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Is Simplicity Within a Logo the Key to Increased Consumption?
Get PDFThis study aims to identify whether a flat, simple logo increases the amount consumed for the corresponding product due to processing fluency of the logo. An experiment was run to test whether a complex logo and a simple logo had different effects on consumption. The main findings were that there was no significant difference between the two logos, however it was identified that the fluent logo had a higher average consumption weight in comparison to the disfluent. Further, the relationship between logo and consumption was stronger when a consumer was highly design oriented, because they more strongly value the product design and how it matches their visual aesthetics.
The morphology of the proximal femur in the very elderly
Get PDFIntroduction. The population of the very elderly (i.e. ≥80 years of age) is growing rapidly due to demographic changes, an increased life expectancy, in particular. As a consequence, a 170% increase in the number of performed total hip arthroplasties (THAs) is projected for the next decades. Previous studies described the age-related changes in the morphology of the proximal femur, however, almost exclusively in subjects <80 years of age and using 2D X-rays. In THA the emphasis lies on reconstruction of the center of rotation (CoR) in order to preserve leg length, leg rotation and muscle tension (more precise: lever arm). The present study focuses on the reconstruction of the center of rotation (CoR) in the very elderly, with emphasis on the neck-shaft angle (NSA), the femoral neck anteversion angle (FNAA) and the mediolateral offset (ML offset). Furthermore, the effect of patient demographics such as gender, length and weight on the internal and external morphology of the proximal femur, the relationships between dimensions and angles on the proximal femur, and the effect of the internal morphology of the femoral canal on parameters describing the external geometry of the proximal femur were investigated. Methods. Ninety very elderly subjects (avg. 84.2 ± 3.6 years, range 80-105 years, 50M/40F) got a high-resolution CT-scan of their right femur (voxel size 1x1x1mm). Cortical bone models were derived from these scans using a specialized threshold algorithm in Materialise Mimics v10 and were further processed in Inus Technology Rapidform 2006. In order to classify the proximal femoral canal shape in stovepipe, normal or champagne flute the canal flare index (CFI) was measured according to Noble et al. Results. Compared to previous studies, the mean NSA (125.1 ± 5.5) and FNAA (10.0 ± 5.6) values found in the present study did not show notable differences. Based on the coronal CFI, the studied femora can be divided into stovepipe (23.3%) and non-stovepipe (76.7%). This percentage of stovepipe shaped proximal femoral canals is high compared to literature about younger populations. There are no differences in the external geometry between femora with a stovepipe or a non-stovepipe shaped canal. Furthermore, the FHD and the CoR-LTabsolute proved to be positively correlated (r=0.449) in the current study, the CoR-LTabsolute/FHD-ratio showed to be 1.17. The distance between the lesser trochanter and the center of rotation was both absolute (59.54 ± 5.76mm vs. 54.85 ± 6.31mm) and vertical (44.37 ± 6.77mm vs. 38.95 ± 7.41mm) larger in males than in females. Discussion. Based on the current study, no alternations in the external geometry of the current hip stem have to be made for an optimal elderly hip stem. However, due to advanced osteoporosis, this population of very elderly subjects contained more stovepipe shaped proximal canals based on their CFI, than younger populations. This has implications for hip stem design in the elderly. Namely, the proximal canal in which the hip stem is fixated is widened, while the external morphology remains the same. A hip stem with a thicker part for fixating in the shaft and the same external features as the currently used hip stem seems thus optimal in the very elderly (≥80yrs). Furthermore, a new equation for determining the head height, based on the diameter of the femoral head is suggested, which may be useful in hemiarthroplasty
Listening to citizens
Get PDFFocusing on local politics in the Meuse-Rhine Euregion, this report investigates the interaction between citizens and local politicians in four municipalities: Riemst (Belgium, Flanders), Visé (Belgium, Wallonia), Übach-Palenberg (Germany) and Valkenburg aan de Geul (Netherlands). The purpose of the research project is to bring new insights into the interaction between citizens and local politicians and the expectations of citizens about that interaction. Therefore, this report analyses the experiences of citizens with politicians (including the mayor) at local government level, using Easton’s (1965) model of the political system and Denters’ (2013) models for the role of elected representatives.The research was conducted in the framework of the Marble (Maastricht Researched Based Learning for Excellence) programme, open for highly motivated and excellent undergraduate students. The structured interviews with the citizens were conducted in April and May 2016.Overall, this research finds that, despite some differences between the four municipalities in terms of the relationship between citizens and local politicians, most citizens contact their local politicians for a concrete problem affecting them. Citizens expect politicians to help them with these issues. On the other hand, citizens expect politicians to approach them to ask for input in the decision-making process. These expectations fit best with the politicians’ role of trustee and democratic watchdog as defined by Denters (2013). Local politicians do not completely fulfil these expectations yet. They should engage with citizens more often to ask for their input or to explain council decisions (output). As an approach to tackle this issue and facilitate effective communication, this paper proposes implementing “tailored” communication modes, based on the different target groups.This research is complementary to the 2015 study by Peters et al., which focused on the experiences and expectations of local politicians in the same four municipalities in the Meuse-Rhine Euregion
