The Image of the Chinese Nation in German Textbooks

The aim of the study is to investigate to what extent trends in life expectancy are influenced by political variables and socioeconomic characteristics that play a role at the regional level of the federal states in Germany. Data on life expectancy in males and females at birth are analyzed from 1986 to 1998 for 12 federal states in Eastern and Western Germany. These states are classified into five types of political government since 1980: (1) long-term Christian democratic, (2) long-term social democratic, (3) change from Christian to social democratic, (4) change from communist to social democratic, and (5) change from communist to Christian democratic. The study showed three main results. First, life expectancy has been directly influenced by the major political forces that determined policies in East and West Germany. Second, life expectancy was higher in federal states with predominantly Christian democratic governments than in those with predominantly social democratic governments. Third, life expectancy was strongly related to the economic power of the federal states. Because federal states characterized by a more prosperous economic situation were those with a predominantly Christian democratic government, while federal states with a less prosperous situation were mostly governed by social democrats, it is difficult to disentangle the effects of economic and political factors on life expectancy. Nevertheless, this study underlines the importance of politics and policies on such robust and more general health indicators as mean life expectancy at birth.

Health prevention and promotion in schools are key public health tasks in most countries. This study focuses on the importance given to prevention and promotion of health in law texts through comparatively analysing school laws for the sixteen federal states in Germany. The basis for the analysis are the sixteen federal school laws in Germany. A conceptual framework to analyse the law texts has been developed grouped according to the following categories: aims of literacy and education; development of organization; individual and social health; and security and accident prevention. Examples for second level categories include nutrition, motility, alcohol, violence, and road-traffic accident prevention. Based on a point-system of valuation, a ranking for the federal states was derived in terms of an assessment of the importance of health prevention and promotion in federal states' school laws. Berlin, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern -- three "new" states (i. e. formerly East-German) are leading the ranking. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, two states that had been ruled by conservative governments for a long time, had special difficulties to take over new values in their legislation and occupied rank 14 in our ranking. The last place was taken by a state under social-democratic rule -- Nordrhein-Westfalen. However, this law dated from 1952 and a new law has just been passed in August 2005. The comparison of the school laws of the federal states in Germany demonstrates that there has been a substantial amount of change in recent years. In some school laws, the impulses of the Ottawa Charta regarding health prevention can be clearly recognised. In others prevention and promotion of health are only subordinated subjects. As in many other areas of social importance, reorientation is taking place. In particular, federal states who have placed little emphasis on school health will have to renew their corresponding legislation.

A relatively broad support enjoyed by the populist and nationalist parties and movements (AfD, National Democratic Party of Germany, PEGIDA), as well as a higher rate of hate crimes in the eastern part of the Federal Republic of Germany raise a question on the nature of nationalism in this region. The present paper examines the causes of widespread xenophobic and nationalist sentiments in the ‘new’ federal states. To this end, the authors address a wide range of social-political and psychological factors, focusing on the historical roots and causes of the recent rise of nationalism in East Germany. Particularly, the authors show that the right-wing parties took advantage of popular frustration caused by the collapse of the East German economy after the country’s reunification and massive unemployment by putting all the blame on migrants. Nevertheless, the causes of growing xenophobia in East Germany were far from being solely economic. For example, the authors underline the role of the politics of memory in the GDR and primarily the approaches of its leaders to the issues of the Nazi past and their attempts to draw on the country’s history to shape a new national identity. However, the failure of the state to provide an unbiased view on the national history, rigid official ideology and its alienation from the popular demands have led to the growing nationalism in the GDR. Besides, a number of other aspects is pointed out which have also fostered xenophobic sentiments in this part of the country. Unlike West Germany which started to accept labour migrants from Italy, Turkey and Yugoslavia back in 1950s, the GDR saw few foreigners and contacts between them and local population were limited. As a result, the paper not only helps to create a more detailed image of the East German nationalism but also to identify the underlying causes of the growing popularity of right-wing populist parties and movements in the FRG, most notably, the unfinished process of the country’s reunification and structural imbalances between the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ federal states.

The purpose of this study is to explore how national images are reflected in translations of crime fiction. This genre is chosen because it is rich with national images as well as cultural specificities of the space where a crime took place. Five Korean translations of Sherlock Holmes are analyzed. Passages reflecting national images are chosen for comparison between the source text and the target texts. The results revealed that although most national images were retained in translations, some were modified or eliminated. This shows that the translators and publishers felt the need to intervene for some national images in the source text. In particular, the translations targeting children had far more national images modified or eliminated compared to those for adult readers, reflecting educational purposes. In other words, national stereotypes described in the original text were changed or deleted, so as not to impart such stereotypes to children. Overall, in the five translations where national images are modified or eliminated, stereotypes and negative national images in the ST are alleviated or changed as attributes of individuals rather than nations, or are altogether eliminated. This study was an attempt to arouse interest in interconneting translation studies and imagology; the latter has recently gained much attention worldwide, but not yet delved into in translation studies in South Korea.

