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In this article, we scrutinize methods to evaluate the services and offerings of specialized information services in user-centric and interactive ways. The subject information service (FID) Performing Arts provided by the University Library "Johann Christian Senckenberg" in Frankfurt am Main, is used as an example. Three different approaches are presented in an analysis of their applicability and practicability for the evaluation of FID and research portals, including guided interviews involving think-aloud elements, virtual focus groups, and the digital card-sorting approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Pacta successoria in Roman and contemporary law: observations in the margin of M.F. Merotto's recent book. – The work I patti successori dispositivi nel diritto romano is the most recent publication tackling the problem of contractual succession according to Roman law. In the book's introduction, Maria Federica Merotto responds to the voices calling for a more nuanced study of this phenomenon. Despite numerous exciting thoughts, the study displays shortcommings. The vast discrepancy between the declared methodological attitude and the actual course of the textual exegesis serves as a starting point for a more profound reflection on the shadow that modern legal concepts cast onto the ancient texts and the narrowness of traditional corpus of sources in conventional Roman law research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A subject-specific methodology is necessary for analysing games as digital artifacts regarding their suitability for teaching-learning processes. The article outlines a theoretical prototype for game analysis which is based on insights from game design. The prototype is thus ready for further research on the potential of learning with and about games. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2012 a German guideline for the diagnosis and therapy of bipolar disorders has been available at the S3 level defined by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany. This has now been updated in a revision process and since May 2019 available under the AWMF number 038-019. In order to maintain the high quality of the guidelines it was necessary to review and evaluate studies published since the first release, which is reflected in the number of 20 new and 29 amended recommendations and statements. This article discusses the recently finalized revision process and provides a perspective on future updates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes approaches to investigating the effects of RE in the perspective of religion- related didactics. It describes possible aims of such approaches as well as existing fields of research. At the same time, the article stakes up the concept of different research formats which has been introduced by the recent German discussion on general subject-oriented didactics. This concept is discussed in relationship to research on the effects of RE, thus testing the possible usefulness of this concept and trying to clarify its meaning for religious education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lev Semjenovic Vygotskij is one of the most important psychologists of the past century. His cultural-historical psychology is based, among other things, on the Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler. In this text, selected dimensions of cultural-historical psychology are presented to give an insight into the work of Vygotskij [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Talking about pictures is a central method in art education, which is used regularly both in production and in reception. Usually and with the exception of certain reception situations, the talk about pictures in didactic settings is not completely “open". Rather, the conversation is guided in accordance with specific teaching situations and didactic goals. Art pedagogy focuses on three important areas, be it in the reception or the production: the effects, the meanings, and the material make-up of artifacts. The article shows how conversations can be guided towards these areas so as to archieve their different goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methodology of studying art objects in art education derives from analytical methods developed in art history. The following article reviews and systematizes the breadth of the methodological repertoire available. It does so from a historical perspective, aiming at a differentiated methodology for studying art in art education. That methodology is not only to do justice to the objects in their contextual and formal complexities; it also emancipates the viewers from the effects of images and leads them towards an understanding in relation to their surrounding world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important challenges of contemporary Orthodox theology is the possibility of creative dialogue with the methods and the results of modern New Testament scholarship. This paper claims that a combination of the Orthodox theological tradition and New Testament scholarship is not only possible but indeed necessary. Since the first centuries, the Church Fathers have been studying the New Testament by a variety of approaches using the methodological tools of their respective era. The Church Fathers have considered the New Testament as being a book written by inspired human beings and witnessing the divine revelation. During the middle and later Byzantine period, the patristic biblical exegesis has gradually gained so much authority and importance that it became normative for all later interpretations. One could characterize the patristic interpretation of the Holy Scripture during the first Christian centuries as a "canon after the canon." Modern-day New Testament scholarship is also not free of problems with regard to both method and content. From an Orthodox perspective, this is due to the fact that it often exceeds its own limits by trying to access the uncreated divine reality by using created scholarly methods and categories. The Church Fathers have avoided this inconsistency by developing and following a "double theological methodology," namely distinct approaches to the created reality and the uncreated one. Just like the Church Fathers made use of the philosophical and theological language and methods of their own time, nowadays Orthodox Theology can significantly profit from the use of the methods and results of New Testament scholarship. This is the only way for it to provide convincing answers to contemporary questions. Such a practice would be an adoption of the true spirit of the Church Fathers, as opposed to merely citing their texts that refer to a different time and focus on different problems from our own. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2015 Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse: Study Design and Methodology Aims: The paper gives an overview on methods and study design of the 2015 Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse (ESA). Methods: The sampling frame of the ESA included German-speaking individuals living in private households aged 18 to 64 years. A sample was drawn from population registers using a two-stage probability design oversampling younger birth cohorts. The survey was realized using paper-and-pencil questionnaires, telephone interviews, and online questionnaires. Results: A total of 9204 individuals participated in the survey, resulting in a response rate of 52.2%. Using redressement weights, the sample could be adjusted to the distribution of the general population according to federal state, size of the community, sex, year of birth, and school education. Survey nonrespondents showed more problematic consumption patterns than respondents. Individuals in the paper-and-pencil mode reported higher rates of substance use compared to those in the telephone and online mode. Conclusions: By using different modes of administration and weighting procedures, representativeness of the 2015 ESA data on (clinically relevant) consumption of legal and illegal substances and pharmaceuticals is ensured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the Exzellenzcluster Structures, an interdisciplinary project on the use of mathematics in structures. Topics discussed include research programs on mathematics, methodology of structures, its role in machine learning, history of mathematics education and vector geometry.

