What active labor market policy works in a recession?

This paper discusses the case for expanding active labor market policy in recession. We find that there is reasonable case for relying more heavily on certain kinds of programs. The argument is tied to the varying size of the lock-in effect in boom and recession. If programs with relatively large lock-in effects should ever be used, they should be used in a downturn. The reason is simply that the cost of forgoing search time is lower in recession. We also provide new evidence on the relative effectiveness of different kinds of programs over the business cycle. In particular we compare an on-the-job training scheme with (traditional) labor market training. We find that labor market training is relatively more effective in recession. This result is consistent with our priors since labor market training features relative large lock-in effects.Active labor market policy; business cycle; unemployment

What active labor market policy works in a recession?

This paper discusses the case for expanding active labor market policy in recession. We find that there is reasonable case for relying more heavily on certain kinds of programs. The argument is tied to the varying size of the lock-in effect in boom and recession. If programs with relatively large lock-in effects should ever be used, they should be used in a downturn. The reason is simply that the cost of forgoing search time is lower in recession. We also provide new evidence on the relative effectiveness of different kinds of programs over the business cycle. In particular we compare an on-the-job training scheme with (traditional) labor market training. We find that labor market training is relatively more effective in recession. This result is consistent with our priors since labor market training features relative large lock-in effects.Active labor market policy; business cycle; unemployment

Институционально-правовой механизм формирования и функционирования рынка пожарной безопасности

Рассмотрены институционально-правовые основы обеспечения пожарной безопасности в Республике Беларусь. Организация системы пожарной безопасности представлена как общественное благо, обеспечить которым должно государство. Описаны основные подразделения и ведомства, обеспечивающие противопожарную защиту в стране. Изучены основные формы предпринимательской деятельности в области пожарной безопасности. Проанализировано распределение лицензируемых работ и услуг по направлениям деятельности и по областям страны. Дана авторская трактовка понятию «рынок пожарной безопасности», выделены специфические особенности функционирования данного рынка, описана его структура, предложена классификация видов товаров и услуг по обеспечению пожарной безопасности. Выделены основные функции государства в формировании и развитии рынка противопожарной защиты.The institutional and legal principles of providing fire safety in the Republic of Belarus are considered. Organization of the system of fire safety is presented as a public benefit which must be ensured by the state. The major divisions and departments ensuring fire safety in the country are described. The major types of business activity in the sphere of fire safety are studied. Distribution of licensed works and services according to the areas of activity and by the regions of the countries is analyzed. The author’s interpretation of the “fire safety market” no­tion is given, specific features of the operation of this market and its structure are described, classification of new types of goods and services for fire safety provision is proposed. The major functions of the state in the formation and development of the market of fire protection are marked out

Can performance indicators be used for pedagogic purposes in disaster medicine training?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although disaster simulation trainings were widely used to test hospital disaster plans and train medical staff, the teaching performance of the instructors in disaster medicine training has never been evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine whether the performance indicators for measuring educational skill in disaster medicine training could indicate issues that needed improvement.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The educational skills of 15 groups attending disaster medicine instructor courses were evaluated using 13 measurable performance indicators. The results of each indicator were scored at 0, 1 or 2 according to the teaching performance.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The total summed scores ranged from 17 to 26 with a mean of 22.67. Three indicators: <it>'Design'</it>, <it>'Goal' </it>and <it>'Target group' </it>received the maximum scores. Indicators concerning running exercises had significantly lower scores as compared to others.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Performance indicators could point out the weakness area of instructors' educational skills. Performance indicators can be used effectively for pedagogic purposes.</p

Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Nonsquamous Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Receiving Bevacizumab or Bevacizumab-Plus-Pemetrexed Maintenance Therapy in AVAPERL (MO22089)

IntroductionIn the phase III AVAPERL trial, patients with advanced nonsquamous non–small-cell lung cancer receiving bevacizumab-plus-pemetrexed maintenance after first-line induction had a significant progression-free survival benefit relative to those treated with single-agent bevacizumab maintenance but with an increase in grade ≥3 adverse events. Here, we compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between AVAPERL maintenance arms.MethodsPatient-reported outcomes were collected at designated intervals from preinduction to final visits. HRQOL was assessed using the self-administered European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 and the Quality of Life Lung Cancer–Specific Module 13. Differences in scores of 10 points or more between arms were above the minimum important difference threshold and considered clinically meaningful.ResultsDuring induction, patient-reported coughing symptoms improved slightly, whereas fatigue and appetite loss scores worsened relative to preinduction baseline. During maintenance, changes in mean global health status and the majority of Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 and Quality of Life Lung Cancer–Specific Module 13 subscale scores did not differ between trial arms by the minimum important difference defining clinically meaningful (better or worse) patient-reported outcomes. Exceptions were patient-reported role functional status, fatigue symptoms and appetite loss symptoms (favoring bevacizumab), and pain in arm or shoulder symptoms (favoring bevacizumab-plus-pemetrexed maintenance), which differed by clinically meaningful amounts at more than one maintenance assessment.ConclusionsIn AVAPERL, HRQOL remained relatively stable throughout maintenance and was generally similar in both arms. Despite an increase in adverse event rates, the addition of pemetrexed to bevacizumab maintenance resulted in similar stabilization of disease symptoms with improved efficacy outcomes