Drawing on the systems perspective of innovation processes, this article proposes a conceptual approach for a comprehensive analysis of regional knowledge generation and transfer. Instead of focusing on one single indicator, the approach emphasises the importance to take multiple channels of knowledge transfer into account. This provides valuable insights into the spatial structure of innovation processes on different levels. We disentangle the innovation process and consider four different layers: 1publications in peer-reviewed journals 2patent applications 3formal R&D collaboration projects 4localised input-output relations. Further, we demonstrate the relevance of the ‘multi-layer approach’ by applying it empirically to a specific regional innovation system: The Free State of Saxony – a federal state in Germany. We argue that the approach could be a valuable tool to inform policy makers about knowledge-based regional development strategies.

In Germany, a total of more than 30,000 polytraumatized patients are treated in level I-IV trauma centers. The exact number of hospitals fulfilling the requirements for the treatment of severely injured patients is unknown. We analyzed the number of hospitals in Germany capable of managing polytraumatized patients. We further analyzed the influence of various geographic and infrastructure conditions on the management of severely injured patients in the various Federal States in Germany. First we conducted a nationwide research of all hospitals specialized in trauma management. Points of interest were structural and personnel requirements. These data were compared to the data obtained by the Federal Statistical Office. With a special software program we were able to conduct for the first time a geographic visualization of all trauma hospitals. There are 108 level I trauma centers, 209 level II trauma centers, and 431 level III and IV trauma centers in Germany. The geographic concentration of hospitals fulfilling the requirements for the treatment of severely injured patients differs regionally. There is an obvious correlation between trauma deaths and a low hospital concentration and less developed infrastructure. Objectively, the number of trauma centers for the treatment of severely injured patients seems to be adequate in Germany. Nevertheless, there are substantial differences between various Federal States in Germany concerning the distribution of hospitals as well as the geographic and infrastructure conditions. To optimize trauma management in Germany we think that the formation of regional trauma networks is mandatory.

Purpose To achieve the ambitious policy goals concerning organic agriculture in Germany, it is crucial to understand which actors and institutions in the German organic microAKIS are most important to farmers and how farmers within the system share knowledge. This study explores these questions by focusing on farmers who are members of organic producer associations (OPAs) in three federal states in Germany. Design/methodology/approach Fieldwork was conducted in Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, and Bavaria from April to September 2021 through qualitative research utilizing participant observation on organic farms and in-person and Zoom interviews with farmers and experts in the organic agricultural sector. Findings This study concurs with previous studies’ findings that German organic farmers obtain and exchange knowledge, information, and innovations from a wide variety of sources surrounding their farm business as a whole; however, regarding agricultural practices and technologies, fellow farmers and OPAs are the most important sources. Practical implications Through comparing the microAKIS in Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, and Bavaria this paper explores how farmers in different states depend diversly on state structures, how in the organic sector farmers rely heavily on the private sector for knowledge and information exchanges surrounding agricultural practices and technologies, and how these networks can be improved. This enables discussions on advancing the sector and meeting policy goals by addressing farmers’ needs. Theoretical implications The microAKIS framework is advanced by engaging in a comparative analysis and bottom-up approach to identify significant actors according to farmers in the organic sector in Germany. Originality/value This study outlines the individuals and organizations that make up the organic microAKIS in Germany, which has been underexplored in the fast-growing organic sector, and utilizes empirical evidence to display farmers’ perspectives.

