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Digital skills are now essential, not only in information and communications technology (ICT) jobs, but for employees across all sectors. The aim of this article is to detail how employees' digital skills can be fostered through a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), how such an offer is used and what the effects of such a measure are. Using an approach oriented at action research and design-based research activities, the authors describe the basics of their finding on existing European competence frameworks for digital skills and European projects that used MOOCs, the development and design of the MOOC, the evaluation on the basis of learning analytics insights and a questionnaire, as well as a reflection. The MOOC was offered as Open Educational Resources (OER) on the Austrian MOOC platform iMOOX.at from March to April 2021, with 2083 participants, of whom 381 fully completed the course (at end of June 2021) and 489 filled out the final questionnaire.

Medical researchers are ethically and legally required to inform participants and get written permission before enrolling them into a human research project ("Informed Consent"). Accordingly, information and consent represent a complex procedure, and the participant concerned "must receive comprehensible oral and written information" (Swiss legislation: Human Research Act (HRA) Art. 16). A triangle of stakeholders is involved in the procedure: ethics committees that review and approve research projects and "Informed Consent" (IC) documents, medical researchers who produce the documents and discuss enrolment with patients, and patients who have to be informed comprehensibly. From a linguistic point of view, the question arises as to which perceptions of comprehensibility form the basis of the IC process and how shared language can be established considering the complex relationship between these stakeholders. This contribution presents findings from two perspectives (ethics committees and researchers) while considering the needs of all three stakeholders. Firstly, the conceptualisation of comprehensibility among three ethic committees is presented, and steps toward harmonisation are outlined. Secondly, limitations of how researchers conduct oral IC information are analysed, and the measures that were implemented to improve patient information are discussed. A transdisciplinary approach is key in establishing these solutions because they do not stem from linguistic analysis alone but have been developed in close collaboration with members of ethics committees and medical researchers. Thus, the project shows how the expertise of applied linguistics in cooperation with practitioners can deliver an important impact in both academic analysis and optimisation of professional procedures.

Summary: This multicentre, prospective cohort study measured the effect of romosozumab for 12 months on bone mineral density, taking into account prior therapies. Prior antiresorptive therapy blunted the BMD response to romosozumab, and the duration was correlated with BMD changes at both the lumbar spine and total hip. Introduction: In Switzerland, romosozumab is administered to high-risk osteoporosis patients. Our study aimed to assess the effect of romosozumab on bone mineral density (BMD), taking into account prior therapies. Methods: This multicentre, prospective cohort study measured the effect of romosozumab for 12 months in patients in a nationwide Swiss osteoporosis registry. BMD and bone turnover marker (P1NP and CTX) changes were measured and compared between pre-treated and treatment naïve patients. Results: Ninety-nine patients (92 women and 7 men, median age 71 years [65, 76]) were enrolled from January 2021 to December 2023. Among them, 22 had no prior treatment before romosozumab, while 77 had previous therapy (including 23 with a history of prior teriparatide therapy), with a median duration of 6 years [4, 11] of cumulative antiresorptive treatment. Over 12 months, romosozumab led to BMD changes of 10.3% [7.5, 15.5] at the lumbar spine, 3.1% [1.1, 5.8] at the total hip and 3.1% [0.5, 5.3] at the femoral neck, indicating notable variability. Significantly lower BMD responses were observed in pre-treated patients, with the duration of prior antiresorptive therapy inversely associated with BMD increases at the lumbar spine and hip. Other predictors of BMD changes at the total hip included baseline T-scores at the hip, body mass index and baseline CTX level, while the BMD response at the lumbar spine was associated with the lumbar spine T-score at baseline, age and baseline CTX level. Conclusion: Prior antiresorptive therapy blunted the BMD response to romosozumab, and the duration was correlated with BMD changes at both the lumbar spine and total hip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Chronic pain is a common symptom in various types of neuromuscular disorders. However, for patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the literature regarding chronic pain is scarce. Thus, this study assessed the prevalence of chronic pain in children, adolescents, and adults with SMA and investigated the influence of clinical characteristics on chronic pain. Materials and Methods: This study used data from 141 patients, which were collected by the Swiss Registry for Neuromuscular Disorders. Extracted data included information on pain (present yes/no, pain location, and pain medication) and clinical characteristics, such as SMA type, motor function, wheelchair use, scoliosis, and contractures. Results: The analyses revealed that the highest prevalence of chronic pain was observed in adolescents with 62%, followed by adults with 48%, children (6–12 years) with 39%, and children < 6 years with 10%. The legs, back, and hips were most frequently reported as pain locations. Sex (females), age (adolescents), and the presence of contractures and scoliosis (with surgery) were factors that were associated with chronic pain. Conclusions: These findings contribute to a better understanding of pain in SMA, shedding light on its prevalence and characteristics in different age groups, which underscores the importance of assessing and managing pain in patients with SMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lesions of the digits and associated lameness in cattle can not only cause pain and therefore impair animal welfare, but can also result in economic losses. Frequent claw trimming can prevent the development of claw disorders, but documentation of health data of the digits is essential for follow-up. These data are useful not only for farmers, veterinarians and herd health, but also for the establishment of claw health programmes on a regional basis. The objectives of this study were to present comparative prevalence data on painful lesions of the digits from over 700 cattle farms participating in a nationwide claw health programme in Switzerland over a three-year period. Furthermore, this study contributes to the identification of risk factors at the herd- and cow-levels regarding the occurrence of digital dermatitis, ulcers and white line disease in Swiss dairy cows. Factors found to be associated with these lesions may help to improve management factors contributing to better digit health on farms with small herds that have frequent access to pasture, as analysed in this study. The first aim of this study was to calculate the prevalence of painful lesions of the digits ("alarm" lesions; ALs) in Swiss dairy herds and cow–calf operations over a three-year study period. The following ALs were included in the calculation: the M2 stage of digital dermatitis (DD M2), ulcers (U), white line fissures (WLF) of moderate and high severity, white line abscesses (WLA), interdigital phlegmon (IP) and swelling of the coronet and/or bulb (SW). Between February 2020 and February 2023, digit disorders were electronically recorded during routine trimmings by 40 specially trained hoof trimmers on Swiss cattle farms participating in the national claw health programme. The data set used consisted of over 35,000 observations from almost 25,000 cows from 702 herds. While at the herd-level, the predominant AL documented in 2022 was U with 50.3% followed by WLF with 38.1%, at the cow-level, in 2022, it was DD M2 with 5.4% followed by U with 3.7%. During the study period, within-herd prevalences of ALs ranged from 0.0% to a maximum of 66.1% in 2020. The second aim of this study was to determine herd- and