Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2024-05-24"
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- Energy savings behavior in the context of the energy crisis in Germany : exploring the influence of self-efficacy and subjective knowledgePublication . Dinkel, Lara Cremène; Almeida, Ana Filipa Martinho deThe European energy crisis of 2021/2022 caused by gas shortages and demand surges had a massive impact on Germany’s economy and forced the country to rethink its energy policy, improve its energy security situation, and address the underlying weaknesses exposed by these times. Reduced households’ energy consumption significantly contributes to mitigating this crisis which highlights the need to promote their energy savings behavior by stimulating its influencing factors. This thesis aims to close a research gap and examine the influence of crisis self-efficacy (CSE) and subjective crisis knowledge (SCK) on energy savings behavior (ESB) in a post-crisis context at home, using two validated instruments by Park (2016) and Flynn and Goldsmith (1999). Data was collected in December 2023 from the population of German households through an online survey which resulted in a valid sample of 394 participants. Subsequent data analysis using SPSS (v. 29.0) and SPSS AMOS (v. 26.0) for structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses revealed that both CSE and SCK have a direct and significant positive effect on ESB. Additionally, the relationship between SCK and ESB is partially mediated by CSE, thus also indicating an indirect effect between the two variables, meaning that higher levels of SCK and CSE not only independently but also in combination increase ESB. The results suggest that individual assessments of knowledge and capabilities are decisive when it comes to exhibiting relevant measures for crisis mitigation and prevention. Therefore, the findings lead to several recommendations for effective policymaking and overall crisis management making use of the gained insights on factors influencing energy savings during and after a crisis.
- Acromegaly in humans and cats: pathophysiological, clinical and management resemblances and differencesPublication . Lopes-Pinto, Mariana; Marques, Patrícia Lunet; Lacerda-Nobre, Ema; Miceli, Diego; Leal, Rodolfo Oliveira; Marques, PedroObjective: Acromegaly is a disorder associated with excessive levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). In general, GH/IGF-1 excess leads to morphologic craniofacial and acral changes as well as cardiometabolic complications, but the phenotypic changes and clinical presentation of acromegaly differ across species. Here, we review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of acromegaly in humans and cats, and we provide a systematic comparison between this disease across these different species. Design: A comprehensive literature review of pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis and management of acromegaly in humans and in cats was performed. Results: Acromegaly is associated with prominent craniofacial changes in both species: frontal bossing, enlarged nose, ears and lips, and protuberant cheekbones are typically encountered in humans, whereas increased width of the head and skull enlargement are commonly found in cats. Malocclusion, prognathism, dental diastema and upper airway obstruction by soft tissue enlargement are reported in both species, as well as continuous growth and widening of extremities resulting in osteoarticular compromise. Increase of articular joint cartilage thickness, vertebral fractures and spine malalignment is more evident in humans, while arthropathy and spondylosis deformans may also occur in cats. Generalized organomegaly is equally observed in both species. Other similarities between humans and cats with acromegaly include heart failure, ventricular hypertrophy, diabetes mellitus, and an overall increased cardiometabolic risk. In GH-secreting pituitary tumours, local compressive effects and behavioral changes are mostly observed in humans, but also present in cats. Cutis verticis gyrata and skin tags are exclusively found in humans, while palmigrade/plantigrade stance may occur in some acromegalic cats. Serum IGF-1 is used for acromegaly diagnosis in both species, but an oral glucose tolerance test with GH measurement is only useful in humans, as glucose load does not inhibit GH secretion in cats. Imaging studies are regularly performed in both species after biochemical diagnosis of acromegaly. Hypophysectomy is the first line treatment for humans and cats, although not always available in veterinary medicine. Conclusion: Acromegaly in humans and cats has substantial similarities, as a result of common pathophysiological mechanisms, however species-specific features may be found.