Due to historical aspects in some federal states in Germany rehabilitation of geriatric patients is organized in geriatric departments in hospitals (§ 109 SGB V). In other states rehabilitation of these patients is mainly realized in geriatric rehabilitation facilities outside hospital care after approval by the health insurance (§ 111 SGB V). Thus, it is of interest to compare both types of health care with respect to differences in population characteristics, resource utilization and outcome parameters (i.e., excess costs, rehospitalization, fracture risk and mortality) using a common geriatric indication, the ischemic stroke, as an example. Claims data of the AOK (Local Health Care Fund) from seven federal states in Germany were used. Insured persons with a documented hospital stay with discharge diagnosis cerebral infarction/stroke (ICD-10 I63, I64, below denoted by "ischemic stroke") in 2007 (N=39,887) were included and allocated to the respective form of rehabilitative health care via the OPS (German procedure classification for inpatient procedures) procedure 8-550 (§ 109, N=1,272) or via admission to a geriatric rehabilitation unit within 1 month after hospital discharge (§ 111, N=2,200). All direct costs were ascertained and presented with and without costs of long-term care. Excess costs were calculated as the difference of costs between the first year after insult and the costs in the previous year. Excess costs in the 2 types of care were compared using multivariate quantile regression analysis. Risk of hospitalization (due to ischemic stroke or fracture) and risk of death in a 1-year follow-up was analysed using multivariate cox regression. Insured members treated according to health care type § 109 were somewhat older (mean: 81 vs. 80 years of age), more frequently female (72 vs. 67%), more often receiving long-term care (27 vs. 19%) and had more often documented sequelae after insult (>=4 diseases 39 vs. 28%). No significant differences in excess costs between both types of care were observed (quantile regression: 25%-percentile-comparison: p=0.49 and 0.11; median-comparison: p=0.99 and 0.13; 75%-percentile-comparison: p=0.13 and 0.30, with and without costs of long-term care, respectively). Moreover, no significant differences were observed related to the outcomes 'rehospitalization due to ischemic stroke' (hazard ratio - HR [95% confidence interval - CI])=1.12 [0.85-1.48], p=0.43) and death (HR [95% CI]=1.03 [0.88-1.20], p=0.75) in the multivariate model (reference: health care type § 111). Insured members in health care type § 109 had a significant lower risk of rehospitalization due to fracture (HR [95% CI]=0.61 [0.40-0.93], p=0.02). According to health care type § 109 and § 111, geriatric patients differ in certain characteristics such as gender, statutory care and documented sequelae after insult. Except for the outcome 'fracture', no significant differences between both types of care have been observed in the selected outcomes. Primary studies with more differentiated data collection may focus on specific treatment and on aims and achievements of rehabilitation.

Population health monitoring and reporting provides regular and up-to-date information on health outcomes and its determinants. The outputs of population health monitoring aim to inform policymakers and other stakeholders to develop fact-based decisions. Population health monitoring is located at the national, but also federal state and county level. This paper describes the legal basis for population health monitoring in the federal states' public health acts as well as current challenges and possibilities for further development from afederal state and county perspective on population health monitoring.Alegal basis for population health monitoring on the federal state and county level exists for almost all federal states in Germany. The level of detail of these laws varies in terms of responsibility, periodicity of population health monitoring and reporting, content, and designated use. Population health monitoring needs to respond to challenges in the areas of population health monitoring resources, data sources, (intersectoral) reporting, and impact. Practical examples illustrate how the challenges can be handled and further development can take place.Based on its solid legal basis, being aroutine task, and its close link to the living conditions of the population, population health monitoring on the federal state and county level has thepossibility for cocreating public health at the grassroots level and to be apioneer for health equity.

A large‐scale survey was conducted to assess “attitudes towards risk and safety at work”, and more general attitudes to work among vets four to five years after German unification. Clear differences were observed between the old (West) and new (East) Federal States of Germany. Stress levels were significantly higher in the new Federal States but, interestingly, the city of Berlin shared the low stress features of employees in the former West Germany. Social cohesion or working climate was generally perceived more favourably in the new Federal States. Satisfaction at work was not significantly related to job stress, and did not show such clear differences between new and old federal States. Individuals from the new federal States were more emotional in their driving styles, less risk‐taking and more safety conscious than their colleagues in the older federal States. The implications of these findings are discussed.

According to the amendment of the Infection Protection Act (2011), §23, 8, all federal states in Germany had to pass their own hospital hygiene regulations, in which the need for hygiene specialists in ahospital is defined.This publication explains in its first part the differences between the nationwide Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) regulations and the hygiene regulations of the different federal states (Hesse, Bavaria, etc.). All federal states - with the exception of Hesse (Hessian Hygiene Regulation, HHygVO) - refer to the relevant expert recommendations of KRINKO.In asecond part of this publication, we highlight differences between KRINKO and HHygVO with the example of hospitals in the city of Frankfurt. In 2017, all Frankfurt hospitals had the necessary hygiene specialists (authorized hygiene practitioners, infection control nurses, authorized hygiene care nurses). However, the need for hospital hygienists could not be met, because there is an insufficient number of physician specialists for hospital hygiene available in Germany.The hospitals cannot solve this problem on their own - apolitical, superordinate decision and regulation must be made, i. e. by regulation and financial support for the advanced training of post-graduate physicians in hygiene. This is important since only experienced hospital hygienists can instruct or supervise hygiene specialists-in-training.