cow-level risk factors associated with digital dermatitis (DD), U and white line disease (WL) in dairy cows using data from 2022. While for DD, analysed herd-level factors appeared to have a greater effect on the probability of its occurrence, the presence of U and WL was mainly associated with the analysed cow-level factors. The risk for DD increased with a higher herd trimming frequency. Herds kept in tie stalls had a lower risk for DD and WL and a higher risk for U compared to herds kept in loose housing systems. Herds with predominantly Holstein Friesian cows as well as Holstein Friesian cows had a higher risk for the occurrence of DD compared to herds and cows of other breeds. With increasing parity, cows had a higher risk of developing U and WL, whereas for DD, parity was negatively associated with prevalence. Cows trimmed during the grazing period had a higher risk of U and WL than cows trimmed during the housing period. These findings may contribute to improve management measures affecting the health of the digits in farms with structures similar to those evaluated in the current study, such as small herds with frequent access to pasture. Further research is warranted to demonstrate how measures addressing the current results combined with those of individual herd risk assessments might contribute to an improvement in the health of the digits in the respective dairy herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interpersonal trust declined worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic; strategies are needed to restore it. We surveyed 3,065 quota-sampled German-speaking adults residing in the D-A-CH region. Using multinomial logistic regression models and backward elimination for variable selection, we calculated multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to appraise correlates of interpersonal trust using the Interpersonal Trust Short Scale (KUSIV3). Participants with high levels of interpersonal trust (top KUSIV3 tertile (T3)) tended to be older, male, residents of Switzerland, university degree holders, and workers with higher income and work satisfaction (all Pdiff<0.01) compared to those in the lowest KUSIV3 tertile (T1). Optimism was most strongly associated with high interpersonal trust (ORT3vsT1 = 5.75, 95%CI = 4.33–7.64). Also significantly associated with high interpersonal trust were: Having voted in the last national election (for the opposition, OR = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.02–1.89 or the governing party, OR = 1.61, 95%CI = 1.23–2.11) versus non-voters; perspective taking (ORT3vsT1 = 1.46, 95%CI = 1.11–1.91); being more extraverted (ORT3vsT1 = 1.99, 95%CI = 1.53–2.59) and more agreeable (ORT3vsT1 = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.46–2.61); and scoring higher on complexity thinking (ORT3vsT1 = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.01–1.72). Participants scoring significantly lower for interpersonal trust did not regularly participate in religious meetings (OR = 0.61, 95%CI = 0.44–0.84, versus participation at least monthly); were more conscientious (ORT3vsT1 = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.51–0.91) or current smokers (OR = 0.68; 95%CI = 0.53–0.87, versus never smoking); had sleep problems >5 times a week (OR = 0.48; 95%CI = 0.36–0.66, versus none); and scored high on conspiracy belief (ORT3vsT1 = 0.53; 95%CI = 0.41–0.69). Results differed minimally by gender and country. These findings may be helpful in devising targeted strategies to strengthen interpersonal trust and social engagement in European societies, especially during times of crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent efforts using microstructure turbulence measurements have contributed to our understanding of the overall energy budget in lakes and linkages to vertical fluxes. A paucity of lake‐wide turbulence measurements hinders our ability to assess how representative such budgets are at the basin scale. Using an autonomous underwater glider equipped with a microstructure payload, we explored the spatial variability of turbulence in pelagic and near‐shore regions of Lake Geneva. Dissipation rates of kinetic energy and thermal variance were estimated by fitting temperature gradient fluctuations spectra to the Batchelor spectrum. In deep waters, turbulent dissipation rates in the surface and thermocline were mild (∼10−8 W kg−1) and weakened toward the hypolimnion (∼10−11 to 10−10 W kg−1). The seasonal thermocline exhibited inhibited interior mixing, with extremely low values of mixing efficiency (Rif ≪ 0.1). In contrast, in the slope zone, a band of significantly enhanced energy dissipation (∼5 × 10−8 W kg−1) extended well above the bottom boundary layer and was associated with strong, efficient mixing (Rif > 0.17). The resulting contribution of the slope region to basin‐scale mixing was large, with 90% of the basin‐wide mixing—and only 30% energy dissipation—occurring within 4 km of the shoreline. This boundary mixing will modify overturning circulation and the transport pathways of dissolved compounds exchanged with the sediments. The dynamics responsible for the shift in the mixing regime, which appears crucial for the mixing budget of lakes, could not be fully unraveled with the collected observations. Additional model data analyses hint at the role of submesoscale instabilities. Plain Language Summary: Estimating the distribution of kinetic energy in lakes with its associated ecological implications remains challenging due to a lack of lake‐wide turbulence measurements. We show that underwater gliders can address this gap by reliably mapping turbulent mixing across broad areas between near‐shore and deep‐water regions of lakes. Results reveal differences in turbulence intensity and mixing between the interior and coastal zones of deep Lake Geneva (Switzerland/France). Away from the shore, measurements show that (a) the variation in turbulent kinetic energy dissipation is a vertically driven process, and (b) a seasonal thermocline exhibiting little to no turbulent mixing contrary to expectations for such a large, windy lake. Glider measurements along the coastal slope closer to the shore, by contrast, show horizontally resolved turbulent variation within a frictional zone above the slope, far exceeding known values. Moreover, mixing in the near‐shore area was enhanced and more efficient than in open waters. This enhanced boundary mixing modifies circulation patterns across lakes and will also influence the exchange of nutrients and dissolved compounds at the sediment‐water interface. Our findings highlight the significant variability in turbulence characteristics occurring in lakes and stress the need for gliders to advance our knowledge of physical lake processes. Key Points: Underwater gliders are reliable platforms for scanning the spatial heterogeneity and estimating turbulent dissipation in large lakesGlider‐based temperature microstructure turbulence estimates in the pelagic region reveal inhibited mixing at the seasonal thermoclineA near‐shore glider transect shows a consistent enhancement of turbulent dissipation and buoyancy flux along the sloping bottom surroundings [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to point out the necessity of implementing more appropriate approaches instead of the traditional single disciplinary approaches, in order to be able to cope with the ill-defined, highly complex problem of sustainable development in systems such as organizations or regions. Design/methodology/approach: Based on empirical data concerning expert and stakeholder preferences, it is argued that research and teaching on innovation for sustainability need to be both inter- and transdisciplinary. Findings: Here, the approach of transdisciplinary case studies, developed at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, allows appropriate integration of research and teaching activities and thus leads to mutual learning between the case study actors. Practical implications: In the second part of the paper, these conceptual considerations are illustrated with the so-called Erzherzog Johann case study, an integrative research and teaching project at the University of Graz. Originality/value: In the paper the very complex task to integrate research and teaching on sustainability-related innovation is described and illustrated with the first transdisciplinary case-study conducted in Austria according to the ETH approach. (Contains 5 figures and 1 table.)

