Valuation of R&D Sequential Exchange Options using Monte Carlo approach

This article describes a methodology for evaluating R&D investment projects using Monte Carlomethods. R&D projects generally involves multiple phases with or without overlapping. R&D investments are made often in a phased manner, with the commencement of subsequent phase being dependent on the successful completion of the preceding phase, it is known as sequential investment. Moreover, each stage creates an opportunity (option) for subsequent investment. Therefore, R&D projects can be considered as ‘Compound Options' in which investments present uncertainty both in the gross project value and in costs. It is possible to use exchange options to value the R&D investment opportunities. In this paper, we propose to value the European and American Real Compound Exchange options through Monte Carlo simulation. We also provide a set of numerical experiments to provide evidence for the accuracy of the proposed methodology.Pseudo Compound American Exchange option; R&D;Monte Carlo Methods.

Type I and type II interferons inhibit both basal and tumor necrosis factor-α-induced CXCL8 secretion in primary cultures of human thyrocytes.

Interferons (IFNs) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) cooperate in activating several inflammation-related genes, which sustain chronic inflammation in autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). Much is known about the positive signaling of IFNs to activate gene expression in AITD, while the mechanisms by which IFNs negatively regulate genes remain less studied. While IFNs inhibit CXCL8 secretion in several human cell types, their effects on thyroid cells were not evaluated. Our aim was to study the interplay between TNF-α and type I or type II IFNs on CXCL8 secretion by human thyroid cells. CXCL8 was measured in supernatants of primary cultures of thyroid cells basally and after a 24-h incubation with TNF-α. CXCL8 was detected in thyroid cell supernatants in basal conditions (96.2±23.5 pg/mL) being significantly increased (784.7±217.3 pg/mL; PIFN-β>IFN-α. This study demonstrates that type I and type II IFNs downregulate both basal and TNF-α-induced CXCL8 secretion by human thyrocytes, IFN-γ being the most powerful inhibitor. Future studies aimed at a better comprehension of the interplay between CXCL8 and thyroid diseases appear worthwhile

Prevalence of Rome IV Pediatric Diagnostic Questionnaire-Assessed Disorder of Gut–Brain Interaction, Psychopathological Comorbidities and Consumption of Ultra-Processed Food in Pediatric Anorexia Nervosa

anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder primarily affecting children and adolescents. disorders of the gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) have gained recognition as significant symptoms in individuals with AN. however, limited studies have explored GI symptoms in pediatric populations with AN using age-specific diagnostic tools. this study aims to investigate the prevalence of DGBIs, their associated psychopathological aspects and their potential correlations with ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption among pediatric AN patients. the study included AN patients who were under the care of a specialized multidisciplinary team. we assessed DGBI-related symptoms using the rome IV pediatric diagnostic questionnaire on functional gastrointestinal disorders (R4PDQ) and conducted psychological evaluations. dietary intake and UPF consumption were evaluated. among 56 AN patients, we observed a lower prevalence of DGBIs (functional constipation: 61%; functional dyspepsia: 54%; irritable bowel syndrome: 25%) compared to the existing literature. the psychological assessments revealed high rates of depression (72%) and anxiety (70%). UPF consumption was inversely related to depression levels (p = 0.01) but positively correlated with functional constipation (p = 0.046). this study highlights the importance of using age-specific diagnostic tools and emphasizes the crucial role of a specialized multidisciplinary team in the treatment of AN

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in Anorexia Nervosa: A Case Report and a Systematic Revision of the Literature

background. superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare condition caused by the compression of the duodenum, which may occur in the case of fast weight loss. currently, the relationship between superior mesenteric artery syndrome and anorexia nervosa is still unclear. the aim of this study is to identify the precocious clinical signs and symptoms of SMAS in patients affected by anorexia nervosa so as not to delay the diagnosis. methods. we present the clinical case of a young female patient with anorexia nervosa complicated by SMAS. we performed a literature review of SMAS in children affected by anorexia nervosa between 1962 and 2023, according to the PRISMA extension guide for sacoping reviews. results. reviewing the literature, 11 clinical cases were described for the pediatric age. the median age at diagnosis was 17 years (ranging from 13 to 18 years). the diagnosis of SMAS may be challenging as symptoms overlap those of anorexia, but it should be kept in mind mostly in cases of post-prandial abdominal pain, anxiety or depression, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. conclusion. even specific clinical symptoms may act as flag tags to drive attention to this rare but potentially fatal condition

Exploring students’ acceptance and continuance intention in using immersive virtual reality and metaverse integrated learning environments: The case of an Italian university course