BackgroundIn response to climate change-induced increases in heat periods, the WHO recommends the implementation of heat health action plans (HHAPs). In Germany, HHAPs are implemented neither comprehensively nor nationwide. Several recommendations have identified the public health service (PHS) at municipal and federal state levels as a key actor regarding to heat and health. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the role of the PHS in implementing HHAPs at municipal and federal state levels in Germany.MethodsWe conducted a policy document analysis to assess the legal basis for the work of the PHS in the 16 federal states in Germany. Furthermore, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 experts from within and outside the PHS to explore their perceptions of the PHS in the implementation of HHAPs. The interviews were analysed using reflective thematic analysis.ResultsThe policy document analysis revealed that heat is not mentioned in any of the federal states’ regulatory frameworks for the PHS, while tasks related to environment and health are addressed, but tend to remain vague. The interviews confirmed that there is currently no clearly defined role for the PHS in implementing HHAPs in Germany and that the actual role primarily depends on the local setting. Main barriers and facilitators could be assigned to three levels (individual, organizational and political), and two overarching contextual factors (awareness of the need for adaptation and existence of other public health emergencies) influenced the implementation of HHAPs across all levels. At the individual level, motivation, knowledge and competencies, and previous experience were possible barriers or enablers. At the organizational level, administrative structures, financial and human resources, leadership and networks were barriers or facilitators, while at the political level they included legislation and political decisions.ConclusionsThe PHS could and should be a relevant actor for implementing measures addressing health and climate change locally, in particular because of its focus on vulnerable populations. However, our findings suggest that the legal basis in the federal states of Germany is insufficient. Tailored approaches are needed to overcome barriers such as rigid, non-agile administrative structures and competing priorities, while taking advantage of facilitators such as awareness of relevant actors.

BackgroundIn the scope of the nationwide obligatory school entrance examinations (SEE), a standardised assessment of the preparedness for school of preschool children takes place in the federal states of Germany. For this purpose, height and weight of the children are determined. These data are available in aggregated form at county level, but are not yet being regularly compiled and processed at national level for use in policy and research.MethodsIn a pilot project, the indexing and merging of SEE data from 2015–2019 was tested in collaboration with six federal states. This was done using obesity prevalence at the time of the school entrance examination. In addition, prevalences were linked to small-scale indicators on settlement structure and sociodemographics from public databases, differences in obesity prevalence at county level were identified, and correlations to regional influencing factors were visualised.ResultsIt was feasible to merge SEE data from the federal states with little effort. The majority of the selected indicators were freely available in public databases. In an interactive, easily comprehensible and user-friendly Tableau dashboard for visualising the SEE data, it can be seen that obesity prevalences differ significantly between counties that are similar in terms of settlement structure or sociodemographics.ConclusionsProviding federal state SEE data and linking them to small-scale indicators enables region-based analyses and cross-state comparisons of similar counties and provides a data basis for continuous monitoring of the prevalence of obesity in early childhood.

Purpose: Structured health conferences have the function of “round tables” for setting priorities in healthcare and health promotion, for regional health planning, cooperation and participation. They are a problem-solving approach in the health policy of France, Austria and Germany. Methods: The literature review describes and explores health conferences. It is based on a search in Cochrane Library, MEDPILOT/LIVIVO, PubMed and the “Health for All”-database of WHO Europe. Results: The literature review shows that health conferences are widespread and identifies numerous health conferences in Germany, Austria and France at the country, federal state, regional and community levels. The conceptual basis varies. The implementation strategies ranged from solely communal activities to efforts by federal states up to a nationwide establishment of regional health and autonomy conferences in France. Health conferences are carried out in five federal states in Austria and in 14 federal states in Germany. In Germany, there are about 190 regional health conferences, and health regionsplus can be found in approx. half of the country and city districts. The few existing evaluation studies claim positive effects of health conferences on cooperation and networking but also contain critical reflections regarding their limited options. Conclusions: There is a need for formative and summative evaluation. Health conferences may be helpful in countries with federal structure or in health systems based on a social insurance system. More exchange between the different health conferences could foster their conceptual basis and help to develop innovative approaches.KeywordsHealth targetsHealth planningHealth careHealth promotionHealth regions

Measures to slow down the spread of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 have had an impact on the daily life and physical activity (PA) of many people. Nevertheless, in Germany, mitigation policies and incidence values vary widely across the federal states (Länder). Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate regional differences in PA during the coronavirus pandemic. This study is based on the SPOVID project (Examining physical activity and sports behavior in the face of COVID-19 pandemic: a social inequality perspective) that incorporates a large-scale, representative cross-sectional survey representing the German population (≥14 years). Based on the survey that took place in October 2020 (N = 1477), we investigated the relationships between the COVID-19 incidence values as well as the mitigation policies across the federal states in Germany and changes in PA. Pearson correlations indicated a strong negative relationship between PA change and 7-day incidence values (r = −0.688 **, p = 0.009) and a moderate negative relationship between PA changes and an index of mitigation policies (r = −0.444, p = 0.112). Higher 7-day incidence values and stricter mitigation policies were associated with a stronger decline in PA levels. Therefore, it is important to support people to stay active even if there are restrictions. In particular, in federal states and regions with high incidences and stricter mitigation policies, measures to promote health-enhancing PA are necessary.