An analysis of repressed inflation in three transitional economies

In centrally planned economies, domestic prices do not respond flexibly to market forces, so economic disequilibria - including repressed inflation - persist. The authors assess the extent of repressed inflation in Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Romania between 1980 and 1990. First, they develop a simultaneous equation model, which stipulates that the repressed inflation is caused by the difference in growth rate between households'money holdings and retail sales in the economy. Following are the model's basic assumptions: a stable demand for money function exists where the demand for real quasi-money depends on the level of real income and the expected rate of inflation; inflationary expectations are formed under an adaptive scheme in which expected inflation for the next period depends on the error made in predicting the current period's true inflation; the real stock of quasi-money balances adjusts to the desired level, after a time lag. The authors then derive a reduced-form equation on real quasi-money holdings, and estimate it with quarterly data for Czechoslovakia and Poland, and with annual data for Romania. Based on the estimated equation, they derive the true inflation rate for each economy. Finally, they determine the significance of the repressed inflation in each economy through statistical tests on parameters of the estimated equation. These are the authors'main findings: during 1980-90 in Czechoslovakia, repressed inflation was insignificant, the demand for money was mostly for transaction purposes, and inflationary expectations were almost myopic; in Poland, repressed inflation was significant but decreasing after 1987, and inflationary expectations adjusted fairly rapidly; and in Romania, repressed inflation was serious throughout the period, and inflationary expectations adjusted quite rapidly. This economic model needs to be refined and the data used need to be improved. But the paper's findings are broadly consistent with the results of most other studies.Economic Theory&Research,Markets and Market Access,Access to Markets,Environmental Economics&Policies,Banks&Banking Reform

Determining White Noise Forcing From Eulerian Observations in the Navier Stokes Equation

The Bayesian approach to inverse problems is of paramount importance in quantifying uncertainty about the input to and the state of a system of interest given noisy observations. Herein we consider the forward problem of the forced 2D Navier Stokes equation. The inverse problem is inference of the forcing, and possibly the initial condition, given noisy observations of the velocity field. We place a prior on the forcing which is in the form of a spatially correlated temporally white Gaussian process, and formulate the inverse problem for the posterior distribution. Given appropriate spatial regularity conditions, we show that the solution is a continuous function of the forcing. Hence, for appropriately chosen spatial regularity in the prior, the posterior distribution on the forcing is absolutely continuous with respect to the prior and is hence well-defined. Furthermore, the posterior distribution is a continuous function of the data. We complement this theoretical result with numerical simulation of the posterior distribution

FOSTERING CHANGE MANAGEMENT: ENHANCING DOD GOVERNMENT-WIDE COMMERCIAL PURCHASE CARD PROGRAM’S COMPLIANCE WITHIN COMMANDER NAVAL SURFACE FORCE PACIFIC

The Government Commercial Purchase Card (GCPC) program is essential for efficient procurement within the Commander Naval Surface Force Pacific (CNSP). However, consistent noncompliance with GCPC policy among CNSP ships has led to disciplinary actions, including probation and suspension. This study aims to enhance compliance with the GCPC program across 74 vessels in CNSP. Using a mixed-method approach that combines database analysis and questionnaires from key participants, the research examines the program’s structure, stakeholder roles, current policies, and recent changes to identify challenges causing noncompliance. The study found significant issues in shipboard operations, management and accountability, and policy and knowledge management. The research integrates these findings to set the stage for strategic recommendations, including improving infrastructure and operations, training and communication, and policy and process standardization. By applying popular change management models, the study suggests a seven-step change model tailored to the Navy operational context to reduce noncompliance within the CNSP GCPC program. This approach contributes to future research and policy development in procurement processes.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Lieutenant Commander, United States Nav

Genetic Normalization of Differentiating Aneuploid Human Embryos

Early embryogenesis involves a series of dynamic processes, many of which are currently not well described or understood. Aneuploidy and aneuploid mosaicism, a mixture of aneuploid and euploid cells within one embryo, in early embryonic development are principal causes of developmental failure.^1,2^ Here we show that human embryos demonstrate a significant rate of genetic correction of aneuploidy, or "genetic normalization" when cultured from the cleavage stage on day 3 (Cleavage) to the blastocyst stage on day 5 (Blastocyst) using routine in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory conditions. One hundred and twenty-six human Cleavage stage embryos were evaluated for clinically indicated preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). Sixty-four of these embryos were found to be aneuploid following Cleavage stage embryo biopsy and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 23 chromosome molecular karyotype (microarray). Of these, 25 survived to the Blastocyst stage of development and repeat microarray evaluation was performed. The inner cell mass (ICM), containing cells destined to form the fetus, and the trophectoderm (TE), containing cells destined to form the placenta were evaluated. Sixteen of 25 embryos (64%) [95% CI: 44-80%] possessed diploid karyotypes in both the ICM and TE cell populations. An additional three Blastocyst stage embryos showed genetic correction of the TE but not the ICM and one Blastocyst stage embryo showed the reverse. Mosaicism (exceeding 5%), was not detected in any of the ICM and TE samples analyzed. Recognizing that genetic normalization may occur in developing human embryos has important implications for stem cell biology, preimplantation and developmental genetics, embryology, and reproductive medicine. 