Single case research is an appropriate way to investigate how psychotherapy works. Many corresponding theories already exist. However, this process theories must be tested. For various reasons, a purely quantitative design would not be sufficient in individual cases. Qualitative methods are generally more appropriate. Testing a theory, however, is a deductive-nomological research objective, which is usually regarded as incompatible with qualitative methods. In order to justify the testing of a theory as a deductive-nomological research objective with qualitative methods in a single case, the present study proposes a methodology, which turns the usual relation around: A deductive question is answered by an abduction. This act of interpretation for the theory test is implemented systematically with a new hermeneutic method. This qualitative method uses a broad quantitative data base as inductive part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One third of the Berlin inhabitants above the age of 14 actively use Berlin's public libraries. For a representative spot check of the Berlin population, more than 2,000 men and women were questioned about their motives to use the public libraries in Berlin and their satisfaction with what they found. In addition, more than 14,000 active library users were questioned online and in 68 library institutions concerning their motives of use and activities in the libraries and their satisfaction with media availability, events, rooms and the IT infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantification of the impact of climatic change on the content of soil organic matter is of large economic and scientific importance. A suitable possibility for this quantification is the analysis of long-term field experiments, because the carbon and nitrogen contents are continuously measured on those sites, according to the principle of ceteris paribus, over long periods often comprising several decades. For the present study, the results of 15 long-term field experiments on ten different sites with 150 different variations of fertilization were evaluated. The duration of the experiments was between 40 and 110 years (with one exception). The data of the Corg-contents were studied almost complete within a period of 20 years while the contents of Ntwere considered within six experiments. The results of the 15 long-term field experiments reveal that on all variants with combined organic-mineral fertilization in the order of magnitude according to the “best practice” and the “method of balance of humus”, no depletion of the Corg-contents was detected. Instead, we found a significant increase in various cases. Also in the case of the Nt-contents, no depletion could be detected. A large number of analyses and studies dealing with long-term field experiments of other authors support those results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Despite insufficient data, multimorbidity is in Switzerland an emerging issue on the agenda of public health and medical institutions. In this article the most current issues for and obstacles towards valid prevalence figures are discussed. Available Swiss data sources which could be used for estimating prevalence of multimorbidity are illustrated. The biggest current challenge for the international research community is to create a uniform definition of multimorbidity concerning the types and a minimal number of included chronic conditions. Furthermore, to obtain valid and internationally comparable prevalence estimates in the future, methodological approaches regarding data assessment and the development of a measurement for the burden of multimorbidity should be broadly discussed in order to come to a consensus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a conference on trends in the historiography on early modern history, held in honor of German historian Winfried Schulze in Potsdam, Germany, from October 26-27, 2012. Topics of discussion included the problem of historical periodization, methodological innovations in such sub-fields as intellectual, economic, and political history, and importance of intercultural contacts in early modern history.

