bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asthma induced by ice water ingestion in ethnic Chinese asthmatic children: a challenge
Authors: Lin Yung‐Zen , Hsieh Kue‐Hsiung
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between ice water ingestion and the induction of asthmatic symptoms and signs in ethnic Chinese asthmatic children. Sixty asthmatic children with a positive history of exacerbation of symptoms after drinking ice water were divided randomly into two groups: 34 children were instructed to drink 250 ml of 0‐4°C ice water within one minute, and 26 to drink 250 ml of 25°C warm water. All of the asthmatic children were stable when studied. Twenty‐three healthy children as controls were asked to drink 250 ml of 0‐4°C ice water. The three groups had forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) performed al baseline and at 5, 15, 30, 60, and 90 minutes after challenge. After the spirometric test at 90 minutes the patients of the two asthmatic groups received three puffs (0. 6 mg) of hexoprenaline MDI and a further spirometric lest was performed 5 min after the inhalation. Cough and wheeze were monitored throughout the course of the test.

The mean FEV1 after challenge decreased significantly only in the ice‐water asthmatic group (p=0.004). Compared with the haseline data, the mean FEV1 at various periods after challenge was only significantly decreased at 60 min (p=0.035). After hexoprenaline inhalation the FEV1 significantly increased in the two asthmatic groups (p < 0.001). A significant difference in FEV1 change was noted among the three groups (p=0.015). Nine cases (26%) from the ice water asthmatic group, three (12%) from the warm‐water asthmatic group, and none of the ice‐water normal control group showed a decrease of FEV1 greater than 15% (p=0.018). The greatest difference occurred between the two ice water groups. All six cases who developed symptoms after challenge, accompanied by a simultaneous decrease of FEV1 greater than 15%, belonged to the ice‐water asthmatic group. Forty‐seven percent of the ice‐water asthmatic group and 4% each of the two other groups had cough and/or wheeze after challenge (p=0.0002). In conclusion: Ice water ingestion may induce or exacerbate asthma in ethnic Chinese asthmatic children.
The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and asthma among school children in three different areas of Norway
Authors: Nystad Wenche , Magnus Per , Røksund Ola , Svidal Bjørn , Hetlevik Øystein
Published: June 2007

The role of exposure to ambient air pollution has been a topic of interest as a potential risk factor for respiratory symptoms and asthma. We expected that the prevalence rates would vary in Norway between the capital, Oslo, the mountainous area Hallingdal and the industrial area Odda. Surveys were conducted in school children, aged 6‐16 years, in; Oslo (n=2577), Hallingdal (n=1177) and Odda (n=831). The parent‐reported prevalence of wheeze in past year was almost similar in Oslo (13. 1 (95% CI 11. 7‐14. 5)) and Upper Hallingdal (14. 2 (13. 1–15. 3)), but lower in Odda (9. 0 (7. 0–11. 0)). The findings for severe respiratory symptoms were almost equal. The age patters within each area differed. The risk of wheeze ever (p < 0.001) and wheeze in past year (p=0.04) decreased with increasing age in Odda, while there was an increase in the risk of exercise induced wheeze in Oslo (p=0.02) and Hallingdal (p < 0.001). The lifetime prevalence of asthma was lowest in Odda (5. 4 (3. 8–7. 0)) compared to Oslo (9. 4 (8. 2–10. 6)) and Hallingdal (8. 5 (6. 8–10. 2)). There was a positive association between physical activity and wheeze in past year. The results do not support the hypothesis that respiratory morbidity is more common in urban than rural areas, age and physical activity can influence the prevalence rates of respiratory symptoms in school children.
Correlation between Epstein Barr virus antibodies, serum IgE and atopic disease
Authors: Calvani Mauro , Alessandri Claudia , Paolone Giuseppe , Rosengard Luciano , Di Caro Antonino , De Franco David
Published: June 2007

It is currently accepted that vinil infections may influence the development of atopy. In the present study we evaluated serum IgE levels as well as the prevalence of symptom‐, indicative of utopic disease and EBV antibodies in 353 children aged from I month to 19 years. Antibodies against EBV were detected by immunofluorescence. IgE levels in serum were measured by en/. yme imimmoassay. Dividing ihe study population according to EBV seropositivity and age, we noted that the prevalence of high IgE levels (> 2 s. d.) was, in total, more frequent in the EBV negative (32. 9%) than in the positive subjects (27. 6%). Interestingly, this higher prevalence was found only in the groups aged under six, especially in the 7 to 29 month group, where it was statistically significant (p=0.037), whereas in the 6‐19 year group the situation was reversed. Furthermore, selecting only the atopic children younger than 3 years of age with high IgE levels and clinical symptoms of atopy (wheezing and/or dermatitis) it was possible to demonstrate lower EBV seropositivity compared with the normal IgE controls for each group, even though these differences were not statistically significant. In conclusion, the results of our study suggest that, in our selected population, EBV infection in the first years of life is associated with a lower prevalence of high IgE levels.
Association of HLA‐DQ7 antigen with cow milk protein allergy in Italian children
Authors: Camponeschi Barbara , Lucarelli Sandra , Frediani Tullio , Barbato Maria , Quintieri Francesea
Published: June 2007

