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Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency returns show higher volatility than equity, bond, and other asset classes. Increasingly, researchers rely on machine learning techniques to forecast returns, where different machine learning algorithms reduce the forecasting errors in a high-volatility regime. We show that conventional time series modeling using ARMA and ARMA GARCH run on a rolling basis produces better or comparable forecasting errors than those that machine learning techniques produce. The key to achieving a good forecast is to fit the correct AR and MA orders for each window. When we optimize the correct AR and MA orders for each window using ARMA, we achieve an MAE of 0.024 and an RMSE of 0.037. The RMSE is approximately 11.27% better, and the MAE is 10.7% better compared to those in the literature and is similar to or better than those of the machine learning techniques. The ARMA-GARCH model also has an MAE and an RMSE which are similar to those of ARMA.

The Guandacol Formation corresponds to glacial episode 4 of the "Late Paleozoic Ice Age" in western Gondwana. It represents the final glaciation of westernmost Gondwana and the beginning of deglaciation that swept across the supercontinent throughout the rest of the Paleozoic. A succession of transitional sedimentary facies associations characterizes the eastern outcrops of the Guandacol Formation. These facies associations are interlayered with several deposits of mass-transport complexes (MTC) and present the occasional opportunity to conduct a deep-time analysis of the effect of tectonism in what is interpreted to be glacially-influenced deposits. Six sedimentary facies associations were recognized in the lower part of the Guandacol Formation. Facies association 1 (interbedded diamictites, sandstones, and mudstones) overlies MTC 1 and is interpreted as sedimentation into a marine glacially-influenced outwash fan. Facies association 2 (ponded interbedded sandstones, mudstones, and diamictites) was deposited as subaqueous underflows/turbidites and debris flows covering the irregular paleotopography of MTC 2. Facies association 3 (white medium- to coarse-grained sandstones and conglomerates) represents a small deltaic system. Facies association 4 (rhythmites with dropstones and sandstones) was deposited in a partially ponded water body resulting from the collapse and paleotopography of MTC 3. Facies association 5 (coarsening-upward cycles of mudstones and sandstones) was deposited in prodelta to delta front environments. Finally, facies association 6 (conglomerates, sandstones, and mudstones) corresponds to the subaerial deltaic platform. The evolution of depositional environments suggests three glacially-linked stages: Stage 1 — Initial retreat of the nearby ice masses (facies association 1); Stage 2 — Further retreat of glaciers and the progressive decoupling between ice masses and sea (facies associations 2 and 3); and Stage 3 — Postglacial sedimentation dominated by deltaic progradation during highstand conditions (facies associations 4 to 6). The importance of the paleogeographic context is emphasized in which the tectonism triggered recurrent events of MTC that continually modified the topography and sedimentary patterns, interrupting and complicating the stratigraphy of the interpreted glacial and postglacial sedimentation.

The chapter “Considering Emerging Complementary and Alternative Treatments“delves into the diverse landscape of non-mainstream interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The discourse navigates through the historical evolution, current status, and future prospects of complementary and alternative medicine treatments. The narrative acknowledges the dichotomy between scientifically validated practices and those emerging from anecdotal and preliminary evidence. Key topics include vitamin and mineral supplementation, dietary interventions, secretin administration, chelation therapy, neurofeedback, sensory-based therapies, and facilitated communication. Each treatment is critically evaluated for its empirical support, safety, and clinical utility. The chapter emphasizes the necessity for rigorous research methodologies and balanced clinical perspectives in assessing these interventions. By providing a comprehensive overview, it aims to inform clinicians, researchers, and caregivers about the potential benefits and pitfalls of CAM treatments, fostering informed decision making in the therapeutic management of ASD. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.

Evidence-based practice guidelines use specific rubrics to first evaluate the quality of individual outcome research studies and then the overall strength of the evidence, ultimately generating recommendations for clinical and educational practice. This chapter reviews the methodologies used across three different types of guidelines spanning health and education, by comparing recommendations related to practices for addressing sleep problems. The review reveals that these guidelines share many features, with some differences suggesting areas of improvement. More fundamental differences between biomedical and psychosocial practices, as well as specific challenges of community-based practices, suggest other opportunities for improvement in the design of outcome research and in the development of practice guidelines. This chapter concludes by discussing how to close other gaps in guideline development by emphasizing focused practices instead of comprehensive treatment programs (CTPs), integrating research findings from related populations, developing recommendations for program and policy leaders, and imagining reviews that potentially offer more individualized recommendations. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.