Helicobacter pylori Adapts to Chronic Infection and Gastric Disease via pH-Responsive BabA-Mediated Adherence

International audienceThe BabA adhesin mediates high-affinity binding of Helicobacter pylori to the ABO blood group antigen-glycosylated gastric mucosa. Here we show that BabA is acid responsive-binding is reduced at low pH and restored by acid neutralization. Acid responsiveness differs among strains; often correlates with different intragastric regions and evolves during chronic infection and disease progression; and depends on pH sensor sequences in BabA and on pH reversible formation of high-affinity binding BabA multimers. We propose that BabA's extraordinary reversible acid responsiveness enables tight mucosal bacterial adherence while also allowing an effective escape from epithelial cells and mucus that are shed into the acidic bactericidal lumen and that bio-selection and changes in BabA binding properties through mutation and recombination with babA-related genes are selected by differences among individuals and by changes in gastric acidity over time. These processes generate diverse H. pylori subpopulations, in which BabA's adaptive evolution contributes to H. pylori persistence and overt gastric disease

Stakeholders' perspectives on the operationalisation of the ecosystem service concept : Results from 27 case studies

The ecosystem service (ES) concept is becoming mainstream in policy and planning, but operational influence on practice is seldom reported. Here, we report the practitioners' perspectives on the practical implementation of the ES concept in 27 case studies. A standardised anonymous survey (n = 246), was used, focusing on the science-practice interaction process, perceived impact and expected use of the case study assessments. Operationalisation of the concept was shown to achieve a gradual change in practices: 13% of the case studies reported a change in action (e.g. management or policy change), and a further 40% anticipated that a change would result from the work. To a large extent the impact was attributed to a well conducted science-practice interaction process (>70%). The main reported advantages of the concept included: increased concept awareness and communication; enhanced participation and collaboration; production of comprehensive science-based knowledge; and production of spatially referenced knowledge for input to planning (91% indicated they had acquired new knowledge). The limitations were mostly case-specific and centred on methodology, data, and challenges with result implementation. The survey highlighted the crucial role of communication, participation and collaboration across different stakeholders, to implement the ES concept and enhance the democratisation of nature and landscape planning. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier B.V.Peer reviewe

Diabētiskās ketoacidozes komplikāciju prognozēšanas faktoru analīze bērniem

MedicīnaVeselības aprūpeMedicineHealth CareŠī pētījuma mērķis bija novērtēt, vai bioķīmiskajiem parametriem ir nozīme diabētiskās ketoacidozes komplikāciju prognozē bērniem. Mērķis bija atrast papildu parametrus, kurus var izmantot kā instrumentu neatliekamās palīdzības nodaļās, lai noteiktu šiem pacientiem nepieciešamo aprūpes līmeni, uzlabojot prognozi. Pētījums parāda, ka paaugstināts BUN, amilāzes un glikozes līmenis pie iestāšanās, palielina komplikāciju risku bērniem ar diebētisku ketoacidozi. Tādēļ, lai labāk novērtētu slimības smagumu un nepieciešamību pēc intensīvākas ārstēšanas / novērošanas, papildus standarta laboratorijas izmeklējumiem tie regulāri jānovērtē attiecībā uz paaugstinātu BUN un amilāzes līmeni.The paper investigates if certain biochemical parameters can have a significant prognostic value for the complications of diabetic ketoacidosis in children. The aim was to find additional parameters that can be used as a tool at emergency departments to determine the level of care needed for these patients, providing them with better prognosis. The study shows that elevated levels of BUN, amylase and glucose at admission leads to increased risk of short-term complications of diabetic ketoacidosis. Therefore, these should be routinely assessed for increased BUN and amylase in addition to the standard laboratory investigations to better assess the severity of disease and need for more intense treatment/observation

Performance indicators - from theory to implementation: one method of scientific approach to disaster medicine

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate a possible tool for the use of a quantitative research method that can be applied in disaster medicine. Method: Stepwise, using the technique of concept and process modelling, key processes in forms of performance indicators for command and control at disaster and major incidents were identified. A standard was linked to each indicator. Based in these indicators, an educational program was developed. In this program results from examinations were expressed in numbers and can thereby allow statistical methods to be applied. Results: Application of this model on prehospital command and control demonstrated weak and strong points. The method has been implemented in 13 out 21 regions and is used as a quality control tool. Conclusions: The use of performance indicators developed by using results from modelling processes could possibly serve as a tool for conducting quantitative research in disaster medicine.This is the English version of the original publication: Anders Rüter and Anders Vikström, Indicateurs de performance: De la théorie à la pratique. Approche scientifique à propos de la médicine de catastrophe, 2009, Urgence Pratique, (93), 41-44. Copyright French version: Urgence-Practique http://www.urgence-pratique.com/</p