bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Question of Coherence
Authors: Lehmann Matthias
Published: February 2017

Digitalization is revolutionizing our life. In response to its ever growing impact, the European Commission has tabled two proposals for new directives, one pertaining to contracts for the supply of digital content, the other regarding online and other distance sales of goods. This contribution analyses both proposals critically. It questions the need for having a separate regime encompassing contracts for sale of digital content in light of the possibility of adapting the existing legal framework to reflect the particularities of such agreements. It also warns against adopting more specific rules on online sales, which would further widen the gap in their treatment when compared to face-to-face agreements. The author bemoans the confusion and contradictions the new proposals would introduce to EU consumer law. The choice of a maximum harmonization approach extends this lack of coherence into Member State law. Even worse, the EU legislator interferes with areas that have so far been the exclusive domain of national civil law, such as determining adequate levels of damages or the consequences of termination. Despite the need for compromise, the author suggests that the Commission should not seek them at any cost, but stick to principles of good law-making in multi-level governance systems.
‘What I Tell You Three Times is True’
Authors: Shuibhne Niamh Nic
Published: February 2017

This comment examines three recent judgments of the Court of Justice – Alimanovic, Garcia-Nieto, and Commission v. UK – that further develop the connection between lawful residence in a host state and EU equal treatment rights, a critical legal premise of the Dano judgment. It demonstrates that this line of case law blurs legal concepts and legal statuses – social assistance and social benefits, for example; also citizens looking for work, those who have worked previously but no longer do, and those who need to rely on Article 7(1)(b) of Directive 2004/38 to establish lawful residence in the host state. It aims overall to contribute to debates about quality of law; about the quality of EU citizenship and free movement law in a substantive sense; but also about how EU law is made, applied and revised.
Solidarity in EU Law
Authors: Küçük Esin
Published: February 2017

Solidarity, although widely used in EU legislation and the early jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), lacks a clear meaning. It appears as an amorphous concept whose contours change depending on the legal areas and the actors involved, and which generates differing levels of commitment. This article explores the attributes common to the different expressions of solidarity as a binding legal obligation in order to develop European solidarity as an integrated concept. It examines the meaning and boundaries of solidarity by focusing on the reasons that generate solidarity obligations under the EU Treaties and by analysing the case law where the CJEU has drawn on solidarity or could have drawn on it, but decided not to do so. The article concludes that while different aspects of solidarity are embodied in EU legislation, the concept has normative force mainly when it is driven by self-interest in a reciprocal relationship. Although references have been made to its ethical underpinnings, in the absence of a reciprocal return, the normative premises of solidarity have remained weak.
Improving Physician Communication With Patients as Measured by HCAHPS Using a Standardized Communication Model
Authors: Horton Devin J. , Yarbrough Peter M. , Wanner Nathan , Murphy Ryan D. , Kukhareva Polina V. , Kawamoto Kensaku
Published: February 2017

Physicians often fail to communicate well with patients. The objective of this retrospective controlled interrupted time series study was to evaluate the impact of a standardized communication intervention to improve physician communication. All patients ages 18 years or older (N = 7739 visits) admitted to University of Utah Health Care in Salt Lake City, Utah, from July 1, 2012, to June 31, 2014, were included. Obstetrics, rehabilitation, and psychiatric patients were excluded. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who answered “Always” to all HCAHPS questions regarding physician-patient communication. Among the intervention group, the primary outcome increased from 56% to 63% ( P = .014, N = 1021) while remaining stable for the control group (65% to 66%, P = .6, N = 6718). The downward trend reversed after the intervention (−0.6% to +1.7% per month, P < .001). Standardized communication was associated with improvement in physician communication HCAHPS scores.
Functional Outcomes Following Anterior Transfer of the Tibialis Posterior Tendon for Foot Drop Secondary to Peroneal Nerve Palsy
Authors: Cho Byung-Ki , Park Kyoung-Jin , Choi Seung-Myung , Im Se-Hyuk , SooHoo Nelson F.
Published: February 2017

Background:

This retrospective comparative study reports the practical function in daily and sports activities after tibialis posterior tendon transfer for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy.

Methods:

Seventeen patients were followed for a minimum of 3 years after tibialis posterior tendon transfer for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy. Matched controls were used to evaluate the level of functional restoration. Functional evaluations included American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores, and isokinetic muscle strength test. Radiographic evaluation for the changes of postoperative foot alignment included Meary angle, calcaneal pitch angle, hindfoot alignment angle, and navicular height.

