Showing papers by "University of Konstanz published in 2011"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report on the construction, reliability, internal validity, and external validity of the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire (AEQ) which is designed to assess various achievement emotions experienced by students in academic settings.
1,150 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the magnetic component of terahertz transients enables ultrafast control of the spin degree of freedom in the NiO at frequencies as high as 1.5 GHz.
Abstract: Ultrafast charge and spin excitations in the elusive terahertz regime1,2 of the electromagnetic spectrum play a pivotal role in condensed matter3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13. The electric field of free-space terahertz pulses has provided a direct gateway to manipulating the motion of charges on the femtosecond timescale6,7,8,9. Here, we complement this process by showing that the magnetic component of intense terahertz transients enables ultrafast control of the spin degree of freedom. Single-cycle terahertz pulses switch on and off coherent spin waves in antiferromagnetic NiO at frequencies as high as 1 THz. An optical probe pulse with a duration of 8 fs follows the terahertz-induced magnetic dynamics directly in the time domain and verifies that the terahertz field addresses spins selectively by means of the Zeeman interaction. This concept provides a universal ultrafast means to control previously inaccessible magnetic excitations in the electronic ground state. Researchers report the direct observation of ultrafast magnetic dynamics using the magnetic component of highly intense terahertz wave pulses with a time resolution of 8 fs. This concept provides a universal ultrafast method of visualizing magnetic excitations in the electronic ground state.
817 citations
24 Jul 2011
TL;DR: This work proposes to apply Factorization Machines (FMs) to model contextual information and to provide context-aware rating predictions and shows empirically that this approach outperforms Multiverse Recommendation in prediction quality and runtime.
Abstract: The situation in which a choice is made is an important information for recommender systems. Context-aware recommenders take this information into account to make predictions. So far, the best performing method for context-aware rating prediction in terms of predictive accuracy is Multiverse Recommendation based on the Tucker tensor factorization model. However this method has two drawbacks: (1) its model complexity is exponential in the number of context variables and polynomial in the size of the factorization and (2) it only works for categorical context variables. On the other hand there is a large variety of fast but specialized recommender methods which lack the generality of context-aware methods. We propose to apply Factorization Machines (FMs) to model contextual information and to provide context-aware rating predictions. This approach results in fast context-aware recommendations because the model equation of FMs can be computed in linear time both in the number of context variables and the factorization size. For learning FMs, we develop an iterative optimization method that analytically finds the least-square solution for one parameter given the other ones. Finally, we show empirically that our approach outperforms Multiverse Recommendation in prediction quality and runtime.
555 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors review the recent literature on an alternative crystallization pathway involving stable clusters prior to nucleation and show that the prenucleation cluster pathway is a truly non-classical concept of nucleation.
497 citations
TL;DR: It is shown for the first time that methylation status of the GR gene of adolescent children is influenced by their mother's experience of IPV during pregnancy, which is a plausible mechanism by which prenatal stress may program adult psychosocial function.
Abstract: Prenatal exposure to maternal stress can have lifelong implications for psychological function, such as behavioral problems and even the development of mental illness. Previous research suggests that this is due to transgenerational epigenetic programming of genes operating in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, such as the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). However, it is not known whether intrauterine exposure to maternal stress affects the epigenetic state of these genes beyond infancy. Here, we analyze the methylation status of the GR gene in mothers and their children, at 10–19 years after birth. We combine these data with a retrospective evaluation of maternal exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV). Methylation of the mother's GR gene was not affected by IPV. For the first time, we show that methylation status of the GR gene of adolescent children is influenced by their mother's experience of IPV during pregnancy. As these sustained epigenetic modifications are established in utero, we consider this to be a plausible mechanism by which prenatal stress may program adult psychosocial function.
484 citations
TL;DR: It is shown, using computer simulations combined with the analysis of experimental data, that these early stages of calcium carbonate formation are made of an ionic polymer, composed of alternating calcium and carbonate ions, with a dynamic topology consisting of chains, branches and rings.
