STORRE

PURPOSE C-reactive-protein (CRP) is useful for diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs). A large international trial documented that Internet-based training in CRP point-of-care testing, in enhanced communication skills, or both reduced antibiotic prescribing at 3 months, with risk ratios (RRs) of 0.68, 0.53, 0.38, respectively. We report the longer-term impact in this trial. METHODS A total of 246 general practices in 6 countries were cluster-randomized to usual care, Internet...

We examine the predictive ability of stock price ratios, stock return dispersion and distribution measures for firm level returns. Analysis typically focusses on market level returns, however, for the underlying asset pricing model to hold, firm-level predictability should be present. Additionally, we examine the economic content of predictability by considering whether the predictive coefficient has the theoretically correct sign and whether it is related to future output growth. While stock...

There is currently no strategic energy conservation management on the island of Guernsey, nor may it be adequate to leave energy management entirely to market forces. Market mechanisms of themselves may not be adequate to balance the intrinsically conflicting objectives of obtaining the cheapest possible energy, ensure security of supply, reduce the risks associated with over-dependence on particular energy sources (such as petroleum products), whilst protecting the environment. Properly form...

Survey measures of subjective expectations manifest anomalies in how people report percentages. The current research finds that frequency-based measures deliver more valid subjective probabilities of living to a given age than do questions that elicit a percentage chance.