Formation of effective investment portfolios on the financial markets: Estimation and management models

The articles deal with consideration of actual issues of formation of effective investment portfolios on the financial markets, in particular, the portfolio of such active institutional investors, as insurance company. The necessity of effectiveness enhancement of investment activity of insurance institutes in the modern conditions was substantiated; the model of insurer’s investment portfolio management, within which the non-linear multi-criteria management task is solved, where criteria include profit maximization and portfolio risk minimization, was developed. The solution of this task, based upon methodological application of theory of non-antagonistic positional differential games. © 2015 Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved

Controlled Diffraction Liquid-Crystal Structures with a Photoalignment Polymer

The characteristics of electric-field-controlled diffraction elements based on a nematic liquid crystal and a new photoalignment polymer have been studied. The photocross-linking of this polymer allows periodic oriented structures and liquid crystal phase gratings with a 30% diffraction efficiency in the first order to be formed

Implementation of family psychosocial risk assessment in pediatric cancer with the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT): study protocol for a cluster-randomized comparative effectiveness trial

BACKGROUND: Childhood cancer affects and is affected by multiple levels of the social ecology, including social and relational determinants of health (e.g., economic stability, housing, childcare, healthcare access, child and family problems). The 2015 Standards of Psychosocial Care in Pediatric Cancer outline optimal psychosocial care sensitive to these ecological factors, starting with assessment of psychosocial healthcare needs to promote medical and psychosocial outcomes across all children with cancer. To address the first standard of family psychosocial assessment, the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT) is a validated screener ready for broad implementation. METHOD: The PAT will be implemented across a national sample of 18 pediatric cancer programs ranging in size (annual new patients) in a mixed methods, comparative effectiveness study, guided by the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation, comparing two implementation strategies. It is hypothesized that implementation will be more successful at the patient/family, provider, and institutional level when training (strategy I) is combined with implementation expanded resources (strategy II). There are three aims: (1) Refine the two implementation strategies using semi-structured qualitative interviews with 19 stakeholders including parent advocates, providers, pediatric oncology organization representatives, healthcare industry leaders; (2) Compare the two theoretically based and empirically informed strategies to implement the PAT in English and Spanish using a cluster-randomized controlled trial across 18 sites. Stratified by size, sites will be randomized to cohort (3) and strategy (2). Outcomes include adoption and penetration of screening (patient/family), staff job satisfaction/burnout (provider), and cost-effective use of resources consistent with family risk (institution); (3) Based on the results of the trial and feedback from the first and second aim, we will develop and disseminate a web-based PAT Implementation Toolkit. DISCUSSION: Use of the PAT across children\u27s cancer programs nationally can achieve the assessment standard and inform equitable delivery of psychosocial care matched to family need for all patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04446728 , registered 23 June 2020

Синтез функционально замещенных сложных эфиров никотиновой и изоникотиновой кислот

Nicotinic (3-pyridinecarboxylic) acid is one of the most important vitamins as well as substance with versatile physiological activity, since it plays significant role in the human organism. Nicotinic acid (niacin, vitamin PP, vitamin B3) is widely used in medicine as drug which has a vasodilating effect, prevents the accumulation of cholesterol and normalizes the heart function. Isonicotinic (4-pyridinecarboxylic) acid is used for the production of valuable anti-tuberculosis drugs, antidepressants, etc. However, nicotinic and isonicotinic acids have various side effects: skin hyperemia, pruritus, formation of stomach peptic ulcers, liver dysfunction and hyperglycemia. To reduce the severity of side effects, their slightly soluble salts, esters or amides are obtained. The synthesis of nicotinic and isonicotinic acid esters with vanillin benzaldehydes, cholesterol, 8-hydroxyquinoline, quinine and (4,5-dichloroisothiazol-3-yl)methanol is described. Esters were obtained by acylation of hydroxybenzaldehydes and alcohols with nicotinic and isonicotinic acid hydrochlorides in the presence of triethylamine in anhydrous methylene chloride. The IR- UV- and NMR spectra of the compounds obtained are presented.Никотиновая кислота играет существенную роль в жизнедеятельности организма человека; широко применяется в медицине, а препараты на ее основе оказывают сосудорасширяющее действие, предотвращают накопление холестерина, нормализуют работу сердца. Изоникотиновую (4-пиридинкарбоновую) кислоту используют в качестве сырья для получения весьма ценных противотуберкулезных препаратов, в производстве антидепрессантов и др. Однако применение никотиновой и изоникотиновой кислот ограничивают побочные эффекты: гиперемия кожи, зуд, возможны образование пептических язв желудка, дисфункция печени, гипергликемия. Для снижения выраженности побочного действия кислот синтезируются их малорастворимые соли, эфиры, амиды. Описан синтез сложных эфиров никотиновой и изоникотиновой кислот с бензальдегидами ванилинового ряда, а также холестерином, 8-гидроксихинолином, хинином и (4,5-дихлоризотиазол-3-ил)метанолом. Сложные эфиры получали ацилированием серии гидроксибензальдегидов и спиртов гидрохлоридами хлорангидридов никотиновой и изоникотиновой кислот в присутствии триэтиламина в безводном хлористом метилене. Приведены ИК- УФ- и ЯМР-спектры полученных соединений

Small-Size Resonant Photoacoustic Cell of Inclined Geometry for Gas Detection

A photoacoustic cell intended for laser detection of trace gases is represented. The cell is adapted so as to enhance the gas-detection performance and, simultaneously, to reduce the cell size. The cell design provides an efficient cancellation of the window background (a parasite response due to absorption of laser beam in the cell windows) and acoustic isolation from the environment for an acoustic resonance of the cell. The useful photoacoustic response from a detected gas, window background and noise are analyzed in demonstration experiments as functions of the modulation frequency for a prototype cell with the internal volume ~ 0.5 cm^3. The minimal detectable absorption for the prototype is estimated to be ~ 1.2 10^{-8} cm^{-1} W Hz^{-1/2}.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figure

Developing an intervention to facilitate family communication about inherited genetic conditions, and training genetic counsellors in its delivery.