In this study we investigated the HLA association with cow milk allergy. Thirty‐seven Italian children with cow milk allergy and 35 randomly selected age‐matched healthy children as control group were included in the study. DNA typing was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique. We show the first statistically significant positive association between the expression of the HLA‐DQ7 antigen and cow milk allergy. Several immunological tests (skin prick test, RIA, radioallergosorb‐ent test (RAST) and ELISA) were performed to evaluate the humoral immune responses of DQ7 positive and DQ7 negative allergic patients. Our results show that among the DQ7 positive patients the majority presented a high humoral response. Furthermore, the in vitro proliferative response of patients to the †‐lactoglobulin antigen was performed to evaluate their cell‐mediated immune response. We observed that the number of the nonre‐sponders was higher in the DQ7 positive patients when compared to the DQ7 negative patients.

Our data indicate an association of HLA‐DQ7 antigen with cow milk pro tein allergy and that the DQ7 positive patients had a prevalence of humoral rather than cellular responses.
Serum specific‐IgE antibodies to peptides detected in a casein hydrolysate formula
Authors: Hoffmanc Kristina M. , Sampson Hugh A.
Published: June 2007

Up to 2. 59% of infants are affected by cow milk hypersensitivity in the first two years of life, although most of these children will “outgrow” their reactivity within 2‐3 years. Extensively hydrolyzed (“hypoallergenic”) cow milk‐based formulae are often recommended as a substitute formula and are generally well tolerated. However, a small minority of cow milk‐allergic children experience allergic reactions to the hypoallergenic formulae as well. Utilizing inhibition‐ELISAs and sera from patients with IgE‐mediated cow milk allergy, we have identified residual protein fractions less than 20 kD in several of the extensively hydrolyzed cow milk‐based formulae. Although many of the cow milk allergic children had positive skin prick lests [SPT] to one of the hydrolysate formulae (Nutramigenma), the positive skin test result generally did not correlate with clinical reactivity, although the negative predictive value of the negative SPT was excellent. Children with IgE‐mediated cow milk allergy and a positive skin prick test to the hypoallergenic formula should probably receive their first dose of the formula in a medical setting so that appropriate therapy can be administered in the unlikely event of an allergic reaction.
Cytokines in nasal fluids from school children with seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Benson M. , Strannegård I‐L , Wennergren G. , Strannegård Ö.
Published: June 2007

Allergic rhinitis is a particularly good model for studies of cytokine pro‐duction in vivo, in this study the occurrence of the cytokines IL‐4, IL‐5. IL‐10 and IFN‐yas well as the soluble receptor tbr IL‐4 in nasal lavage flu‐ids were assayed in 38 school children, with seasonal allergic rhinitis, and 19 healthy age matched, non atopic controls, using highly sensitive enzyme immunossays. IL‐4 levels in patients with seasonal allergie rhinitis were markedly increased in comparison with those in non‐atopic controls or in atopic pa‐tients before the start of the pollen season. In controls, but not in the atopic patients, levels of IFN‐yand IL‐5 were significantly higher in specimens obtained during the pollen season than in those obtained outside the season. The IL‐4/IFN‐y ratios were significantly higher in atopic than in nonalopic subjects and further increased in atopic patients during the season. In addition to IL‐4, elevated levels of IL‐10 were observed in association with seasonal rhinitis. Following treatment with a topical steroid (budeso nide) there was a statistically significant increase of the levels of soluble IL‐4 receptor. These findings indicate that nonatopic and atopic individuals react to pollen exposure with distinct cytokine patterns in agreement with the Thl/ Th2 concept. Topical steroids may possibly decrease inflammation by increasing the formation of soluble IL‐4 receptor.
HLA antigens in asthmatic children
Authors: Gerbase‐DeLima Maria , Gallo Clarisse A. , Daher Silvia , Solé Dirceu , Naspitz Charles K.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the frequency of HLA‐DR and DQ antigens in Brazilian asthmatic children with skin‐test and RAST positivity to Dermatophagoldes pteronyssinus. The comparison of HLA‐DR and DQ antigenic frequencies between patients (n=30) and controls disclosed a significantly higher HLA‐DQ2 frequency in the patients (60% versus 34%, p = 0.013; R. R. = 2.8).
Cat and dog allergen in mattresses and textile‐covered floors of homes which do or do not have pets, either in the past or currently
Authors: Egmar Ann‐Charlotte , Emenius Gunnel , Almqvist Catarina , Wickman Magnus
Published: June 2007