This paper investigates the occurrence of inflected predicative adjectives, an optional yet distinguishing feature of German dialects spoken in southern Switzerland. We provide an in-depth analysis of the patterns of change of this morphosyntactic marker with a particular focus on extralinguistic factors. Historical records from 1950 were compared to contemporary data collected from 192 speakers across 49 localities in 2020–21. Our results corroborate previous reports indicating a substantial, real-time decline in inflected forms. Logistic mixed-effects modeling suggests that the inflection of predicative adjectives occurs more frequently among speakers who report tight social networks, have a strong local dialect identity, and regularly use one or more Romance languages. These findings support the claim that tight social networks and local dialect identity construction may lead to the preservation of conservative grammatical forms. Additionally, the effect of Romance languages highlights the role of transfer phenomena induced by language contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Social & Cultural Geography is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The benefits of a compulsory internship in environmental science education were investigated with respect to the three institutional goals of university education: (1) training for research; (2) professional education; and (3) general natural science education. A survey examined which student qualifications are improved by an internship complementary to traditional university education. The survey assessed 14 qualifications of students participating in a compulsory 15-week internship in the 5-year diploma program at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich). Pre- and postinternship questionnaires of 478 students and 293 supervisors are included. Results indicated that internships enhance general abilities and key qualifications, such as communication skills, report writing, organization of work, information acquisition, and the ability to operate independently. This suggests that internships are of high value to professional education. However, internships also seem to promote salient qualifications of complex environmental problem solving which are relevant for the development of research capabilities in environmental sciences.

The article "Assisted Suicide in Prison?" examines the question of whether the Patient Decree Act (StVfG) also applies to inmates in Austrian prisons. The Constitutional Court (VfGH) has ruled that a general prohibition on assisting suicide is unconstitutional. The StVfG legalizes assisted suicide within narrow limits for individuals with incurable or serious illnesses. In the context of imprisonment, certain criminal law peculiarities apply, which suggest a restriction of patient autonomy. In Switzerland, people expressing a desire for euthanasia have the option to seek medical assistance, even if they are not at the end of their lives. The principle of equivalence states that incarcerated individuals are entitled to the same rights as other patients. The Swiss Federal Court has ruled that every capable person has the right to freely choose the manner and timing of their death. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] • First presentation of the spatiotemporal distribution of crayfish plague cases in Switzerland. • 54 confirmed crayfish plague cases between 1980 and 2020. • Earliest detection of A. astaci DNA through qPCR in a sample of 1991. • Re-evaluation of archived samples increased the positive rate by 16.3%. The oomycete Aphanomyces astaci is the causative agent of crayfish plague, a disease threatening susceptible freshwater crayfish species in Europe. To detect its spatiotemporal occurrence in Switzerland, we reviewed (1) the literature regarding occurrence of crayfish plague and North American crayfish carrier species and (2) the necropsy report archive of the Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI) from 1968 to 2020. In the past, crayfish plague was diagnosed through several methods: conventional PCR, culture, and histology. When available, we re-evaluated archived Bouin's or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples collected during necropsies (1991–2020) with a recently published quantitative PCR. Literature research revealed putative reports of crayfish plague in Switzerland between the 1870s and 1910s and the first occurrence of three North American crayfish species between the late 1970s and 1990s. Finally, 54 (28.1%) cases were classified as positive and 9 (4.7%) cases as suspicious. The total number of positive cases increased by 14 (14.7%) after re-evaluation of samples. The earliest diagnosis of crayfish plague was performed in 1980 and the earliest biomolecular confirmation of A. astaci DNA dated 1991. Between 1980–1990, 1991–2000 and 2001–2010 crayfish plague spread from one to two and finally three catchment basins, respectively. Similar to other European countries, crayfish plague has occurred in Switzerland in two waves: the first at the end of the 19th and the second at the end of the 20th century in association with the first occurrence of North American crayfish species. The spread from one catchment basin to another suggests a human-mediated pathogen dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluate the forecasting performance of time series models for the production side of gross domestic product (GDP)--that is, for the sectoral real value-added series summing up to aggregate output. We focus on two strategies to model a large number of interdependent time series simultaneously: a Bayesian vector autoregressive model (BVAR) and a factor model structure; and compare them to simple aggregate and disaggregate benchmarks. We evaluate point and density forecasts for aggregate GDP and the cross-sectional distribution of sectoral real value-added growth in the euro area and Switzerland. We find that the factor model structure outperforms the benchmarks in most tests, and in many cases also the BVAR. An analysis of the covariance matrix of the sectoral forecast errors suggests that the superiority can be traced back to the ability to capture sectoral comovement more accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides estimates of different kinds of contemporary migration trajectories, highlighting multiple or repeated migrations. Using sequence analysis on linked longitudinal register data, we identify different migration trajectories for three cohorts (1998, 2003, and 2008) of 315,000 immigrants in Switzerland. Multinomial regression analysis reveals the demographic characteristics associated with specific migration trajectories. We demonstrate high heterogeneity in migration practices, showing that direct and definitive settlement in the destination country remains a common trajectory and that highly mobile immigrants are less common. We conclude that accounts of a fundamental "mobility turn" have been overstated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Silent and overt ischemic brain lesions are common and associated with adverse outcome. Whether the CHA2DS2-VASc score and its components predict magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected ischemic silent and overt brain lesions in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear. Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, patients with AF were enrolled in a multicenter cohort study in Switzerland. Outcomes were clinically overt, silent [in the absence of a history of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA)] and any MRI-detected ischemic brain lesions. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship of the CHA2DS2-VASc score and its components with ischemic brain lesions. An adapted CHA2D-VASc score (excluding history of stroke/TIA) for the analyses of clinically overt and silent ischemic brain lesions was used. Results: Overall, 1,741 patients were included in the analysis (age 73 ± 8 years, 27.4% female). At least one ischemic brain lesion was observed in 36.8% (clinically overt: 10.5%; silent: 22.9%; transient ischemic attack: 3.4%). The CHA2D-VASc score was strongly associated with clinically overt and silent ischemic brain lesions {odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] 1.32 (1.17–1.49), p < 0.001 and 1.20 (1.10–1.30), p < 0.001, respectively}. Age 65–74 years (OR 2.58; 95%CI 1.29–5.90; p = 0.013), age ≥75 years (4.13; 2.07–9.43; p < 0.001), hypertension (1.90; 1.28–2.88; p = 0.002) and diabetes (1.48; 1.00–2.18; p = 0.047) were associated with clinically overt brain lesions, whereas age 65–74 years (1.95; 1.26–3.10; p = 0.004), age ≥75 years (3.06; 1.98–4.89; p < 0.001) and vascular disease (1.39; 1.07–1.79; p = 0.012) were associated with silent ischemic brain lesions. Conclusions: A higher CHA2D-VASc score was associated with a higher risk of both overt and silent ischemic brain lesions. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02105844. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunnels and underground works in sulphate bearing rocks are very challenging. For more than a century experience has accumulated in Switzerland and southern Germany with difficult conditions during construction and operation, which show the difficult conditions with extreme, long lasting heave of the invert and extreme swelling pressures. The analyses of published experience over more than a century and recent personal experience led to the compilation of many pieces of a puzzle and to a better understanding of complex processes. The swelling processes in sulphate bearing rocks are triggered by the formation of flow path for water, the dissolution, concentration and precipitation of minerals. In particular Anhydrite is dissolved and the solution becomes saturated, until precipitation and crystallization of Gypsum starts. The applied construction methods play an important influence on the rock mechanics and geochemical processes and finally the magnitude of in‐situ swelling pressures. The in‐situ swelling pressure are still large, but substantially less than the swelling pressures from laboratory tests. Estimated swelling pressures will be indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A footbath-based control program for ovine footrot, a contagious disease caused by Dichelobacter nodosus, will be implemented in Switzerland. The currently used footbath disinfectants formaldehyde, zinc sulfate and copper sulfate are carcinogenic or environmental pollutants. Hence, the aim of this study was to identify alternative disinfectants, which are highly effective, non-carcinogenic, environmentally acceptable, inexpensive, available as concentrate and suitable for licensing. The antimicrobial effect of a series of potential chemicals such as lactic acid, propionic acid, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, octenidine dihydrochloride, chlorocresol, Ampholyt 20 and the registered biocide DESINTEC® Hoof Care Special D (Desintec) were investigated by culture based in vitro testing. The microcidal effect of various Desintec concentrations were then compared against routinely used 4% formaldehyde and 10% zinc sulfate in ex vivo assays on sheep feet from slaughter. For this purpose a newly established PMA (propidium monoazid) real-time PCR using the improved dye PMAxx™ was applied that allows discrimination of viable and dead D. nodosus. In the ex vivo experiments, 4% formaldehyde was significantly more effective than 10% zinc sulfate and was chosen as positive control for assessing the new disinfectant. The disinfectant effect of Desintec in a minimal concentration of 6% was equally effective as 4% formaldehyde, meaning that it offers a comparable antimicrobial effect against virulent D. nodosus. In conclusion, Desintec is a promising disinfectant for replacing formaldehyde, copper sulfate and zinc sulfate in footbaths against footrot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ovine footrot caused by Dichelobacter nodosus (D nodosus) is an infectious disease affecting sheep worldwide. Switzerland plans a nationwide footrot eradication program, based on PCR-testing of interdigital swab samples. The aim of this study was to test for the presence of D nodosus in clinically footrot-free sheep flocks which had been subjected to different treatment strategies, to assess whether they were feasible for the eradication process, especially focussing on antimicrobial flock treatments. Clinical scoring and PCR-results were compared. Ten farms had used hoof bathing and hoof trimming without causing bleeding, ten had used individual treatments and flock vaccines to gain the free status and ten had become free through whole-flock systemic macrolide treatment. For every farm, three risk-based collected pool samples were analysed for the occurrence of virulent and benign D nodosus by PCR detection of aprV2/aprB2. Results: Six flocks from any treatment group tested positive for aprB2 in all pools. Clinical signs were absent at the time of sampling, but some flocks had experienced non-progressive interdigital inflammation previously. Two flocks tested aprV2-positive in the high-risk pool. One of them underwent a progressive footrot outbreak shortly after sampling. Individual retesting indicated, that virulent D nodosus most likely was reintroduced by a recently purchased ram. In the second flock, a ram was tested positive and treated before clinical signs occurred. Conclusions: All treatment strategies eliminated the causative agent and were found to be suitable for implementation in the PCR-based eradication process. PCR-testing proved to be more sensitive than visual scoring, as it also detected clinically healthy carriers. It will be of benefit as a diagnostic tool in elimination and surveillance programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Footrot is a worldwide economically important, painful, contagious bacterial foot disease of domestic and wild ungulates caused by Dichelobacter nodosus. Benign and virulent strains have been identified in sheep presenting with mild and severe lesions, respectively. However, in Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex), both strains have been associated with severe lesions. Because the disease is widespread throughout sheep flocks in Switzerland, a nationwide footrot control program for sheep focusing on virulent strains shall soon be implemented. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the nationwide prevalence of both strain groups of D. nodosus in four wild indigenous ruminant species and to identify potential susceptible wildlife maintenance hosts that could be a reinfection source for domestic sheep. During two years (2017–2018), interdigital swabs of 1,821 wild indigenous ruminant species (Alpine ibex, Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus)) were analysed by Real-Time PCR. Furthermore, observed interspecies interactions were documented for each sample. Overall, we report a low prevalence of D. nodosus in all four indigenous wild ruminants, for both benign (1.97%, N = 36, of which 31 red deer) and virulent (0.05%, N = 1 ibex) strains. Footrot lesions were documented in one ibex with virulent strains, and in one ibex with benign strains. Interspecific interactions involving domestic livestock occurred mainly with cattle and sheep. In conclusion, the data suggest that wild ungulates are likely irrelevant for the maintenance and spread of D. nodosus. Furthermore, we add evidence that both D. nodosus strain types can be associated with severe disease in Alpine ibex. These data are crucial for the upcoming nationwide control program and reveal that wild ruminants should not be considered as a threat to footrot control in sheep in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In stratified natural waters, convective