bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stata and the WeeW Information System
Authors: Vittorini Pierpaolo , Necozione Stefano , di Orio Ferdinando
Published: November 2018

The need for timely collection and analysis of epidemiological data is becoming of primary importance, e.g., for bioterrorism detection or epidemiological surveillance. Web-based information systems (WISs) may provide the needed technological support. Thus we present the WeeW (workflow-enabled epidemiological wis) system—i.e., a wis that helps epidemiologists, through workflow management, to effectively select remote centers, collect, and process the received data to produce conclusive technical reports. In detail, we show the functionalities of the WeeW system, its architecture, and particularly Stata's role in executing statistical analyses and producing graphs. Furthermore, we discuss the performance of the WeeW–Stata interface. Finally, we outline short conclusions regarding the advantages and drawbacks connected with the proposed solution.
A Shortcut through Long Loops: An Illustration of Two Alternatives to Looping over Observations
Authors: Vanlaar Ward
Published: November 2018

It is well known that looping over observations can be slow and should be avoided. The objective of this article is to discuss two alternative solutions to looping over observations that can be used to overcome a particular data-management problem of merging datasets in which unique key identifiers changed over time. The first alternative, mapch, which is introduced in this article, uses a combination of appending, indexing, and merging to solve the problem, while the second alternative uses repeated merging. Both solutions are much quicker than looping over observations. However, depending on the nature of the problem, one solution may work better than the other. It is argued that the use of such dataset-type manipulations may be suitable to overcome other data-management problems. More generally speaking, the issue that is addressed—searching for an alternative to looping over observations—may be common and illustrates the importance of balancing the costs of developing an efficient solution with the benefits accruing from that solution.
Stata Utilities for Geocoding and Generating Travel Time and Travel Distance Information
Authors: Ozimek Adam , Miles Daniel
Published: November 2018

This article describes geocode and traveltime, two commands that use Google Maps to provide spatial information for data. The geocode command allows users to generate latitude and longitude for various types of locations, including addresses. The traveltime command takes latitude and longitude information and finds travel distances between points, as well as the time it would take to travel that distance by either driving, walking, or using public transportation.
Speaking Stata: Compared with …
Authors: Cox Nicholas J.
Published: November 2018

Many problems in data management center on relating values to values in other observations, either within a dataset as a whole or within groups such as panels. This column reviews some basic Stata techniques helpful for such tasks, including the use of subscripts, summarize, by:, sum(), cond(), and egen. Several techniques exploit the fact that logical expressions yield 1 when true and 0 when false. Dividing by zero to yield missings is revealed as a surprisingly valuable device.
What Hypotheses do “Nonparametric” Two-Group Tests Actually Test?
Authors: Conroy Ronán M.
Published: November 2018

In this article, I discuss measures of effect size for two-group comparisons where data are not appropriately analyzed by least-squares methods. The Mann–Whitney test calculates a statistic that is a very useful measure of effect size, particularly suited to situations in which differences are measured on scales that either are ordinal or use arbitrary scale units. Both the difference in medians and the median difference between groups are also useful measures of effect size.
Speaking Stata: Axis Practice, or What Goes Where on a Graph
Authors: Cox Nicholas J.
Published: November 2018

Conventions about what information goes on each axis of a two-way plot are precisely that, conventions. This column discusses—historically, syntactically, and by example—the idea that flouting convention in various ways can lead to small but useful improvements in graph display. Putting y-axis information on the right or on the top, or putting x-axis information on the top, often is useful. The most substantial examples are for multiple quantile plots, for which the new command multqplot is offered, and table-like graphs, which are made even more table-like by mimicking column headers.
Graphical Augmentations to the Funnel Plot to Assess the Impact of a New Study on an Existing Meta-Analysis
Authors: Crowther Michael J. , Langan Dean , Sutton Alex J.
Published: November 2018

Funnel plots are currently advocated to investigate the presence of publication bias (and other possible sources of bias) in meta-analysis. A previously described augmentation to the funnel plot—to aid its interpretation in assessing publication biases—is the addition of statistical contours indicating regions where studies would have to be for a given level of significance, as implemented in the Stata package confunnel by Palmer et al. (2008, Stata Journal 8: 242–254).