The aim of this study was to measure the levels of cat and dog allergen in homes of families that had either never kept pets or kept or had kept cats or dogs. From a small residential area outside Stockholm consisting of 250 houses with similar exteriors 70 homes were included. Dust samples were collected from mattresses and textile‐covered floors. The levels of cat and dog allergen were analysed by ELISA. Fel dl was found in mattress dust in all 70 homes, median 0.5 μg/g [0.24–8.89 μg/g (quartiles)] and textile‐covered floors 0.7 μg/g (0.20–2.52 μg/g). Can fl, was found in 98% of the collected samples, mattress dust 1.89μg/g (0.70–9.20 μg/g) and textile‐covered floor dust 2.5 μg/g (1.04–2.72 μg/g). There was a positive correlation (p < 0.001) between allergen levels in dust from mattresses and textile‐covered floors for both Fel dl(r = 0.68) and Can fl (r = 0.78). The highest levels of cat and dog allergen were found in homes with furred pets (p < 0.001). A significant (p < 0.001) difference was seen in the levels of Fel dl and Can f 1 between the homes of former pet‐owners and homes without pets. In summary; cat and dog allergens are present in homes regardless of whether such animals live in the house or not. Mattresses seem to be an underestimated reservoir for pet allergens even in homes without pets. It is important to note that the homes of former pet owners have much lower levels of allergen than current pet owners.
Long‐lasting sensitization to food during the first two years precedes allergic airway disease
Authors: Kulig Michael , Bergmann Renate , Tacke Uta , Wahn Ulrich , Guggenmoos‐Holzmann Irene
Published: June 2007

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether the duration of sensitization to food allergens during early childhood is related to later development of IgE mediated hypersensitivity to inhalant allergens and of allergic rhinitis and asthma in 5‐year‐old children and whether long‐lasting food‐sensitization may be used to predict subsequent allergic airway diseases. Five hundred and eight children of a prospective birth cohort study with available serum samples at one and two years of age were included and followed up until five years of age. Specific sensitization to food and inhalant allergens and the occurrence of subsequent allergic airway diseases were determined. Children with a long‐lasting sensitization to food allergens (persistently sensitized for more than one year) produced significantly higher total IgE and specific IgE levels than children who were only transiently food‐sensitized by two years of age. Children persistently sensitized to food had a 3.4 fold higher risk of developing allergic rhinitis and a 5.5 fold higher risk of developing asthma than infants who were only transiently food sensitized. Persistent food sensitization in combination with a positive atopic family history was a strong predictor for the development of allergic rhinitis and asthma at five years of age. The risks for these children are up to 50%, and 67% respectively. Persistently detectable sensitization to food over more than one year in early childhood is a strong prognostic factor for subsequent allergic airway disease. Persistently food‐sensitized children especially in atopic families have to be regarded as a high‐risk group and should be considered for preventive measures against respiratory atopy.
Interferon‐gamma pretreatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells partially restores defective cytokine production in children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Bossios Apostolos , Syrigou Ekaterini I. , Gourgiotis Dimitrios , Saxoni‐Papageorgiou Photini
Published: June 2007

Interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) is considered an important determinant of the balance between T‐helper type 1 and 2 cytokines and has been used experimentally for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. However, contrasting results have been reported relative to the Th‐UTh‐2 cytokine profile in atopic patients. In this study, we examined cytokine production by polyclonally activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from children with atopic dermatitis, and assessed the influence of in vitro IFN‐γ pretreatment on these cells. A fraction of PBMC isolated from children with severe atopic dermatitis, as well as from age‐matched controls, was initially exposed to IFN‐γ. After washing, both treated and untreated cells were then put into culture either alone or with the addition of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus ionomycin. IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10 and IFN‐γ production were measured in the supernatants using commercially available ELISAs. PBMC from atopic patients produced more IL‐4 (P = 0.04) and IL‐10 (P = 0.03) and less IFN‐γ (P = 0.01) than controls, when stimulated with PHA. Interestingly, in PMA + ionomycin stimulated cultures, the atopic cytokine profile was different with more IL‐5 (P = 0.0068) and less IFN‐γ production (P = 0.00046) than the control group. When cells were pretreated with IFN‐γ, there were no significant differences between patients and controls. PBMC from children with atopic dermatitis show alterations in cytokine production, compatible in general terms with the Th‐l/ Th‐2 model. Exposure of PBMC to IFN‐γ before activation results in a reduction of these differences, so that cytokine production becomes similar in the atopic and normal groups.
Reduced plasma c‐AMP levels in children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Salpietro Damiano Carmelo , Naccari Francesco , Polimeni Lsabella , Pellegrino Cristina
Published: June 2007

Plasma levels of cAMP and serum concentrations of IgE have been determined in children with acute atopic dermatitis (AD) and in a healthy control group, to illuminate the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause AD.