Abstract: Calcium carbonate is an abundant substance that can be created in several mineral forms by the reaction of dissolved carbon dioxide in water with calcium ions. Through biomineralization, organisms can harness and control this process to form various functional materials that can act as anything from shells through to lenses. The early stages of calcium carbonate formation have recently attracted attention as stable prenucleation clusters have been observed, contrary to classical models. Here we show, using computer simulations combined with the analysis of experimental data, that these mineral clusters are made of an ionic polymer, composed of alternating calcium and carbonate ions, with a dynamic topology consisting of chains, branches and rings. The existence of a disordered, flexible and strongly hydrated precursor provides a basis for explaining the formation of other liquid-like amorphous states of calcium carbonate, in addition to the non-classical behaviour during growth of amorphous calcium carbonate.
439 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that within 3 hr of ventricular injury, the entire endocardium undergoes morphological changes and induces expression of the retinoic acid (RA)-synthesizing enzyme raldh2, which indicates key roles for endocardial and epicardial cells in targeting RA synthesis to damaged heart tissue and promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation.
418 citations
23 Oct 2011
TL;DR: The library addresses two common scenarios in collaborative filtering: rating prediction and item prediction from positive-only implicit feedback, and contains methods for real-time updates and loading/storing of already trained recommender models.
Abstract: MyMediaLite is a fast and scalable, multi-purpose library of recommender system algorithms, aimed both at recommender system researchers and practitioners. It addresses two common scenarios in collaborative filtering: rating prediction (e.g. on a scale of 1 to 5 stars) and item prediction from positive-only implicit feedback (e.g. from clicks or purchase actions). The library offers state-of-the-art algorithms for those two tasks. Programs that expose most of the library's functionality, plus a GUI demo, are included in the package. Efficient data structures and a common API are used by the implemented algorithms, and may be used to implement further algorithms. The API also contains methods for real-time updates and loading/storing of already trained recommender models.MyMediaLite is free/open source software, distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL). Its methods have been used in four different industrial field trials of the MyMedia project, including one trial involving over 50,000 households.
403 citations
TL;DR: This review shows that the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies and the growing use of genomic approaches make it increasingly feasible to answer fundamental questions of parallel phenotypic diversification in closely related species using ecological and evolutionary 'non-model' populations of vertebrates in nature.
Abstract: Parallel phenotypic diversification in closely related species is a rigorous framework for testing the role of natural selection in evolution. Do parallel phenotypes always diversify by parallel genetic bases or does selection pave many alternative genomic routes to the same phenotypic ends? In this review, we show that the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies and the growing use of genomic approaches make it increasingly feasible to answer these fundamental questions using ecological and evolutionary ‘non-model’ populations of vertebrates in nature. While it is generally expected, and often observed, that closely related populations or species have parallel genetic bases to parallel phenotypes, exceptions are not rare and show that alternative genetic routes can result in similar phenotypes. Ultimately, this framework may illuminate the ecological conditions, evolutionary histories and genetic architectures that result in recurrent phenotypes and rapid adaptation.
387 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that the spin state of an electron localized to the nitrogen-vacancy centre can be transferred to the nuclear spin, where it can be stored until needed.
Abstract: A nitrogen impurity in diamond—where two of the carbon atoms are replaced by a nitrogen atom and a vacant lattice site—is seen as a valuable qubit. The spin of an electron localized to the nitrogen-vacancy centre is commonly used for processing. Researchers now show that this electron spin state can be transferred to the nitrogen nuclear spin, where it can be stored until needed.
352 citations
01 Apr 2011
TL;DR: This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effects of a recovery training program on recovery experiences (psychological detachment from work, relaxation, mastery experiences, and control during off-job time), recovery-related self-efficacy, and well-being outcomes.
Abstract: This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effects of a recovery training program on recovery experiences (psychological detachment from work, relaxation, mastery experiences, and control during off-job time), recovery-related self-efficacy, and well-being outcomes. The training comprised two sessions held one week apart. Recovery experiences, recovery-related self-efficacy, and well-being outcomes were measured before the training (T1) and one week (T2) and three weeks (T3) after the training. A training group consisting of 48 individuals and a waitlist control group of 47 individuals were compared (N = 95). Analyses of covariance revealed an increase in recovery experiences at T2 and T3 (for mastery only at T2). Recovery-related self-efficacy and sleep quality increased at T2 and T3, perceived stress and state negative affect decreased at T3. No training effects were found for emotional exhaustion.
