Catching-up and Credit Booms in Central and Eastern European EU Member States and Acceding Countries: An Interpretation within the New Neoclassical Synthesis Framework

Credit to the private sector has risen rapidly in many Central and Eastern European EU Member States (MS) and acceding countries (AC) in recent years. The lending boom has recently been particularly strong in the segment of loans to households, primarily mortgage-based housing loans, and in those countries that operate currency boards or other forms of hard pegs. The main aim of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework to analyze the observed developments with a view to exploring some policy implications at a stage in which these countries are preparing for their prospective integration with the euro area. To achieve this, we first use a stylized New Neoclassical Synthesis (NNS) framework, which has recently been advanced by Goodfriend (2002) and Goodfriend and King (2000). We then discuss the implications of the NNS model for credit dynamics and ensuing monetary policy challenges. Specifically, we emphasize consumption smoothing as an important channel of the observed credit expansion and we show how it is related to and how it affects the monetary policy making in MS and AC. In doing so, we place our discussion in the context of the monetary integration process in general and the nominal convergence process in particular.credit booms, new neoclassical synthesis, currency boards, euro area, convergence process

Microstructure and mechanical properties of sintered and heat-treated HfNbTaTiZr high entropy alloy

High entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted researchers' interest in recent years. The aim of this work was to prepare the HfNbTaTiZr high entropy alloy via the powder metallurgy process and characterize its properties. The powder metallurgy process is a prospective solution for the synthesis of various alloys and has several advantages over arc melting (e.g., no dendritic structure, near net-shape, etc.). Cold isostatic pressing of blended elemental powders and subsequent sintering at 1400 degrees C for various time periods up to 64 h was used. Certain residual porosity, as well as bcc2 (Nb- and Ta-rich) and hcp (Zr- and Hf-rich) phases, remained in the bcc microstructure after sintering. The bcc2 phase was completely eliminated during annealing (1200 degrees C/1h) and subsequent water quenching. The hardness values of the sintered specimens ranged from 300 to 400 HV10. The grain coarsening during sintering was significantly limited and the maximum average grain diameter after 64 h of sintering was approximately 60 mu m. The compression strength at 800 degrees C was 370 MPa and decreased to 47 MPa at 1200 degrees C. Porosity can be removed during the hot deformation process, leading to an increase in hardness to similar to 450 HV10.Web of Science912art. no. 132

Prospective Analysis of the Aquaculture Sector in the EU. PART 1: Synthesis Report

This report is based on the outcome of the study on "Prospective analysis of the aquaculture sector in the EU", launched and coordinated by the JRC (IPTS) and carried out by the University of Stirling. The report consists of two parts: 1) "Prospective analysis of the aquaculture sector in the EU – Part 1: Synthesis report", and 2) "Prospective analysis of the aquaculture sector in the EU – Part 2: Characterisation of emerging aquaculture systems" This first report sets out the context for the future role of aquaculture in the EU, and the potential directions to be taken within the sector. It builds from materials reported in Part 2, and is structured by the outcomes of a review/expert panel meeting carried out in Sevilla, in November 2006 in which a process and system of synthesis was agreed. It follows a format in which we: • Project potential future demand for aquaculture-derived product, recognising domestic supply and international trade features, emerging consumer trends, and expected price positioning commensurate with sector production costs. • Develop further detail with respect to species, subsectors, systems, locations, and their interactions. • Set out issues and discussions on implications for future policy. • Develop conclusions. These projections and details were further developed through a process of discussion and comment with the expert panel during the period March-August 2007. The study was conducted between January 2006 and November 2007, the data collection taking place in the early stages followed by the analysis in the later stages

Catalytic polymeric nanoreactors : more than a solid supported catalyst

Polymeric nanostructures can be synthesized where the catalytic motif is covalently attached within the core domain and protected from the environment by a polymeric shell. Such nanoreactors can be easily recycled, and have shown unique properties when catalyzing reactions under pseudohomogeneous conditions. Many examples of how these catalytic nanostructures can act as nanosized reaction vessels have been reported in the literature. This prospective will focus on the exclusive features observed for these catalytic systems and highlight their potential as enzyme mimics, as well as the importance of further studies to unveil their full potential