Results:

Mean AOFAS, FAOS, and FAAM scores significantly improved from 65.1 to 86.2, 55.6 to 87.8, and 45.7 to 84.4 points at final follow-up, respectively. However, all functional evaluation scores were significantly lower as compared to the control group ( P < .001). Mean peak torque (60 degrees/sec) of ankle dorsiflexors, plantarflexors, invertors, and evertors at final follow-up were 7.1 (deficit ratio of 65.4%), 39.2, 9.8, and 7.3 Nm, respectively. These muscle strengths were significantly lower compared to the control group ( P < .001). No significant differences in radiographic measurements were found, and no patients presented with a postoperative flat foot deformity. One patient (5.9%) needed an ankle-foot orthosis for occupational activity.

Conclusions:

Anterior transfer of the tibialis posterior tendon appears to be an effective surgical option for paralytic foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy. Although restoration of dorsiflexion strength postoperatively was about 33% of the normal ankle, function in daily activities and gait ability were satisfactorily improved. In addition, tibialis posterior tendon transfer demonstrated no definitive radiographic or clinical progression to postoperative flat foot deformity at intermediate-term follow-up.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
The Dimensions of Ruminative Thinking: One for All or All for One
Authors: Mihić Ljiljana , Novović Zdenka , Lazić Milica , Dozois David J. A. , Belopavlović Radomir
Published: February 2017

The Ruminative Thought Scale (RTS) was developed to measure the ruminative thinking style, presumably common to various psychopathological disorders. However, prior factor-analytic research was inconclusive regarding unidimensionality versus multidimensionality of the RTS. The present study was conducted on a large, heterogeneous Serbian sample ( N = 838). A subsample was retested 6 months later providing information about symptoms of depression and various anxiety symptoms. Results showed that a bifactor model of the RTS (representing one general and four group factors) had a better fit than the second-order and one-factor models. The subscale scores were not prospective predictors of symptoms of depression and anxiety, over and above the contribution of the total score. The RTS is a reliable transdiagnostic measure of repetitive thinking. Although there is some clustering of more homogeneous items, there is not enough evidence to support interpretation of the subscales.
Thrombin-Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor Gene Polymorphism (TAFI1040C/T) in Women With Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: ElDanasori Nabil , Abulata Nelly , Shaheen Iman A. , ElGendy Alaa M. , El-Khayat Waleed
Published: February 2017

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is defined as 3 or more consecutive pregnancy failures. Thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is a plasma zymogen that regulates both fibrinolysis and inflammation. The TAFI 1040C/T polymorphism could alter the circulating levels of TAFI with a reduced capacity to remove the fibrin clots from the circulation; therefore, it could be considered a molecular risk factor for RSA. The TAFI 1040C/T polymorphism was studied in 50 patients with RSA by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism technique and compared to 50 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers as a control group to verify its possible association with RSA. In case group, the wild genotype (C/C) and heterozygous genotype (C/T) did not reduce the risk of RSA (odds ratio: 0.368 and 0.767, respectively), even when compared to the number of RSA ( P = .71). A higher frequency of C allele in the control group and a higher frequency of T allele in the case group were observed but with no statistical significance. In conclusion, our study revealed that TAFI 1040C/T could not be considered a molecular predictive factor for RSA in Egyptians.
Removing Firearms From Those Prohibited From Possession by Domestic Violence Restraining Orders: A Survey and Analysis of State Laws
Authors: Zeoli April M. , Frattaroli Shannon , Roskam Kelly , Herrera Anastasia K.
Published: February 2017

Under federal and many state laws, persons under domestic violence restraining orders (DVROs) are prohibited from possession of firearms. Using multiple sources and a Lexis Nexis search, we developed a list of state laws pertaining to the relinquishment or removal of firearms from persons prohibited from possession by DVROs. After downloading the text of each law, we conducted a legal analysis to enumerate provisions of the laws specifying implementation. We found 49 laws in 29 states and Washington, DC. The laws were conceptualized as instructions to the court, the respondent, and law enforcement. We detail the content of each state’s law, including such elements as whether it applies to ex parte DVROs; whether certain criteria must be met, such as previous use of a firearm in domestic violence or lack of an employment exemption, before the law can be applied; and whether the application of the law is mandatory. We also detail instructions to the respondent regarding to whom firearms may be relinquished, whether the respondent must seek permission to transfer the firearm to a third party, and the time by which dispossession must occur. Finally, whether law enforcement bears the responsibility for removing the firearm or whether the law gives the court the authority to order a search and seizure for the firearms is discussed. The purpose of the research is to provide an overview of these state laws that can be used by key stakeholders in legislative, judicial, advocacy, or research roles. Implications are discussed.
Effect of ticagrelor with clopidogrel on high on-treatment platelet reactivity in acute stroke or transient ischemic attack (PRINCE) trial: Rationale and design
Authors: Wang Yilong , Lin Yi , Meng Xia , Chen Weiqi , Chen Guohua , Wang Zhimin , Wu Jialing , Wang Dali , Li Jianhua , Cao Yibin , Xu Yuming , Zhang Guohua , Li Xiaobo , Pan Yuesong , Li Hao , Liu Liping , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yongjun
Published: February 2017