Immersive virtual reality (IVR) and Metaverse applications are gaining attention in the educational field, showing potentials in transforming traditional learning methods by supporting active and experiential forms of learning. Our study, conducted within the context of an Italian university course, employs the Extended Expectation-Confirmation Model (EECM) as a theoretical framework to explore the key aspects of students' acceptance and continued intention to use IVR and Metaverse integrated learning environments in educational settings. The EECM, which bridges the gap between pre-adoption expectations and post-adoption experiences, provides a comprehensive perspective for exploring technology adoption in education. Students' attitudes were assessed before and after they completed an elective course offered by the university that delved into IVR and Metaverse applications. During the course, students explored the theoretical and practical applications of these technologies, engaging in a variety of experiences, from immersive relaxation exercises to immersive educational platforms in the emerging Metaverse. Contrary to common assumptions, pre-adoption factors like performance and effort expectancy had limited impact on expectancy confirmation. However, when students' initial expectations matched their experiences, their perceptions of the technology's usefulness, satisfaction, and confidence in its use were positively enhanced, influencing their continued intention to integrate these tools in education

COVID-19 Vaccination and Medical Liability: An International Perspective in 18 Countries

The COVID-19 vaccination has proven to be the most effective prevention measure, reducing deaths and hospitalizations and allowing, in combination with non-pharmacological interventions, the pandemic to be tackled. Although most of the adverse reactions to vaccination present mild symptoms and serious effects are very rare, they can be the cause of legal action against the healthcare workers (HCWs) who administered it. To highlight differences in the medical liability systems, we performed a search for the three most populous countries in each continent on vaccine injury compensation programs, new laws or policies to protect HCWs administering vaccinations introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and policies on mandatory vaccinations, on literature databases and institutional sites. We found that in seven countries the medical liability system is based on Common Law, while in eleven it is mainly based on Civil Law. Considering the application of specific laws to protect HCWs who vaccinate during the pandemic, only the USA and Canada provided immunity from liability. Among the countries we analyzed, fourteen have adopted compensation funds. From an international perspective, our results highlight that in eleven (61.1%) countries medical liability is mainly based on Civil Law, whilst in seven (38.9%) it is based on Common Law

Effectiveness of a New Active Tear Substitute Containing 0.2% Hyaluronic Acid and 0.001% Hydrocortisone on Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease by Means of Low- and High-Tech Assessments

Introduction: An innovative eye drops formulation containing 0.2% hyaluronic acid and a low concentration of hydrocortisone (0.001%; hereafter HALH) has been recently placed on the market (Idroflog®, Alfa Intes, Italy) to manage the dysregulated parainflammation in patients with dry eye disease (DED). In the present paper, the effectiveness of HALH on the signs and symptoms of DED was retrospectively evaluated and compared with that one obtained using standard tear substitutes (STS) by means of low- and high-tech (Keratograph®) assessments. Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective study carried out between February and April 2023, involving adult patients with DED diagnosis owing to post-cataract surgery, meibomian gland dysfunction, allergy, or glaucoma medications. The primary aim was to compare the changes induced by different therapies on Keratograph® parameters (noninvasive Keratograph tear breakup time [NIKBUT], tear meniscus height [TMH], eyelid meibography, conjunctival hyperemia, and conjunctivochalasis) or collected by traditional low-tech measures (tear breakup time [TBUT], Schirmer test, Efron score, and epithelial alterations) and the Ocular Surface Disease Index score. Results: Data from 155 patients were analyzed. The effectiveness of HALH and STS was reported by both high- and low-tech measures. NIKBUT-first showed a significant improvement in the HALH group versus the STS one at 15 days (6.4 ± 3.6 vs 5.4 ± 3.7 s, p = 0.02), whereas this difference was latent with low-tech TBUT until 45 days (6.8 ± 2.6 vs 5.6 ± 2.3 s, p = 0.03). Patients with DED occurring after cataract surgery reported an enhanced activity of HALH versus STS, particularly for NIKBUT-first, TMH, Schirmer test, and hyperemia stage. Conclusion: These findings highlighted the effectiveness of HALH in all DED subtypes, especially in patients with post-cataract surgery, as well as its superiority versus STS in terms of tear film stability improvement. We recommend longer observation (i.e., 3-6 months) to fully ascertain whether the early improvement detected by high-tech measures will be confirmed in subsequent time points even using low-tech tests

Écritures

L'écriture constitue-t-elle le trait d'union entre technique et culture, et par là entre science et culture ? Cet ouvrage donne des éléments de réponse à cette double question, à l'acuité renouvelée par le numérique. il fait donc appel aux anthropologues et philosophes (Jack Goody, Jens Brockmeier, David Olson…), aux spécialistes des pratiques lettrées de l'antiquité (Christophe Batsch, Flavia Carraro), de l'internet (Paul Mathias, Henri Desbois, Michael Heim…), de la physique et des mathématiques (Jean Dhombres, Patrick Flandrin, Cédric Villani). En ce sens, cet ouvrage poursuit les réflexions largement entamées avec Regards croisés sur l'internet (enssib, 2011). Mais en explorant des voies nouvelles : les relations particulières qu'entretiennent les mathématiciens, et, plus largement les scientifiques, avec l'écriture. Cette publication est issue d'un colloque international consacré à Jack Goody, qui s'est tenu à l'enssib du 24 au 26 janvier 2008, auquel il a contribué et qu'il a conclu