Many families experience difficulty in talking about an inherited genetic condition that affects one or more of them. There have now been a number of studies identifying the issues in detail, however few have developed interventions to assist families. The SPRinG collaborative have used the UK Medical Research Council's guidance on Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions, to work with families and genetic counsellors (GCs) to co-design a psycho-educational intervention to facilitate family communication and promote better coping and adaptation to living with an inherited genetic condition for parents and their children (<18 years). The intervention is modelled on multi-family discussion groups (MFDGs) used in psychiatric settings. The MFDG was developed and tested over three phases. First focus groups with parents, young people, children and health professionals discussed whether MFDG was acceptable and proposed a suitable design. Using evidence and focus group data, the intervention and a training manual were developed and three GCs were trained in its delivery. Finally, a prototype MFDG was led by a family therapist and co-facilitated by the three GCs. Data analysis showed that families attending the focus groups and intervention thought MFDG highly beneficial, and the pilot sessions had a significant impact on their family' functioning. We also demonstrated that it is possible to train GCs to deliver the MFDG intervention. Further studies are now required to test the feasibility of undertaking a definitive randomised controlled trial to evaluate its effectiveness in improving family outcomes before implementing into genetic counselling practice.The National Institute of Health Research funded the study but any views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Authority. Funded by NIHR reference number: RP-DG-1211-10015

Practice-based evidence for children and adolescents: Advancing the research agenda in schools.

The American Psychological Association Task Force on Evidence- Based Practice for Children and Adolescents (2008) recommended a systems approach to enhancing care in order to improve outcomes for children and adolescents with mental health needs and redress persistent systemic problems with the structure of services. Recommendations for enhancing an ecological approach to the adoption and implementation of evidence-based practices are offered through increased attention to practice-based research frameworks for adoption and dissemination. Five criteria are discussed for providing acceptable evidence, including (a) systematic evidence searching and adoption of evidence-based prevention and intervention practices, (b) implementation and adherence to intervention integrity, (c) invoking standards for drawing inferences from interventions, (d) using quality assessments to measure outcomes, and (e) adopting formal data analysis procedures to assess intervention outcomes. Each criterion is illustrated with an example. Future research and policy agendas are outlined.Psycholog

Knowledge and training in paediatric medical traumatic stress and trauma-informed care among emergency medical professionals in low- and middle-income countries

© 2018, © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Background: Provision of psychosocial care, in particular trauma-informed care, in the immediate aftermath of paediatric injury is a recommended strategy to minimize the risk of paediatric medical traumatic stress. Objective: To examine the knowledge of paediatric medical traumatic stress and perspectives on providing trauma-informed care among emergency staff working in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Method: Training status, knowledge of paediatric medical traumatic stress, attitudes towards incorporating psychosocial care and barriers experienced were assessed using an online self-report questionnaire. Respondents included 320 emergency staff from 58 LMICs. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests and multiple regression. Results: Participating emergency staff working in LMICs had a low level of knowledge of paediatric medical traumatic stress. Ninety-one percent of respondents had not received any training or education in paediatric medical traumatic stress, or trauma-informed care for injured children, while 94% of respondents indicated they wanted training in this area. Conclusions: There appears to be a need for training and education of emergency staff in LMICs regarding paediatric medical traumatic stress and trauma-informed care, in particular among staff working in comparatively lower income countries

Suitability of Who Criteria for Quality Assessment in Teenage Boys Undergoing Sperm Banking for Fertility Preservation Prior to Potentially Gonadotoxic Treatment

Background/Objectives: Children who are treated for childhood cancer are exposed to hospitalization, interaction with unfamiliar people in strange environments, and unpleasant, and sometimes, procedures. Having to wait for procedures is one of the worst situations, experienced by child patients. It is therefore important that hospitals provide environments that are non-stressful and safe for children in conjunction with procedures. Especially important, is the possibility for children who are hospitalized to sustain everyday activities, such as play, irrespective of their age and severity of illness. Objective: To assess differences in expenditure of time and dose of anesthetic drugs during sedation for intrathecal chemotherapy in two different environments- the children's ward, where the child was hospitalized, and the operation theatre. Design/Methods: The study is based on retrospective data from repeated treatment sessions recorded in operation planning programs and journals during 2011-2018 (n=164). Children of the ages 1-12 years (n=22) with varying number of treatments were included in the study. Data was analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc analyses included the Mann-Whitney Test with Bonferroni correction. Results: The time from the start of the procedure until the start of sedation was significantly lower at the children's ward, which was also the case if including the waiting time before the start of the procedure. No significant differences could be found regarding the dose of anesthetic drugs used. Conclusions: Sedation for intrathecal chemotherapy at the children's ward provides care to a higher extent in accordance with the needs of the child, by reducing the time for the procedure and thus the interference with the child’s everyday life at the hospital. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc