Virtual sales calls: how the video background can influence consumer adoption intention- an extension of the technology acceptance model

This research examines how the aesthetics of the background during video sales conversations can influence buyers’ product adoption intention. The presented study applies the technology acceptance model (TAM), measuring the impact of the video sales channel on the buyer’s adoption intention. The traditional TAM mediators, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are included in the research model and extended by the mediator trust. It was found that a more aesthetic background influences all three mediators. However, only a full mediation could be confirmed for perceived usefulness. Lastly, reasoning for those findings is proposed, and further managerial implications are give

A hybrid algorithm for the vehicle routing problem with three-dimensional loading constraints and mixed backhauls

In this paper, a variant of the vehicle routing problem with mixed backhauls (VRPMB) is presented, i.e. goods have to be delivered from a central depot to linehaul customers, and, at the same time, goods have to be picked up from backhaul customers and brought to the depot. Both types of customers can be visited in mixed sequences. The goods to be delivered or picked up are three-dimensional (cuboid) items. Hence, in addition to a routing plan, a feasible packing plan for each tour has to be provided considering a number of loading constraints. The resulting problem is the vehicle routing problem with three-dimensional loading constraints and mixed backhauls (3L-VRPMB)

A hybrid solution approach for the 3L-VRP with simultaneous delivery and pickups

This paper deals with a special vehicle routing problem with backhauls where each customer receives items from a depot and, at the same time, returns items back to the depot. Moreover, time windows are assumed and three-dimensional loading constraints are to be observed, i.e. the items are three-dimensional boxes and packing constraints, e.g. regarding load stability, are to be met. The resulting problem is the vehicle routing problem with simultaneous delivery and pickup (VRPSDP), time windows, and three-dimensional loading constraints (3L-VRPSDPTW). This problem occurs, for example, if retail stores are supplied by a central warehouse and wish to return packaging material.A particular challenge of the problem is to transport delivery and pickup items simultaneously on the same vehicle. In order to avoid any reloading effort during a tour, we consider two different loading approaches of vehicles: (i) loading from the back side with separation of the loading space into a delivery section and a pickup section and (ii) loading at the long side. A hybrid algorithm is proposed for the 3L-VRPSDPTW consisting of an adaptive large neighbourhood search for the routing and different packing heuristics for the loading part of the problem. Extensive numerical experiments are conducted with VRPSDP instances from the literature and newly generated instances for the 3LVRPSDPTW

A New Link in a Chain of Genres?

Institutional genres often form dynamic systems or chains. In this paper we report on a possible expansion of the genre system that undergirds the appointment process of assistant professors in the U.S. This expansion consists of a “response letter” to a letter of recommendation. We first analyse a small corpus of these response letters by looking at the openings and closings and the bodies of the letters. The larger aim of this analysis is to explore the possible rationales that might underlie the composition, stylistic character and content of these texts

Sleep spindle alterations in patients with Parkinson's disease

The aim of this study was to identify changes of sleep spindles (SS) in the EEG of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Five sleep experts manually identified SS at a central scalp location (C3-A2) in 15 PD and 15 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Each SS was given a confidence score, and by using a group consensus rule, 901 SS were identified and characterized by their (1) duration, (2) oscillation frequency, (3) maximum peak-to-peak amplitude, (4) percent-to-peak amplitude, and (5) density. Between-group comparisons were made for all SS characteristics computed, and significant changes for PD patients vs. control subjects were found for duration, oscillation frequency, maximum peak-to-peak amplitude and density. Specifically, SS density was lower, duration was longer, oscillation frequency slower and maximum peak-to-peak amplitude higher in patients vs. controls. We also computed inter-expert reliability in SS scoring and found a significantly lower reliability in scoring definite SS in patients when compared to controls. How neurodegeneration in PD could influence SS characteristics is discussed. We also note that the SS morphological changes observed here may affect automatic detection of SS in patients with PD or other neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs)

Increasing Incidence of Listeriosis in France and Other European Countries

The cause of an increase among persons >60 years of age in France is unknown

To print in red ink: two new species of Hippeastrum (Amaryllidaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Background and aims – The Atlantic Forest is among the five most important biodiversity hotspots in the world, harbouring one of the highest levels of endemism and species richness in the tropics. The region has been suggested as a centre of diversity for the genus Hippeastrum, which comprises about one hundred species distributed throughout the Neotropics. Due to its large and showy flowers, the genus is highly sought after by collectors and horticulturists around the world, with hundreds of hybrids produced and traded for centuries. However, most of its species are still known from only one or a few populations, and several are officially recognized as endangered. Monographic studies on the genus Hippeastrum in Brazil have revealed two likely microendemic new species from the Atlantic Forest. Material and methods – The morphological descriptions of the new species are based on herbarium specimens and cultivated plants, as well as in situ observations. Descriptions and measures were taken following standard procedures. Preliminary conservation assessments followed IUCN guidelines and criteria. Key results – Both species show typical morphology of the subgenus Hippeastrum, in which they should be placed. They can be distinguished from similar taxa, including some of the most widely distributed and known species of the genus, by several floral characters. Data on ecology, conservation, and photographs and illustrations are provided, as well as comparisons with related species. An identification key to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest species of Hippeastrum is provided, accompanied by photographs of these species in their natural habitats. Conclusion – The new species are considered critically endangered due to their single known location and small population size. The findings reinforce the need for continued sampling across different regions of the Atlantic Forest, as well as the importance of systematic studies conducted by specialist taxonomists

Raman shifts in MBE‐grown SixGe1 − x − ySny alloys with large Si content

We examine the Raman shift in silicon–germanium–tin alloys with high silicon content grown on a germanium virtual substrate by molecular beam epitaxy. The Raman shifts of the three most prominent modes, Si–Si, Si–Ge, and Ge–Ge, are measured and compared with results in previous literature. We analyze and fit the dependence of the three modes on the composition and strain of the semiconductor alloys. We also demonstrate the calculation of the composition and strain of SixGe1 − x − ySny from the Raman shifts alone, based on the fitted relationships. Our analysis extends previous results to samples lattice matched on Ge and with higher Si content than in prior comprehensive Raman analyses, thus making Raman measurements as a local, fast, and nondestructive characterization technique accessible for a wider compositional range of these ternary alloys for silicon-based photonic and microelectronic devices.Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001659Peer Reviewe