processes tend to form nearly homogeneous mixed layers. However, shear‐driven turbulence generated by large‐scale background flow often rapidly smooths them through mixing with the stratified surroundings. Here we studied the effect of background turbulence on convectively driven mixed layers for the case of bioconvection in Lake Cadagno, Switzerland. Along with microstructure measurements, a diffusive‐shape model for the mixed layers allowed us to define (i) mixed layer thickness and (ii) diffusive transition length. Further microstructure analysis was performed allowing estimation of convective turbulence in the mixed layer and shear‐driven turbulence quantified by eddy diffusion in their surroundings. Based upon these results, we propose a Péclet number scaling that relates mixed layer shape to the opposing effects of convection and diffusion. We further validate this quantitative approach by applying it to two other distinct convective systems representative of double‐diffusive convection and radiatively driven under‐ice convection. Plain Language Summary: In natural waters with density stratification, convection and diffusion are generated by different mechanisms and induce different mixing effects. Convection is driven by local instabilities in the density profile, whereas enhanced diffusion is due to turbulence generated by large‐scale circulation. These processes can occur simultaneously in the case of convectively driven mixed layers, which are smoothed by turbulent diffusion. Mixed layers can also be created by a specific biophysical interaction: bioconvection. A community of motile and heavy bacteria that accumulate at a specific depth in Lake Cadagno, Switzerland, drives bioconvection and is able to create homogeneous layers of up to 1 m thickness. Using a combination of high‐resolution temperature measurements along with a mixed layer model, we propose an empirical relation between this layer shape and the different mixing effects from convection and diffusion. We also relate mixed layer shape to turbulence estimates for other types of convection in natural waters. Key Points: Mixed layers often develop in natural waters under simultaneous influence of convectively driven and shear‐induced mixingMicrostructure measurements and a diffusive‐shape model were used to evaluate effects of turbulence adjacent to convective mixed layersA Péclet number parameterization allows for estimation of bulk turbulent quantities given the shape of mixed layers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Beton- Und Stahlbetonbau is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We report novel results of a numerical experiment designed for examining the basin-scale hydrodynamics that control the mass, momentum, and energy distribution in a daily wind-forced, small thermally-stratified basin. For this purpose, the 3-D Boussinesq equations of motion were numerically solved using large-eddy simulation (LES) in a simplified (trapezoidal) stratified basin to compute the flow driven by a periodic wind shear stress working at the free surface along the principal axis. The domain and flow parameters of the LES experiment were chosen based on the conditions observed during summer in Lake Alpnach, Switzerland. We examine the diurnal circulation once the flow becomes quasi-periodic. First, the LES results show good agreement with available observations of internal seiching, boundary layer currents, vertical distribution of kinetic energy dissipation and effective diffusivity. Second, we investigated the wind-driven baroclinic cross-shore exchange. Results reveal that a near-resonant regime, arising from the coupling of the periodic wind-forcing ( T = 24 h) and the V2H1 basin-scale internal seiche ( T V 2 H 1 ≈ 24 h), leads to an active cross-shore circulation that can fully renew near-bottom waters at diurnal scale. Finally, we estimated the bulk mixing efficiency, Γ , of relevant zones, finding high spatial variability both for the turbulence intensity and the rate of mixing ( 10 - 3 ≤ Γ ≤ 10 - 1 ). In particular, significant temporal variability along the slopes of the basin was controlled by the periodic along-slope currents resulting from the V2H1 internal seiche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background P27A is an unstructured 104mer synthetic peptide from Plasmodium falciparum trophozoite exported protein 1 (TEX1), the target of human antibodies inhibiting parasite growth. The present project aimed at evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of P27A peptide vaccine in malaria-nonexposed European and malaria-exposed African adults. Methods This study was designed as a staggered, fast-track, randomized, antigen and adjuvant dose-finding, multicenter phase 1a/1b trial, conducted in Switzerland and Tanzania. P27A antigen (10 or 50 μg), adjuvanted with Alhydrogel or glucopyranosil lipid adjuvant stable emulsion (GLA-SE; 2.5 or 5 μg), or control rabies vaccine (Verorab) were administered intramuscularly to 16 malaria-nonexposed and 40 malaria-exposed subjects on days 0, 28, and 56. Local and systemic adverse events (AEs) as well as humoral and cellular immune responses were assessed after each injection and during the 34-week follow-up. Results Most AEs were mild to moderate and resolved completely within 48 hours. Systemic AEs were more frequent in the formulation with alum as compared to GLA-SE, whereas local AEs were more frequent after GLA-SE. No serious AEs occurred. Supported by a mixed Th1/Th2 cell-mediated immunity, P27A induced a marked specific antibody response able to recognize TEX1 in infected erythrocytes and to inhibit parasite growth through an antibody-dependent cellular inhibition mechanism. Incidence of AEs and antibody responses were significantly lower in malaria-exposed Tanzanian subjects than in nonexposed European subjects. Conclusions The candidate vaccine P27A was safe and induced a particularly robust immunogenic response in combination with GLA-SE. This formulation should be considered for future efficacy trials. Clinical Trials Registration NCT01949909, PACTR201310000683408. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy is an autosomal-recessive disorder and one of the most common forms in the group of congenital muscular dystrophies. There is a spectrum of severity ranging from a severe, early onset, congenital phenotype to a limb-girdle like pattern of ambulatory patients. Due to promising preclinical results of new therapeutic options, there is an increasing effort of several research groups worldwide to better define epidemiology and natural history of this disease. In Switzerland, we started to include pediatric patients in our national neuromuscular registry (Swiss-Reg-NMD) in 2018. Baseline data and 6-12 monthly follow-up data are collected by the treating physician in the local neuromuscular center. Baseline data include information about diagnostic investigations (genetics, laboratory results, MRI, clinical phenotype), motor function, epilepsy, lung function, cardiological investigations and motor function scores. We were able to include all diagnosed pediatric patients of the Swiss neuromuscular centers and one adult patient with a baseline data set. We present data of the baseline data set from 18 patients. 