scholarly journals Production priorities in dynamic relationships

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 861-889
Author(s):  
Jean Guillaume Forand ◽  
Jan Zápal
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Joint Production ◽  
Optimal Contracts ◽  
Future Production ◽  
Agent Cost ◽  
Time Optimal ◽  
Principal Agent Model ◽  
Low Costs ◽  
Dynamic Relationships ◽  
The Relationship

We characterize optimal contracts in a dynamic principal–agent model of joint production in which project opportunities are heterogenous, utility from these projects is nontransferable, and the agent has the option to quit the relationship at any time. To demand the production of projects that benefit her but not the agent, the principal must commit to produce projects that benefit the agent in the future. Production at all stages of the relationship is ordered by projects' cost‐effectiveness, which is their efficiency in transferring utility between the principal and the agent: cost‐effective demands impose relatively low costs on the agent and cost‐effective compensation imposes relatively low costs on the principal. Over time, optimal contracts become more generous toward the agent by adding commitments to less cost‐effective compensation. In turn, because this new compensation cannot be profitably exchanged against less cost‐effective demands, the principal narrows the scope of her demands.

Pound Wise and Penny Foolish? Weight Loss and The Dynamics of Health Care Spending

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G Koch
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Health Care Spending ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Dynamic Measures ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Current estimates of obesity costs ignore the impact of future weight loss and gain, and may either over or underestimate economic consequences of weight loss. In light of this, I construct static and dynamic measures of medical costs associated with body mass index (BMI), to be balanced against the cost of one-time interventions. This study finds that ignoring the implications of weight loss and gain over time overstates the medical-cost savings of such interventions by an order of magnitude. When the relationship between spending and age is allowed to vary, weight-loss attempts appear to be cost-effective starting and ending with middle age. Some interventions recently proven to decrease weight may also be cost-effective.

scholarly journals PSVII-3 Correlations between L-lactate concentrations obtained using a handheld lactate analyser and a lactate assay colorimetric kit in beef cattle transported by road

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 296-297
Author(s):  
Daniela M Meléndez ◽  
Sonia Marti ◽  
Luigi Faucitano ◽  
Derek B Haley ◽  
Timothy D Schwinghamer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Road Transportation ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Suitable Alternative ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Handheld Device ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Blood metabolites are used to assess a variety of animal conditions for veterinary diagnosis and research. Concentration of metabolites in blood can be measured using a commercially-available lab-based assay or in real-time using a handheld device developed to be more time- and cost-effective than the lab-based method. Lactate is a product of anaerobic glycolysis, used in animal research as an indicator of muscle fatigue. Therefore, it has been used as an indicator of cattle response to long distance transportation. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of L-lactate concentrations measured using a Lactate Scout+ analyzer (Lactate Scout, EFK Diagnostics, Barleben, Germany) and a lactate assay colorimetric kit (Lactate Assay Kit, Cell Biolabs Inc., San Diego, CA). Blood samples were collected by venipuncture from 96 steers (245 ± 35.7 kg BW) prior to (L1) and after 36 h, and prior to and after an additional 4 h of road transportation, and on d 1, 2, 3, 5, 14, and 28 after transport. The Lactate Scout+ analyzer strip was dipped in blood at the time of sampling, while blood samples were collected into sodium fluoride tubes for use in colorimetric analysis. Pearson correlations were calculated to determine the relationship between the experimental methods for the quantification of L-lactate concentrations. The strengths and levels of statistical significance of the correlation varied over the observed time points, r = -0.03, P = 0.75 (L1) to r = 0.75, P = < 0.0001 (d 3). The correlation for the pooled data was weak but statistically significant (r = 0.33, P < 0.001). Based on the experimental results, the Lactate Scout+ analyzer is not a suitable alternative to a lab-based assay for measuring L-lactate in transported cattle, due to variability across sampling time points and weak correlation with the traditional enzymatic method.

scholarly journals Contracting on Time

2005 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 1369-1385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergei Guriev ◽  
Dmitriy Kvasov
Keyword(s):  
Detailed Analysis ◽  
Continuous Time ◽  
Contract Theory ◽  
Bilateral Trade ◽  
Incomplete Contract ◽  
Optimal Contracts ◽  
Contract Duration ◽  
Unilateral Termination ◽  
Advance Notice ◽  
The Relationship

The paper shows how time considerations, especially those concerning contract duration, affect incomplete contract theory. Time is not only a dimension along which the relationship unfolds, but also a continuous verifiable variable that can be included in contracts. We consider a bilateral trade setting where contracting, investment, trade, and renegotiation take place in continuous time. We show that efficient investment can be induced either through a sequence of constantly renegotiated fixed-term contracts; or through a renegotiation-proof “evergreen” contract—a perpetual contract that allows unilateral termination with advance notice. We provide a detailed analysis of properties of optimal contracts.