The article reports on a conference on the comparative study of world civilizations, held in Konstanz, Germany, from October 4-6, 2012. Topics of discussion challenges of the comparative method in the humanities and social sciences, the philosophical concept of similarity, and religious aspects of multiculturalism.

The article reports on a workshop on the use of oral history and eyewitness testimony for writing the history of the labor movement, held in Bonn, Germany, on May 24, 2012. Topics of discussion included oral history methodology, the collective biography of labor union leaders in postwar West Germany, and editing and preparation of historical interviews for publication.

The somewhat crude question of whether we need neuropsychotherapy means more precisely whether its neuroscientific perspective can be useful for the psychotherapeutic practice. To answer this question the traditional scientific approaches do not completely suffice. The 'empirical-technical approach' of quantitative psychotherapy research is of no service here as neuropsychotherapy is only its continuation. Within the framework of this methodology it is not possible to critically reflect on the relevance of neuroscientific research. Such a reflection is, however, the prerequisite for an evaluation of the benefits of neuropsychotherapy. The question about the meaning of neurobiological processes thus leads to the field of epistemology. This 'theoretical approach' is nonetheless only helpful within limits. It provides an important background of reflection, however it needs to remain abstract compared to psychotherapeutic practice because it does not integrate the specific goals of such practice. What is presented here instead is an 'approach of pragmatic reflection'. This reflection departs from a general purpose of psychotherapy from which the value of neuropsychotherapy can be appropriately estimated. After this clarification the approach of pragmatic reflection can be preliminarily demonstrated with concrete applications of neuroscience in psychotherapy. What is shown hereby is that neuropsychotherapy represents a very specific practice of argumention and action, which implements a logic into psychotherapy that does not fit its contents and goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

case report shows that a patient could make a progress in his therapy with the help of professional behavioural analysis after a 14-year period of stagnating forensic therapy. The method of behavioural analysis represents a criminalistic tool to reconstruct and to analyse an offence on the basis of objective data. Nowadays this method is also used successfully in individual cases in the field of forensic psychiatry. The article shows and discusses the methodology and the current use of behavioural analysis in forensic psychiatry. Conclusion: professional behavioural analysis of offences of certain forensic patients provides an additional benefit for their therapy and their risk assessment. This kind of approach should be intensified by increasing cooperation with behavioural analysis units and by further training for forensic therapists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores some of the relevant questions concerning the preservation of archival materials in libraries' education and training system. Furthermore, the article provides an overview of the ten educational institutions in Germany in which library sciences are offered. Finally, it presents some insights concerning the preservation of archival materials in libraries and draws conclusions about possible ways to improve the training and education methodologies for libraries in this field.

The article reports on a symposium held at the Ostwestfalen-Lippe branch of the State Archives of North Rhine-Westphalia in Detmold, Germany, on February 3, 2010. Methodological and didactic considerations relating to oral history interviews and other ego documents by witnesses of the Nazi era from the perspective of archival studies and historical pedagogy were discussed.

The article discusses the conference for historians, titled "Geschichten von Menschen und Dingen – Potenziale und Grenzen der Akteur-Netzwerk-Theorie (ANT) für die Geschichtswissenschaft," that discussed the potentials and limitations of the social theory called the actor-network theory (ANT) for the study of history and was held in Germany from September 29 to October 1, 2010. Presentations were given by historians such as Christina Benninghaus, Martina Hessler, and Klaus Weinhauer.

'Science Apps' could be understood as service and tool sets for virtual research and working environments - similar to 'Google Apps'. Thereby the main focus is to make available subject and project specific tools to support scientific projects. The development of 'Science Apps' is still in the very beginning, but will get more and more important for the networked and mostly interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers and research groups. In a close connection with these new demands the understanding of the central academic support institutions (libraries, computer and media centers) will be changed very fundamentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the summary of a conference that focused on cartography from the Middle Ages to the modern era. It was held from August 30 to September 2, 2010 in Münster, Germany. Topics under discussion at the conference included a discussion of the criteria of political maps, the political cartography in the Middle Ages, as well as the conflicts surrounding boundaries in the Münster region of Germany.