TL;DR: The present article reviews recent findings on the role of prestimulus alpha oscillatory activity for visual perception and incorporates these results into a neurocognitive model that is able to account for various findings in temporal attention paradigms, specifically the attentional blink.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors characterized phenotype and function of a fetal human mesencephalic cell line (LUHMES) as neuronal model system, which was associated with downregulation of some precursor markers and further up-regulation of neuronal genes.
Abstract: We characterized phenotype and function of a fetal human mesencephalic cell line (LUHMES, Lund human mesencephalic) as neuronal model system. Neurodevelopmental profiling of the proliferation stage (d0, day 0) of these conditionally-immortalized cells revealed neuronal features, expressed simultaneously with some early neuroblast and stem cell markers. An optimized 2-step differentiation procedure, triggered by shut-down of the myc transgene, resulted in uniformly post-mitotic neurons within 5 days (d5). This was associated with down-regulation of some precursor markers and further up-regulation of neuronal genes. Neurite network formation involved the outgrowth of 1-2, often > 500 μm long projections. They showed dynamic growth cone behavior, as evidenced by time-lapse imaging of stably GFP-over-expressing cells. Voltage-dependent sodium channels and spontaneous electrical activity of LUHMES continuously increased from d0 to d11, while levels of synaptic markers reached their maximum on d5. The developmental expression patterns of most genes and of the dopamine uptake- and release-machinery appeared to be intrinsically predetermined, as the differentiation proceeded similarly when external factors such as dibutyryl-cAMP and glial cell derived neurotrophic factor were omitted. Only tyrosine hydroxylase required the continuous presence of cAMP. In conclusion, LUHMES are a robust neuronal model with adaptable phenotype and high value for neurodevelopmental studies, disease modeling and neuropharmacology.
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05 Dec 2011TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a theoretical basis for the development of memory culture in the context of political imagination and cultural identity and political imagination in a written and written culture, respectively.
Abstract: Introduction Part I. The Theoretical Basis: 1. Memory culture 2. Written culture 3. Cultural identity and political imagination Part II. Case Studies: 4. Egypt 5. Israel and the invention of religion 6. The birth of history from the spirit of the law 7. Greece and disciplined thinking Cultural memory: a summary.
TL;DR: The evidence presented in this article corroborates findings from other modalities, indicating that alpha-like activity functionally has an universal inhibitory role across sensory modalities.
Abstract: Like the visual and the sensorimotor systems, the auditory system exhibits pronounced alpha-like resting oscillatory activity. Due to the relatively small spatial extent of auditory cortical areas, this rhythmic activity is less obvious and frequently masked by non-auditory alpha-generators when recording noninvasively using MEG or EEG. Following stimulation with sounds, marked desynchronizations can be observed between 6-12 Hz, which can be localized to the auditory cortex. However knowledge about the functional relevance of the auditory alpha rhythm has remained scarce so far. Results from the visual and sensorimotor system have fueled the hypothesis of alpha activity reflecting a state of functional inhibition. The current article pursues several intentions: 1) Firstly we review and present own evidence (MEG, EEG, sEEG) for the existence of an auditory alpha-like rhythm independent of visual or motor generators, something that is occasionally met with scepticism. 2) In a second part we will discuss tinnitus and how this audiological symptom may relate to reduced background alpha. The clinical part will give an introduction into a method which aims to modulate neurophysiological activity hypothesized to underlie this distressing disorder. Using neurofeedback, one is able to directly target relevant oscillatory activity. Preliminary data point to a high potential of this approach for treating tinnitus. 3) Finally, in a cognitive neuroscientific part we will show that auditory alpha is modulated by anticipation / expectations with and without auditory stimulation. We will also introduce ideas and initial evidence that alpha oscillations are involved in the most complex capability of the auditory system, namely speech perception. The evidence presented in this article corroborates findings from other modalities, indicating that alpha-like activity functionally has an universal inhibitory role across sensory modalities.
TL;DR: This paper provides an overview of approaches that use quality metrics in high-dimensional data visualization and proposes a systematization based on a thorough literature review, which demonstrates the usefulness of the model by applying it to several existing approaches thatuse quality metrics.