There were significantly lower plasma levels of cAMP (P < 0,001) and significantly higher levels of serum IgE (P < 0.004) in children with AD, in comparison with a healthy control group. It is possible that defective control of c‐AMP levels could contribute to the immunopathogenesis of AD and monitoring levels may be of value in the clinical evaluation of the disease.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in school children in relation to allergy and serum IgE levels
Authors: Yu Guo , Björkstén Bengt
Published: June 2007

Altered composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has been observed in allergic individuals and it has been proposed that this is due to an impairment of δ‐6‐desaturase activity. We have studied the composition of PUFA in serum phospholipids in twenty‐two 12‐15 year old children with asthma and/or allergic dermatitis and 23 non‐atopic controls of similar age. The relative levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n‐3) and total n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) were lower (1.46%± 0.54 vs. 1.90%± 0.58, P = 0.01 for DHA and 2.34%± 0.67 vs. 2.80%± 0.77, P <0.05 for total n‐3 LCP) and the ratio of total n‐6 to n‐3 LCP was higher (P < 0.01) in the allergic children than in the controls. In addition to these differences, the relative levels of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, C22:5n‐3) and the ratio of arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4n‐6) to dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid (DHGLA, C20:3n‐6) were also lower in the 12 allergic children with positive skin prick test, as compared with the SIT negative children (both P < 0.05). In non‐allergic children, the levels of total n‐3 correlated with n‐6 LCP (r = 0.76, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the n‐3 LCP, i.e. EPA, DPA and DHA, correlated significantly with each other (r = 0.52‐0.78, all p < 0.01) and correlated with n‐6 LCP, i.e. C20:2, DHGLA and AA respectively (r = 0.56‐0.83, all P < 0.01). Most of these correlations were absent in allergic children.

Higher levels of C20:2n‐6 and lower levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n‐3) were recorded in 11 allergic children with serum IgE above the median level (56 kU/1), as compared to 11 with lower IgE levels (both P < 0.05). Furthermore, the levels of C20:2n‐6 correlated with the IgE levels in the children (r = 0.65, P = 0.001).

The findings could not confirm an impaired δ‐6‐desaturase activity in allergic school children and suggest that a disturbance of LCP metabolism is associated with allergic diseases.
Lymphocyte subsets in human tonsils: The effect of age and infection
Authors: Rosenmann Eran , Rabinowitz Ruth , Schlesinger Michael
Published: June 2007

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of repeated tonsillitis on the development of lymphocyte subsets in the tonsils and among peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of children. Subsets of T‐ and B cells were analyzed in the tonsils and in PBL of patients undergoing tonsillecto‐my for idiopathic tonsillar hypertrophy, recurrent tonsillitis, or tonsillar hypertrophy and tonsillitis. The majority of the CD4+ cells in the tonsils displayed the CD45RO+ phenotype, while the majority of those in the PBL displayed the CD45RA+ phenotype. Likewise, the proportion of CD45RO+CD8+ cells was higher in the tonsils than among PBL. The proportion of CD4 cells expressing the CD45RO marker increased with age among PBL, but not in the tonsils. B cells, detected by their CD 19, CD20, and CD21 markers, were three times more abundant in the tonsils than in the PBL. The proportion of CD38+ cells showed a negative correlation with age, both in the tonsils and among PBL. Among PBL a striking age‐related reduction was seen in the proportion of CD19+, CD21+ and CD38+CD21+ B cells. In contrast, in the tonsils age‐related changes could be detected only in the proportion of CD21+CD38+ cells. No difference among patients with various clinical diagnoses was detectable in any of the T‐ and B cell subsets in the tonsils and PBL. Thus, lymphocyte subsets evolve independently in the tonsils and peripheral blood, with the repeated antigenic challenge of tonsillar lymphocytes not influencing circulating memory cells.
The European Union Blood Safety Directive and its implications for blood services
Authors: Robinson E. Angela E.
Published: June 2007

The European Union Blood Safety Directives have been in development since 2002 and are now in the process of being fully implemented in 27 member states. This review provides the background to their development, their scope and content. Aspects of pan‐European implementation are discussed, together with specific problems encountered to date. Meetings and discussions of the competent authorities with the commission are reported, together with an updated review of ‘where do we go from here’.
Business History
Authors: Dearlove Des
Published: June 2007

What do CEOs read when they aren't poring over the financial press or their company's quarterly numbers? Many cite historical biographies – from Lord Nelson to Nelson Mandela. Historian Niall Ferguson tells Des Dearlove why business leaders have a huge appetite for history. And should.
Branching out
Authors: Peters Georgina
Published: June 2007

What happens when a company transforms its technological capabilities by entering a “new to the firm” niche? In this interview, Gerry George, an associate professor of entrepreneurship at London Business School, tells Georgina Peters about a long‐term study to find the conditions that most favour branching out as a probable path toward innovation.
The art of Extraction
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: June 2007

Anglo American chairman Sir Mark Moody‐Stuart is in the front line in the debate about sustainability and relationships between corporations and society. Stuart Crainer reports.
The climate business
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: June 2007

After a long career in economics, John Llewellyn has turned his attention to the business of climate change. He talks to Stuart Crainer.
Liquid engineering
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: June 2007

Encouraging business people to think differently has become a huge global industry. Advice on creativity and innovation is available at every turn. The London‐based consultancy, Just Add Water, provides a potentially refreshing approach. Stuart Crainer tests the water.
Stop Think Live!
Authors: Rao Srikumar S.
Published: June 2007