1)Hassold, T. et al. A cytogenetic study of 1000 spontaneous abortions. Ann Hum Genet. 44, 151-78 (1980).
2)Menasha, J., Levy, B., Hirschhorn, K., & Kardon, N.B. Incidence and spectrum of chromosome abnormalities in spontaneous abortions: new insights from a 12-year study. Genet Med. 7, 251-63 (2005)

Characterization of Dyspnea in Veteran Lung Cancer Survivors Following Curative-Intent Therapy.

PurposeDyspnea is highly prevalent in lung cancer survivors following curative-intent therapy. We aimed to identify clinical predictors or determinants of dyspnea and characterize its relationship with functional exercise capacity (EC).MethodsIn an analysis of data from a cross-sectional study of lung cancer survivors at the VA San Diego Healthcare System who completed curative-intent therapy for stage I-IIIA disease ≥1 mo previously, we tested a thorough list of comorbidities, lung function, and lung cancer characteristics. We assessed dyspnea using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Lung Cancer Module 13 (LC13) and functional EC using the 6-minute walk. We replicated results with the University of California San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire.ResultsIn 75 participants at a median of 12 mo since treatment completion, the mean ± SD LC13-Dyspnea score was 35.3 ± 26.2; 60% had abnormally high dyspnea. In multivariable linear regression analyses, significant clinical predictors or determinants of dyspnea were (β [95% CI]) psychiatric illness (-20.8 [-32.4 to -9.09]), heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (-15.5 [-28.0 to -2.97]), and forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (-0.28 [-0.49 to -0.06]). Dyspnea was an independent predictor of functional EC (-1.54 [-2.43 to -0.64]). These results were similar with the University of California San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire.ConclusionWe identified clinical predictors or determinants of dyspnea that have pathophysiological bases. Dyspnea was independently associated with functional EC. These results have implications in efforts to reduce dyspnea and improve exercise behavior and functional EC in lung cancer survivors following curative-intent therapy

Smart Exoskeleton Hand with Soft Electronics

Many people in the modern world suffer from a loss of hand and finger strength due to diseases in the muscle or nervous system such as ALS, Muscular Atrophy, and more. This problem has become more widespread with the surge of technology over the last 5-10 years. Therefore, we have created a smart exoskeleton hand with soft electronics that will allow people with less than average hand strength to perform daily activities. The exoskeleton device utilizes small, lightweight linear actuators to provide additional strength to the user’s fingers and the hand itself will be 3D-printed with ABS and PLA plastics to allow for a lower cost while maintaining the strength requirements. The smart exoskeleton also contains a feedback system that processes electromyogram (EMG) signals through a custom circuit in order to replicate the real time movement of the user. These signals are then saved as a data file and stored to allow physicians to analyze these signals and find trends of either reconstruction or deconstruction. This system is powered by two AA batteries and one 6V battery housed in a custom, 3D-printed battery pack. A small touch LCD screen has been installed to display the filtered signals from the EMG sensors attached to the users arm while also showing the current battery life of the device. All of these components incorporated into one system allow for a lightweight, portable design that provides the user with the ease of normal mobility.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/capstone/1148/thumbnail.jp

The zebrafish xenograft platform-A novel tool for modeling KSHV-associated diseases

Kaposi\u27s sarcoma associated-herpesvirus (KSHV, also known as human herpesvirus-8) is a gammaherpesvirus that establishes life-long infection in human B lymphocytes. KSHV infection is typically asymptomatic, but immunosuppression can predispose KSHV-infected individuals to primary effusion lymphoma (PEL); a malignancy driven by aberrant proliferation of latently infected B lymphocytes, and supported by pro-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors produced by cells that succumb to lytic viral replication. Here, we report the development of the firs

Perceptions of family functioning and self-concept in adolescent anorexia nervosa [R]

Authors have highlighted the importance of the family for the development of positive self-concept and identity, not only in mental health research but also in various developmental and social psychology fields. With the increase in the incidence and prevalence of eating disorders in Australia and around the world, some researchers have attempted to understand how aspects of family functioning affect the onset and maintenance of the chronic illness, particularly for younger patients who are still undergoing drastic psychological changes and development. This study attempted to bridge gaps in the literature examining functioning and dyadic relations in families affected by eating disorders. More specifically, this study compared the perceptions of mothers, fathers and daughters about general family functioning to determine whether any discrepancies between the perceptions of family and how these affect self-concept in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa.<br /