Abstract: In this paper, we present a systematization of techniques that use quality metrics to help in the visual exploration of meaningful patterns in high-dimensional data. In a number of recent papers, different quality metrics are proposed to automate the demanding search through large spaces of alternative visualizations (e.g., alternative projections or ordering), allowing the user to concentrate on the most promising visualizations suggested by the quality metrics. Over the last decade, this approach has witnessed a remarkable development but few reflections exist on how these methods are related to each other and how the approach can be developed further. For this purpose, we provide an overview of approaches that use quality metrics in high-dimensional data visualization and propose a systematization based on a thorough literature review. We carefully analyze the papers and derive a set of factors for discriminating the quality metrics, visualization techniques, and the process itself. The process is described through a reworked version of the well-known information visualization pipeline. We demonstrate the usefulness of our model by applying it to several existing approaches that use quality metrics, and we provide reflections on implications of our model for future research.
TL;DR: An affective shift model of work engagement is developed according to which work engagement emerges from the dynamic interplay of positive and negative affect, and how work engagement can be fostered through affect regulation is discussed.
Abstract: On the basis of self-regulation theories, the authors develop an affective shift model of work engagement according to which work engagement emerges from the dynamic interplay of positive and negative affect. The affective shift model posits that negative affect is positively related to work engagement if negative affect is followed by positive affect. The authors applied experience sampling methodology to test the model. Data on affective events, mood, and work engagement was collected twice a day over 9 working days among 55 software developers. In support of the affective shift model, negative mood and negative events experienced in the morning of a working day were positively related to work engagement in the afternoon if positive mood in the time interval between morning and afternoon was high. Individual differences in positive affectivity moderated within-person relationships. The authors discuss how work engagement can be fostered through affect regulation.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used a punishment option to elicit responsibility attributions and proposed a simple measure of responsibility and showed that this measure outperforms measures based on inequity aversion or reciprocity in predicting punishment behavior.
Abstract: To fully understand the motives for delegating a decision right, it is important to study responsibility attributions for outcomes of delegated decisions. We conducted laboratory experiments in which subjects could either choose a fair allocation or an unfair allocation or delegate the choice, and we used a punishment option to elicit responsibility attributions. Our results show that, first, responsibility attribution can be effectively shifted and, second, this can constitute a strong motive for the delegation of a decision right. Moreover, we propose a simple measure of responsibility and show that this measure outperforms measures based on inequity aversion or reciprocity in predicting punishment behavior.
TL;DR: This article collects examples of visualizations with ‘best-in-class’ interaction and uses them to extract practical design guidelines for future designers and researchers to address the issue of interaction in visualization.
Abstract: Despite typically receiving little emphasis in visualization research, interaction in visualization is the catalyst for the user's dialogue with the data, and, ultimately, the user's actual understanding and insight into these data. There are many possible reasons for this skewed balance between the visual and interactive aspects of a visualization. One reason is that interaction is an intangible concept that is difficult to design, quantify, and evaluate. Unlike for visual design, there are few examples that show visualization practitioners and researchers how to design the interaction for a new visualization in the best manner. In this article, we attempt to address this issue by collecting examples of visualizations with 'best-in-class' interaction and using them to extract practical design guidelines for future designers and researchers. We call this concept fluid interaction, and we propose an operational definition in terms of the direct manipulation and embodied interaction paradigms, the psychological concept of 'flow', and Norman's gulfs of execution and evaluation.
TL;DR: In this article, a methodology for dynamic modeling and forecasting of realized covariance matrices based on fractionally integrated processes is proposed, which allows for flexible dependence patterns and automatically guarantees positive definiteness of the forecast.
Abstract: SUMMARY This paper proposes a methodology for dynamic modelling and forecasting of realized covariance matrices based on fractionally integrated processes. The approach allows for flexible dependence patterns and automatically guarantees positive definiteness of the forecast. We provide an empirical application of the model, which shows that it outperforms other approaches in the extant literature, both in terms of statistical precision as well as in terms of providing a superior mean-variance trade-off in a classical investment decision setting. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an integrated framework for the analysis of higher education governance which allows us to more systematically trace the changes that European higher education systems are currently undergoing and argue that, despite highly insightful previous analyses, there is a need for more specific empirically observable indicators of policy change and inertia.