15/18 patients belong to the group of the severe congenital form, 3/18 patients show a limb-girdle muscular dystrophy pattern. Age ranges from 0 months to 31 years. Brain MRI data are available from 14 patients, where of 13 show white matter changes and one shows a normal MRI at age one month. Four patients have additional structural abnormalities, two of them a Blakes Pouch cyst. Motor function depends on the disease type, in the congenital form 13/16 are able to hold the head up, 8/14 are able to sit and roll over. We present additional data about epilepsy, ventilation and cardiological findings as well as cognitive abilities and school settings. On the basis of this newly developed registry, we are able to draw a more detailed picture of this patient group. With further prospective data collection we gain information about the natural history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of bike type - the 26-inch-wheel bike (26" bike) and the 29-inch-wheel bike (29" bike) - on performance in elite mountain bikers. Ten Swiss National Team athletes (seven males, three females) completed six trials with individual start on a simulated crosscountry course with 35 min of active recovery between trials (three trials on a 26" bike and three trials on a 29" bike, alternate order, randomised start-bike). The course consisted of two separate sections expected to favour either the 29" bike (section A) or the 26" bike (section B). For each trial performance, power output, cadence and heart rate were recorded and athletes' experiences were documented. Mean overall performance (time: 304 ±27 s vs. 311 ±29 s; P < 0.01) and performance in sections A (P < 0.001) and B (P < 0.05) were better when using the 29" bike. No significant differences were observed for power output, cadence or heart rate. Athletes rated the 29" bike as better for performance in general, passing obstacles and traction. The 29" bike supports superior performance for elite mountain bikers, even on sections supposed to favour the 26" bike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Registration of trigger factors, prodromal symptoms, swelling localization, therapeutic behavior and gender-specific differences of the largest cohort of patients with hereditary angioedema due to C1-Inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) in Switzerland.Methods: Questionnaire survey within a cohort study: Consenting eligible patients with diagnosed HAE according to clinical history, physical examination and laboratory results, including plasma values for C1-INH and C4 were selected. To each participant we sent a questionnaire assessing patients' birthday, sex, date of first symptoms and diagnosis, trigger factors, prodromal symptoms, frequency and localization of angioedema, medication use and co-morbidities. Clinical information was collected in each center and then transmitted to the cohort database. Frequencies and distributions were summarized. Associations between gender and trigger factors or prodromal symptoms or localization of angioedema were assessed in multivariate analyses correcting for patients' age.Results: Of 135 patients, data from 104 patients (77%) were available for analysis. Fifty- four percent were female, mean age at diagnosis was 19.5 years (SD 14.1), Mean age when completing the questionnaire was 44.0 (SD 19.8). More women than men were symptomatic (44/57 vs. 36/47; p = 0.005). This association remained when correcting for age at diagnosis (16.10. 95%CI (5.17 to 26.70); p = 0.004). Swelling episodes ranged between 1 and 136 episodes/year. Swelling was more common among female than among male (-13.15 (95% CI; -23.10 to -3.22), p = 0.010). Age at diagnosis was inversely associated with the total number of attacks 0.50 (-0.88 to -.011); p = 0.012). One third of patients were on danazol prophylaxis.Conclusion: We found large differences of HAE in male and female both in terms of symptom number and swelling episodes. Women are more affected by intensity and frequency of angioedema episodes than men. Danazol treatment remains widely used as effective prophylaxis despite its side effects. New therapies which selectively influence the hormonal estrogen balance could open new therapeutic options mainly for women and maybe also for men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accurate initial patient triage in the emergency department (ED) is pivotal in reducing time to effective treatment by the medical team and in expediting patient flow. The Manchester Triage System (MTS) is widely implemented for this purpose. Yet the overall effectiveness of its performance remains unclear.Objectives: We investigated the ability of MTS to accurately assess high treatment priority and to predict adverse clinical outcomes in a large unselected population of medical ED patients.Methods: We prospectively followed consecutive medical patients seeking ED care for 30 days. Triage nurses implemented MTS upon arrival of patients admitted to the ED. The primary endpoint was high initial treatment priority adjudicated by two independent physicians. Secondary endpoints were 30-day all-cause mortality, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and length of stay. We used regression models with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) as a measure of discrimination.Results: Of the 2407 patients, 524 (21.8%) included patients (60.5 years, 55.7% males) who were classified as high treatment priority; 3.9% (n = 93) were transferred to the ICU; and 5.7% (n = 136) died. The initial MTS showed fair prognostic accuracy in predicting treatment priority (AUC 0.71) and ICU admission (AUC 0.68), but not in predicting mortality (AUC 0.55). Results were robust across most predefined subgroups, including patients diagnosed with infections, or cardiovascular or gastrointestinal diseases. In the subgroup of neurological symptoms and disorders, the MTS showed the best performance.Conclusion: The MTS showed fair performance in predicting high treatment priority and adverse clinical outcomes across different medical ED patient populations. Future research should focus on further refinement of the MTS so that its performance can be improved.Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01768494. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: To determine the long-term impact of antiretroviral treatment (ART) including a protease inhibitor (PI) on growth in children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1), a prospective multi-centre study was conducted in Switzerland on HIV-1-infected children treated with ritonavir (350 mg/m2 twice a day) or nelfinavir (20-30 mg/kg three times a day) in addition to two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Length or height of HlV-1-infected children from before (weeks -72, -48, -24, and 0) and after (weeks +24, +48, and +72) introducing a PI to the ART were compared. To allow for age- and gender-independent assessment, values were expressed in standard deviations from the mean. Complete data sets on body length were available for 44 children after 72 weeks of treatment with a PI. Preceding initiation of a PI, there was an overall decline in growth to -0.3 SD. Following start of a PI, an increase in growth was noted from weeks 0 to +24 (+0.33 SD, P=0.02) and from weeks +48 to +72 (+0.21 SD, P=0.03). The increase in growth was restricted to children with stunting before a PI was introduced (P=0.03), and was more marked in children younger than 3 years of age.Conclusion: children infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 showed catch-up growth after addition of a protease inhibitor to their antiretroviral treatment, but this phenomenon was observed almost exclusively in children under 3 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Swiss National Registry for Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders (PID) was established in 2008, constituting a nationwide network of paediatric and adult departments involved in the care of patients with PID at university medical centres, affiliated teaching hospitals and medical institutions. The registry collects anonymized clinical and genetic information on PID patients and is set up within the framework of the European database for PID, run by the European Society of Immunodeficiency Diseases. To date, a total of 348 patients are registered in Switzerland, indicating an estimated minimal prevalence of 4·2 patients per 100 000 inhabitants. Distribution of different PID categories, age and gender are similar to the European cohort of currently 19 091 registered