Back testing multi asset value at risk : Norwegian data

This paper attempts to e stimate Value At Risk (VaR) for a multi asset Norwegian portfolio, using some of the most popular estimation methods , Variance Covariance Method, Historical Simulation and Monte Carlo Simulation . The Variance Covariance Method is applied with both time varying and constant volatility . Each VaR estimation method ’ s accurac y is tested , using Kupiec’s univariate test ing framework , for multiple single points in the left tail of the portfolio’s return distribution, and Pérignon and Smith ’s multivariate framework for a larger subset of the left tail. It compares each method ’s ov erall results for the Norwegian portfolio with those found by Wu et al. (2012) on a similar Taiwanese portfolio . And finally , based on the empirical testing , it attempts to draw a conclusion on which method is best suited for Norwegian data

Neuropsychological and functional outcomes in recent-onset major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: a longitudinal cohort study

Functional disability is the lead contributor to burden of mental illness. Cognitive deficits frequently limit functional recovery, although whether changes in cognition and disability are longitudinally associated in recent-onset individuals remains unclear. Using a prospective, cohort design, 311 patients were recruited and assessed at baseline. One hundred and sixty-seven patients met eligibility criteria (M = 21.5 years old, s.d. = 4.8) and returned for follow-up (M = 20.6 months later, s.d. = 7.8). Two-hundred and thirty participants were included in the final analysis, comprising clinically stable patients with major depression (n = 71), bipolar disorder (BD; n = 61), schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (n = 35) and 63 healthy controls. Neuropsychological functioning and self-rated functional disability were examined using mixed-design, repeated-measures analysis, across diagnoses and cognitive clusters, covarying for relevant confounds. Clinical, neuropsychological and functional changes did not differ between diagnoses (all P40.05). Three reliable neuropsychological subgroups emerged through cluster analysis, characterized by psychomotor slowing, improved sustained attention, and improved verbal memory. Controlling for diagnosis and changes in residual symptoms, clusters with improved neuropsychological functioning observed greater reductions in functional disability than the psychomotor slowing cluster, which instead demonstrated a worsening in disability (Po0.01). Improved sustained attention was independently associated with greater likelihood of follow-up employment (Po0.01). Diagnosis of BD uniquely predicted both follow-up employment and independent living. Neuropsychological course appears to be independently predictive of subjective and objective functional outcomes. Importantly, cognitive phenotypes may reflect distinct pathophysiologies shared across major psychiatric conditions, and be ideal targets for personalized early intervention

A knowledge discovery object model API for Java

BACKGROUND: Biological data resources have become heterogeneous and derive from multiple sources. This introduces challenges in the management and utilization of this data in software development. Although efforts are underway to create a standard format for the transmission and storage of biological data, this objective has yet to be fully realized. RESULTS: This work describes an application programming interface (API) that provides a framework for developing an effective biological knowledge ontology for Java-based software projects. The API provides a robust framework for the data acquisition and management needs of an ontology implementation. In addition, the API contains classes to assist in creating GUIs to represent this data visually. CONCLUSIONS: The Knowledge Discovery Object Model (KDOM) API is particularly useful for medium to large applications, or for a number of smaller software projects with common characteristics or objectives. KDOM can be coupled effectively with other biologically relevant APIs and classes. Source code, libraries, documentation and examples are available at

Negative emotional reactivity as a marker of vulnerability in the development of borderline personality disorder symptoms

Negative emotionality is a distinguishing feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, this person-level characteristic has not been examined as a marker of vulnerability in the development of this disorder. The current study utilized a multi-method approach to examine the interplay between negative emotional reactivity and cumulative exposure to family adversity on the development of BPD symptoms across three years (ages 16–18) in a diverse, at-risk sample of adolescent girls (N=113). A latent variable of negative emotional reactivity was created from multiple assessments at age 16: (1) self-report, (2) emotion ratings to stressors from ecological assessments across one week, and (3) observer-rated negative affectivity during a mother-daughter conflict discussion task. Exposure to family adversity was measured cumulatively between ages 5 and 16 from annual assessments of family poverty, single parent household, and difficult life circumstances. Results from latent growth curve models demonstrated a significant interaction between negative emotional reactivity and family adversity, such that exposure to adversity strengthened the association between negative emotional reactivity and BPD symptoms. Additionally, family adversity predicted increasing BPD symptoms during late adolescence. These findings highlight negative emotional reactivity as a marker of vulnerability that ultimately increases risk for the development of BPD symptoms

The dual problems of coordination and anti-coordination on random bipartite graphs

In some scenarios (\u27anti-coordination games\u27), individuals are better off choosing different actions than their neighbors while in other scenarios (\u27coordination games\u27), it is beneficial for individuals to choose the same strategy as their neighbors. Despite having different incentives and resulting population dynamics, it is largely unknown which collective outcome, anti-coordination or coordination, is easier to achieve. To address this issue, we focus on the distributed graph coloring problem on bipartite graphs.We show that with only two strategies, anti-coordination games (two-colorings) and coordination games (uniform colorings) are dual problems that are equally difficult to solve. To prove this, we construct an isomorphism between the Markov chains arising from the corresponding anti-coordination and coordination games under certain specific individual stochastic decision-making rules. Our results provide novel insights into solving collective action problems on networks

Phase Zero

In October 2006 General Charles Wald, Deputy Commander U.S. European Com- mand, brought “Phase Zero” into the joint lexicon with the publication of an article, “The Phase Zero Campaign.”1 Over the last five years the concept of taking coordinated action in peacetime to affect the strategic environment has becomewidely accepted and is now integrated into theater campaign plans. These activi- ties focus on building capacity of partners and influencing potential adversaries to avoid war. In contrast, Chinese strategic culture has encouraged taking actions to defeat an enemy prior to the onset of hostilities for two and a half millennia

Promoting mobility and healthy aging in men: a narrative review

Maintaining mobility is an important aspect of health and well-being in older men. This literature review describes several modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors impacting bone, muscle, and joint health. Exercise and nutritional interventions may help to prevent the progressive deterioration in bones, muscles, and joints impacting mobility in later life. Limitations in mobility are increasingly recognized as a major public health problem due to an aging population and growing number of older individuals affected by disabling comorbidities. Despite increasing numbers and debilitating consequences, there are no guidelines providing recommendations on strategies to maintain mobility for healthy aging among older men. This narrative review aims to fill this literature gap. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched using predefined search terms. Primary studies, exploratory analyses, cross-sectional surveys, meta-analyses, evidence-based clinical reviews, and guidelines from nationally recognized societies focusing on mobility in older men and key elements including bone, muscle and joint health, and balance were selected. Several modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors have been reported in the literature that impact bone, muscle, and joint health and predispose older men to falls and fractures. The most common conditions impacting bones, muscles, and joints are osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and osteoarthritis, respectively. In addition to being key contributors to disability in the elderly, these conditions are all associated with a higher mortality risk. Although more studies are required, current evidence supports the use of various nonpharmacological (mainly exercise and nutrition) and/or pharmacological treatment modalities to help prevent and/or reverse these conditions. Incorporating lifestyle interventions involving exercise and nutrition at a younger age can help prevent the age-related, progressive deterioration in bones, muscles, and joints that can reduce mobility in later life. Established barriers to physical activities (e.g., poor health, social isolation) in men are important to consider for optimizing outcomes