This concluding chapter summarizes how the field has advanced, the current state of evidence-based practices, unique insights derived from systematic reviews of practices and programs, and directions for the future. We note major gains since the first attempts in the early 1990s to provide information on evidence-based practices, including more sophisticated research methods for meta-analytic studies and systematic reviews. The emergence of very high-quality reviews of rigorous outcome research over the past 15 years has accelerated interest in evidence-based practices. At the same time, controversies surrounding questions of research design, study selection, the potential bias relative to cultural and racial factors, persistent gaps in research on adults and those with more significant levels of disability, and other areas remain to be addressed. We note some area of active discussion, e.g., relative to whether or not to screen and the need to help community-based professionals responsible for tailoring evidence-based practices to the many different individuals and settings they serve. If we are able to reconcile the researcher’s desire for experimental rigor with the flexibility required for outcome studies conducted in community-based settings, we might begin to demonstrate the kinds of population impacts needed to justify more substantial funding and policy changes. Several areas of additional research are outlined. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.

The handbook examines the empirical status of interventions and treatments for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It offers an insightful and balanced perspective on topics ranging from the historical underpinnings of autism treatment to the use of psychopharmacology and the implementation of EBPs. The book reviews the conceptualization of evidence-based practices (EBPs) as well as considerations for implementing such practices across settings. In addition, it describes emerging treatments – though they cannot yet be considered evidence-based – that have produced limited but highly promising results. The book also describes treatments and therapies that have been proved ineffective. It explores ways in which EBPs can be applied in inclusive school settings, pedatric settings, in-patient treatment progams, and college-based programs for transition-aged youth. The volume describes outcomes from the development of EBP guidelines at the national level (in Scotland) and, more broadly, in the United States and outlines how such guidelines can be adapted to offer more individualized intervention. Key areas of coverage include: Comprehensive treatment models, including early intensive behavioral intervention, pivotal response treatment, Early Start Denver Model, and Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions. Focal treatments addressing the core deficits of ASD and its co-occuring conditions. Social skills, communication, and the use of applied behavior analysis (ABA) practices for teaching new skills and decreasing challenging behaviors. Sensory-based interventions, psychopharmacology, cognitive behavior therapy, and parent education programs (e. g., Project ImPACT). The Handbook of Evidence-Based Practices in Autism Spectrum Disorder is an invaluable resource for researchers, professors, and graduate students as well as clinicians, therapists, and all professionals working in the fields of developmental, clinical child, and school psychology, pediatrics, social work, behavior analysis, allied health sciences, public health, child and adolescent psychiatry, early childhood intervention, and general and special education. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.

When we published our first volume, the evidence-based practice (EBP) movement in the field of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) had already begun to gain strength around the world, and it has since shown no signs of abating. Multiple organizations and groups have now produced EBP guidelines concerning the treatment and/or identification of ASD. However, the resulting definitions continue to vary in important ways across professions and sometimes even within their subdivisions. A universal definition of EBP remains elusive. While these conclusions drawn from the previous edition of this book still hold true, we are nonetheless encouraged by the growth in interest in EBP and by the dramatic increase in the number of high-quality research studies over the past 15 years and so are excited to offer this updated and expanded handbook. This chapter serves as an introduction to the current state of affairs with respect to evidence-based practices in autism spectrum disorders. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.

Over the last few decades, treatment-oriented court judges have moved away from being neutral arbitrators in an adversarial court process to treatment facilitators. In the problem-solving court model, judges are part of a more therapeutic treatment process with program participants and a courtroom work group. The shift from the use of the traditional criminal justice process toward the use of more treatment-oriented models for some populations highlights the need to systematically document key elements of treatment court models. In particular, it is important to clearly document the role of Reentry Court Judges because they are a key component of the Reentry Court model. The current study used interviews with members of the courtroom work group, as well as a focus group interview of former participants in the program, to help identify the role of the judge and activities the judge engages. Findings revealed that the judges played a supportive, informal role, balanced with a more formal, authoritarian role, and the judges engaged participants in pre-court meetings, as well as courtroom sessions. Further, the judges facilitated interactions with program participants outside the courtroom, demonstrating that the judge is a core component of success for participants in Reentry Court.

Three experiments investigated the effects of positive mood on perceptions of variability within and between groups. Participants formed impressions of two different and highly variable groups under a neutral or positive mood. When participants expected to learn about both groups, positive mood increased perceived intergroup similarity but did not affect perceived intragroup variability. In contrast, when participants expected to learn about only one group, judgments of intergroup and intragroup similarity were both affected by mood. Mood and the intergroup context influenced the nature and degree of information processing and resultant judgments of variability in social groups.

Research has consistently shown that most women under the control of the criminal justice system are mothers. The robustness of this finding has been accompanied by a failure to consider the characteristics and needs of women without children. In this study, we examine data on 1,334 formerly incarcerated women. Findings indicate that while mothers and non-mothers share some characteristics, they differ on several others, most notably demographic profile, mental health, and timing of contacts with the criminal justice system. These results suggest a need to recognize the diversity among women offender groups, particularly when developing policies and programs need.

