increasing. The present study analyzes a comprehensive data set covering 127 large German cities from 1990 through 2013, using tests for speculative bubbles, both at a national and city level. Furthermore, we apply two new testing approaches: panel-data and principal components versions of explosive root tests. We find evidence for explosive price increases in many cities. However, it is only in select urban housing markets that prices decouple from their fundamental values. There is no evidence for speculative price movements nationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the effectiveness of building energy codes, taking a long-run perspective. The focus is on regulation's impact on energy demand in both high- and low-quality residences, in other words, the diffusion and the entry of "green" buildings in the housing market. We develop a measure for regulation intensity and apply this to a panel-error-correction regression model for energy requirements of a large sample of German apartment houses built between 1950 and 2005. We show that regulation is effective in saving energy. In particular, regulation pushes investors in the low-quality housing market segment toward the technological frontier. Indirectly, it also affects the high-quality segment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residential heating is responsible for one-fifth of Germany's energy consumption. Heating costs were around 562 euros per year for an average apartment in 2016, which is more than a 13th month's rent minus heating costs (Kaltmiete). These are the findings of the 2016 Heat Monitor, published by the German Institute for Economic Research and ista Deutschland GmbH. The report presents evaluations based on an extensive database of heating bills for apartment buildings in Germany. Apartment buildings constitute almost one-half of the total housing stock in Germany. Adjusted for climate and weather, their heating energy consumption rose by around two percent in comparison to 2015. However, a further drop in energy prices provided relief to private households once again. Throughout Germany energy prices decreased by around six percent compared to 2015. But this trend will not continue: energy prices are expected to remain constant or to rise slightly in upcoming heating periods. In the light of these developments and alongside climate policy considerations, it would be shortsighted to reduce effort in retrofitting buildings. After all, energy costs are the major determinant of the "second rent.". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the housing prices in the 127 largest German cities have surged strongly in recent years, there is still no sign of a Germanywide housing bubble. In comparison with 2009, the price of condominiums has risen by around 55 percent. Single-family houses cost between 38 and 45 percent more in 2016 than seven years prior, and building lot prices have risen by around 63 percent. The study at hand shows that concerns about a national housing bubble are largely unfounded. There may, however, be bubbles on the local level-primarily in the relatively small segment of new multi-story apartment buildings but also with regard to the valuation of undeveloped residential land. Given the situation, it seems appropriate that financial regulators have opened up more policy options in order to intervene when the market trend proves unsustainable. But because the measures were diluted in the federal legislative process, the need for policy-related action remains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between regional housing market fundamentals and energy consumption. We argue that dwellings, in particularly rental properties, are not only consumer goods, but also constitute financial market assets. Properties are spatially fixed and traded in regional contexts, where real estate market characteristics like vacancy, income levels, and expectations determine rent and prices, which in turn provide incentives to invest in housing quality. The level of housing quality (e.g. windows, building materials, or heating technology) in turn influences the level of energy consumption. While this view is established in the real estate and urban economics literature, it has only recently found its way into the energy debate. As a result, the relationship between regional housing market fundamentals and energy consumption has received little attention. This study provides a first attempt to address this paucity. Utilizing aggregate data on regional space-heating energy consumption from over 300,000 apartment buildings in 97 German planning regions, the study applies structural equation modeling to estimate the influence of housing market fundamentals on the level housing quality, and subsequently on regional energy consumption. Findings provide first evidence that regional differences in housing market conditions have a significant impact on housing quality and energy consumption. Specifically, the results suggest that carbon abatement programs in buildings should focus on regions with weak housing market fundamentals, as market incentives are unlikely to incentivize investors to invest in housing quality attributes. The authors conclude by highlighting important implications for energy research and avenues for further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supported by dynamic domestic demand, the German