patients: 'predominantly antibody disorders' are the most common diseases observed ( n = 217/348, 62%), followed by 'phagocytic disorders' ( n = 31/348, 9%). As expected, 'predominantly antibody disorders' are more prevalent in adults than in children (78 versus 31%). Within this category, 'common variable immunodeficiency disorder' (CVID) is the most prevalent PID ( n = 98/217, 45%), followed by 'other hypogammaglobulinaemias' (i.e. a group of non-classified hypogammaglobulinaemias) ( n = 54/217, 25%). Among 'phagocytic disorders', 'chronic granulomatous disease' is the most prevalent PID ( n = 27/31, 87%). The diagnostic delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis is high, with a median of 6 years for CVID and more than 3 years for 'other hypogammaglobulinaemias'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volume measurements in archaeobotany are not performed uniformly. The goal of this paper therefore is to test the different known methods and to define the obtained differences, in order to make the density values (remains per litre of sediment) for plant macroremains in the samples comparable between sites. Three methods of volume measurement were tested for a large number of samples of different sizes coming from two late Neolithic layers of the lakeshore site of Parkhaus Opéra (Zürich, Switzerland). The sampled layers were preserved in waterlogged conditions and there were samples rich in sand, loam, lake marl but mostly consisting of organic remains, including uncharred subfossil plant macroremains. In general, the classical volume (that is the upper limit of the sediment in water) measured before and after freezing as pre-treatment gave similar results. But a systematic difference was found between the classical volume measured after freezing and the displacement volume. This difference could be described by a proportionality factor of 1.5. This proportionality factor could be used to make data obtained with different methods of volume measurement comparable, although more evaluations are needed from other sites in order to test the generality of the factor proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of death in younger women. Methods We analysed incidence, mortality and relative survival (RS) in women with BC aged 20–49 years at diagnosis, between 1996 and 2009 in Switzerland. Trends are reported as estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC). Results Our findings confirm a slight increase in the incidence of BC in younger Swiss women during the period 1996–2009. The increase was largest in women aged 20–39 years (EAPC 1.8%). Mortality decreased in both age groups with similar EAPCs. Survival was lowest among women 20–39 years (10-year RS 73.4%). We observed no notable differences in stage of disease at diagnosis that might explain these differences. Conclusions The increased incidence and lower survival in younger women diagnosed with BC in Switzerland indicates possible differences in risk factors, tumour biology and treatment characteristics that require additional examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Anaesthesia is mandatory for disbudding and castrating calves and lambs of any age, in Switzerland. According to the "anaesthesia delegation model" (ADM), anaesthesia for disbudding calves <3 weeks of age and castrating calves and lambs <2 weeks of age may be administered by certified farmers. Experience with this unique model is not available. The aim was to evaluate the experience of the veterinary practitioners with the ADM. The response rate was 42%. The survey consisted of one questionnaire for each procedure. Procedure I was the delegation of anaesthesia for disbudding calves and procedures II and III were anaesthesia for castrating calves and lambs. Results Procedure I was performed with local anaesthesia in all farms of 51.8% of the veterinary practices, while this was only 39.3% and 7.6% for procedures II and III (p < 0.001). Anaesthesia for procedure I was administered technically correctly by farmers in at least 66% of the farms of 58.3% of the practitioners, while this was 45.4% and only 23.6% for procedures II and III (p < 0.001). The ADM was assessed as a moderate to very good model to reinforce the legal obligations for procedures I, II, or III by 74.8%, 76.5% and 62.0% of the veterinary practitioners (p < 0.005). Conclusions The delegation of anaesthesia to certified farmers may be a promising model to reinforce the obligation to provide local anaesthesia for disbudding and castrating calves, but to a lesser extent for castrating lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews: (1) the relative importance of spirituality and religion in Switzerland and the United States, (2) the rationale for faith-based addiction intervention programs and the drawbacks of measurement approaches, and (3) results from a pilot study exploring the meaning of spirituality and religiosity from the consumer's perspective. Twenty-three patients entering the Swiss Südhang clinic in-patient alcohol user treatment program during the first five months in 2012 participated upon their admission in a video-taped drawing task, designed to provide their personal visualized definitions of the terms 'spirituality' and 'religiosity.' Nine dimensions emerged pointing to a high complexity of the concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the undisputed importance of organizational innovation, and despite decades of academic research on the subject, there is surprisingly little agreement on what innovativeness really means to a hospitality business, and how it may be enhanced. Furthermore, exploration of the differences between the theory and practice of innovation, as interpreted by managerial experience rather than academic speculation, is undeveloped. This paper explores perceptions of Technology Innovativeness (TI) within a sample of deluxe hotels (4 and 5star) located in Switzerland. It describes the views and opinions of senior managers on innovativeness. The findings highlight how top managers and owners of these hotels perceive and use innovativeness in order to gain competitive advantage, how local and national culture is used in developing that advantage, and how a strong relationship between all major stakeholders in the hotel industry could hold the key to both origin and destination innovation. This research also provides a good understanding of the impact of Technology Innovativeness in Four and Five Star Hotels in Switzerland, and showed TI's value in improving both the top and bottom line. There is however some doubt as to whether developed markets can afford to be first in the implementation of TI in the foreseeable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors' aim in the present study was to examine the effects of a brief forgiveness intervention for older adults. The psychoeducational group intervention consists of (a) established core components of previous forgiveness interventions and (b) additional components considering specific needs of older adults. Seventy-eight older adults (mean age 70.1 years) were randomized to a treatment condition or a waiting-list control condition. The intervention reduced the levels of perceived actual transgression painfulness, transgression-related emotions and cognitions, and negative affect. These findings suggest the promise of forgiveness interventions for older adults that help participants clarify and deal with past, present, and future interpersonal transgressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the legal framework of public procurement in Switzerland including its federalist governmental structure. It notes the separate implementation of the Government Procurement on the cantonal and federal levels. It explains the enforcement of the International Labour Organization Core Labour Standards, which is considered as a milestone towards sustainable procurement.

The article offers information on the study conducted by the authors to find out if hemoglobin mass (hbmass) and red cell volume (RCV) increase in athletes from the age 16 to 21 and 28. It states that 45 male endurance athletes of different age groups participated in the research who were divided into six subgroups on the basis of their training status and age. It mentions that the participants neither conducted altitude training nor did they donate blood during the study. It highlights that hbmass was lower in young athletes than older ones. It concludes that the training did not have much impact on RCV and hbmass.

The article presents a study on the development of a high resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) model to provide forecasting on a radioactive release from a nuclear plant in Switzerland. The study states that the NWP model is generated by a dedicated network of surface and upper air observations including remote sensing instruments. Moreover, the model is used to predict dynamics of the atmosphere in the planetary boundary layer and generates the input data over the Swiss Plateau.

Long-term data on precipitation and runoff are essential to draw firm conclusions about the behavior and trends of hydrological catchments that may be influenced by land use and climate change. Here the longest continuous runoff records from small catchments (<1 km) in Switzerland (and possibly worldwide) are reported. The history of the hydrological monitoring in the Sperbel- and Rappengraben (Emmental) is summarized, and inherent uncertainties in the data arising from the operation of the gauges are described. The runoff stations operated safely for more than 90% of the summer months when most of the major flood events occurred. Nevertheless, the absolute values of peak runoff during the largest flood events are subject to considerable uncertainty. The observed differences in average, base, and peak runoff can only partly be attributed to the substantial differences in forest coverage. This treasure trove of data can be used in various ways, exemplified here with an analysis of the generalized extreme value distributions of the two catchments. These distributions, and hence flood return periods, have varied greatly in the course of one century, influenced by the occurrence of single extreme events. The data will be made publicly available for the further analysis of the mechanisms governing the runoff behavior of small catchments, as well as for testing stochastic and deterministic models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Academic research on public affairs which aims to reconstruct the rationale for the involvement in public affairs, and the possible outsourcing thereof, focuses mainly on the perspective of the principal. Even though consultants are undoubtedly increasing in importance, their relevance as agents is often downplayed. This study seeks to empirically supplement the perspective of the consultant in order to identify potential inimitable functions that could explain why public affairs work is often contracted-out. Design/methodology/approach - A nation-wide survey about public affairs consultants in Switzerland is based on an inductive empirical research design, which facilitates questions regarding which services consultants actually perform and what indispensable functions they claim to provide. Findings - The results highlight lobbying, political PR, and [referendums and election] campaigns as the main areas of service. These services are associated with different functions. Lobbyists in particular define themselves as partisan players closely involved in political decision making. In contrast, political PR and campaigning are understood in terms of horizontal or vertical boundary-spanning. A somewhat technical justification for contracting out, referring to a special infrastructure and costs issues, is downplayed. Instead, the independent outside view facilitating innovation forms the most important generalizable frame when explaining the unique added value consultants have to offer. Originality/value - The paper shows that the real or supposed independence of the consultant vis-à-vis the client constitutes an inimitable resource. The outsider-status facilitates the successful fulfilment of public affairs functions such as innovation, boundary-spanning, access and legitimising. Thus, it is vitally important for consultants to build up a reputation. When it comes to contracting-out decisions, impression management theories are capable of enriching public affairs theories that focus on cost-benefit-calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the context of the ongoing eradication campaign for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in cattle in Switzerland, the role of South American camelids (SAC) as a possible virus reservoir needed to be evaluated. Objective: To assess and characterize the prevalence of pestivirus infections in SAC in Switzerland. Animals: Serum samples collected from 348 animals (40 herds) in 2008 and from 248 animals (39 herds) in 2000 were examined for antibodies against pestiviruses and for the presence of BVDV viral RNA. Methods: Cross-sectional study using stratified, representative herd sampling. An indirect BVDV-ELISA was used to analyze serum samples for pestivirus antibodies, and positive samples underwent a serum neutralization test (SNT). Real-time RT-PCR to detect pestiviral RNA was carried out in all animals from herds with at least 1 seropositive animal. Results: In 2008, the overall prevalence of animals positive for antibodies (ELISA) and pestiviral RNA or was 5.75 and 0%, respectively. In 2000, the corresponding prevalences were 3.63 and 0%, respectively. The seroprevalences (SNT) for BVDV, border disease virus or undetermined pestiviruses were estimated to be 0, 1.73, and 4.02% in 2008, and 0.40, 1.21, and 2.02% in 2000, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: At the present time, SAC appear to represent a negligible risk of re-infection for the BVDV eradication program in cattle in Switzerland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Atopic dermatitis as well as psoriasis are characterized as common, chronic, often long lasting disorders of the cutis. In case of (a) a refractory out-patient therapy, (b) an acute severe exacerbation of skin lesions, (c) functional impairment of hands and feet, (d) suberythroderma or erythroderma, (e) complex topical as well as systemic treatment modalities, (f) complicating somatic or psychological comorbidity, a referral to in-patient treatment at high altitude must be considered. The therapy at the Hoch-gebirgsklinik Davos (1'560 m above see level) is characterized by application of natural-borne UV radiation all year round, missing house dust mite allergen, massive reduction of pollens and mycotic spores, improvement of skin perfusion as well as a reduction in itching (as compared to low altitude regions). Last but not least, silence and distance from home and company may show benefits for psychological an cutaneous well-being the 24-hour daily presence of dermatology experts, a broad armamentarium of topical an systemic treatment modalities as well as wide range of up-to-date diagnostic and therapeutic tools have to be further mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]