Predictors of health-related quality of life of colorectal cancer survivors: a systematic literature review
Get PDFBackground. The population of colorectal cancer survivors is growing. A colorectal cancer diagnosis and its treatment can bring along adverse long- and short term effects that influence the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of survivors. In order to prevent these adverse effects and deteriorating HRQOL, the right care needs to be offered to the right individual at the right time. For early identification of survivors at risk for deteriorating HRQOL, it is important to know which factors are predictive of HRQOL. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify possible predictors of HRQOL of colorectal cancer survivors. Methods. A systematic literature review was conducted using the search engines MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar to find available literature on the relation between lifestyle, clinical, and socio-demographic variables and HRQOL in colorectal cancer survivors. Additional articles were found by citation tracking. Results. In total, 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most relevant lifestyle predictors of lower HRQOL that were identified were low levels of physical activity and higher BMI. Higher stage, presence of a stoma, having comorbidities, having fecal incontinence, and having rectal cancer were the most relevant clinical predictors of lower HRQOL. The most relevant socio-demographic predictors of lower HRQOL were low income, no private health insurance, negative cancer threat appraisal, low levels of social support, and pessimism. Discussion and conclusion. Evidence suggests that the predictors, found in the studies included in this systematic review, could help in identifying colorectal cancer survivors at increased risk of deteriorating HRQOL. For some predictors the evidence appeared inconclusive or contradictory, and therefore, more research is needed with special focus on these associations. Especially lifestyle predictors are an important area for future research, since these factors are mostly related to modifiable behavior and changing them thus could help in improving HRQOL. The predictors identified in this systematic review can be used for developing, validating, and testing prediction models for HRQOL of colorectal cancer survivors
The Hybrid Nature of Hybrid Financial Instruments and EU Steps Towards a Solution
Get PDFFor the last few years, aggressive tax planning, tax avoidance, tax fraud and their various manifestations have been dominating the public and private sector. Issues raised by numerous forms of base erosion and profit shifting are listed as top priorities for EU and non-EU countries. Logically, states want to optimize the levy of taxes and obtain the corresponding revenues attributable to their jurisdiction. At the same time, companies want to increase the profit margins through the optimization of all the costs concerned, including optimal taxation. The opposing interests involved might seem irreconcilable having in mind the stakes at hand. In the quest to achieve at least a certain level of balance, the parties engaged are required to adopt solutions that take into account the long-term objectives, the legal certainty behind the rules and potential ramifications of the latter. This article focuses on a particular set of arrangements through which companies attempt to obtain the most favourable taxation and increase the yield on their investments. The aforesaid are carried out by means of exploitation of complex hybrid financial instrument schemes. The significant impact of these sophisticated instruments on the taxing rights of countries has raised various questions but still no concrete answers. The inner logic behind a hybrid instrument is to utilize the differences between the divergent tax systems. The EU, along with the OECD’s work on base erosion and profit shifting and in the context of combating the negative effects of hybrid mismatches, decided to propose an amendment to the Parent-Subsidiary Directive by conditioning the tax relief provided by a home Member State to the deductibility at the level of a host Member State. This approach addresses only one possible solution to the problem and leaves aside other significant ones.
Bittersweet (Tax) Symphony
Get PDFThe increased globalization has given rise to many new opportunities for companies to conduct their business. Companies reach out, far beyond the boundaries of their home state. However, conducting business abroad leads to a plethora of tax rules which a company should take into account. They are no longer limited to the tax legislation of their home state, but the companies should also adhere to the tax laws applicable in the state where they conduct their business. This may lead to the undesired effect of double taxation. In order to prevent this effect, many countries have signed tax treaties through which they allocate taxing. The interface of a variety of domestic legislations and tax treaties leads to higher compliance costs to companies, but many companies have been able to utilize the rules to severely limit their tax liability.
