Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to compare the way in which gender and propensity to risk are associated in two samples, one of entrepreneurs and the other of non-entrepreneurs, while controlling for other factors, namely, national cultures. Design/methodology/approach: On the basis of data from 19 advanced countries, and by using two different samples, one of entrepreneurs and the other of non-entrepreneurs, the authors have used logistical regression analysis to analyse the relation between gender and propensity to risk has been used. Findings: Findings suggest that gender and culture are much stronger in influencing risk propensity among non-entrepreneurs than among entrepreneurs. Originality/value: Instead of analysing the effects of propensity to risk in entrepreneurship, as is usually done, the authors study some of its determinants, highlighting the differences between men and women.

Abstract
The problem of joint estimation of parameters and state of continuous time systems using discrete time observations is addressed. The plant parameters are assumed to be modeled by a Wiener process. The a priori probability density function (pdf) of an extended state that comprises the plant state variables and the parameters is propagated in time using an approximate solution of the Fokker-Planck equation that relies on Trotter's formula for semigroup decomposition. The a posteriori (i. e., given the observations) pdf is then computed at the observation instants using Bayes law.

Abstract
Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) time series model fitting is a procedure often based on aggregate data, where parameter estimation plays a key role. Therefore, we analyze the effect of temporal aggregation on the accuracy of parameter estimation of mixed ARMA and MA models. We derive the expressions required to compute the parameter values of the aggregate models as functions of the basic model parameters in order to compare their estimation accuracy. To this end, a simulation experiment shows that aggregation causes a severe accuracy loss that increases with the order of aggregation, leading to poor accuracy.

Abstract
Dysfunction of arteriovenous access for hemodialysis is a challenge for the vascular surgeon. Some patients have complex vascular access with problems that are difficult to solve. Careful analysis of the vascular network with ultrasound and dissection of the veins during surgery can help to identify the best option for each access. We introduce and discuss the case of creation of a radio-cephalic fistula with outflow into the brachial vein in 64-year-old hemodialysis male patient. This technique enables extending fistula patency, arterializing the brachial vein, and improves cost efficiency.

Abstract
Vascular access dysfunction is a serious problem in dialysis units. Some patients have complex dysfunctions that are difficult to resolve. In this article, we report the case a of two patients with radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulae (RC-AVF) who had stenosis/occlusion of the forearm median vein and where we used the basilic vein of the forearm as a solution. We reviewed the use of this surgical solution in RC-AVF. Two male patients on hemodialysis exhibited stenosis/occlusion of the forearm median vein. The forearm basilic vein was isolated and rotated toward the forearm median vein in order to solve RC-AVF problems. One patient had fistula thrombosis 5 months after the procedure, while for the other patient, the fistula continues to work without problems. Literature describes only a few cases using the forearm basilic vein or the brachial vein for fistula recovery. This procedure increased the patency of fistulas. This approach has been proven to be a good solution for solving outflow problems using the superficial or deep veins, increasing fistula patency and avoiding the need to place a central venous catheter and all the related complications.

Abstract
Teaching/educating patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and identifying their self-care behaviors for vascular network preservation are very important. However, the self-care behaviors regularly performed by patients are still unknown. We compared self-care behaviors for vascular network preservation performed by patients who are/are not followed-up by the nephrologist. The study design was a prospective, observational and comparative study. Inclusion criteria were as follows: ESRD patients (at stages 4 or 5); at least 18 years old; in pre-dialysis with at least a 6-month follow-up period by the nephrologist or who started dialysis in emergency and were not followed-up by the nephrologist; with no memory problems; and medically stable. Primary outcome was the frequency of self-care behaviors for vascular network preservation. Secondary outcome was the comparison between self-care behaviors by ESRD patients who were/were not followed-up by the nephrologist. The study involved 145 patients, 64.1% were female, the mean age was 69.5 years and the self-care behaviors mean score was 36.8% (with a SD of 39.8%). The number of patients followed-up and not followed-up by the nephrologist was 109 (group 1) and 36 (group 2), respectively. Social characteristics were similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean self-care behaviors were 29.4% and 59.2% in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.000). Patients performed self-care behaviors for vascular network preservation with a relatively low frequency (the mean score was 36.8% only). Patients not followed by the nephrologist performed self-care behaviors more often than those who were followed (59.2% vs. 29.4% respectively, P = 0.000).