Rationale and aim

Little is known about the safety and efficacy of the combination of ticagrelor and aspirin in acute ischemic stroke. This study aimed to evaluate whether the combination of ticagrelor and aspirin was superior to that of clopidogrel and aspirin in reducing the 90-day high on-treatment platelet reactivity for acute minor stroke or transient ischemic attack, especially for carriers of cytochrome P450 2C19 loss-of-function allele.

Sample size and design

This study was designed as a prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-controlled, and blind-endpoint, phase II b trial. The required sample size was 952 patients. It was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02506140).

Study outcomes

The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity at 90 days. High on-treatment platelet reactivity is defined as the P2Y12 reaction unit >208 measured using the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay.

Conclusion

The Platelet Reactivity in Acute Non-disabling Cerebrovascular Events study explored whether ticagrelor combined with aspirin could reduce further the proportion of patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity at 90 days after acute minor stroke or transient ischemic attack compared with clopidogrel and aspirin.
Distal radioulnar joint: functional anatomy, including pathomechanics
Authors: Haugstvedt J. R. , Langer M. F. , Berger R. A.
Published: February 2017

The distal radioulnar joint allows the human to rotate the forearm to place the hand in a desired position to perform different tasks, without interfering with the grasping function of the hand. The ulna is the stable part of the forearm around which the radius rotates; the stability of the distal radioulnar joint is provided by the interaction between ligaments, muscles and bones. The stabilizing structures are the triangular fibrocartilage complex, the ulnocarpal ligament complex, the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon and tendon sheath, the pronator quadratus, the interosseous membrane and ligament, the bone itself and the joint capsule. The purpose of this review article is to present and illustrate the current understanding of the functional anatomy and pathomechanics of this joint.
Ownership Unbundling of Electricity Distribution Networks and Distributed Generation
Authors: Brunekreeft Gert , Ehlers Eckart
Published: February 2017

Ownership unbundling of distribution network operators (DNO) and the commercial activities in the electricity supply industry will distort and may impede efficient investment in distributed generation (DG). DG is electricity generation connected to the distribution network and typically involves renewable energy sources and combined heat and power. Three arguments were examined in detail. First, the unbundled network operator may have poor incentives to connect new DG. Secondly, in the face of deep network impact, shallow connection charging distorts investment signals. Thirdly, the split between network and DG exacerbates coordination and information problems leading to flawed investment.
Airport Privatisation: Ownership Structure and Financial Performance of European Commercial Airports
Authors: Vogel Hans-Arthur
Published: February 2017

After a discourse on commercialisation and privatisation in the sector, this paper assesses the financial performance of 35 European commercial airports for the decade 1990 to 2000 by comparing those in mixed public-private and fully private ownership to those in public possession. The outcomes of partial factor productivity (PFP), financial ratio (FRA) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) are evaluated, in order to investigate differences attributable to the degree of privatisation. Changes in performance after a change in ownership structure are reviewed. Finally, airport privatisation is put into perspective.

The analysis of sample data reveals economically meaningful and statistically significant differences between publicly owned and privatised airports. The latter group is not a homogeneous one but also shows structural differences between partially and fully privatised companies. The major differences lie in operating efficiency, asset utilisation or capital productivity and capital structure.

Whereas privatised airports operate more cost-efficiently, publicly owned airports generate comparatively higher ratios of unit revenue and work load units to total assets. Their capital expenditure to total revenue ratio is lower and the asset turnover is higher. In terms of operating margin, the revenue/expenditure ratio and the ratio of cash flow to revenue, partially and fully privatised airport companies rank higher on average than those in the public sector. Their increased operating efficiency does not, however, translate into significantly higher returns on shareholders' funds. Regarding capital structure and financing of productive assets, publicly owned airports assume more debt relative to their respective equity, which results in considerably higher gearing and financial leverage, compensating for the comparatively low return rate on assets.
Total Cost Efficiency Analysis for Regulatory Purposes: Statement of the Problem and Two European Case Studies
Authors: Ajodhia Virendra , Kristiansen Tarjei , Petrov Konstantin , Scarsi Gian Carlo
Published: February 2017