The majority of people in America’s prisons are the parents of minor children. Incarcerated mothers, in particular, were likely to have been a part of their children’s lives before their imprisonment, and most will soon be returning to the community and to their children. Research has shown that it is in the best interests of the mothers and the children to maintain a relationship across the prison bars. In this article, we use the example of New York State to show how institutional policies and structures can impede or encourage efforts to maintain ties between women and their children and why demonstrating support for family ties must extend well beyond having visiting hours.

The global prison industrial complex was built on Black and brown women’s bodies. This economy will not voluntarily loosen its hold on the bodies that feed it. White carceral feminists traditionally encourage State punishment, while anti-carceral, intersectional feminism recognizes that it empowers an ineffective and racist system. In fact, it is built on the criminalization of women’s survival strategies, creating a “victimization to prison pipeline.” But prisons are not the root of the problem; rather, they are a manifestation of the over-policing of Black women’s bodies, poverty, and motherhood. Such State surveillance will continue unless we disrupt these powerful systems both inside and outside prisons.

Although there is plentiful research on the impact of marriage, employment and the military on desistance from criminal behaviour in the lives of men, far less

Research has shown the importance of turning points in desistance from criminal behavior. Using qualitative data from a sample of 100 formerly incarcerated mothers interviewed about their criminal behavior, this article explores their descriptions of transition moments and whether and how those moments affected their criminal behavior. The findings indicate that whereas parenting emerges as a turning point, the practical difficulties of reentry may reduce the impact of mothering on women’s desistance. More self-focused turning points, such as those due to incarceration, arrest, and sobriety appeared to be particularly important to the women’s desistance. This article emphasizes the need for research into the subjective and environmental factors that affect women’s desistance behaviors.

In this study, qualitative, in-depth interviews were conducted with 100 formerly incarcerated mothers to explore the relationship between attachment to children and desistance from criminal behavior. Exploratory data analysis revealed that mothers do believe that children play important roles in their desistance, consistent with the tenets of life course theory. However, children were also described as sources of great stress, which may in turn promote criminal behavior. Women also related desistance to reliance on self and a higher power, and to a desire to avoid future involvement with the criminal justice system. The article concludes with a call for more research on women's desistance, and increased consideration of parent–child relationships in corrections policy decision making.

OBJECTIVE: Individuals who mutilate themselves are at greater risk for suicidal behavior. Clinically, however, there is a perception that the suicide attempts of self-mutilators are motivated by the desire for attention rather than by a genuine wish to die. The purpose of this study was to determine differences between suicide attempters with and without a history of self-mutilation. METHOD: The authors examined demographic characteristics, psychopathology, objective and perceived lethality of suicide attempts, and perceptions of their suicidal behavior in 30 suicide attempters with cluster B personality disorders who had a history of self-mutilation and a matched group of 23 suicide attempters with cluster B personality disorders who had no history of self-mutilation. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ in the objective lethality of their attempts, but their perceptions of the attempts differed. Self-mutilators perceived their suicide attempts as less lethal, with a greater likelihood of rescue and with less certainty of death. In addition, suicide attempters with a history of self-mutilation had significantly higher levels of depression, hopelessness, aggression, anxiety, impulsivity, and suicide ideation. They exhibited more behaviors consistent with borderline personality disorder and were more likely to have a history of childhood abuse. Self-mutilators had more persistent suicide ideation, and their pattern for suicide was similar to their pattern for self-mutilation, which was characterized by chronic urges to injure themselves. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide attempters with cluster B personality disorders who have a history of self-mutilation tend to be more depressed, anxious, and impulsive, and they also tend to underestimate the lethality of their suicide attempts. Therefore, clinicians may be unintentionally misled in assessing the suicide risk of self-mutilators as less serious than it is.

Tacit knowledge is more precious as compared to explicit, as it is the intellectual property of the knower and resides in one’s mind. A major part of our knowledge is tacit, which is either lost or not recorded/ captured. In the late 1950s, the term “tacit knowledge” appeared in the literature and received the attention of the researchers. However, a majority of the studies pertaining to tacit knowledge (TK) have primarily focused on non-educational contexts, despite the fact that pragmatic knowledge holds paramount importance within academic settings. This study is designed to examine the tacit knowledge process from capturing to sharing in an academic setting. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey research method was adopted to conduct this research, and data was collected through a well-structured questionnaire. Postgraduate students at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, were the study population. The findings revealed that cognitive skills enable and motivate individuals to capture tacit knowledge, and the positive capturing behavior leads to better handling and more sharing of tacit knowledge, whereas technical skills enable them to better handle tacit knowledge, which ultimately leads to wise utilization of tacit knowledge, and social skills help them in capturing, keeping, and use of tacit knowledge. The study argues that tacit knowledge flow is depending on a certain set of skills and behavior. The findings of the study will be supportive of higher academic institutions as they are the powerhouse of knowledge creation. © This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply 2024.