Hyperbolic Structures and Root Systems

We discuss the construction of a one parameter family of complex hyperbolic structures on the complement of a toric mirror arrangement associated with a simply laced root system. Subsequently we find conditions for which parameter values this leads to ball quotients

Euro-Mediterranean Supply Chain Developments and Trends in Trade Structures, in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Sector

Supply chains for fresh fruit and vegetables, are going through considerable re-shaping phase worldwide. This study analyses the trends which impose those changes and focuses mainly at the wholesale and export trading of the Euro-Mediterranean supply chain (namely, on how fruit and vegetable producer, wholesale and export firms react to the market forces that direct them). Producer organizations and wholesale firms one the one hand of The Netherlands, Germany and other EU member countries, and of Non- EU Member Mediterranean countries, on the other hand, are the subject of this study. Two graphical representation of the Dutch and the German supply chains respectively are presented here as the main instrument to demonstrate the dynamics of the sectors structure, by describing the position, function size and development for the main chain partner in each of the aforementioned markets. The Euro-Med dimension of the fruit and vegetable supply chain, is analyzed by attempting an impact assessment and an estimation of the potential development of further supply chain integration or collaboration between firms in EU member countries and Mediterranean partner countries. The existing policy framework (the CMO for the fruit and vegetable sector of the CAP), is also taken into consideration as it particularly affects the relationships developed between producer organizations and wholesale firms and retail chains.Euro-Med Free Trade analysis, Supply chain restructure, supply chain efficiency, fresh fruit and vegetables trade, vertical coordination, Industrial Organization, International Relations/Trade,

Efficiency of Investor Owned Firms and Cooperatives Revisited

Providing a performance measure of any firm is a crucial issue, not only for the stakeholders of the firm, but also for policy makers, labor unions, and economists. The relevant performance measures should consider the objectives of the firm’s owners. The ownership structure of cooperatives is different from that of investors owned firms, which in principle implies the need of different tools to measure their performance. Typically, however, the performance of cooperatives and investor owned firm is mostly compared using the same approach. In this study, we use Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to compare the performance of dairy cooperatives and investor owned firms in major European dairy producing countries using a traditional approach, which views both types of firms as cost minimizers, and an alternative approach, which considers the objectives of the cooperatives. In the alternatives approach, two hyperbolic models were evaluated, one of them consider the firms to expand both output production and use of material to address the objective of the owners of the cooperatives. The performance of the cooperatives changes across the two approaches form being out performed by IOFs using the traditional approach to outperforming IOFs when using an approach that is in line with the objective of the cooperative.DEA, hyperbolic efficiency, cooperatives, Investor Owned Firms, Bootstrapping, Agricultural and Food Policy,

Stress, neuroticism, bias towards negative emotions, positive‐ and negative affect as predictors of (sub)clinical depression

Het doel van dit onderzoek is om inzicht te verkrijgen in hoeverre de genoemde risicofactoren, overeenkomstig het kwetsbaarheidsmodel, huidige en toekomstige depressieve symptomen daadwerkelijk voorspellen en in hoeverre beïnvloeding van de kwetsbaarheid voor stress volgens het stresskwetsbaarheidsmodel daarbij een rol speelt

We'll stay in touch: Intuitive communication means for social connectedness

One of the dominant aspects in people’s well-being is social connectedness. Social connectedness refers to the subjective awareness of being in close interpersonal, meaningful, and positive social relationships and social contexts (Tilburg et al., 1998; Perlman & Paplau 1981). In our research project we studied whether new services and high-tech products can help to increase connectedness between families (i.e. small community). A multidisciplinary approach is adopted in which technical and Human Factors knowledge are combined. The technology approach is strongly based on rapid prototyping, extending, reusing, and integrating existing devices and services in a novel, innovative way. Human Factors knowledge aims at user-centred design and evaluation of a.o. user experiences.\ud When people are forced to leave their home environment for a period of time, the lack of social connectedness might become predominant. This might lead to feelings of loneliness and have a negative effect on wellbeing. The focus in this project is on spinal cord lesion patients in a rehabilitation clinic, and their family members at home. Spinal cord lesion patients have to stay in the rehabilitation clinic up to one year after their accident or illness.\ud The project consists of three phases:\ud 1. Inventory of technology possibilities and restrictions, and user requirements;\ud 2. Technical probe study; one technical device is tested\ud 3. Pilot study; an integrated combination of technological devices and services is teste

Are the orthostatic fluid shifts to the calves augmented in autonomic failure?