This paper describes the issue economic regulators face when assessing the relative performance of network utilities by means of economic benchmarking. Using examples from two European regulatory agencies, we discuss how total expenditure (totex) benchmarking can achieve more consistent outcomes than building-blocks benchmarking, while generating a new set of practical issues which will make this regulatory tool feasible only under a specific set of (mainly country-specific) circumstances.
Nuclear Energy between Past and Future. An Assessment Based on the Concept of Risk
Authors: Romerio Franco
Published: February 2017

The objective of this article is to carry out an assessment of nuclear energy in the context of energy policy. Its background is the so called “nuclear revival” expected by some decision-makers. In particular, we discuss the role that this form of energy can play to improve electricity supply security. Our assessment is based on the concept of risk. We identify the main risks provoked by nuclear energy and we present the problems related to their management. We take into consideration the risks related to the environment, health, technology, economics, society and policy. We show that nuclear energy can contribute to guarantee the electricity supply in the XXI century. However, we stress that this technology brings about major risks. It represents an “unfortunate necessity” and should be considered as a transitional technology, waiting for the development of renewable energy and the implementation of less energy intensive lifestyles.
The EU Policy towards PPPs: A New Institutional Economics Perspective
Authors: Marra Alessandro
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the economic worthiness of the service concession to mixed companies (iPPP), which represents a form of partnership substantially neglected by economic literature. Our underlying objective is to provide New Institutional Economics with some evidence to show how such a theory could contribute to attain further and concrete advances in local utilities regulation. Beyond the competitive tendering for selecting the provider or the private partner, execution drawbacks arising during the concession contract need to be approached in a more rigorous way: opportunistic behaviours and moral hazard will affect negatively the outcome of PPPs as well as non-transparent and non-objective award procedures. IPPP has been carrying out a fundamental function in regulating local utilities, in as much its particular structure allows the public sector to maintain an insider's point of view over the service management and represents an extraordinary instrument to cope with the shortcomings arising from private opportunistic conducts.
The Third Legislative Package and Ownership Unbundling in the Light of the European Fundamental Rights Discourse
Authors: Praduroux Sabrina , Talus Kim
Published: February 2017

The old vertical structures of EC energy markets are slowly fading away. The latest attempt to move away from this model is the Commission proposal on ownership unbundling. The proposal introduces two alternative regimes. States may choose between full ownership unbundling and a mere control unbundling. Some States and their powerful energy companies have voiced concerns over the compatibility of ownership unbundling with fundamental rights and general principles of Community law.

This article discusses the Commission proposal in detail. It also examines the alleged conflict between full ownership unbundling and the fundamental rights and general principles of EC law.
Regulatory Reform of Public Utilities in a Comparative Perspective – The Case of Denmark
Authors: Olsen Ole Jess , Henten Anders , Falch Morten
Published: February 2017

The paper examines the following questions: What are the main reasons for the different regulatory approaches to the liberalisation of telecommunications and electricity supply? In which directions are the regulation of the two industries developing presently? Furthermore, to what extent have the policies implemented been successful? Finally, is there a relationship between the modes of regulation and the rates of success in the two sectors?

The basic answers in the paper are that the differences in regulation primarily rest on the differences in the techno-economic structures of the two industries, but that some degree of convergence between the modes of regulation has occurred lately. With respect to the rate of success, the achievements are most obvious in telecommunications where consumers benefit from lower prices and more options, while the gains are more debatable in the case of electricity. Regarding the relationship between the modes of regulation and the rates of success, the overall answer is that there is a stronger relationship between the techno-economic structures of the two sectors, on the one hand, and the modes of regulation and rates of success respectively, on the other hand, than between the different modes of regulation and the rates of success.
The Emergence and Performance of the Bond Funded Water Company Model in the UK: The Case of Glas Cymru
Authors: Brooksbank David , Pickernell David , Kay Adrian , Kassim Badrul
Published: February 2017

The not-for-profit, fully debt-funded and large scale outsourcing of Glas Cymru (GC) is unique in the England and Wales context, representing a fascinating case in water industry structure and regulation. This paper examines the suitability, desirability and wider feasibility of the GC model, compared with other water industries within the EU in general, and private-equity funded water companies in England in particular. Whilst GC's structure seems both suitable and desirable for its specific situation, research indicates that a particular set of circumstances surrounding GC's creation including advantages of timing and political support from the Welsh Assembly Government, may make more widespread feasibility of such a structure unrealistic within current regulatory structures for the water industry.
Regulatory Reform and Industrial Restructuring: The Cases of Water, Gas, and Electricity in Italy
Authors: Asquer Alberto
Published: February 2017

Regulatory reforms are often made and implemented with the aim to introduce some competitive mechanisms in infrastructure industries which were previously regulated through public ownership. The impact of these reforms on the structure and performance of infrastructure industries, however, may not deliver the expected improvements. This paper aims to address this issue by analysing and discussing the regulatory reforms and the industrial restructuring which took place in the water, the gas, and the electricity sectors in Italy in the last about 15 years. This paper contrasts and compares these reforms in terms of economic regulatory institutions, tariff setting mechanisms, territorial organisation of the services, degree of involvement of the private sector, and degree of industrial restructuring. The impact of these reforms is assessed along the dimensions of degree of openness to new entrants, concentration of the industry, tariffs, and investments. On the whole these reforms resulted in relatively modest achievements in terms of competitive pressures and their effects on industry performance are still to be fully realised. Conclusions are drawn with respect to the need for further steps in the liberalisation and re-regulation of infrastructure industries at both the national and the EU levels.
Financeability of Investments and Allocation of Costs: An Assessment of the Incentive Regulation of the Dutch High-Voltage Network
Authors: Mulder Machiel
Published: February 2017

Regulation of network tariffs is generally meant to pursue several public interests, in particular that network users should pay not more than the efficient costs while network operators should be able to finance investments. Between these objectives trade-offs exist depending on the actual characteristics of a network. This paper analyses the impact of incentive regulation on both the ability of the Dutch high-voltage network operator (TenneT TSO) to finance investments and the allocation of costs among shareholders and customers. Based on a simulation of the financial development of the network operator over 2010–2030, we conclude that the regulatory framework enables the operator to finance its investments as shareholders can be given an appropriate return on capital, provided that the operator gradually eliminates the existing inefficiencies in the network. In the mean time, customers necessarily pay more than the level of efficient costs. It appears that the allocation of costs of the current network inefficiencies among shareholders and customers depends on the regulatory choice on the time path the network operator gets to repair these inefficiencies. Eventually, regulatory choices depend on the political debate regarding diverging public interests of investments in networks versus a fair distribution of costs.
Smart Grid, Clean Energy and US Policy
Authors: Tomain Joseph P.
Published: February 2017

In the US, smart grid and, more generally, clean energy policies enjoy a surprisingly wide consensus. Although the consensus is strong, smart grid deployment has been hindered by barriers established by a century old fossil fuel energy policy that has had the effect of entrenching both private firms and the regulatory bureaucracy. This paper will first describe the failures to modernize US electricity markets which have led to a failure to modernize the grid. The paper will then describe the key responses to overcoming those impediments. In brief, smart grid development is central not only to more competitive and more efficient electricity markets, it is central to a clean energy economy. However, before the smart grid can be fully deployed in the US, three things must occur. First, a national innovation policy must be further developed and federal resources must be, and are being, directed to smart grid innovations. Second, federal and state regulators, together with industry and consumers, must renegotiate the traditional regulatory compact with the specific intent of designing a clean energy future and with it a smart grid. And, third, incumbent private utilities will have to retool the way they do business to optimize their use of available funds and innovation opportunities.
Advancing Regulation with Respect to Dynamic Efficient Network Investments: Insights from the United Kingdom and Italy
Authors: Müller Christine
Published: February 2017

Environmental policy targets considerably affect the energy sector and change its structure substantially. For the electricity distribution sector, the prospective key will be a technological upgrade towards an intelligent network infrastructure, commonly denominated as smart grids. Their development, however, will require an ample amount of investments. Being (natural) monopolies, network operators invest in a regulatory environment. Therefore, the crucial question is whether current regulation provides the right investment incentives to enable technological progress and dynamic efficiency in electricity networks. Hence, the discussion if there is a need of a realignment of the regulatory framework including reconfigured investment incentives is one of the key debates at stake. In order to enrich the discussion, this paper reviews pertinent international experiences to see what kind of approaches are taken to advance the regulatory framework. It refers to two examples, the United Kingdom and Italy.
Evolution of Wireless Access Provisioning: A Systems Thinking Approach
Authors: Ali-Vehmas Timo , Casey Thomas R.
Published: February 2017

