Observational constraints for cubic gravity theory based on third order contractions of the Riemann tensor

The paper studies different observational features in the case of a specific cubic gravity theory, based on third order contractions of the Riemann tensor. Considering viable cosmic chronometers data, baryon acoustic oscillations, and supernovae, we analyze the viability of such a theoretical model, obtaining specific constraints for different parameters in the current scenario. It is shown that the present extension of the $\Lambda$CDM cosmological model is compatible with recent data sets. The results indicate that the dark energy equation of state is exhibiting a phantom regime in the near past in the case of the best fitted values, a behavior which is in agreement with various phenomenological studies

Liver transplantation for acute-on-chronic liver failure.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (AoCLF) represents a newly defined entity in patients with liver disease leading to multiple organ failures and increased mortality. To date, no universally accepted definition exists, and different academic societies developed guidelines on the early diagnosis and classification of AoCLF. Recently published trials focused on factors associated with a poor outcome and on the development of severity scores aimed to identify patients who may benefit for advanced monitoring and treatment. No specific therapies are demonstrated to improve survival, and liver transplantation (LT) remains the only treatment associated with improved outcome. Our review focuses on current evidence for early diagnosis and prognostication of disease in patients with AoCLF, as well of criteria for intensive care unit admission, indication, and futility markers of LT, as well as bridging therapy and optimal timing of surgery

FINANCIAL CONTAGION AND INVESTORS BEHAVIOR

International capital markets, in general, seem to be volatile markets, influenced bymany factors, a phenomenon that affects both developed markets, as well as least developed, withemerging market economies suffering most because of this. It is clear, however, that volatility willremain for as long as it is delayed the adoption of specific measures at national and internationalfinancial architecture level, measures that may be necessary to reduce these risks, to limit theirimpact, and that the question financial market can relapse in a manner as efficiently as possible.investor behaviour, financial crisis, rational investor, irational investor, financial contagion

ROMANIA'S REAL CONVERGENCE TO THE EUROPEAN UNION Dragos Mihai Ungureanu , Permanent Representation of Romania to the European Union Ruxandra Dana Vilag, Romanian-American University Bucharest George Horia Ionescu, Romanian-American University Bucharest Florian Bogdan Stoian, “Lucian Blaga†University of Sibiu

In the process of European integration, switching in 1999 to the third stageof Economic and Monetary Union, has intensified the need to coordinate economic andsectoral policies of the Member States. The process of coordination is necessary toharmonize national economic policy objectives in order to minimize the negative impactof economic policy measures taken by some member countries to other member countriesand reduce the temptation for Member States to have behavior riders. Real Convergenceis an essential goal of Romanian integration into the European Union. Attenuation of thedevelopment gaps maintained between Romania and the EU can not be achieved solelythrough the use of market forces. Economic transformations occurring globally andincreased risk aversion contributed to a signifiant reduction of capital flows to Romania,increased pressures upon exchange rate.Real convergence, nominal convergence, integration, European Union

Bartter and Gitelman Syndromes

Bartter and Gitelman syndromes are rare genetic disorders in which there are specific defects in kidney function, characterized by metabolic alkalosis, hypokalemia, hyperreninemia, and hyperaldosteronism, with or without hypomagnesemia. Blood pressure is normal or low in these patients. Positive diagnosis is one of the exclusions, and the difference between the two syndromes is based on urine calcium levels. Medication has to be taken lifelong. Renal transplantation can correct the transport defect in Bartter and Gitelman syndromes. The symptoms and severity vary from one person to another and can range from mild to severe. Age of onset of overt symptoms can range from before birth to adulthood

ASSESING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REAL CONVERGENCE IN ROMANIA

The convergence is an essential objective of the integration process of Romania in the European Union. Minimizing gaps in the level of development that arise between Romania and the average European Union can not be achieved solely through the use of marconvergence, European Union, real convergence

Factors influencing alcohol and illicit drug use amongst first year medical students

The aims of this study were a) to investigate patterns of alcohol, smoking and illicit drug use and b) evaluate the relationship between substance abuse and personality factors in a cohort of 267 first year medical students. 12.3 % (men) and 11.8% (female) medical students reported to be drinking above the “low risk” level of alcohol. Illicit drug use was present amongst the students surveyed, with 12.4% having experimented with cannabis at some stage during their life. A significant proportion of the students (44.1%) suffered from anxiety. There are personality characteristics like extraversion and openness that influence the drug taking and drinking habits of students, suggesting that such individuals may still pursue these habits although they know these are not healthy habits. Considering these, it may be prudent to consider the promotion of harm reduction and safer use of drugs and alcohol in medical student