Semi-Markov processes have gained popularity as multistate models of disease progression but have rarely been used in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) when many endpoints are collected over time. Reasons for this include the additional complexity created by censoring, the complexity of the model usually characterised by transition intensities and difficulties in estimating clinically relevant ...

Remotely sensing the properties of fractures has applications ranging from exploration geophysics to hazard monitoring. Newly-developed capabilities to measure the in-plane component of dense laser-based ultrasound wave fields allow us to test the applicability of a linear slip model to describe fracture properties. In particular, we estimate the size, and the normal and tangential compliance o...

This paper presents a study on determining the degree of effectiveness of earthquake risk mitigation measures and how to prioritize such efforts in developing countries. In this paper a model is proposed for optimizing funds allocation towards risk reduction measures (building retrofitting) and reconstruction process after potential earthquakes in a regional level. The proposed model seeks opti...

OBJECTIVE Existing evidence is limited on what extent fitness can counterbalance type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk associated with obesity. We investigated the joint association of weight status and estimated VO2max, a marker of fitness, with the risk of developing T2DM among Japanese men using haemoglobin A1c and fasting glucose criterion. METHODS The present study included 3,523 male emp...

Although non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has been reported as a cardiometabolic risk factor, the effect of non-alcoholic fatty liver is yet to be clarified on abdominal obesity. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the longitudinal relationship of non-alcoholic fatty liver on the development of abdominal obesity. The study participants were composed of 11,212 Korean men without ...

This paper examines whether forcing banks to disclose balance-sheet information that they choose not reveal can improve welfare. We show mandatory disclosure welfare when are vulnerable contagion due interconnectedness. In our benchmark model, is beneficial only if markets frozen. When we modify the model incorporate moral hazard, also in normal times, but as long there some potential for conta...

Rural counties face unique challenges with regard to disaster vulnerability and resilience. We compared the quality of hazard mitigation plans (HMPs) completed in accordance with provisions of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 from 21 urban and 36 rural counties in three southeastern states. HMPs were content analyzed to calculate a score for six principles of plan quality. Generalized linear...

Abstract This article aims to provide theoretical model for analyzing challenge of asymmetric information in the third sector of economy (which is the most important challenge, preventing the growth and development of third sector), using the theoretical foundation of contract theory and incentive theory with regard to the special characteristics of third sector derived by its special structur...

background: the aim of this study was to determine bioavailability heavy metal concentrations of cu, cd, cr, co and zn and health risk assessment in different types of klang district, selangor (malaysia) urban surface soil using in physiologically based extraction test in vitro human digestion model. methods: a total of 76 urban surface soil was sampled based on seven different types of land us...