In this paper we examine the evolution and dynamics of value systems around GSM based mobile communications and Wi-Fi based wireless local area access. Drawing basis from value system modeling and systems thinking research a holistic framework, describing the underlying structures and dynamics of a value system at different stages and levels of service production, is created and used retrospectively to model the evolution of GSM based mobile communications and Wi-Fi based wireless local area access. The analysis based on the framework highlights that an important factor in the widespread diffusion of GSM and Wi-Fi has been the structural fit of the business and technology architectures as well as the alignment and synchronization of the different stages of service production and markets. The analysis also shows how the value systems around GSM and Wi-Fi follow distinctly different dynamics and evolution paths and how they are on a colliding course.
The Allocative Efficiency of the Dutch Gas-Balancing Market
Authors: van Dinther Arthur , Mulder Machiel
Published: February 2017

The recently introduced market-based gas-balancing regime in the Netherlands is meant to improve the efficiency of gas balancing in order to enhance the development of the Dutch wholesale market for gas. This paper shows that the efficiency of the new balancing regime could be improved further by making the market simpler with less restrictive rules. By removing the reserve market, the incentive component as well as the obligation on all players to offer assistance gas, the balancing regime would still enable the TSO to realise network stability but with less allocative inefficiencies.
Governing a North Sea Grid Development: The Need for a Regional Framework Treaty
Authors: Woolley Olivia
Published: February 2017

The North Sea coastal states are exploring the possibility of collaborating on the development of cables for transmitting electricity in waters subject to their jurisdiction with a view to creating an offshore grid. I argue in this article that they should support their political resolution, if they agree to proceed with this initiative, by entering into a treaty that governs the expansion of electricity infrastructure in the marine region. A legal framework is required because of the significant potential for the complex process that would be involved with the formation of a regional grid to depart from an optimal course for advancing the North Sea states' shared goals of providing the infrastructure needed for decarbonising their energy supplies whilst maintaining energy security at least cost. A framework treaty would enhance their ability to set and keep the development of transmission networks in the North Sea on a pathway that leads to mutually beneficial outcomes.
The Alignment between Institutions and Technology in Network Industries
Authors: Crettenand Nicolas , Finger Matthias
Published: February 2017

Network industries, such as electricity, railways and air transport, are very complex technical, economic, and political systems in which the alignment between technology and institutions has a significant impact on performance. This alignment has been studied based on the coherence framework which aims to measure the alignment between technology and institutions in the case of network industries. It can be stated that technology has to be supported by institutions aligned with them (and vice versa) in order to deliver a given performance. This leads to a co-evolution between institutions and technology in network industries. This paper reviews the literature on the coherence framework, identifies its weaknesses, and contributes to the further development of the framework. It concludes with challenges for further research.
Competitiveness in the UK Energy and Telecommunication Markets
Authors: Wagner Daniel , Alexander Ian
Published: February 2017

In this paper we investigate the relationship between network regulation and competition in the retail market by comparing the UK retail markets for energy and telecom services. The energy and telecom industries went through a process of privatisation and vertical unbundling in the 1980s and 1990s. However, over the last decade there have been diverging views on the retail competition for household consumers in the two sectors. There is growing political and regulatory concern about insufficient competition in the energy sector while competition in the telecom sector is largely considered healthy. As in most network industries, competition in the energy and telecom markets is directly affected by the underlying network infrastructure. The regulation of both sectors aims at fostering competition in the retail market while allowing the right price signals for long-term investment in the underlying infrastructure. While it is not clear to us that there is a problem with competition in the energy market, we compare the two industries and their regulation to address two research questions: “Are there systematic differences between the two industries that explain the perceived difference in competitiveness?” and “Are there lessons of successful regulation that can be transferred between the two sectors?”
The Fuzzy Definition of Economic Performance in the French High Speed Rail Industry
Authors: Perennes Patricia
Published: February 2017

This article studies the way economic performance is defined and monitored in the French high speed rail industry under the lens of the theory of «coherence between institutions and technology».

It demonstrates that the institutional organization that existed in France between 1997 and 2014 set apart economic performances monitoring for operations on the one side and for infrastructure on the other side. Both “layers” of the industry (infrastructure and operations) were separated in two entities with no coordination mechanism.

This ill-designed organizational framework has endangered the future development of the industry. It has led to a dramatic increase of the system debt and to a mismatch between the TOCs' needs in terms of HSR infrastructure and the existing HSR network. The current HSR network is likely to be oversized regarding the potential final demand.

