Investigating the value of privacy on online social networks: conjoint analysis

Popularity of Online Social Networks has been recently overshadowed by the privacy problems they pose. Users are getting increasingly vigilant concerning information they disclose and are strongly opposing the use of their information for commercial purposes. Nevertheless, as long as the network is offered to users for free, providers have little choice but to generate revenue through personalized advertising to remain financially viable. Our study empirically investigates the ways out of this deadlock. Using conjoint analysis we find that privacy is indeed important for users. We identify three groups of users with different utility patterns: Unconcerned Socializers, Control-conscious Socializers and Privacy-concerned. Our results provide relevant insights into how network providers can capitalize on different user preferences by specifically addressing the needs of distinct groups in the form of various premium accounts. Overall, our study is the first attempt to assess the value of privacy in monetary terms in this context.

[Elbow dysplasia in the dog: finite element analysis]

For young active dogs of large, fast-growing breeds, diseases of the elbow represent an increasing important disorder. Genetic predisposition, overweight and joint overload have been proposed as possible causes of elbow dysplasia. In this study, the influence of various biomechanical parameters on load transfer in healthy and pathological dog elbows has been analysed by means of a two-dimensional finite element model. Pathological changes in the elbow structure, such as altered material properties or asynchronous bone growth, have a distinct influence on the contact pressure in the joint articulation, internal bone deformation and stresses in the bones. The results obtained support empirical observations made during years of experience and offer explanations for clinical findings that are not yet well understood.