Search for active candidates in a range of flavonoids regarding SARS-CoV-2 by the method of molecular docking

2021 ◽  
pp. 22-35
Author(s):  
Stanislav V. Pechinskii ◽  
Eduard T. Oganesyan ◽  
Anna G. Kuregyan
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Active Structures ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
Targeted Screening ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Structure And Activity

Molecular docking is a convenient and cost-effective tool for targeted screening of biologically active structures. This method makes it possible to reveal the relationship between structure and activity, as well as to search for new active compounds. Due to the fact that the antiviral activity of flavonoids and their derivatives has been shown experimentally and clinically, the study of their antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 is a promising study. In an in silico experiment, the possibility of binding 20 flavonoid ligands and the main protease SARS-CoV-2 was studied. The structural features of flavone and flavanone derivatives have been determined, which determine their ability to block the main protease of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Structures of eight new candidates that bind the main protease SARS-CoV-2, which have the prospect of synthesis and further pharmacological research, have been proposed.

Prognostic Effects of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Rates in Serum and Pleural Fluids in Malignant Pleural Fluids

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filiz Güldaval ◽  
Ceyda Anar ◽  
Mine Gayaf ◽  
Gulru Polat ◽  
Merve Ayık Türk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Prognostic Factor ◽  
Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Clinical Impact ◽  
Neutrophil To Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Appropriate Therapy ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
The Relationship

Objective: Various studies have reported that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the serum (sNLR) may serve as a cost-effective and useful prognostic factor in patients with various cancer types. We investigated the clinical impact of NLR as a prognostic factor in malign pleural effusion (MPE) and sNLR on prognosis in MPE. Method: We retrospectively reviewed all of the patients who were diagnosed MPE. The relationship between sNLR and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the malign pleural effusion (mNLR) value, age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), histopathologic type, serum albumin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) with survival were investigated. Results: A total of 222 patients with a mean age of 65.7±11.5 were included in the study. Patients with a mNLR value ≥0.42 and a serum NLR value ≥4.75 had a shorter survival (p: 0.000). Multivariate analysis, which showed that survival was significantly related mNLR value > 0.42 and/or sNLR value > 4.75 (Odds Ratio (OR): 2.66, %95 CI, 1,65-4,3 p: 0.001), serum LDH > 210 (OR = 1.8, %95 CI, 1,33-2,46 p: 0.001) and age > 65 (OR = 1.9, %95 CI, 1,41-2,55 p = 0.001). Conclusion: sNLR and mNLR may act as a simple, useful, and cost-effective prognostic factor in patients with MPE. Furthermore, these results may serve as the cornerstone of further research into the mNLR in the future. Although further studies are required to generalize our results, this information will benefit clinicians and patients in determining the most appropriate therapy for patients with MPE.

scholarly journals The relationship between area deprivation and prescription of long-acting reversible contraception in women of reproductive age in Lothian, Scotland, UK

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 281-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Rachel Morgan ◽  
Hanhua Liu
Keyword(s):  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Unplanned Pregnancy ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Electronic Prescribing ◽  
Area Deprivation ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Long Acting ◽  
To Receive ◽  
The Relationship

BackgroundReducing unplanned pregnancy in Scotland is a key government objective. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is a cost-effective way to reduce unintended pregnancy. Abortion and teenage pregnancy rates are highest in the most deprived areas. One possible explanation could be contraceptive prescribing inequality. This study examined the relationship between area deprivation measured by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation and LARC prescription.MethodsUsing Scottish electronic prescribing data from primary care and sexual and reproductive health clinics, this study analysed female Lothian residents with a valid postcode aged 16–49 years who received a contraceptive prescription from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2014. Prescription of LARC (intrauterine, implant or injectable contraceptive) compared with non-LARC (oral pill, patch, ring or diaphragm) was examined. Logistic regression was performed adjusting for age group and prescription location.ResultsA total of 90 150 women were included; 21.1% of prescriptions were LARC and 15.3% vLARC (intrauterine method or implant). Women residing in the most deprived quintile (Q1) and prescribed contraception received a significantly higher proportion of LARC than quintiles 2–5 (Q2–5). Odds ratios compared with Q1 were: Q2 0.86, Q3 0.77, Q4 0.59 and Q5 0.51. Women in quintile 1 were also significantly more likely to receive vLARC than quintiles 2–5.ConclusionWomen in the most deprived quintile in Lothian who are prescribed contraception are significantly more likely to receive LARC and vLARC compared with women in less deprived quintiles.