This long-lasting misalignment may have led to totally annihilate the eventuality of a real open-access competition in this sector.
Towards Becoming an Emerging Country with a Performing Electricity Sector – The Case of Cameroon
Authors: Crettenand Nicolas , Kenfack Joseph , Finger Matthias
Published: February 2017

This paper uses the alignment framework to analyze the alignment between institutions and technology within the Cameroonian electricity sector. Since 1998, the Cameroonian electricity sector has been experiencing major institutional changes including the privatization of the historical operator and the liberalization of electricity generation. The total installed capacity today is very low with about 1'400 MW for 21 million people. The access rate remains around 30%. The Government's vision of Cameroon as an emerging country by 2035 requires significant development in the electricity sector to support the economic growth.
An Empirical Analysis of the Price and Output Effects of the Southwest/Airtran Merger
Authors: Le Huubinh B.
Published: February 2017

The 2011 Southwest/AirTran merger is the first between two major low-cost U.S. carriers. This paper investigates the price and output effects of this merger on nonstop routes associated with the carriers prior to their merger. There are four types of routes under consideration: routes with actual, potential, new, and non-overlap competition. The results suggest that while prices increase on routes where actual or potential competition is eliminated, the magnitude of the increase is not statistically different between them. Output, however, decreases about 13 percent on routes with potential competition, but remains unchanged on routes with actual competition. These results suggest that eliminating potential competition has a greater adverse effect on consumers than eliminating actual competition. In addition, there are significant procompetitive effects on routes with new competition by the merging carriers – routes began following the merger. Finally, there is also evidence that routes without competition between the merging carriers prior to their merger also experience an increase in price and reduction in output. Other factors that infl uence the results include the type of route and the identity of the merging carrier.
Patients With Diabetic Foot Disease Fear Major Lower-Extremity Amputation More Than Death
Authors: Wukich Dane K. , Raspovic Katherine M. , Suder Natalie C.
Published: February 2017

Background. The aim of this study was to identify the most-feared complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), comparing those with diabetic foot pathology with those without diabetic foot pathology. Methods. We determined the frequency of patients ranking major lower-extremity amputation (LEA) as their greatest fear in comparison to blindness, death, diabetic foot infection (DFI), or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis. We further categorized the study group patients (N = 207) by their pathology such as diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), Charcot neuroarthropathy, foot infection, or acute neuropathic fractures and dislocations. The control group (N = 254) was comprised of patients with diabetes who presented with common non–diabetes-related foot pathology. Results. A total of 461 patients were enrolled in this study and included 254 patients without diabetic foot complications and 207 patients with diabetic foot problems. When comparing patients with and without diabetic disease, no significant differences were observed with regard to their fear of blindness, DFI, or ESRD requiring dialysis. Patients with diabetic foot disease (61 of 207, 31.9%) were 136% more likely (odds ratio [OR] = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.51-3.70; P = .002] to rank major LEA as their greatest fear when compared with diabetic patients without foot disease (42 of 254, 16.5%) and were 49% less likely (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.34-0.79; P = .002) to rank death as their greatest fear compared with patients without diabetic foot disease. Conclusion. Patients with diabetic foot pathology fear major LEA more than death, foot infection, or ESRD. Variables that were associated with ranking LEA as the greatest fear were the presence of a diabetic-related foot complication, duration of DM ≥10 years, insulin use, and the presence of peripheral neuropathy.

Levels of Evidence: Level II: Prospective, Case controlled study
The effect of personality traits on households’ financial literacy
Authors: Pinjisakikool Teerapong
Published: February 2017

This article aims at finding the relationship between households’ personality traits and their financial literacy level. The data in this research are from the household survey which can represent the population in Dutch. Using the Big Five personality traits and economic locus of control – extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, intellect, internal locus of control, and external locus of control – I have found that those people whose personality traits are intellect and internal locus of control tend to have higher level of financial literacy than those with other personality traits.
Social Ontologies Online: The Representation of Social Structures on the Internet
Authors: Krämer Benjamin , Conrad Julia
Published: February 2017

It is commonly said that “there are” social structures on the Internet. But how can they exist there, how can we identify and classify them? A theoretical and methodological framework is presented that describes the relationship between data structures, algorithms, and different types of social structures. We suggest that the latter are “represented” online in different senses of the word: They are not only described, but, by manipulating data, social structures can also be constituted and modified. We then outline a methodology for the analysis of social structures on the Internet: By analyzing the practical meaning of the structures of Internet platforms, we can reconstruct their providers’ and users’ ontological commitments (i.e., what kinds of social structures they have to assume “there are”).
Nasal and Nasoethmoidal-Orbital Fractures: A Continuum of Injury
Authors: Elahi Mohammed M , Markowitz Bernard L
Published: February 2017