Srikumar Rao believes that many people are working so hard they have lost sight of what they want to get out of life. Could you be one of those people?
Volatile markets
Authors: Weber Bruce
Published: June 2007

The London Stock Exchange is one of an elite group of powerful, global financial exchanges that are in the midst of a transition. As listed companies, they now answer to shareholders and market users alike. The stakes are rising, and – says Bruce Weber– heated competition has replaced traditional loyalties among investors, brokerages and exchanges.
Demystifying hedge funds
Authors: Naik Narayan Y. , Tapley Mark
Published: June 2007

Till recently, hedge funds and their managers were taken to be an elite, and somewhat mysterious, part of the investment fund industry. That can't last, say Narayan Naik and Mark Tapley– and that could be good news for the rest of us.
Bullies need not apply
Authors: Peterson Randall
Published: June 2007

What is the model of the modern major CEO?Randall Peterson believes that the trend line is away from the boss whose chief weapons are fear and control. So where does the trend line lead?
Learning Statistic Through Project Work
Authors: DOLAN O.
Published: June 2007

What are the problems we can expect to meet when project work forms a significant part of a C.S.E. examination course in statistics? Mrs Dolan describes her experiences.
Applications of Probability Theory in Industry
Authors: BISSELL A. F.
Published: June 2007

This article is one of a series. Here we take a problem that has arisen in an industry and show how a simple application of probability theory helped in its solution.
Statistics Within Technician Courses
Authors: EASINGWOOD T.
Published: June 2007

Two of the newer bodies producing syllabuses for the 16 to 19 year age range are the Technician Education Council (TEC) and the Business Education Council (BEC). Trevor Easingwood, the chairman of the joint BEC/TEC committee for mathematics and statistics, describes the background to the statistics in the TEC courses.
The First shall be Last
Authors: WILSON BRYAN
Published: June 2007

Combining samples from different distributions is a hazardous process. Traditionally form orders in schools have been produced by combining the marks from different subjects. Bryan Wilson describes a teaching approach to sensitize student teachers to the dangers of doing this.
A Note on ‘Teaching Statistical Literacy’
Authors: HAACK D. G.
Published: June 2007

In his previous article Dennis Haack discussed the philosophy behind his course in teaching statistics us a language. Here he looks at some ways of assessing students taking such a course.
A Matter of lntuition?
Authors: SELKIRK J.
Published: June 2007

There have been several requests for a puzzle corner in Teaching Statistics. Dr Selkirk introduces one such problem. Others would be welcome.
A Sample is a Sample is a Sample
Authors: ELLIS R.
Published: June 2007

The exercise described has been used for students on the BEC Higher Diploma Course. They average 19 years of age and rarely arrive arrive with Mathematics beyond O‐level. Teachers on BEC National and A‐level Statistics courses should also find the exercise of interest.
Statistics and Probability before the age of 15 at Decroly School
Authors: TROMPLER S.
Published: June 2007

Statistics is not usually taught to pupils below 15 years old in the majority of secondary schools in Belgium. One school does include it in its curriculum for such pupils und this article outlines the reasons and methods involved.
Putting the Shoe on the Other Foot
Authors: BEAM C. A.
Published: June 2007

An example of the use of an induction proof in elementary probability theory and its application in proving a theorem in number theory.
Probabilistic Simulation In The Classroom
Authors: EVERTON TIM
Published: June 2007

Over the last fifteen years a number of articles have appeared on the use of probabilistic simulations in schools (1, 4, 3) and recently Watson has produced a more comprehensive treatment of the topic (5). Up until now, however, little has been written on student responses to such work. This article is an attempt to fill that gap. It describes an experimental programme of study for a group of sixth formers which I taught in 1981 using some of the pupil material from Watson's book together with some of my own.
Impressions of ICOTS II
Authors: Croasdale Bob , Evans Jeff , Moreno Jerry L. , Posten Harry O. , Begg Andy , Bernard John , Henderson Ethel C.
Published: June 2007

The following short contributions are from people who attended the Second International Conference on Teaching Statistics held in Victoria, August 1986
FORESTER, a Simulation Game for Teaching Survey Sampling
Authors: Underhill Les
Published: June 2007

At the First International Conference on Teaching Statistics (Grey et al. 1983), several papers dealth with simulation games, either with or without a computer to assist in the teaching of a variety of statistical concepts (Mead 1983, Elliott 1983, Bright et al. 1983a, b, Joiner 1983, Singh 1983). One area not covered was survey sampling which is the subject of this article.
Quantitative Methods — An Integrated Approach
Authors: Pitcher Anne
Published: June 2007

This article is a brief discussion of some approaches to the occasionally problematic subject of Quantitative Methods courses for students following Hospitality/Catering/Tourisrn courses, and derives from Anne Pitcher's own experience in teaching Quantitative Methods to first year students on a degree course in Hospitality Managemen.
Stem‐and‐Leaf Plots in the Primary Grades
Authors: Pereira‐Mendoza Lionel , Dunkels Andrejs
Published: June 2007