Abstract: In this article we provide an integrated framework for the analysis of higher education governance which allows us to more systematically trace the changes that European higher education systems are currently undergoing We argue that, despite highly insightful previous analyses, there is a need for more specific empirically observable indicators of policy change and inertia We therefore propose a systematic classification of empirical indicators of higher education governance To do so, we look at three historically entrenched and still highly relevant European models of higher education—academic self-governance, the state-centered model and the market-oriented model Based on these broader overarching models which reflect the tensions between the state, market and academia, we develop three ideal-types that take internal university governance as well as the role of the state and external stakeholders into account Against this background, we derive empirical indicators with regard to the institutional balance of power, financial governance, personnel autonomy and substantive matters Our analytical contribution shall enable scholars, and in particular political and social scientists, to trace ongoing patterns of change and convergence as well as persistence and inertia in higher education governance arrangements
TL;DR: Additives play a decisive role in crystallization processes and are commonly used and most studied types of additives and their influences on prenucleation, stabilization of amorphous precursors, nucleation, crystallization, chiral resolution, nanocrystal assembly, polymorph, and thus morphologies as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Additives play a decisive role in crystallization processes. We survey the ongoing efforts in the realm of additive-controlled crystallization. Emphasis is placed on the commonly used and most studied types of additives and their influences on prenucleation, stabilization of amorphous precursors, nucleation, crystallization, chiral resolution, nanocrystal assembly, polymorph, and thus morphologies. We will highlight three types of nonclassical trajectories adopted by additive controlled crystallization, including oriented attachment, mesocrystals, and biomorphs.
TL;DR: The interplay of personality and social relationships is as fascinating as it is complex and it pertains to a wide array of largely separate research domains as mentioned in this paper, where the authors present an integrative and unifying approach to the interplay.
Abstract: The interplay of personality and social relationships is as fascinating as it is complex and it pertains to a wide array of largely separate research domains. Here, we present an integrative and un...
TL;DR: Cognitive effects of formulating counterhabitual implementation intentions suggest that formulating such intentions increases individuals’ flexibility to choose which behavior to perform in the critical situation but that actual behavior will depart from their habits only to the extent that individuals have strong alternative goal intentions.
Abstract: Implementation intentions specifying the replacement of a habitual response with an alternative response in a critical situation can overrule habits. In three experiments the cognitive effects of such counterhabitual implementation intentions were investigated. Results showed that implementation intentions eliminated the cognitive advantage of the habitual means in the “horse race” with the alternative response. That is, in the control condition, the habitual means was more accessible than the alternative means on encountering the critical situation, but this was no longer the case when implementation intentions were formulated. However, the cognitive advantage of the habitual means was not immediately replaced by an automatic activation of the alternative means. This suggests that formulating counterhabitual implementation intentions increases individuals’ flexibility to choose which behavior to perform in the critical situation but that actual behavior will depart from their habits only to the extent that individuals have strong alternative goal intentions.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored students' use of boredom-related coping strategies at trait and state levels, and two trait-based dimensions of coping relevant to boredom were considered, namely approach versus avoidance-oriented and cognitively versus behaviorally-oriented coping strategies.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors extended the original job demands-resources (JD-R) model by taking into account recovery as an important mediation mechanism between work characteristics and well-being/ill-health.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to extend the original Job Demands– Resources (JD-R) model by taking into account recovery as an important mediation mechanism between work characteristics and well-being/ill-health. Specifically, we examined whether recovery experiences—strategies promoting recovery—might have a mediating role in the JD-R model among 527 employees from a variety of different jobs. The results showed that psychological detachment fully mediated the effects of job demands on fatigue at work and mastery partially mediated the effects of job resources on work engagement. Altogether, the results suggest that recovery merits consideration as a mediating mechanism in the JD-R model.
TL;DR: Findings show that sulfate-dependent AOM was insignificant in Lake constant sediments, however, AOM can also be coupled to denitrification in this oligotrophic freshwater habitat, providing first indications that this might be a widespread process that plays an important role in mitigating methane emissions.
