We first propose two conjectural estimates on Diophantine approximation of logarithms of algebraic numbers. Next we discuss the state of the art and we give further partial results on this topic. §1. Two Conjectures on Diophantine Approximation of Logarithms of Algebraic Numbers In 1953 K. Mahler [7] proved that for any sufficiently large positive integers a and b, the estimates log a ≥ a −40 l...

Background With an estimated 300 million individuals affected worldwide, asthma is associated with substantial social and economic burden. The cost of treating uncontrolled severe allergic asthma (SAA) is high encompassing a variety of direct medical costs and indirect costs. We present data on real-world healthcare utilization (direct) and school/ work absence (indirect) in uncontrolled SAA pa...

This qualitative study aimed to identify psychosocial and environmental factors contributing to low utilization of maternal healthcare services in Kalomo, Zambia. Twelve focus group discussions (n = 141) and 35 in-depth interviews were conducted in six health centre catchment areas. Focus group discussions comprised women of reproductive age (15-45 years), who gave birth within the last year; i...

Amidst the human suffering caused an influenza epidemic it is all too easy to overlook the disease's wider social and economic impact. Not only does influenza impose huge infrastructure demands on health care systems, but it exacts substantial economic costs in terms of sickness-related absenteeism, disrupted work schedules and lost productivity to society at large. Influenza accounts for aroun...

Over the past 20 years, the requested informations for drugs safety and efficacy are expanded with data about patient results, cost and cost-effectiveness, which increased significantly the соsts of pharmaceutical companies. Direct comparisons must be carried out with other drug product and these pharmacoeconomic comparisons are called Phase IV or post-marketing studies. Cost analysis focuses o...

The paper surveys the various economic costs associated with terrorism. Particularly important is the distinction between the direct and the indirect costs. While many terrorist attacks cause substantial amounts of property damage and create casualties, most of the costs associated with terrorism involve the indirect costs. Although terrorism can reduce a nation’s overall growth rate, the costs...

Estimating the economic value to societies of health research is a complex but essential step in establishing and justifying appropriate levels of investment in research. The practical difficulties encountered include: identifying and valuing the relevant research inputs (when many pieces of research may contribute to a clinical advance); accurately ascribing the impact of the research; and app...

BACKGROUND Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and atypical odontalgia (AO) are two conditions involving chronic oral pain in the absence of any organic cause. Psychiatrically they can both be considered as "somatoform disorder". From the dental point of view, however, the two disorders are quite distinct. BMS is a burning or stinging sensation in the mouth in association with a normal mucosa whereas ...

damage to essential facilities (e.g. lifelines and industrial facilities) due to extreme loads may cause remarkable indirect impact as well as direct physical loss. hence understanding seismic performance of essential facilities is very important in high seismic risk regions. on october 23, 2011 an earthquake of magnitude mw7.2 occurred in van province in eastern turkey. several damages occurre...

BACKGROUND School closures were widely implemented in Argentina during the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus pandemic. OBJECTIVES To assess the economic impact of school closures on households, their effectiveness in preventing children from engaging in social group activities, and parental attitudes toward them. METHODS Three schools that closed for 2 weeks in response to the pandemic were identif...