economy is expected to grow by 1.7 percent this year. As consumption and investment in construction are likely to weaken in the coming year, is hardly contributing to growth 2017 should amount to roughly 1.4 percent. Foreign trade is contributing relatively little to growth. In both years of the forecast period, capacities will be at more or less normal levels of utilization; there are no signs of overheating. In the medium term, however, stronger investment in the capital stock is necessary to increase the growth potential of the German economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The German economy is expected to grow by 1.7 percent this year, and to maintain this pace in 2016 as well. The rate of growth should slow down slightly (to 1.5 percent) in 2017, but only because the number of working days will be lower due to the timing of public holidays. The global economy is growing at a slower pace than it has been in recent years, but will pick up speed during the forecast period. The recessions in Russia and Brazil are coming to an end, China is orienting its economy toward more consumption-sofar, without any major disruptions-and growth in the U.S. and the UK remains strong. The euro area is on the path to recovery, albeit at a moderate pace: Job creation, while modest, and an increase in real income are spurring demand in many countries. The global economy's average annual growth rate is expected to rise from 3.4 percent this year to 3.6 next year, and to 3.9 percent in the following year. In Germany, strong private consumption is the primary growth driver. The main reason for this is the ongoing pattern of strong growth of the wage bill. In the coming year, this year's positive effect of lower oil prices on households' purchasing power will fall away-yet positive impulses will also arise as a result of the refugee influx. This is connected with the care, accommodation, and integration of refugees and with the consumption this creates, as well as with increased activity in the construction industry. In contrast, investment in equipment will develop only modestly. In addition to the overall slightly weaker global sales prospects, there are also domestic factors with dampening effects. Despite robust exports, foreign trade will not contribute to growth in net terms since the dynamic domestic economy is spurring imports more powerfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry has been a key pillar of the German economy in recent years. New residential construction played a major part in this with the volume of new construction growing nominally by over 60 percent between 2010 and 2014. The development of construction work on existing residential buildings was less dynamic, however, with just under ten-percent growth between 2010 and 2014. A key reason for this is the declining volume of investment in energy-efficiency of residential buildings. Similar growth is anticipated for the German construction industry as a whole in 2015. Construction activity will continue to boost the economy into 2016. In addition to residential construction, commercial construction and sharp increases in the volume of public construction, largely triggered by the major refugee influx, are expected to provide a positive impetus. Gradually, the German government's plans to increase investment in transportation routes and municipal infrastructure should also start to have a palpable impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12®, on two primary end points – defecation frequency and gastrointestinal (GI) well-being – in healthy adults with low defecation frequency and abdominal discomfort. A total of 1248 subjects were included in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. After a 2-week run-in period, subjects were randomised to 1 or 10 billion colony-forming units/d of the probiotic strain BB-12® or a matching placebo capsule once daily for 4 weeks. Subjects completed a diary on bowel habits, relief of abdominal discomfort and symptoms. GI well-being, defined as global relief of abdominal discomfort, did not show significant differences. The OR for having a defecation frequency above baseline for ≥50 % of the time was 1·31 (95 % CI 0·98, 1·75), P=0·071, for probiotic treatment overall. Tightening the criteria for being a responder to an increase of ≥1 d/week for ≥50 % of the time resulted in an OR of 1·55 (95 % CI 1·22, 1·96), P=0·0003, for treatment overall. A treatment effect on average defecation frequency was found (P=0·0065), with the frequency being significantly higher compared with placebo at all weeks for probiotic treatment overall (all P<0·05). Effects on defecation frequency were similar for the two doses tested, suggesting that a ceiling effect was reached with the one billion dose. Overall, 4 weeks’ supplementation with the probiotic strain BB-12® resulted in a clinically relevant benefit on defecation frequency. The results suggest that consumption of BB-12® improves the GI health of individuals whose symptoms are not sufficiently severe to consult a doctor (ISRCTN18128385). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article forecasts the performance of various economic indicators of Germany in 2015 and 2016 including decline in unemployment rate, rise in gross domestic product, growth in investment in construction, rise in public investment, and increase in purchasing power of households.

Background: Probiotics can modulate the immune system in healthy individuals and may help reduce symptoms related to respiratory infections. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, L. casei 431 (Chr. Hansen A/S) (hereafter, L. casei 431) on immune response to influenza vaccination and respiratory symptoms in healthy adults. Design: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 1104 healthy subjects aged 18-60 y at 2 centers in Germany and Denmark. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive an acidified milk drink containing ≥109 colony-forming units of L. casei 431 (n = 553) or placebo (n = 551) for 42 d. After 21 d, subjects received the seasonal influenza vaccination. The primary outcome was seroprotection rate (anti-influenza antibody titers by hemagglutination inhibition) 21 d after vaccination. Other outcomes were seroconversion rate and mean titers, influenza A–specific antibodies and incidence, and duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms. Antibiotic use and use of health care resources were recorded. Results: There was no effect of L. casei 431 on immune responses to influenza vaccination. Generalized linear mixed modeling showed a shorter duration of upper respiratory symptoms in the probiotic group than in the placebo group (mean ± SD: 6.4 ± 6.1 vs. 7.3 ± 9.7 d, P = 0.0059) in the last 3 wk of the intervention period. No statistically significant differences were found for incidence or severity. Conclusions: Daily consumption of L. casei 431 resulted in no observable effect on the components of the immune response to influenza vaccination but reduced the duration of upper respiratory symptoms. The trial was registered at www.isrctn.com as ISRCTN08280229. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The German economy continues to recover, and will grow by 2.2 percent in 2015 and by 1.9 percent in 2016. The unemployment rate will further decline, to 6.4 percent this year and 6.1 percent in 2016. Inflation, which averages 0.5 percent this year, will be substantially dampened by the slump in oil prices; in 2016 as well, inflation will remain low, at 1.2 percent. The global economy continues in its recovery. In industrialized countries, a gradually improving situation in labor markets, as well as the slump in oil prices, is propelling the purchasing power of private consumers. Corporate investment activity should also pick up, benefitting from easy monetary policy. In many economies in the euro area, unemployment remains high and the public and private debt is dampening demand. For the time being, growth in the emerging markets is expected to lag behind. Overall, the average annual growth rate of the global economy is expected to be 3.8 percent in 2015, and 4.0 percent in the following year. The German economy is currently recovering, driven by strong domestic demand, and should be back on its potential path later on. Inflation is bound to remain weak. There is no sign of the German economy overheating; important markets have lost momentum when compared to the pre-crisis years -- foreign trade is therefore likely to provide only minor stimulus, and in this environment, investments in equipment and machinery will only experience a moderate expansion. Government revenues are surging: despite a rather loose spending behavior, the public budget surpluses will reach approximately 0.5 percent in both years of the forecast period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the construction volume forecasts released by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) for 2014 and 2015. Topics covered include the economic importance of the construction industry, concerns regarding construction price increases, and construction volume calculations.

A vast academic literature illustrates that voter turnout is affected by the institutional design of elections (e.g., compulsory voting, electoral system, postal or Sunday voting). In this article, we exploit a simple Downsian theoretical framework to argue that the institutional framework of public good provision-and, in particular, the distribution of political and administrative competences across government levels-likewise affects voters' turnout decisions by influencing the expected net benefit of voting. Empirically, we exploit the institutional variation across German municipalities to test this proposition, and find supportive evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of factors that determine the transition from nascent entrepreneurship to real entrepreneurship is of major importance for policies aiming to stimulate start-ups effectively. Scholars have concentrated mainly on person-specific factors to explain transition probabilities, and environmental characteristics have been relatively neglected. Given that entrepreneurship is a strongly localized phenomenon, this paper argues that regional entrepreneurial opportunities are a driving force behind the transition from nascent entrepreneurship to new venture creation. Based on unique data from 103 nascent entrepreneurs in the German biotechnology industry, we empirically assess the importance of regional entrepreneurial opportunities for transition probabilities. Further, we introduce a new approach to measure nascent entrepreneurship by capturing details of individuals who participate actively in start-up competitions and have won at least one of these. Controlling for technology and individual characteristics, we find strong support for our hypotheses relating to the significant impact of general regional opportunities, specific regional opportunities and the entrepreneurial environment on the probability of transition from award-winning nascent entrepreneurs to real start-ups. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article summarizes some considerations about the development of indicators for education for sustainable development (ESD). It reflects the present state of discussion, especially from a German perspective, and includes present developments in the area of quality criteria and standards for ESD. These discussion threads only denote the beginning of a discourse that will eventually lead to a practicable instrument for estimating the progress of ESD. This article shall give suggestions for the systematic development of an indicator system for ESD linking three dimensions: levels of educational systems, key functions of indicators, and key aspects of indicator development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to outline the particular character of the research and development project "Sustainable University - Sustainable development in the Context of University Remits" which lies both in its integrative perspective on universities and the attempt to transfer its findings onto other higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach - The paper describes the testing and further development of transdisciplinary research methods (transformative approach, scenario development) for the purpose of both exploring and testing potentials/capabilities for sustainable development of a single institution (case study: University of Lüneburg, Germany) against the backdrop of sustainability concept; and making this kind of development transferable to other universities. The paper offers additional reinforcement of strategic scope/effectiveness by means of reference to findings of higher education research (e.g. relevance of neo-institutionalism) Findings - There is empirical evidence for successful development of transdisciplinary techniques for sustainability in higher education domains (among others management, research, and teaching - cf. other contributions of this issue). Further, dissemination of the "Lüneburg Approach" by establishing an intermediate level of collaboration between sustainability activists within universities and in higher education policy and administration (e.g. constitution of working groups in northern Germany and at the federal level) Research limitations/implications - There is a need for enhancing research tools for transdisciplinary sustainability science; deliberating on international transferability (current focus: (solely) German academia) Practical implication - A systemic approach is indispensable: instead of focusing upon isolated sustainability fields of action" (management, research, teaching, etc.), all-embracing advancement to encompass their strategic relationships and thus synergies. Originality/value - The paper provides a holistic view of academic organisations addressing the issue of how universities are to be proactive in advancing sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses how far (and by what practical means) the growing global trend for universities to commit to sustainable development has spread across German academia. Following this introduction, part 2 will outline the political framework of the sustainability discourse in German higher education. Part 3 will emphasise the integration of sustainability principles into universities’ operational practices and institutional missions through teaching and research. Part 4 discusses Eco-Audits for universities as a promising step towards sustainability. That the commitment to becoming a sustainable institution is not without its challenges is described in the final section, part 5, by a case study of the University of Lüneburg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented on 2017 growth rate of Germany economy. Topics discussed include higher growth rate due to huge revised labor market data by Federal Employment Agency results decrease in unemployment; refugees obtaining work permits and joining labor pool; and rise in consumer prices due to increases in crude oil prices resulted from supply cuts in oil-exporting countries. It also mentions impact of the U.S. government's economic policy on export-oriented countries such as Germany.

The article forecasts the performance of various economic indicators of Germany in 2015 and 2016 including employment growth, decline in unemployment rate, fall in inflation, and rise in exports.

Little attention has been given academically to empirically tested theoretical frameworks that aim at measuring the risk of adolescents falling victim to cybergrooming. To this end, we have applied the routine activity theory (RAT) to investigate whether exposure to motivated offenders (PC/laptop ownership and Internet access in one's own bedroom), capable guardianship (parental mediation strategies of Internet use), and target suitability (adolescents' online disclosure of private information) might predict cybergrooming victimization among adolescents. Using data from a cross-sectional survey of 5,938 adolescents from Germany, India, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, and the United States, ranging in age from 12 to 18 ( M  = 14.77, SD  = 1.60), we found that PC/laptop ownership and Internet access in one's own bedroom, parental mediation, and online disclosure are all directly associated with cybergrooming victimization. Although instructive parental mediation is negatively related to online disclosure and cybergrooming victimization, restrictive mediation is positively related to both. In addition, online disclosure partially mediated the relationship between parental mediation and cybergrooming victimization. The analyses confirm the effectiveness of applying RAT to cybergrooming. Moreover, this study highlights the need for prevention programs, including lessons on age-appropriate information and communication technology usage and access, to educate parents on using instructive strategies of Internet mediation, and inform adolescents about how to avoid disclosing too much private information online. RAT could function as a theoretical framework for these programs.