BIG DATA A BIG DEAL FOR CAPITAL MARKET COMPANIES IN THEIR TRANSFORMATION PROCESS?

Abstract The following article discusses the importance of using big data, especially in the operation of capital market companies, both in terms of benefits and potential risks. Given the growing dynamic business environment, capital market companies have to transform their operations in order to accommodate the raising demands. Fast business decision making is of particular importance in this process. Structured use of data plays a major role in decision-making, especially as the amount of large digital data in the modern world grows at an unprecedented rate. Author of the article focuses on the statistical and econometric techniques required for the analysis of big data. The article also highlights some use cases and the growing interest of capital market companies in introducing big data analytical technologies and the relevant challenges and benefits. In addition, using so-called "Simpson’s Reversal Paradox" author explains that using big data and digging deep into details might be counterproductive and lead to loss of global picture and wrong decision-making

Good practice template to public sector accounting reform roadmap

The Public Sector Accounting and Reporting (PULSAR) Program, launched in 2017, is a regional and country level program in 13 beneficiary countries in Europe and Central Asia. Its objective is to support the enhancement of public sector accounting and financial reporting frameworks, in line with international standards and in accordance with good practices, in order to improve government accountability, transparency, and performance. The objectives and scope of the PULSAR Program are jointly determined by the PULSAR Partners - Austria, Switzerland, and the World Bank – who also provide institutional support for its implementation and mobilize the resources needed for its activities. Beneficiary countries help shape the Program through regional cooperation platforms and input to two Communities of Practice focused on financial reporting frameworks and on education. The Financial Reporting Frameworks Community of Practice (FINCOP) supports government officials in developing reform strategies & roadmaps, and helps to define and implement improved legislation, standards, IT systems, and tools

Hepatitis C prevalence and risk factors in Georgia, 2015: setting a baseline for elimination

Abstract Background The country of Georgia launched the world’s first Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Elimination Program in 2015 and set a 90% prevalence reduction goal for 2020. We conducted a nationally representative HCV seroprevalence survey to establish baseline prevalence to measure progress toward elimination over time. Methods A cross-sectional seroprevalence survey was conducted in 2015 among adults aged ≥18 years using a stratified, multi-stage cluster design (n = 7000). Questionnaire variables included demographic, medical, and behavioral risk characteristics and HCV-related knowledge. Blood specimens were tested for antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) and HCV RNA. Frequencies were computed for HCV prevalence, risk factors, and HCV-related knowledge. Associations between anti-HCV status and potential risk factors were calculated using logistic regression. Results National anti-HCV seroprevalence in Georgia was 7.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 6.7, 8.9); HCV RNA prevalence was 5.4% (95% CI = 4.6, 6.4). Testing anti-HCV+ was significantly associated with male sex, unemployment, urban residence, history of injection drug use (IDU), incarceration, blood transfusion, tattoos, frequent dental cleanings, medical injections, dialysis, and multiple lifetime sexual partners. History of IDU (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 21.4, 95% CI = 12.3, 37.4) and blood transfusion (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI = 2.8, 7.2) were independently, significantly associated with testing anti-HCV+ after controlling for sex, age, urban vs. rural residence, and history of incarceration. Among anti-HCV+ participants, 64.0% were unaware of their HCV status, and 46.7% did not report IDU or blood transfusion as a risk factor. Conclusions Georgia has a high HCV burden, and a majority of infected persons are unaware of their status. Ensuring a safe blood supply, implementing innovative screening strategies beyond a risk-based approach, and intensifying prevention efforts among persons who inject drugs are necessary steps to reach Georgia’s HCV elimination goal