Wirksamkeitsanalyse eines Kommunikationstrainings : Eine Evaluation des Trainingstransfers bei der Firma Sunrise Communications AG

Die Firma Sunrise Communications AG hat erkannt, dass für zukünftige Seminare eine ökonomische Rentabilität ausgewiesen werden soll. Um in einer sich schnell verändernden Branche kompetitiv bleiben zu können, muss zielgerichtet, kostenbewusst und messbar ausgebildet werden. Die Autoren dieser Arbeit wurden beauftragt, eine umfassende Wirksamkeitsanalyse eines Gesprächsführungstrainings zu erstellen und die geschäftsrelevanten Qualitätskennzahlen und Effizienzkennzahlen miteinzubeziehen. Ziel der vorliegenden Wirksamkeitsanalyse ist es zu untersuchen, ob die Transferfaktoren eines Gesprächsführungsseminar massgebend zum Geschäftserfolg beitragen können. Im Rahmen dieser Untersuchung wurde ein Fragebogen entwickelt und zur Befragung der Teilnehmenden des Gesprächsführungsseminars eingesetzt. Zusätzlich ist eine Datenanalyse der betriebsrelevanten Kennzahlen durchgeführt worden. Diese Daten sind der Befragung gegenübergestellt und daraus sind Erkenntnisse abgeleitet worden. Die Ergebnisse dieser Wirksamkeitsanalyse zeigen, dass die Gesprächslaufzeiten reduziert werden können, jedoch die Qualitätskennzahlen können nicht gesteigert werden. Ausserdem kann durch die Wirksamkeitsanalyse festgestellt werden, dass eine Begleitung nach dem Seminar eine grosse Wichtigkeit darstellt, um den Transfer erfolgreich zu sichern

A comparison of extrinsic and intrinsic motivators between Germany and South Africa

This thesis explored different perceptions of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in an intercultural context. The main objective of this study was to investigate similarities and differences concerning extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in the workplace between the German and the South African culture by examining individuals with working experience and tertiary education. It provides background information about motivation and a historical overview of previous and current motivational theories as well as cultural influences and differences. In addition, regarding the two cultures the researcher aimed to investigate similarities and differences between other demographics such as gender, age and income. The literature review provides information about extrinsic and intrinsic motivation retrieved from previous research and puts it into an intercultural context. The researcher conducted a quantitative, exploratory study. The data was gathered using an existing research instrument, which was distributed online. The sample comprised 374 respondents. This sample was conducted by a combination of quota and snowball sampling. The obtained data is evaluated and presented in text and table form. The results revealed preferences for intrinsic motivators for the whole sample and higher motivation for the South African part of the sample. Demographic characteristics played a minor role

Immune modulation and increased neurotrophic factor production in multiple sclerosis patients treated with testosterone

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with a pronounced neurodegenerative component. It has been suggested that novel treatment options are needed that target both aspects of the disease. Evidence from basic and clinical studies suggests that testosterone has an immunomodulatory as well as a potential neuroprotective effect that could be beneficial in MS.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Ten male MS patients were treated with 10 g of gel containing 100 mg of testosterone in a cross-over design (6 month observation period followed by 12 months of treatment). Blood samples were obtained at three-month intervals during the observation and the treatment period. Isolated blood peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used to examine lymphocyte subpopulation composition by flow cytometry and <it>ex vivo </it>protein production of cytokines (IL-2, IFNγ, TNFα, IL-17, IL-10, IL-12p40, TGFβ1) and growth factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF, platelet-derived growth factor PDGF-BB, nerve growth factor NGF, and ciliary neurotrophic factor CNTF). Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin recall tests were obtained before and during treatment as an <it>in vivo </it>functional immune measure.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Testosterone treatment significantly reduced DTH recall responses and induced a shift in peripheral lymphocyte composition by decreasing CD4+ T cell percentage and increasing NK cells. In addition, PBMC production of IL-2 was significantly decreased while TGFβ1 production was increased. Furthermore, PBMCs obtained during the treatment period produced significantly more BDNF and PDGF-BB.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These results are consistent with an immunomodulatory effect of testosterone treatment in MS. In addition, increased production of BDNF and PDGF-BB suggests a potential neuroprotective effect.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>NCT00405353 <url>http://www.clinicaltrials.gov</url></p