Often without sufficient scientific evidence, unconventional methods for migraine treatment are being put forward. Recently a trial using 'migraine surgery' has been published. Its design is based on a concept of migraine pathogenesis without any scientific background and includes several severe methodological flaws. In spite of the above, the study is frequently cited in the lay press. The surgical procedure as well as the study are critically discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of the works of the incumbent pope concentrates on what is perhaps the best-known title among his recent book (Jesus of Nazareth) without overlooking the older consideration of the commentator in what concerns the work of German theologian. Consequently considerable attention is given to the development of the Ratzinger's thought in response to the dilemmas faced by Christian analysis and perception during the last century (starting with Adolf von Harnack's book from the year 1900) and especially to the issue of the path (by no means of no return) "from, Christ to Jesus." The principle of self-criticism and the competition for the title of "the best philosophy" play a seemingly central part in this context as the analysis concentrates on the essence of the search for the great answers which must take into account the whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methodology of International Public Law is a component of the science of this same discipline as well as a knowledge area in statu nascendi. It is the teaching handbook on methods for understanding the discipline of International Public Law. The methodology of International Public Law above all is made up of knowledge drawn from the disciplines of the methodology of philosophy and sociology in International Public Law. As a legal order, their most important methods are regulation, genetic process,functionality, analysis, systematisation, structure, comparison, empirical methods, stability, change and prediction. International Public Law does not require the International Relations Theories developed in the United States. This work has been written in the context of basic research conducted, with the view to contribute to the continual development of the science of International Public Law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer simulations will be characterized in epistemic respect as a method between experiment and theory. It will be argued that simulations do not provide numerical solutions, rather they use generative mechanisms to imitate a dynamics. Climate science will be considered as a case both systematically and historically. Only simulation experiments allow to build models that imitate a dynamics without solving the relevant equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparisons as a Bridge between History and Philosophy of Science. Both in history and philosophy of science, comparisons are looked upon with considerable skepticism. A widespread syndrome of casuitis, i.e., the tendency of historians of science to produce extremely narrow and local studies that do not present a case for any broader thesis of interest to philosophers, has widened the gulf between history and philosophy of science. This may be somewhat surprising to sociologists, philosophers, or general, legal and cultural historians, who have been using comparisons successfully for a long time–albeit not always without controversy. In the first part of this paper, I assess the status of comparisons in science studies, in order to explain why their systematic use is not nearly as natural as might elsewhere be expected. This critical section is followed by a very brief outline of the prerequisites for fruitful comparison as formulated by general and sociological historians in their detailed methodological discussions. To these are added some necessary conditions from the perspective of modern history of science. In the third part I present four examples of such systematic comparisons taken from my own research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a report on a conference on the history of education in Germany and Switzerland, convened in Herzberg, Switzerland, from June 19-21, 2013. Topics of discussion included the history of the philosophy of higher education, methods of education administration, and student journalism.

The article reports on a conference for doctoral students in German contemporary history, convened in Wittenberg, Germany, from July 18-21, 2013. The conference highlighted methods and interview techniques of oral history and featured such presenters as historians Alexander von Plato, Almut Leh, and Alfons Kenkmann.

The article offers a report from a July 20-21, 2013 conference in Frankfurt am Main, Germany on extrajudicial conflict resolution. Topics of presentations given included the introduction of Frank Sanders' multi-door courthouse model of conflict resolution in the U.S., the alleged lack of openness and legal recognition of alternative conflict resolution models, and alleged flaws in the Japanese model of alternative conflict resolution.

The article reports on a conference on historical theory and women's history, held in Hamburg, Germany, on November 25, 2011. Topics discussed included the importance of theory and methodology in historical research and historiography, theories of biographical writing, and the use of letters as historical sources.