Leibniz University of Hanover

About: Leibniz University of Hanover is a education organization based out in Hanover, Niedersachsen, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Finite element method & Computer science. The organization has 14283 authors who have published 29845 publications receiving 682152 citations.

Validating the EQ-5D with time trade off for the German population

Abstract: The aim of this survey study was to derive the societal values of the general public for the EuroQol EQ-5D. Using the same protocol as previously used in the United Kingdom, we compared the German values with the British. In face-to-face interviews a sample of 339 individuals in northern Germany valued 15 different health states from a sample of 36 states. Values were derived using the York MVH protocol for time trade-off (TTO) and a visual analogue scale (VAS). Values for all 243 health states of the EQ-5D were estimated by a regression model. The VAS values revealed close a resemblance to the British VAS results. German TTO values were higher than the British. This was especially the case for the worse health states. The results suggest that the TTO values are more related to national variables than values derived by VAS. The use of the TTO values of this investigation makes it possible to anticipate these cultural differences in studies carried out in Germany.

Funding, resource allocation, and performance in higher education systems

Abstract: This article analyzes forms of resourceallocation in university systems and theireffects on performance in institutions ofhigher education. Internationally, highereducation systems differ substantially withregard to research and education fundingsources and to ways that resources areallocated. European universities receive themajority of their funding from public sources,but private funding plays a more important rolein Anglo-American systems of higher education.Many governments use competitive elements inthe process of allocating public funds toinstitutions of higher education. Examplesinclude the implementation of performancemeasures through “formula funding”, or resourceallocation on the basis of evaluated projectproposals. Corresponding forms ofperformance-based resource allocation can befound within most higher educationinstitutions. This article analyzes how variousforms of funding and resource allocation affectuniversities at the macro-level and individualbehavior at the micro-level. A theoreticalapproach to this problem suggests thatperformance-based funding tends to bring aboutpositive changes but is also a factor inunintended side effects. Forms of resourceallocation influence the behavior of academicsand managers in higher education, particularlytheir levels of activity as well as the kindsof activities they engage in and their ways ofdealing with risks. Empirical analyses partlyconfirm these hypotheses. It can be shown thatchanges in resource allocation have an impacton the level and type of activity academicsconcentrate on but not on the long-term successof universities.

Combining enabling techniques in organic synthesis: continuous flow processes with heterogenized catalysts.

Abstract: The concepts article describes enabling techniques (solid-phase assisted synthesis, new reactor design, microwave irradiation and new solvents) in organic chemistry and emphasizes the combination of several of them for creating new synthetic technology platforms. Particular focus is put on the combination of immobilized catalysts as well as biocatalysts with continuous flow processes. In this context, the PASSflow continuous flow technique fulfils both chemical as well as chemical engineering requirements. It combines reactor design with optimized, monolithic solid phases as well as reversible immobilization techniques for performing small as well as large scale synthesis with heterogenized catalysts under continuous flow conditions.

Framing Issues and Seizing Opportunities: The UN, NGOs, and Women's Rights

Abstract: How, why, and under what conditions are NGOs able to influence state's interests? To answer these questions, I examine the process through which women's organizations succeeded in placing front and center on the UN agenda two issues that had been perceived as exclusively private: violence against women and reproductive rights and health. I develop a theoretical framework drawing on both the agenda-setting and social movement literature. I suggest that NGOs attempt to influence states' interests by framing problems, solutions, and justifications for political action. Whether they are successful in mobilizing support is contingent on the dynamic interaction of primarily two factors: (1) the political opportunity structure in which NGOs are embedded, comprising access to institutions, the presence of influential allies, and changes in political alignments and conflicts; and (2) the mobilizing structures that NGOs have at their disposal, including organizational entrepreneurs, a heterogeneous international constituency, and experts. I find that in the beginning of the agenda-setting process, the influence of NGOs is rather limited, their frames are highly contested, and structural obstacles outweigh organizational resources. However, over time the influence of NGOs increases. As they establish their own mobilizing structures, they become capable of altering the political opportunity structure in their favor, and their frames gain in acceptance and legitimacy.