The unilateral nasoethmoid orbital (NOE) fracture is frequently misdiagnosed. This fracture is independent of the clinically obvious NOE fracture and has alternately been referred to as complex nasal, minimally displaced, occult or greenstick NOE fracture. Failure to identify and treat these injuries at initial presentation results in undesirable aesthetic and functional consequences that are difficult to repair secondarily. Three patients who presented with nasal fractures complicated by minimally displaced fractures of the medial orbital wall were reviewed retrospectively. These injuries were successfully diagnosed and treated after their examining physicians failed to appreciate the injury on the initial evaluation. Complex nasal injuries with fracture extensions to the NOE are often missed by the examining physician. These injuries should benefit from a high index of suspicion and be evaluated with axial and coronal computed tomographic imaging. Acute treatment with appropriate exposure, open reduction, internal fixation and bone grafting is most compatible with a successful outcome.
Effects of Anticoagulants with Danshen on Patency of Dacron Microprostheses in Animal Experiments
Authors: Li Ye-Yang , Li Tian-Zeng , Zhang Sheng-Quan , Liang Pei-Hong , Liu Xi-Lin
Published: February 2017

To study the effectiveness of anticoagulants, especially those with Danshen, on patency of vascular microprostheses, 20 Dacron microprostheses of 1.2 mm inner diameter and 15 mm in length were implanted into femoral arteries of rabbits by using microsurgical techniques for end-to-end anastomosis. Forty rabbits were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group was given anticoagulative therapy. Percutaneous Doppler ultrasound, colour flow duplex, femoral arteriogram, gross inspection and light microscopic examination were used to evaluate the patency of the microprostheses. In the control group, six of the 20 grafts occluded at an early phase and two occluded at a later phase. In contrast, all 20 grafts in the experimental group remained patent four weeks after implantation. Histological examination showed that the grafts in the experimental group were completely re-endothelialized. The present anticoagulative regimen played an important role in preventing the formation of a mural thrombus, which benefited the formation of a neointima in the short term.
Use of Cartilage Grafts for Internal Septal Support of the Crooked Nose
Authors: Neu Bernd R
Published: February 2017

The repair of a crooked nose relies on the successful straightening of the crooked septum. Failure to align the septum properly can compromise the final result. The versatility and effectiveness of using an open approach to repair the septal deformity are examined. The technique involves an extensive degloving of the septum, with a release of all extrinsic tethering attachments. This is followed by a direct repair of the intrinsic angulations of the septum, with cartilage splint grafts being applied to support and straighten the septum, and cartilage spreader grafts used to camouflage deviations and elevate segments of upper lateral cartilage collapse. Thirty-two patients were managed with this approach. The exposure is excellent, and the procedure is not difficult to perform because the steps are logical and anatomically based. The enhanced precision of repair results in greater predictability and an improved final result.
A Guide to the Hypodermic Needle as a Wire Passer
Authors: Hallock Geoffrey G
Published: February 2017

The use of surgical wires as suture or fixation devices is less common today, primarily because their insertion is relatively cumbersome. The ubiquitous hypodermic needle can be a simple, efficient wire passer that can circumvent these difficulties. A guide is presented that correlates the available common needle gauges with different wire calibres. Thus, when an appropriate wire size is selected, the smallest possible needle gauge can be chosen to minimize tissue injury.
Subcutaneous fat necrosis associated with thrombocytosis in an infant following cardiac surgery
Authors: O'blenes Catherine Ae , Berbari Patricia , Zuker Ronald M
Published: February 2017

Subcutaneous fat necrosis in infancy is characterized by the appearance of subcutaneous nodules beneath a violaceous or erythematous plaque in infants exposed to ischemic stress from a variety of causes. It has been associated with hypercalcemia, hyperlipidemia and thrombocytopenia. This case of subcutaneous fat necrosis occurred 14 days after cardiac surgery in an infant taking enoxaparin who developed a paradoxical thrombocytosis. A potential etiological role for platelet sludging is discussed. Ultrasound images, not previously reported, showed thickened heterogeneous hypodense subcutaneous fat in the nodules and, thus, may be used to differentiate this condition from its surgical differential diagnoses.
Variations in incisions and postoperative management in carpal tunnel surgery
Authors: Levis Carolyn M , Tung Thomas H , Mackinnon Susan E
Published: February 2017

This study examines the variations in incisions and postoperative protocol of open carpal tunnel release. A questionnaire was distributed to 65 hand surgeons. Respondents were asked to draw their preferred incision on original photocopies of the same palm. The results were measured against standard anatomical landmarks (thenar crease, vertical axis of the third web space, proximal palmar crease and the distal wrist crease). The participants were also asked to answer questions concerning their postoperative protocols. Demographics of the cohort, as well as the variations in incisions and postoperative management, were analyzed. Significant variations existed in the length and location of the incision in the palm. The differences in postoperative care in this cohort of surgeons were less significant.