Toward a General Theory of Standards of Proof

Which standard of proof is best for a particular type of case This deceptively simple question has been much discussed but the current state of understanding is unsatisfactory Statisticians posed a general answer philosophers and others launched an assault on that answer practically oriented scholars draw on both strains unsystematically and courts generally offer little or no reasoning for their decisions The goal of this article is to outline a systematic and complete justification for selecting one probabilistic standard of proof over another By training a microscope on one small corner of the law incapacity will contests this article demonstrates the relevance of old factors identifies several new factors and integrates the factors into an approach that will hopefully guide future inquiry One important implication is that the choice of proof standard will almost necessarily be tentative too much is unknown or unknowabl

Association of BMI, lipid-lowering medication, and age with prevalence of type 2 diabetes in adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: a worldwide cross-sectional study

Background: Statins are the cornerstone treatment for patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia but research suggests it could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in the general population. A low prevalence of type 2 diabetes was reported in some familial hypercholesterolaemia cohorts, raising the question of whether these patients are protected against type 2 diabetes. Obesity is a well known risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. We aimed to investigate the associations of known key determinants of type 2 diabetes with its prevalence in people with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. Methods: This worldwide cross-sectional study used individual-level data from the EAS FHSC registry and included adults older than 18 years with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia who had data available on age, BMI, and diabetes status. Those with known or suspected homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia and type 1 diabetes were excluded. The main outcome was prevalence of type 2 diabetes overall and by WHO region, and in relation to obesity (BMI ≥30·0 kg/m2) and lipid-lowering medication as predictors. The study population was divided into 12 risk categories based on age (tertiles), obesity, and receiving statins, and the risk of type 2 diabetes was investigated using logistic regression. Findings: Among 46 683 adults with individual-level data in the FHSC registry, 24 784 with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia were included in the analysis from 44 countries. 19 818 (80%) had a genetically confirmed diagnosis of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. Type 2 diabetes prevalence in the total population was 5·7% (1415 of 24 784), with 4·1% (817 of 19 818) in the genetically diagnosed cohort. Higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes was observed in the Eastern Mediterranean (58 [29·9%] of 194), South-East Asia and Western Pacific (214 [12·0%] of 1785), and the Americas (166 [8·5%] of 1955) than in Europe (excluding the Netherlands; 527 [8·0%] of 6579). Advancing age, a higher BMI category (obesity and overweight), and use of lipid-lowering medication were associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, independent of sex and LDL cholesterol. Among the 12 risk categories, the probability of developing type 2 diabetes was higher in people in the highest risk category (aged 55–98 years, with obesity, and receiving statins; OR 74·42 [95% CI 47·04–117·73]) than in those in the lowest risk category (aged 18–38 years, without obesity, and not receiving statins). Those who did not have obesity, even if they were in the upper age tertile and receiving statins, had lower risk of type 2 diabetes (OR 24·42 [15·57–38·31]). The corresponding results in the genetically diagnosed cohort were OR 65·04 (40·67–104·02) for those with obesity in the highest risk category and OR 20·07 (12·73–31·65) for those without obesity. Interpretation: Adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia in most WHO regions have a higher type 2 diabetes prevalence than in Europe. Obesity markedly increases the risk of diabetes associated with age and use of statins in these patients. Our results suggest that heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia does not protect against type 2 diabetes, hence managing obesity is essential to reduce type 2 diabetes in this patient population. Funding: Pfizer, Amgen, MSD, Sanofi-Aventis, Daiichi-Sankyo, and Regeneron

A Case study of Jolibee Foods Corporation: Going International

This thesis was conducted in order to study the international development of Jollibee Foods Corporation, and the strategies and modes used. The main intention of this thesis was to tell the story of how Jollibee carried out its international expansion. It also aim to analyze the different strategies and to evaluate the level of success for each one. The thesis was also created to give a detailed historical background that led the company to move into the international scene. The group was also able to have an open discussion with one of the top managers of the company, who is close associate of one of the group members. He was able to provide essential information about the history of the company and what factors led them to go international. Some major findings of our research and case study were basically the modes used by Jollibee Foods Corporation, and what the advantages and dis advantages were of each one. The group has witnessed the evolution of international expansion of Jollibee Food Corporation (JFC) from its simple small-scale joint ventures where it encountered two main problems, choice of partner and location. After realizing that engaging in international expansion was difficult, Mr. Tony Tan Caktiong created a separate division within JFC specifically to handle international expansion for the company. Under the leadership of Tony Kitcher, the division focused on rapid focused on rapid expansion of its operations using two strategic goals, 2planting the flag3 and 2targeting Filipino expats3. An internal struggle and disappointment of Mr. Tan Caktiong towards Kitcher led to his resignation. Noli Tingzon took over his position and produced positive results with the entry to Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong and United States. Because of a tremendous job well done, Tingzon was offered the job as division head to lead the expansion of Jollibee within the United states. Recently, JFC has shifted gears and focused on the acquisition of existing food chains having great potential to become market leaders under their line/niche. Such acquisitions were Red Ribbon Bakeshop and Yonghe King fats food; both chains have established stores and well-renowned brands. Going into international business is something that needs careful attention and through thought to. One cannot rely on only his gut, but must base decision on research and facts. The international experience of Jollibee should be one that inspires local business to dream bigger. Jollibee’s success is not only evident in the country, but beginning to prove itself in the world. Jollibee Foods Corporation is surely on its way to becoming a major player in the international fast-food market