A Summer Academy Program for Prospective Teachers: Model Teaching Experiences

This article describes the project, A Summer Academy Program for Prospective Teachers: Model Teaching Experiences, of the Oklahoma Teacher Education Collaborative (O-TEC), one of the nation’s Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation (CETP). To recruit highly qualified teachers in science and mathematics, O-TEC institutions promote a program of summer academies that provide prospective teachers with opportunities to become familiar with effective teaching methods. During the academy, high school juniors and seniors explore inquiry-based teaching strategies, exemplary curricula, science and math content, and state and national standards in math and science education-all under the tutelage of mentor teachers, a Master-Teacher-in- Residence, and university faculty. The prospective teachers have opportunities to put into practice what they learn about effective teaching. For two weeks, the prospective teachers experience teaching science lessons to elementary children from neighboring school systems. These experiences help the prospective teachers perceive the challenges and rewards of teaching at a pivotal time in their lives. This material is based upon the summer academy program supported in part by the Oklahoma Teacher Education Collaborative, the National Science Foundation, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Oklahoma Teacher Education Collaborative, the National Science Foundation, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University

The Effect of Breakfast on Energy Metabolism, Appetite, and Food Intake in Young versus Older Men

As life expectancy continues to rise, it is important to consider optimal nutrition recommendations to improve health outcomes, quality of life, and physical independence in older adults. Previous studies have focused on the impact of breakfast on postprandial appetite in younger adults. Research on the effects of breakfast on appetite in older adults is limited. Several studies have identified protein as a key nutrient for older adults. Protein has been shown to increase satiety for longer periods of time and decrease cravings later in the day when compared to high carbohydrate meals. However, more research is needed to determine the influence of varying protein sources on appetite and satiety response, especially in older adults. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of protein density [(high quality, animal protein (e.g. whey protein) versus lower quality, plant protein (e.g. pea protein)] at breakfast on postprandial energy expenditure, appetite, and food intake in young and older men. This study was a randomized, crossover design. Eighteen men were recruited to participate in this study (n=12, younger men ages 18-29 years; n=6, older men (60 years of age and older). Participants received either a whey or pea protein breakfast beverage with a 1-2 week washout period between test days. Energy expenditure, appetite and blood values were measure for 240 minutes following the breakfast meal. At the conclusion of the test day, participants recorded their dietary intake via 24-hour food logs. There was no significant effect of diet or age on TEF, young men had a significantly higher TEF (P \u3c 0.01) compared to older men following whey protein consumption. Pea protein decreased hunger and increased fullness following consumption. Both age and protein quality influenced appetite and energy expenditure following breakfast

Interventions targeted at primary care practitioners to improve the identification and referral of patients with co-morbid obesity: a realist review protocol

<b>Background </b>Obesity is one of the most significant public health challenges in the developed world. Recent policy has suggested that more can be done in primary care to support adults with obesity. In particular, general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses (PNs) could improve the identification and referral of adults with obesity to appropriate weight management services. Previous interventions targeted at primary care practitioners in this area have had mixed results, suggesting a more complex interplay between patients, practitioners, and systems. The objectives of this review are (i) to identify the underlying ‘programme theory’ of interventions targeted at primary care practitioners to improve the identification and referral of adults with obesity and (ii) to explore how and why GPs and PNs identify and refer individuals with obesity, particularly in the context of weight-related co-morbidity. This protocol will explain the rationale for using a realist review approach and outline the key steps in this process. <p></p> <b>Methods</b> Realist review is a theory-led approach to knowledge synthesis that provides an explanatory analysis aimed at discerning what works, for whom, in what circumstances, how, and why. In this review, scoping interviews with key stakeholders involved in the planning and delivery of adult weight management services in Scotland helped to inform the identification of formal theories - from psychology, sociology, and implementation science - that will be tested as the review progresses. A comprehensive search strategy is described, including scope for iterative searching. Data analysis is outlined in three stages (describing context-mechanism-outcome configurations, exploring patterns in these configurations, and developing and testing middle-range theories, informed by the formal theories previously identified), culminating in the production of explanatory programme theory that considers individual, interpersonal, and institutional/systems-level components. <p></p> <b>Discussion </b>This is the first realist review that we are aware of looking at interventions targeted at primary care practitioners to improve the weight management of adults with obesity. Engagement with stakeholders at an early stage is a unique feature of realist review. This shapes the scope of the review, identification of candidate theories and dissemination strategies. The findings of this review will inform policy and future interventions. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD4201400939

