University of Cologne

About: University of Cologne is a education organization based out in Cologne, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Gene. The organization has 32050 authors who have published 66350 publications receiving 2210092 citations. The organization is also known as: Universität zu Köln & Universitatis Coloniensis.

Playing Dice With Criminal Sentences: The Influence of Irrelevant Anchors on Experts’ Judicial Decision Making

Abstract: Judicial sentencing decisions should be guided by facts, not by chance. The present research however demonstrates that the sentencing decisions of experienced legal professionals are influenced by irrelevant sentencing demands even if they are blatantly determined at random. Participating legal experts anchored their sentencing decisions on a given sentencing demand and assimilated toward it even if this demand came from an irrelevant source (Study 1), they were informed that this demand was randomly determined (Study 2), or they randomly determined this demand themselves by throwing dice (Study 3). Expertise and experience did not reduce this effect. This sentencing bias appears to be produced by a selective increase in the accessibility of arguments that are consistent with the random sentencing demand: The accessibility of incriminating arguments was higher if participants were confronted with a high rather than a low anchor (Study 4). Practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed.

Enhanced expression levels of IL-31 correlate with IL-4 and IL-13 in atopic and allergic contact dermatitis

Abstract: Background IL-31 is produced by activated T lymphocytes, preferentially by T H 2 cells. Transgenic mice overexpressing IL-31 have a phenotype resembling allergic dermatitis in human subjects. Objective We sought to evaluate the potential importance of IL-31 in the pathogenesis of human T cell–mediated skin diseases. Methods We analyzed total RNA taken from 149 skin biopsy specimens from patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), or psoriasis in comparison with specimens taken from patients with healthy skin (n = 13) by using quantitative real-time PCR for the expression of T H 1/T H 2 cytokines. Results We found statistically increased mRNA levels of IL-31 in biopsy specimens taken from patients with AD, irrespective of the severity of the disease and serum IgE levels. Moreover, IL-31 mRNA levels were strongly increased in many biopsy specimens taken from patients with ACD. However, no increased transcription of IL-31 could be detected in biopsy specimens taken from psoriatic plaques. A comparison of mRNA levels of IL-31 with T H 1 or T H 2 cytokines demonstrates a correlation of the expression of IL-31 with IL-4 and IL-13 but not with IFN-γ. No significant increase of IL-31 receptor mRNA could be detected in any disease, whereas the second receptor subunit of IL-31, the oncostatin M receptor, seems to be enhanced transcribed in patients with psoriasis. Conclusion IL-31 expression is not only increased in patients with AD but also in those with ACD, 2 pruritic skin disorders. In both types of eczema, expression of IL-31 is associated with the expression of the T H 2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. Clinical implications IL-31 might contribute not only to the development of AD but also to ACD-provoked skin inflammation.

Shadow economies around the world : size, causes, and consequences

Abstract: Using various methods (currency demand, physical input (electricity) method, model approach), which are discussed and criticized, estimates of the size of the shadow economy in 76 developing, transition and OECD-countries are presented. The average size of a shadow economy varies from 12 percent of GDP for OECD, to 23 percent for transition and to 39 percent for developing countries. An increasing burden of taxation and social security contributions combined with rising state regulatory activities are the driving forces for the increase of the shadow economy especially in OECD-countries. According to some findings, a growing shadow economy has a negative effect on official GDP growth, and a positive impact of corruption on the size of the shadow economy can be found.

Analytics for customer engagement

Abstract: In this article, we discuss the state of the art of models for customer engagement and the problems that are inherent to calibrating and implementing these models. The authors first provide an overview of the data available for customer analytics and discuss recent developments. Next, the authors discuss the models used for studying customer engagement, where they distinguish the following stages: customer acquisition, customer development, and customer retention. Finally, they discuss several organizational issues of analytics for customer engagement, which constitute barriers for introducing analytics for customer engagement.