Abstract: Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) with sulfate as terminal electron acceptor has been reported for various environments, including freshwater habitats, and also, nitrate and nitrite were recently shown to act as electron acceptors for methane oxidation in eutrophic freshwater habitats. Radiotracer experiments with sediment material of Lake Constance, an oligotrophic freshwater lake, were performed to follow 14CO2 formation from 14CH4 in sediment incubations in the presence of different electron acceptors, namely, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, or oxygen. Whereas 14CO2 formation without and with sulfate addition was negligible, addition of nitrate increased 14CO2 formation significantly, suggesting that AOM could be coupled to denitrification. Nonetheless, denitrification-dependent AOM rates remained at least 1 order of magnitude lower than rates of aerobic methane oxidation. Using molecular techniques, putative denitrifying methanotrophs belonging to the NC10 phylum were detected on the basis of the pmoA and 16S rRNA gene sequences. These findings show that sulfate-dependent AOM was insignificant in Lake constant sediments. However, AOM can also be coupled to denitrification in this oligotrophic freshwater habitat, providing first indications that this might be a widespread process that plays an important role in mitigating methane emissions.
TL;DR: This paper deals with the need to keep an eye on recent events together with providing a context on the past and to make relevant patterns accessible at any scale and provides a novel distortion magnifying lens technique which takes into account the distortions introduced by the logarithmic time scale to augment readability in selected areas of interest.
Abstract: We propose incremental logarithmic time-series technique as a way to deal with time-based representations of large and dynamic event data sets in limited space. Modern data visualization problems in the domains of news analysis, network security and financial applications, require visual analysis of incremental data, which poses specific challenges that are normally not solved by static visualizations. The incremental nature of the data implies that visualizations have to necessarily change their content and still provide comprehensible representations. In particular, in this paper we deal with the need to keep an eye on recent events together with providing a context on the past and to make relevant patterns accessible at any scale. Our technique adapts to the incoming data by taking care of the rate at which data items occur and by using a decay function to let the items fade away according to their relevance. Since access to details is also important, we also provide a novel distortion magnifying lens technique which takes into account the distortions introduced by the logarithmic time scale to augment readability in selected areas of interest. We demonstrate the validity of our techniques by applying them on incremental data coming from online news streams in different time frames.
TL;DR: In this paper, the ultrafast photoinduced insulator-metal transition in VO${}_{2}$ was studied at different temperatures and excitation fluences using multi-THz probe pulses.
Abstract: The ultrafast photoinduced insulator-metal transition in VO${}_{2}$ is studied at different temperatures and excitation fluences using multi-THz probe pulses. The spectrally resolved midinfrared response allows us to trace separately the dynamics of lattice and electronic degrees of freedom with a time resolution of 40 fs. The critical fluence of the optical pump pulse, which drives the system into a long-lived metallic state, is found to increase with decreasing temperature. Under all measurement conditions, we observe a modulation of the eigenfrequencies of the optical phonon modes induced by their anharmonic coupling to the coherent wave-packet motion of V-V dimers at 6.1 THz. Furthermore, we find a weak quadratic coupling of the electronic response to the coherent dimer oscillation resulting in a modulation of the electronic conductivity at twice the frequency of the wave-packet motion. The findings are discussed in the framework of a qualitative model based on an approximation of local photoexcitation of the vanadium dimers from the insulating state.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compare the political economy of collective skills formation and the origins of coordination in the context of apprenticeship training and the politics of collective action in the Netherlands, Austria, and Germany.
Abstract: FOREWORD Foreword INTRODUCTION 1. Introduction: The Comparative Political Economy of Collective Skill Formation SECTION I: COUNTRY STUDIES 2. Vocational Training and the Origins of Coordination: Specific Skills and the Politics of Collective Action 3. Institutional Change in German Vocational Training: From Collectivism towards Segmentalism 4. The Development of the Vocational Training System in the Netherlands 5. Educational Policy Actors as Stakeholders in the Development of the Collective Skills System: The Case of Switzerland 6. Austrian Corporatism and Institutional Change in the Relationship between Apprenticeship Training and School-Based VET 7. The Social Partners and the Social Democratic Party in the Continuation of a Collective Skill System in Denmark SECTION II: CROSSCUTTING TOPICS AND CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES 8. Collective Skill Systems, Wage Bargaining, and Labor Market Stratification 9. The Links between Vocational Training and Higher Education in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany 10. Gendered Consequences of Vocational Training 11. Europeanization and the Varying Responses in Collective Skill Systems CONCLUSION 12. Skills and Politics: General and Specific