Do urban regeneration programmes improve public health and reduce health inequalities? A synthesis of the evidence from UK policy and practice (1980–2004)

Objectives: To synthesise data on the impact on health and key socioeconomic determinants of health and health inequalities reported in evaluations of national UK regeneration programmes. Data Sources: Eight electronic databases were searched from 1980 to 2004 (IBSS, COPAC, HMIC, IDOX, INSIDE, Medline, Urbadisc/Accompline, Web of Knowledge). Bibliographies of located documents and relevant web sites were searched. Experts and government departmental libraries were also contacted. Review methods: Evaluations that reported achievements drawing on data from at least two target areas of a national urban regeneration programme in the UK were included. Process evaluations and evaluations reporting only business outcomes were excluded. All methods of evaluation were included. Impact data on direct health outcomes and direct measures of socioeconomic determinants of health were narratively synthesised. Results: 19 evaluations reported impacts on health or socioeconomic determinants of health; data from 10 evaluations were synthesised. Three evaluations reported health impacts; in one evaluation three of four measures of self reported health deteriorated, typically by around 4%. Two other evaluations reported overall reductions in mortality rates. Most socioeconomic outcomes assessed showed an overall improvement after regeneration investment; however, the effect size was often similar to national trends. In addition, some evaluations reported adverse impacts. Conclusion: There is little evidence of the impact of national urban regeneration investment on socioeconomic or health outcomes. Where impacts have been assessed, these are often small and positive but adverse impacts have also occurred. Impact data from future evaluations are required to inform healthy public policy; in the meantime work to exploit and synthesise "best available" data is required

Botulinum Toxin A for the Treatment of Keloids

Introduction: Keloids are the result of excessive scar tissue formation. Besides their poor aesthetic appearance, keloids can be associated with severe clinical symptoms such as pain, itching, and rigidity. Unfortunately, most therapeutic approaches remain clinically unsatisfactory. Recently, injections with botulinum toxin A (BTA) were proposed for the treatment of established keloids in a clinical trial. In this study, we aimed to verify the effects of intralesional BTA for the treatment of therapy-resistant keloids using objective measurements. In addition, the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated using cultured keloid-derived fibroblasts. Materials and Methods: Four patients received BTA (doses varying from 70 to 140 Speywood units per session) injected directly into their keloids every 2 months for up to 6 months. Differences in height and volume were evaluated clinically and measured with a 3-D optical profiling system. Keloid-derived fibroblasts were treated with different concentrations of BTA, and expression of collagen (COL)1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 3, fibronectin-1, laminin-beta 2, and alpha-SMA was determined by real-time quantitative PCR. MTT and BrdU assays were used to analyze the effects of BTA on fibroblast proliferation and metabolism. Results: Intralesional administration of BTA did not result in regression of keloid tissue. No differences in expression of ECM markers, collagen synthesis, or TGF-beta could be observed after BTA treatment of keloid fibroblasts. In addition, cell proliferation and metabolism of keloid fibroblasts was not affected by BTA treatment. Conclusion: The suggested clinical efficiency of intralesional BTA for the therapy of existent keloids could not be confirmed in this study. Based on our data, the potential mechanisms of action of BTA on keloid-derived fibroblasts remain unclear. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Base