In this article, we describe the implementation of a new range of overlay augmentations to the funnel plot, many described in detail recently by Langan et al. (2012, Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 65: 511–519). The purpose of these overlays is to display the potential impact a new study would have on an existing meta-analysis, providing an indication of the robustness of the meta-analysis to the addition of new evidence. Thus these overlays extend the use of the funnel plot beyond assessments of publication biases. Two main graphical displays are described: 1) statistical significance contours, which define regions of the funnel plot where a new study would have to be located to change the statistical significance of the meta-analysis; and 2) heterogeneity contours, which show how a new study would affect the extent of heterogeneity in a given meta-analysis.

We present the extfunnel command, which implements the methods of Langan et al. (2012, Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 65: 511–519), and, furthermore, we extend the graphical displays to illustrate the impact a new study has on lower and upper confidence interval values and the confidence interval width of the pooled meta-analytic result. We also describe overlays for the impact of a future study on user-defined limits of clinical equivalence. We implement inverse-variance weighted methods by using both explicit formulas for contour lines and a simulation approach optimized in Mata.
Simulating Complex Survival Data
Authors: Crowther Michael J. , Lambert Paul C.
Published: November 2018

Simulation studies are essential for understanding and evaluating both current and new statistical models. When simulating survival times, one often assumes an exponential or Weibull distribution for the baseline hazard function, with survival times generated using the method of Bender, Augustin, and Blettner (2005, Statistics in Medicine 24: 1713–1723). Assuming a constant or monotonic hazard can be considered too simplistic and can lack biological plausibility in many situations. We describe a new user-written command, survsim, which allows the user to simulate survival times from two-component parametric mixture models, providing much more flexibility in the underlying hazard. Standard parametric distributions can also be used, including the exponential, Weibull, and Gompertz. Furthermore, survival times can be simulated from the all-cause distribution of cause-specific hazards for competing risks by using the method of Beyersmann et al. (2009, Statistics in Medicine 24: 956–971). A multinomial distribution is used to create the event indicator, whereby the probability of experiencing each event at a simulated time t is the cause-specific hazard divided by the all-cause hazard evaluated at time t. Baseline covariates can be included in all scenarios. We also describe the extension to incorporate nonproportional hazards in standard parametric and competing-risks scenarios.
Copula-Based Maximum-Likelihood Estimation of Sample-Selection Models
Authors: Hasebe Takuya
Published: November 2018

I describe the commands heckmancopula and switchcopula, which implement copula-based maximum-likelihood estimations of sample-selection models.
Importing Chinese Historical Stock Market Quotations from NetEase
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Li Chuntao
Published: November 2018

In this article, we describe a command, cntrade, that imports historical stock quotations from NetEase, a key Chinese website for stocks listed on China's two exchanges.
A Stata Package for the Application of Semiparametric Estimators of Dose–Response Functions
Authors: Bia Michela , Flores Carlos A. , Flores-Lagunes Alfonso , Mattei Alessandra
Published: November 2018

In many observational studies, the treatment may not be binary or categorical but rather continuous, so the focus is on estimating a continuous dose– response function. In this article, we propose a set of programs that semiparametrically estimate the dose–response function of a continuous treatment under the unconfoundedness assumption. We focus on kernel methods and penalized spline models and use generalized propensity-score methods under continuous treatment regimes for covariate adjustment. Our programs use generalized linear models to estimate the generalized propensity score, allowing users to choose between alternative parametric assumptions. They also allow users to impose a common support condition and evaluate the balance of the covariates using various approaches. We illustrate our routines by estimating the effect of the prize amount on subsequent labor earnings for Massachusetts lottery winners, using data collected by Imbens, Rubin, and Sacerdote (2001, American Economic Review, 778–794).
The Bmte Command: Methods for the Estimation of Treatment Effects when Exclusion Restrictions are Unavailable
Authors: McCarthy Ian , Millimet Daniel , Tchernis Rusty
Published: November 2018