At first glance, the thought of primary children working with stem‐and‐leaf plots might seem a radical idea, since such representations are often associated with secondary school. The purpose of this paper is to show how young children can use such representations as a major tool in their educational development. However, before discussing this particular statistical technique, an overview of the role of statistics in the primary programme is included.
Prediction versus Independence in Contingency Tables
Authors: Suich Ronald C. , Turek Richard J.
Published: June 2007

Although Chi‐square analysis of contingency tables is almost always taught in introductory courses students often show little understanding. The authors here introduce a method to remedy this.
Industry, Quality, Statistics and Vocational Education
Authors: Marriott Alan
Published: June 2007

This article reviews the development and current place of Statistical Quality Control and points out the implications for vocational education.
Regression Models with Errors in the Predictor Variable
Authors: Day Simon J.
Published: June 2007

In this article Simon Day describes a computer simulation exploring one of the fundamental assumptions of regression analysis which causes students difficulties.
On Buying a Caravan
Authors: Baczkowski Andrew J.
Published: June 2007

The author's experiences in buying a caravan led him to some interesting statistical work which could be of use in teaching.
Sampling Common‐sense
Authors: Hunt D. N.
Published: June 2007

This article reports on a novel approach to teaching ideas of sampling to college students studying Urban Regional Planning.
Combinations of Independent Normal Random Variables
Authors: Hombas Vassilios C.
Published: June 2007

There are several well known approaches to proving that a linear combination of a pair of independent random variables is itself normal. Here the author offers a simple proof, based on analytical geometry, which can be used early in a statistics course.
Chess‐board Combinatorics
Authors: Marcuson Richard
Published: June 2007

This article shows the connection between three combinatorial identities by relating them to the numbers of paths on a chess board.
How Many Regressions?
Authors: Farnum Nicholas R. , Stanton LaVerne W.
Published: June 2007

In this article the authors provide an analysis of exactly how many regression models exist for a given number of variables.
How Large is a Large Sample?
Authors: Dunstan Frank D. J. , Nix A. Barry J.
Published: June 2007

When teaching students about the Central Limit Theorem, it is difficult to give simple guidelines about when its use is justified. We demonstrate that the sample size needed depends to a great extent on the parent distribution and propose a method, based on the use of microcomputers, for helping students to appreciate the theorem and when it can safely be used.
Statistics in High School Science
Authors: Maher Carolyn , Pancari John
Published: June 2007

Exploratory date analysis provides powerful numerical and graphical tools with which to summarise and interpret data. In this article the authors describe their work with students who were given the opportunity to engage in the solution of a real problem in the physics laboratory which requried statistical techniques.
Can Statistics Be Rescued From Mathematics?
Authors: Paton Ray
Published: June 2007

A case is presented for a statistical education in science that emerges from scientific problems rather than one which is constrained by tools and techniques which are already determined. The emphasis is placed on a meaningful understanding of statistical ideas within the context of scientific enquiry. The article concludes with an application of the argument to sixth form biology.
A Probability Distribution With No Memory
Authors: Colwell D. J. , Gillett J. R.
Published: June 2007

This article considers and then illustrates an apparent pardox associated with the exponential distribution, which is known as the “Memoryless Property”.
The Chain Binomial Epidemic Model
Authors: Baczkowski Andrew J.
Published: June 2007

Using a microcomputer enables students to investigate properties of a simple epidemic model which is based upon the binomial distribution.
Rank‐based Statistics in Biotechnology
Authors: Paton Ray
Published: June 2007

A biotechnological method for cell and enzyme immobilisation is outlined and the need for statistical thinking associated with experimental outcomes is discussed. A solution to the statistical issue of comparing sets of data is proposed based on analysis of ranks. The use of the box‐and‐whisker technique is advocated.
Adding a Data Point to a Scatterplot
Authors: Nurhonen Markku , Puntanen Simo
Published: June 2007

Students who have been taught regression properly are certainly familiar with the dangers and curiosities to which the regression analysis leads when only two data points are available. However, one may ask whether students are familiar with the effects of adding a third observation into this data set. The purpose of this article is to illustrate some unexpected phenomena related to this situation using a specific map technique.
Book Reviews
Authors: REDMOND BARBARA M. , GARBUIT JIM , GREEN DAVID
Published: June 2007

Book Reviews in This Article:

Mastering Statistics Second Edition.

From Cooperation to Coordination.