In autonomic failure (AF), blood pressure (BP) falls upon standing which is commonly ascribed to defective vasoconstriction and excessive pooling. Observations on the amount of pooling in AF are contradictory. We evaluated pooling using strain-gauge plethysmography (SGP) during head-up tilt (HUT) with a parachute harness fixed to the tilt table to avoid muscle tension in the lower limbs and thus to maximise pooling. 23 healthy subjects and 12 patients with AF were tilted for 5 min. BP and calf volume changes, as measured by SGP, were measured continuously. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the effect of AF on orthostatic fluid shifts after adjustment for potential confounders. Patients did not differ from controls with respect to the increase of calf volume after 5 min HUT. The acute (0-1 min) and the prolonged (1-5 min) phases of calf volume responses to HUT were also similar between patients and controls. No correlation was found between the degree of orthostatic hypotension and the orthostatic calf volume change in AF. In one patient an additional measurement was made before rising from bed in the early morning demonstrating a greater albeit small increase of calf volume upon HUT. Orthostatic fluid shifts at the level of the calf in AF are not augmented during the course of the day despite marked hypotension. However, a small increase of pooling may be expected when the patient first gets out of bed in the morning probably due to the absence of oedema.Paroxysmal Cerebral Disorder

Managing psychogenic pseudosyncope: Facts and experiences

Psychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS) is a common cause of apparent transient loss of conscious­ness (TLOC) with a dramatic impact on the quality of life. This review aims to give an overview of the definition, incidence, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of PPS based on a combination of literature data and personal experience. The limited literature on the subject suggests that PPS is relatively common but insufficiently recognized. PPS is probably similar to psychogenic nonepiteptic seizures (PNES), in which a long delay to diagnosis worsens the prognosis. A detailed history is of paramount importance for the diagnosis. The key feature in the history of patients with PPS is the occurrence of frequent, long attacks of apparent TLOC with closed eyes. The diagnosis is certain when a typical event is recorded during a tilt-table test with simultaneous blood pressure (BP), heart rate and video-electroencephalographic re­cordings. Home video and BP recording during an attack can be very useful. The diagnosis should be communicated to the patient in a way that is clear, understandable and does not cause offense. Although treatment options have not been investigated formally, the literature on PNES suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy is beneficial

Prevention of occupational diseases in Turkey : deriving lessons from journey of surveillance

Introduction: To prevent and manage the societal and economic burden of occupational diseases (ODs), countries should develop strong prevention policies, health surveillance and registry systems. This study aims to contribute to the improvement of OD surveillance at national level as well as to identify priority actions in Turkey. Methods: The history and current status of occupational health studies were considered from the perspective of OD surveillance. Interpretative research was done through literature review on occupational health at national, regional and international level. Analyses were focused on countries' experiences in policy development and practice, roles and responsibilities of institutions, multidisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration. OD surveillance models of Turkey, Belgium and the Netherlands were examined through exchange visits. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to explore the peculiarities of legislative and institutional structures, the best and worst practices, and approach principles. Results: Some countries are more focused on exploring OD trends through effective and cost-efficient researches, with particular attention to new and emerging ODs. Other countries try to reach every single case of OD for compensation and rehabilitation. Each practice has advantages and shortcomings, but they are not mutually exclusive, and thus an effective combination is possible. Conclusion: Effective surveillance and registry approaches play a key role in the prevention of ODs. A well-designed system enables monitoring and assessment of OD prevalence and trends, and adoption of preventive measures while improving the effectiveness of redressing and compensation. A robust surveillance does not only provide protection of workers' health but also advances prevention of economic losses