148 research outputs found
Interleukin (IL) ‐17 A , F and AF in inflammation: a study in collagen‐induced arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/108061/1/cei12376.pd
Piecewise Linear Models for the Quasiperiodic Transition to Chaos
We formulate and study analytically and computationally two families of
piecewise linear degree one circle maps. These families offer the rare
advantage of being non-trivial but essentially solvable models for the
phenomenon of mode-locking and the quasi-periodic transition to chaos. For
instance, for these families, we obtain complete solutions to several questions
still largely unanswered for families of smooth circle maps. Our main results
describe (1) the sets of maps in these families having some prescribed rotation
interval; (2) the boundaries between zero and positive topological entropy and
between zero length and non-zero length rotation interval; and (3) the
structure and bifurcations of the attractors in one of these families. We
discuss the interpretation of these maps as low-order spline approximations to
the classic ``sine-circle'' map and examine more generally the implications of
our results for the case of smooth circle maps. We also mention a possible
connection to recent experiments on models of a driven Josephson junction.Comment: 75 pages, plain TeX, 47 figures (available on request
Coriolis-induced instabilities in centrifuge modeling of granular flow
Granular flows are typically studied in laboratory flumes based on common similarity scaling, which create stress fields that only roughly approximate field conditions. The geotechnical centrifuge produces stress conditions that are closer to those observed in the field, but steady conditions can be hardly achieved. Moreover, secondary effects induced by the apparent Coriolis acceleration, which can either dilate or compress the flow, often obscure scaling. This work aims at studying a set of numerical experiments where the effects of the Coriolis acceleration are measured and analyzed. Three flow states are observed: dense, dilute, and unstable. It is found that flows generated under the influence of dilative Coriolis accelerations are likely to become unstable. Nevertheless, a steady dense flow can still be obtained if a large centrifuge is used. A parametric group is proposed to predict the insurgence of instabilities; this parameter can guide experimental designs and could help to avoid damage to the experimental apparatus and model instrumentation
Consumer–brand identification revisited: An integrative framework of brand identification, customer satisfaction, and price image and their role for brand loyalty and word of mouth
Consumer–brand identification has received considerable attraction among scholars and practitioners in recent years. We contribute to previous research by proposing an integrative model that includes consumer–brand identification, customer satisfaction, and price image to investigate the interrelationships among these constructs as well as their effects on brand loyalty and positive word of mouth. To provide general results, we empirically test the model using a sample of 1443 respondents from a representative consumer panel and 10 service/product brands. The results demonstrate that identification, satisfaction, and price image significantly influence both loyalty and word of mouth. Moreover, we find significant interrelationships among the constructs: Identification positively influences both satisfaction and price image, which also increases satisfaction. By disclosing the relative importance of three separate ways of gaining and retaining customers, this study helps managers more appropriately choose the right mix of branding, pricing, and relationship marketing. From an academic point of view, our research is the first to explicitly examine the effects of the concept of identification for price management and to integrate variables from the fields of branding, relationship marketing, and behavioral pricing, which have separately been identified as particularly important determinants of marketing outcomes
Fish consumption and its motives in households with versus without self-reported medical history of CVD: A consumer survey from five European countries
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The purpose of this study was to explore the cross-cultural differences in the frequency of fish intake and in motivations for fish consumption between people from households with (CVD+) or without (CVD-) medical history of cardiovascular disease, using data obtained in five European countries.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional consumer survey was carried out in November-December 2004 with representative household samples from Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland and Spain. The sample consisted of 4,786 respondents, aged 18–84 and who were responsible for food purchasing and cooking in the household.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Individuals from households in the CVD+ group consumed fish more frequently in Belgium and in Denmark as compared to those in the CVD- group. The consumption of fatty fish, which is the main sources of omega-3 PUFA associated with prevention of cardiovascular diseases, was on the same level for the two CVD groups in the majority of the countries, except in Belgium where CVD+ subjects reported to eat fatty fish significantly more frequently than CVD- subjects. All respondents perceived fish as a very healthy and nutritious food product. Only Danish consumers reported a higher subjective and objective knowledge related to nutrition issues about fish. In the other countries, objective knowledge about fish was on a low level, similar for CVD+ as for CVD- subjects, despite a higher claimed use of medical information sources about fish among CVD+ subjects.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Although a number of differences between CVD- and CVD+ subjects with respect to their frequency of fish intake are uncovered, the findings suggest that fish consumption traditions and habits – rather than a medical history of CVD – account for large differences between the countries, particularly in fatty fish consumption. This study exemplifies the need for nutrition education and more effective communication about fish, not only to the people facing chronic diseases, but also to the broader public. European consumers are convinced that eating fish is healthy, but particular emphasis should be made on communicating benefits especially from fatty fish consumption.</p
Sustainable healthy eating behaviour of young adults: towards a novel methodological approach
Behavioural responses to unexpected changes in reward quality
Successive negative contrast (SNC) effects are changes in anticipatory or consummatory behaviour
when animals unexpectedly receive a lower value reward than they have received previously. SNC
effects are often assumed to reflect frustration and appear to be influenced by background affective
state. However, alternative explanations of SNC, such as the functional-search hypothesis, do not
necessarily imply an aversive affective state. We tested 18 dogs in a SNC paradigm using a patch
foraging task. Dogs were tested in two conditions, once with the low value reward in all of five trials
(unshifted) and once when reward value was altered between high and low (shifted). Following a
reward downshift, subjects showed a SNC effect by switching significantly more often between
patches compared to the unshifted condition. However, approach latency, foraging time and quantity
consumed did not differ between conditions, suggesting non-affective functional search behaviour
rather than frustration. There was no relationship between strength of SNC and anxiety-related
behaviours as measured in a novel object test and a personality questionnaire (C-BARQ). However,
associations with the C-BARQ scores for Trainability and Stranger directed aggression suggest a
possible link with behavioural flexibility and coping style. While reward quality clearly affects incentive
motivation, the relationship between SNC, frustration and background affective state requires further
exploration
9.4 Transkulturalität in personenbezogenen Dienstleistungen – die Entwicklung reflexiver und selbstreflexiver Kompetenz
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