Implications of New Technology for the School Curriculum.
What a Scorcher! An analysis of some temperatures data
Authors: Kimber Alan
Published: June 2007

This article discusses some aspects of a simple additive model for a time series and features the analysis of some recent data on mean monthly temperatures in England and Wales.
Statistical Studies With Diatoms
Authors: Paton Ray
Published: June 2007

A simple method for trapping diatoms (algae) which live in sediments is described. These microscopic plants. which form the basis for many food chains, can be found in very large numbers and so some means for estimating populations is required. Some simple statistical studies are reported, which dealt with large population estimates and were carried out by first form secondary pupils. Suggestions for work with older pupils are also given.
Combinatorics and Number Mazes
Authors: Jones Stephen
Published: June 2007

Two recent articles in Teaching Statistics, by Marcuson (1989) and Goodall (1990), have presented interesting approaches to the teaching of some aspects of combinatorics. This note, based on some work on number maze games generated by a sixth form student, gives an example of using combinatorial ideas in an unusual setting – a multidimensional discrete space – so that both the meanings of these ideas may be fully grasped and the interrelations between the mathematical areas covered can be appreciated.
Accurate Computation of Covariance
Authors: Hombas Vassilios C.
Published: June 2007

Using as a starting point pre‐existing remarks on the discrepancies arising in calculations of statistical quantities from certain formulae because of errors in the means, or the choice of the appropriate formula, the author proposes a scheme by which teachers and students can overcome these difficulties and achieve error‐free results.
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: ROUNCEFIELD MARY , HOLMES PETER , ROUNCEFIELD MARY , GREEN DAVID , HUNT NEVILLE
Published: June 2007

Books Reviewed in this Article:

Statistics For Biologists.

School Census and Resource Pack.

Statistics Concepts and Controversies.

A Question in Dispute.

The Design of Experiments: Statistical principles of practical application.
Part‐time Employment and Performance at A‐level
Authors: Nixon Carol
Published: June 2007

How many sixth‐formers have part‐time paid employment, and does this affect their performance at A‐level? This article describes how one teaching institution set up a project to collect and analyse data in an attempt to find answers to these questions.
Accuracy and Precision
Authors: Anderson Oliver D.
Published: June 2007

Within the framework of a two‐hour interactive lecture, we explore the related ideas of accuracy and precision in calculation. The aim is to show that numerical data must be understood as numbers in a context.
Variability ‐ Does the standard deviation always measure it adequately?
Authors: Pingel Louis A.
Published: June 2007

This article discusses an example where four sets of scores with different patterns of variability have the same standard deviation. It is then shown that different measures of variability lead to different conclusions about which set of scores is most variable.
More Computer Generated Thinking
Authors: Riehl Gerd
Published: June 2007

The graphic presentation of random processes by Markov chains allows an easy access to both, recursive formulae for the distribution and the proof of suppositions about the probabilities appearing within these distributions.
Common Elements Correlation
Authors: Lynch Robert M.
Published: June 2007

This work demonstrates common elements correlation, its extension to negative correlation, and the production of bivariate normal samples for a specified correlation matrix.
Teaching Statistics through Resampling
Authors: Ricketts Chris , Berry John
Published: June 2007

This paper describes experiences of teaching statistics without mathematical theory but using computer‐intensive re‐sampling methods. The method is relevant to statistics teaching at all levels.
Teaching probability
Authors: Bramald Rod
Published: June 2007

This article examines some of the difficulties associated with teaching probability. It is argued that a key difficulty is the lack of transferability of pupils' curriculum based knowledge.
Probability, Intuition and a Spreadsheet
Authors: Graham Alan
Published: June 2007

Probability simulations are a useful way of helping students to challenge their intuitions about chance events. However, tossing dice and coins can be slow and messy, and may mask underlying long‐run patterns. This article provides examples of probability simulations on a spreadsheet which overcome some of these difficulties.
Primary Data
Authors: Bramwell Andrew
Published: June 2007

This article gives a rare insight into the way in which statistical thinking may be introduced in the primary school classroom.
Secondary Students' Concepts of Probability
Authors: Madsen Richard W.
Published: June 2007

Students develop concepts of probability withut formally studying the discipline and some of their concepts are at variance with those taught in the classroom. A sruvey of 200 students in five schools in Missouri was undertaken in an attempt to learn about pre‐conceptions. The results are discussed in this article.
Using IT to Investigate World Statistics
Authors: Hudson Brian
Published: June 2007

This article outlines the development of classroom materials and a number of associated datafiles involving the use of IT.
Exploring Sampling
Authors: Nicholson James
Published: June 2007

This article attempts to integrate the crucial ideas of sampling and estimation in the teaching of linear regression. It won first prize in the recent PSI competition.
An Autumnal Investigation
Authors: Rouncefield Mary
Published: June 2007

This article describes two investigations which arose out of children observing the natural phenomena around them, asking questions about those phenomena and devising their own hypotheses to test.
Odds That Don't Add Up, Revisited
Authors: Quinn Robert J.
Published: June 2007

This article investigates two interesting applications of probability by considering future bets on the Superbowl and the odds of the favoured team winning in a championship series.
Understanding Conditional Probability
Authors: Tomlinson Stephen , Quinn Robert
Published: June 2007

This article offers a new approach to teaching the difficult concept of conditional probability.
Composing Mozart Variations with Dice
Authors: Ruttkay Zsofia
Published: June 2007

This article describes a musical game devised by W.A. Mozart in which dice are used to select randomly from a number of possible arrangements of each bar in a Viennese minuet.
Murphy's Law of Maps
Authors: Matthews Robert A J
Published: June 2007

