Calibration of Multicurrency LIBOR Market Models

This paper presents a methodf or calibrating a multi currency lognormal LIBOR Market Model to market data of at-the-money caps, swaptions and FX options. By exploiting the fact that multivariate normal distributions are invariant under orthonormal transformations, the calibration problem is decomposed into manageable stages, while maintaining the ability to achieve realistic correlation structures between all modelled market variables.currency options; LIBOR market model; exchange rate risk; interest rate risk

Novel electrocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Aims: In order to improve the electrocardiographic (ECG) diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), we evaluated novel quantitative parameters of the QRS complex and the value of bipolar chest leads (CF leads) computed from the standard 12 leads. Methods and results: We analysed digital 12-lead ECGs in 44 patients with ARVC, 276 healthy subjects including 44 age and sex-matched with the patients and 36 genotyped members of ARVC families. The length and area of the terminal S wave in V1 to V3 were measured automatically using a common for all 12 leads QRS end. T wave negativity was assessed in V1 to V6 and in the bipolar CF leads computed from the standard 12 leads. The length and area of the terminal S wave were significantly shorter, whereas the S wave duration was significantly longer in ARVC patients compared with matched controls. Among members of ARVC families, those with mutations (n = 15) had shorter QRS length in V2 and V3 and smaller QRS area in lead V2 compared with those without mutations (n = 20). In ARVC patients, the CF leads were diagnostically superior to the standard unipolar precordial leads. Terminal S wave duration in V1 >48 ms or major T wave negativity in CF leads separated ARVC patients from matched controls with 90% sensitivity and 86% specificity. Conclusion: The terminal S wave length and area in the right precordial leads are diagnostically useful and suitable for automatic analysis in ARVC. The CF leads are diagnostically superior to the unipolar precordial leads

Combinatorial Proofs of Fermat\u27s, Lucas\u27s, and Wilson\u27s Theorems

No abstract provided in this article

Empathic reflections by themselves are not effective: Meta-analysis and qualitative synthesis

Objective: We present a mixed methods systematic review of the effectiveness of therapist empathic reflections, which have been adopted by a range of approaches to communicate an understanding of client communications and experiences. Methods: We begin with definitions and subtypes of empathic reflection, drawing on relevant research and theory, including conversation analysis. We distinguish between empathic reflections, reviewed here, and the relational quality of empathy (reviewed in previous meta-analyses). We look at how empathic reflections are assessed and present examples of successful and unsuccessful empathic reflections, also providing a framework of the different criteria used to assess their effectiveness (e.g., association with session or treatment outcome, or client next-turn good process). Results: In our meta-analysis of 43 samples, we found virtually no relation between presence/absence of empathic reflection and effectiveness, both overall and separately within-session, post-session and post-treatment. Although not statistically significant, we did find weak support for reflections of change talk and summary reflections. Conclusions: We argue for research looking more carefully at the quality of empathy sequences in which empathic reflections are ideally calibrated in response to empathic opportunities offered by clients and sensitively adjusted in response to client confirmation/disconfirmation. We conclude with training implications and recommended therapeutic practices

Medication decision-making for patients with renal insufficiency in inpatient and outpatient care at a US Veterans Affairs Medical Centre: a qualitative, cognitive task analysis.

BackgroundMany studies identify factors that contribute to renal prescribing errors, but few examine how healthcare professionals (HCPs) detect and recover from an error or potential patient safety concern. Knowledge of this information could inform advanced error detection systems and decision support tools that help prevent prescribing errors.ObjectiveTo examine the cognitive strategies that HCPs used to recognise and manage medication-related problems for patients with renal insufficiency.DesignHCPs submitted documentation about medication-related incidents. We then conducted cognitive task analysis interviews. Qualitative data were analysed inductively.SettingInpatient and outpatient facilities at a major US Veterans Affairs Medical Centre.ParticipantsPhysicians, nurses and pharmacists who took action to prevent or resolve a renal-drug problem in patients with renal insufficiency.OutcomesEmergent themes from interviews, as related to recognition of renal-drug problems and decision-making processes.ResultsWe interviewed 20 HCPs. Results yielded a descriptive model of the decision-making process, comprised of three main stages: detect, gather information and act. These stages often followed a cyclical path due largely to the gradual decline of patients' renal function. Most HCPs relied on being vigilant to detect patients' renal-drug problems rather than relying on systems to detect unanticipated cues. At each stage, HCPs relied on different cognitive cues depending on medication type: for renally eliminated medications, HCPs focused on gathering renal dosing guidelines, while for nephrotoxic medications, HCPs investigated the need for particular medication therapy, and if warranted, safer alternatives.ConclusionsOur model is useful for trainees so they can gain familiarity with managing renal-drug problems. Based on findings, improvements are warranted for three aspects of healthcare systems: (1) supporting the cyclical nature of renal-drug problem management via longitudinal tracking mechanisms, (2) providing tools to alleviate HCPs' heavy reliance on vigilance and (3) supporting HCPs' different decision-making needs for renally eliminated versus nephrotoxic medications

A COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE ENABLING A RAPID RESPONSE IN TRANSFORMING BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY TEACHING

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has meant the adoption of emergency remote teaching by many who teach at university. This has been a particular challenge for courses that include essential hands-on practical skill development. The prior establishment of our Community of Practice, aimed at transforming laboratory education, has meant we have been able to respond rapidly to the challenge of moving face-to-face laboratory teaching to online sessions. Biochemistry students at University of Western Australia already complete their pre-laboratory reading and quiz asynchronously online, following the “Prepare, Do, Review” model. Students then attend face-to-face laboratory and post-laboratory sessions. We have now developed online laboratory and post-lab sessions using Zoom and incorporating videos of laboratory procedures. Students deliver oral presentations in the post-lab and the summative quiz is now asynchronous and online. The changes have provided the impetus for reviewing other laboratory sessions, and the introduction of electronic laboratory notebooks. We have also expanded our Community of Practice with a team of postdoctoral researchers to ensure the techniques students are learning are contemporary and relevant to research. We will discuss the challenges in implementing the changes we have made, and the gains in the development of new resources and teaching strategies