Processing and Technology of Fruits and Vegetables, 1960

Tomato Variety Evaluation for Processing, 1961 / W. A. Gould, J. R. Geisman and Wade Schulte -- Evaluation of Sweet Corn Varieties for Processing / J. R. Geisman and W. A. Gould -- Small Fruit Variety Evaluation Studies for Freezing / D. R. Davis and H. L. Stammer -- Evaluation of Apples for Processing. I. Fruit Juice Blends / D. R. Davis and H. L. Stammer -- Evaluation of Apples for Processing. II. Canned Apple Slices / D. R. Davis and H. L. Stammer -- Evaluation of Apples for Processing. III. Frozen Apple Slices / D. R. Davis and H. L. Stammer -- Evaluation of Apples for Processing. IV. Frozen Fruit Pies / D. R. Davis and H. L. Stammer -- A Study of Several Varieties of Pumpkin and Squash for Canning and Freezing for Use in Pies / Robert H. Clayton, J. R. Geisman and W. A. Gould -- Factors Effecting the Consistency of Cream Style Corn / D. R. Davis and W. A. Gould -- The Objective Measurement of Tomato Juice Consistency / Robert Kluter and W. A. Gould -- A Method for the Detection of Drosophila Fly Eggs and Larvae in Tomato Products / J. R. Geisman and Winston D. Bash -- A Chemical Study of Flavor and Flavor Substances in Tomatoes / John Hal Johnson and W. A. Gould -- Tannin Content Effects Grape Juice Quality / D. R. Davis and H. L. Stammer -- pH Survey for Tomatoes in Ohio / W. D. Bash -- Flavor Studies with Sauerkraut / J. R. Geisman, S. S. Verma and W. A. Gould -- The Effect of Fill Weight on Drained Weight of Canned Tomatoes / Wade A. Schulte and W. A. Gould -- A New Method for the Manufacture of Apple Sirup / M. P. Baldauf, D. R. Davis and H. L. Stammer -- Studies on Color Retention in Canned R.T.P. Cherries / D. R. Davis and H. L. Stammer -- Clumping Studies in Canned Blueberries / D. R. Davis and H. L. Stammer -- Infra-red Peeling Studies. I. Apples. / L. Lafferty and W. A. Gould -- Infra-red Peeling Studies. II. Tomatoes. / W. A. Gould, Richard Leiss and Donall Streets -- The Effect of Water Holding Times and Temperatures on Quality of Tomatoes / Richard Leiss, Ernest Anderson and W. A. Gould -- Quality Attributes of Sweet Potatoes - Glass Packed / Donald A. Giesser and W. A. Gould -- A Study of Some of the Factors Effecting the Efficiency of Washing of Fruits and Vegetables. I. Tomatoes / W. A. Gould and J. R. Geisman -- A Study of Some of the Factors Effecting the Efficiency of Washing of Fruits and Vegetables. II. Sweet Corn / J. R. Geisman and W. A. Gould -- A Study of Alpha-keto Acids, Amino Acids, and Citric Acid in Eight Tomato Varieties, and Their Changes During Processing / Mokhtar M. Hamdy and W. A. Goul

Research interrupted: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on multiple sclerosis research in the field of rehabilitation and quality of life

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has likely had a negative impact on rehabilitation and quality of life (QoL) research in multiple sclerosis (MS). Method We explored perceived barriers to research among 87 researchers, representing 18 countries, both prior to and since COVID-19. Results A Wilcoxon signed-rank test found that significantly more researchers reported experiencing barriers to research since the onset of the pandemic compared to pre-COVID-19 (p &lt; .001), with 78% of respondents reporting at least some barriers since COVID-19. The most commonly-cited barriers related to participant access (n = 38) and interruptions/delays to projects (n = 19). Although no gender differences were found in the number of barriers reported, female respondents were more likely to cite time or competing demands as barriers to research. Females were also more likely to perceive being negatively impacted by the pandemic compared to other genders (p = .007). Conclusions Implications for the future landscape of rehabilitation research in MS are discussed. </jats:sec

Treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis: what works, what does not, and what is needed.

Disease-modifying drugs have mostly failed as treatments for progressive multiple sclerosis. Management of the disease therefore solely aims to minimise symptoms and, if possible, improve function. The degree to which this approach is based on empirical data derived from studies of progressive disease or whether treatment decisions are based on what is known about relapsing-remitting disease remains unclear. Symptoms rated as important by patients with multiple sclerosis include balance and mobility impairments, weakness, reduced cardiovascular fitness, ataxia, fatigue, bladder dysfunction, spasticity, pain, cognitive deficits, depression, and pseudobulbar affect; a comprehensive literature search shows a notable paucity of studies devoted solely to these symptoms in progressive multiple sclerosis, which translates to few proven therapeutic options in the clinic. A new strategy that can be used in future rehabilitation trials is therefore needed, with the adoption of approaches that look beyond single interventions to concurrent, potentially synergistic, treatments that maximise what remains of neural plasticity in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis

Quality indicators for multiple sclerosis

Determining whether persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) receive appropriate, comprehensive healthcare requires tools for measuring quality. The objective of this study was to develop quality indicators for the care of persons with MS. We used a modified version of the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method in a two-stage process to identify relevant MS care domains and to assess the validity of indicators within high-ranking care domains. Based on a literature review, interviews with persons with MS, and discussions with MS providers, 25 MS symptom domains and 14 general health domains of MS care were identified. A multidisciplinary panel of 15 stakeholders of MS care, including 4 persons with MS, rated these 39 domains in a two-round modified Delphi process. The research team performed an expanded literature review for 26 highly ranked domains to draft 86 MS care indicators. Through another two-round modified Delphi process, a second panel of 18 stakeholders rated these indicators using a nine-point response scale. Indicators with a median rating in the highest tertile were considered valid. Among the most highly rated MS care domains were appropriateness and timeliness of the diagnostic work-up, bladder dysfunction, cognition dysfunction, depression, disease-modifying agent usage, fatigue, integration of care, and spasticity. Of the 86 preliminary indicators, 76 were rated highly enough to meet predetermined thresholds for validity. Following a widely accepted methodology, we developed a comprehensive set of quality indicators for MS care that can be used to assess quality of care and guide the design of interventions to improve care among persons with MS