Tax Seminar III on Double Tax Treaty Abuse, BEPS Developments (Action 6) and Selected Aspects on Article 7 OECD MC (Authorised OECD Approach)
Get PDFA tax seminar for students following the LL.M courses in International Taxation of Business Income and International Tax Planning and Transfer Pricing was held at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of Maastricht University on 15 May, 2014. The objective of this seminar was to provide the students with additional information and insights on Double Tax Treaty Abuse and Article 7 OECD Model Tax Convention on Income and Capital (OECD MC) in preparation for their upcoming exam and, at the same time, give them a deeper understanding of the current Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) developments. Dr Marcel Schaper, assistant professor of law at Maastricht University, welcomed the speakers as well as the participating students and gave a brief introduction to the subject of the seminar. The seminar featured two presentations given by Mr Carlos Gutierrez and Mr Luis Nouel, both IBFD principal research associates.
Preface
Get PDFThis series contain the summaries of the bachelor thesis of the MaRBLe + students of 2015, and represent the different strands of research in the various bachelor tracks of Health Sciences and Bio Medical Sciences programmes in the academic year 2014/15. It should be noted that some of the work is considered for publication in a peer reviewed scientific journal and therefore the content of the presented thesis summary may be altered to prevent double publication of scientific work. This publication could be the first step in a research career for students and is an ideal way to spread their research findings to a broader audience
Mindfulness and dyspareunia: a study of how our mind can dissolve sexual pain
Get PDFMindfulness has its roots in Buddhism and consists of present moment awareness, attention and acceptance. It is frequently part of a comprehensive treatment protocol, most often cognitive behavioural treatments. This thesis gives an overview on the literature of mindfulness and sexual dysfunctions, dyspareunia in specific, and provides a first step in developing a protocol to test the effectiveness of a mindfulness only intervention. Sufficient evidence has been found in the literature to support the fact that a mindfulness only treatment is indeed effective in treating dyspareunia. Mindfulness decreases the experience of sexual pain during a sexual activity through present moment awareness, attention and acceptance. The findings of this article will lead to further research on the effect of a mindfulness only intervention on dyspareunia and perhaps other sexual dysfunctions and psychological disorders
Detection and Differentiation of Different Monocyte Subsets: Optimalization of a Multiparameter Flowcytometric Assay
Get PDFPeripheral blood monocytes are heterogeneous and it was recently reported that three subsets can be identified based on CD14 and CD16 expression: CD14++/CD16- classical monocytes, CD14++/CD16+ intermediate monocytes and CD14+/CD16++ nonclassical monocytes. The mostly used technique to detect and determine the subtypes is multiparameter flowcytometry, however, there are some technical challenges in the determination of the subsets in flowcytometry, including pre-analytic, analytic and postanalytic aspects. This study aims at validation and optimalization the multiparameter flowcytometric determination of monocyte subsets. For this purpose, patients from the outdoor clinic were asked to participate by having an extra EDTA-anti-coagulated blood tube drawn. The stability of the blood sample was investigated by analyzing 20 blood samples directly and 1h, 3h, 4h and 24h after venipuncture. The influence of antibody clone (B73.1 and 3G8; BD Biosciences) against CD16 was investigated making use of another group of 20 blood samples. Reproducibility was tested and three different gating strategies, based on either CD14 back-gating, HLA-DR expression or CD24 and CD56 expression were applied to the flowcytometric results. Samples were analyzed with flowcytometry (FACSCanto II; BD). The relative size of classical monocyte population shows a significant decrease 24h after venipuncture. Using the HLA-DR based gating method, a decrease in the fraction of totoal monocytes was found. No significant differences were found when comparing the B73.1 and 3G8 antibody clone, however, the use of the 3G8 clone made it possible to make a better distinction between monocytes and granulocytes in the HLADR based gating method. all measurements show a good reproducibility (CV < 10%, ICC > 0,8), although the intermediate monocytes show a higher level of variation. In order to make reliable and proper determinations of the different monocyte subsets, sample preparation and acquisition has to take place within 4 hours after venipuncture. the 3G8 clone is preferred for CD16 labeling and the HLA-DR based gating method is assumed to be the most accurate in identifying the monocyte subsets. Using above mentioned recommendations, the test shows a good reproducibility