Dynamic relationships among tumor, immune response, and microbiota

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Takuya Tsunoda ◽  
Kazunori Shimada ◽  
Naoki Uchida ◽  
Shinichi Kobayashi ◽  
Yasutsuna Sasaki
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Disease Etiology ◽  
The Past ◽  
Dynamic Relationships ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Generation Sequencing

Recently, the analysis of microbiota has been of interest not only for the clarification of the molecular mechanisms of disease etiology, but also the discovery of novel strategies for treatment. Following the development of "next-generation" sequencing, novel areas have been discovered in microbiota; however, in oncology, the relationships between microbiota and cancer have not been fully clarified. In recent literature, surprisingly, detection of gut microbiota in tumor issue itself has been reported. Microbiota might play an important role in carcinogenesis. However, this phenomenon is not well understood, and research in this area has just begun. In the past five years, a paradigm shift has occurred in cancer treatment due to immunotherapy. Immunotherapy has made cure possible even in advanced cancer patients with not only melanoma but also non-small cell lung cancer and others. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of novel immunotherapies, checkpoint inhibitors, and the relationship between microbiota and immunotherapy. It is of significance to clarify this relationship because it may lead to the discovery of predictive markers for immunotherapy and promote clinical efficacy. Finally, we also mention our activities in the construction of a big database for information on immunotherapy and microbiota, which may lead to excellent possibilities of discovering novel strategies for more effective cancer treatments, and may accelerate the alteration of cancers to the classification of chronic nonfatal disease.

Can we reduce psychosomatic symptoms and work presenteeism with physical activity?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Andreja Petrovčič ◽  
Vanja Erčulj ◽  
Eva Boštjančič
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Measure ◽  
Psychosomatic Symptoms ◽  
General Evaluation ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
The Relationship

BACKGROUND: Past studies have tended to consider the relationships between presenteeism, physical activity and psychosomatic symptoms in a partial manner and not as a whole. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between physical activity, psychosomatic symptoms and presenteeism, in order to increase the visibility of presenteeism and promote workplace health. METHODS: Two questionnaires (Patient Health Questionnaire and Work Limitations Questionnaire) and a set of physical activity questions were administered on the sample of 514 employees. RESULTS: The results showed a statistically significant relationship between presenteeism and some variables of physical activity, as well as between presenteeism and psychosomatic symptoms. Further results showed a statistically significant association between psychosomatic symptoms and some variables of physical activity. General evaluation (adequacy) of physical activity, and general, aerobic physical activity proved to be important predictors of presenteeism, while general, aerobic physical activity also predicted psychosomatic symptoms. Analysis of the results revealed that psychosomatic symptoms moderate the relationship between physical activity and presenteeism. CONCLUSIONS: The article points out that employees with health problems have a lower percentage of productive time than healthy employees. However, developing an active lifestyle can be a cost-effective measure to cope with presenteeism and promote psychophysical health among employees.

scholarly journals Camera-based optical palpation

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rowan W. Sanderson ◽  
Qi Fang ◽  
Andrea Curatolo ◽  
Wayne Adams ◽  
Devina D. Lakhiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
Digital Camera ◽  
Base Material ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Digital Photograph ◽  
Imaging Tool ◽  
Measured Strain ◽  
Dense Distribution ◽  
Optical Elastography ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Optical elastography is undergoing extensive development as an imaging tool to map mechanical contrast in tissue. Here, we present a new platform for optical elastography by generating sub-millimetre-scale mechanical contrast from a simple digital camera. This cost-effective, compact and easy-to-implement approach opens the possibility to greatly expand applications of optical elastography both within and beyond the field of medical imaging. Camera-based optical palpation (CBOP) utilises a digital camera to acquire photographs that quantify the light intensity transmitted through a silicone layer comprising a dense distribution of micro-pores (diameter, 30–100 µm). As the transmission of light through the micro-pores increases with compression, we deduce strain in the layer directly from intensity in the digital photograph. By pre-characterising the relationship between stress and strain of the layer, the measured strain map can be converted to an optical palpogram, a map of stress that visualises mechanical contrast in the sample. We demonstrate a spatial resolution as high as 290 µm in CBOP, comparable to that achieved using an optical coherence tomography-based implementation of optical palpation. In this paper, we describe the fabrication of the micro-porous layer and present experimental results from structured phantoms containing stiff inclusions as small as 0.5 × 0.5 × 1 mm. In each case, we demonstrate high contrast between the inclusion and the base material and validate both the contrast and spatial resolution achieved using finite element modelling. By performing CBOP on freshly excised human breast tissue, we demonstrate the capability to delineate tumour from surrounding benign tissue.

TEST STATISTICS FOR SYSTEM DESIGN FAILURE

1999 ◽  
Vol 06 (03) ◽  
pp. 249-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHN MAY ◽  
SILKE KUBALL ◽  
GORDON HUGHES
Keyword(s):  
Prior Information ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Test Statistics ◽  
System Safety ◽  
Software Failure ◽  
Reliability Estimates ◽  
Systematic Failure ◽  
The Relationship

A structural model for the estimation of software failure rates is proposed which is based on a partition of the code into components. Systematic failure is assumed to be induced by the interaction of these components. A Bayesian inference scheme is used to perform failure rate estimation on the basis of N failure free test runs. The approach splits the problem of constructing a system prior up into the smaller, conceivably simpler problems of constructing subtask priors. Thereby a wider range of prior information is used in the process of assessing system safety. The work in this paper constitutes a first step towards a formal statistical understanding of the relationship between system complexity and system testing for reliability. Long-term implications are the achievement of more informative reliability estimates and guidelines on cost-effective testing.

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