Using probability theory, I show that the “urban myth” that map locations tend to lie on the edges or down the central crease is based in fact.
The American Statistics Poster Competition
Authors: Moreno Jerry , Schollenberger John
Published: June 2007

This article covers the history and organisation of the American Statistics Poster Competition, and gives our view of what a statistical poster is.
A Look at Randomness in Microsoft Windows Solitaire, or, Using Electronic Games of Chance for Statistics Projects
Authors: Fricker Ronald D
Published: June 2007

The popular computer game Solitaire is used as a vehicle for investigating random number generation. This can form a very good basis for classroom projects.
Reflections on Pat Moran and the Australian Statistical Scene
Authors: Gani Joe
Published: June 2007

A sketch of the development of statistics in Australia is followed by a brief biography of one of the most important pioneers, Pat Moran.
Where do you stand? Notions of the statistical ‘centre’
Authors: Hanley James A , Lippman Abby
Published: June 2007

We present a simple problem that can help highlight the decision‐theoretic properties of various centrality measures. We also illustrate how the ‘centrality’parameters of the classical distributions in statistics would have to be modified if we were constrained to fewer defining principles.
Overlap Probabilities and Delay Detonators
Authors: Diamond Neil T
Published: June 2007

A problem in mining engineering concerning detonators for rock blasting is considered. Simple probability calculations give very useful information about the detonation sequence.
Young Students’Informal Statistical Knowledge
Authors: Putt Ian J. , Jones Graham A. , Thornton Carol A. , Langrall Cynthia W. , Mooney Edward S. , Perry Bob
Published: June 2007

This article reports some results of an informal study of very young children's reactions to some visual displays of data.
Why Rates of Growth of Employment Differ: A Quantitative Approach to an International Comparison
Authors: Piacentini Paolo
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: This essay aims at presenting a quantitative assessment of the incidence of structural differences in output and employment composition, and of differential dynamics of the sectoral production and productivity, in order to explain the divergences in net employment growth in advanced market economies. The point of reference is the extremely divergent record, in terms of employment creation, of the United States on one hand, and Western European countries on the other. In the period 1973‐80, for example, although the average growth rates of GNP were, on a cyclical average, similar in the U. S. A. and the EEC areas as a whole, additional job openings were about 14 million in the USA against less than half a million in the EEC.

A structural, medium‐run differential in the aggregate Employment/GNP elasticity appears to have characterized the performances of these economic systems. The 'source’of this differential are analyzed, utilizing a model of sectoral decomposition of employment and output trends. Simulation exercises are carried out, in order to assess the specific role of productivity, sectoral demand composition and sectoral employment composition, in determining the overall elasticity result. The comparative analysis takes into consideration the differential factors for the USA and Japan, together with the four major Western European countries (German Fed. Rep., France, Italy, and the United Kingdom).
Illegal Immigrants and the Informal Economy in Italy
Authors: Dell'Aringa Carlo , Neri Fabio
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: The present work is divided into three parts. In the first part the (limited) empirical data relevant to the phenomenon in question is presented, that is, the growing illegality of Italian immigration and the illegal work that immigrants are destined to take up. Obviously the illegality of their presence and the íllicitness of the work are, by definition, phenomena which are difficult to quantify. Some estimates, albeit limited to certain regions, are nevertheless available and the picture that emerges is coherent with the present hypothesis. The hypothesis is then explained at a theoretical level, in the second part, where a simple model of general equilibrium is presented, referring to a two‐sector economy with a single good.

The model has the sole aim of illustrating the plausible characteristics of an economy characterised by the phenomenon that this present paper attempts to clarify. In the third part, to give an example, a simulation is put forward, utilising, in the model, values not incoherent with estimates based on Italy as a whole.
Human Resources and Labour Incomes. Demand for Education, Supply of Labour and a Comparison between the Private and Public Sector
Authors: Antonelli Gilberto
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: The present paper, starting from a few theoretical reflections and examining some empirical evidence referring to the Italian context and to the Emilia‐Romagna region, suggests a more circumstantial approach, compared to that prevailing in the economic literature, to the analysis of reproduction of cognitive characteristics of human resources. Specification of upstream and downstream relationships with respect to demand for skills and supply of qualifications, and differentiation of segments comparable to commercial markets from segments comparable to industrial markets, allow us to outline an analysis framework within which human resources reproduction is the outcome of an unbalanced development process.
Occupational Structure and Employment. An International and Interregional Comparison
Authors: Schenkel Marina
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: This paper attempts to describe past experience on the occupational structure and employment in order to better understand what has happened both in major developed countries and in different parts of Italy over the last 20 years. After a brief resumi of other studies on this subject, the occupational structure of the major OECD countries and of the Italian province is examined.

The results of a discriminant analysis carried out indicate that the polarization theory can be considered valid only for industry, but not for the entire economy. Some traditional occupations result as having a positive link with employment development, whereas high‐tech occupations are not significant, or have a negative sign.