We present a new Stata command, bmte (bias-minimizing treatment effects), that implements two new estimators proposed in Millimet and Tchernis (2013, Journal of Applied Econometrics 28: 982–1017) and designed to estimate the effect of treatment when selection on unobserved variables exists and appropriate exclusion restrictions are unavailable. In addition, the bmte command estimates treatment effects from several alternative estimators that also do not rely on exclusion restrictions for identification of the causal effects of the treatment, including the following: 1) Heckman's two-step estimator (1976, Annals of Economic and Social Measurement 5: 475–492; 1979, Econometrica 47: 153–161); 2) a control function approach outlined in Heckman, LaLonde, and Smith (1999, Handbook of Labor Economics 3: 1865–2097) and Navarro (2008, The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics [Palgrave Macmillan]); and 3) a more recent estimator proposed by Klein and Vella (2009, Journal of Applied Econometrics 24: 735–762) that exploits heteroskedasticity for identification. By implementing two new estimators alongside preexisting estimators, the bmte command provides a picture of the average causal effects of the treatment across a variety of assumptions. We present an example application of the command following Millimet and Tchernis (2013, Journal of Applied Econometrics 28: 982–1017).
The Chi-Squared Goodness-of-Fit Test for Count-Data Models
Authors: Manjón Miguel , Martínez Oscar
Published: November 2018

In this article, we discuss the implementation of Andrews's (1988a, Journal of Econometrics 37: 135–156; 1988b, Econometrica 56: 1419–1453) chi-squared goodness-of-fit test as a postestimation command. The new command chi2gof reports the test statistic, its degrees of freedom, and its p-value. chi2gof can be used after the poisson, nbreg, zip, and zinb commands.
Fixed-Effect Panel Threshold Model using Stata
Authors: Wang Qunyong
Published: November 2018

Threshold models are widely used in macroeconomics and financial analysis for their simple and obvious economic implications. With these models, however, estimation and inference is complicated by the existence of nuisance parameters. To combat this issue, Hansen (1999, Journal of Econometrics 93: 345–368) proposed the fixed-effect panel threshold model. In this article, I introduce a new command (xthreg) for implementing this model. I also use Monte Carlo simulations to show that, although the size distortion of the threshold-effect test is small, the coverage rate of the confidence interval estimator is unsatisfactory. I include an example on financial constraints (originally from Hansen [1999, Journal of Econometrics 93: 345–368]) to further demonstrate the use of xthreg.
Review of Alan Acock's Discovering Structural Equation Modeling Using Stata, Revised Edition
Authors: Williams Richard
Published: November 2018

In this article, I review Discovering Structural Equation Modeling Using Stata, Revised Edition, by Alan Acock (2013 [Stata Press]).
Studying Coincidences with Network Analysis and Other Multivariate Tools
Authors: Escobar Modesto
Published: November 2018

In this article, I introduce a new user-written command (coin) to study data structures. coin is founded on a combination of statistical and social network analyses. The purpose of this procedure is to ascertain the most frequent events in a given set of scenarios and to study the relationships between them. coin uses a variety of procedures, such as multidimensional scaling, principal components analysis, correspondence analysis, biplot representations, agglomeration techniques, and network analysis algorithms. Because of this, it works with dichotomous variables and can be applied to the exploratory analysis of questionnaires, the study of textual networks, the review of database contents, and the comparison of different statistical analyses of interdependence.
Regression Models for Bivariate Count Outcomes
Authors: Xu Xinling , Hardin James W.
Published: November 2018

We present a new command, bivcnto, for fitting regression models suitable for analyzing correlated count outcomes. bivcnto allows specification of two correlated count outcomes with either two outcome-specific covariate lists or one common covariate list and fits models using a copula function approach in the general case or using specific parameterizations by Marshall and Olkin (1985, Journal of the American Statistical Association 80: 332–338) or Famoye (2010a, Journal of Applied Statistics 37: 969–981; 2010b, Statistica Neerlandica 64: 112–124). bivcnto also calculates a likelihood-ratio test comparing the joint model with estimation of two independent outcome-specific models.
Abadie's Semiparametric Difference-in-differences Estimator
Authors: Houngbedji Kenneth
Published: November 2018

The difference-in-differences estimator measures the effect of a treatment or policy intervention by comparing change over time of the outcome variable across treatment groups. To interpret the estimate as a causal effect, this strategy requires that, in the absence of the treatment, the outcome variable followed the same trend in treated and untreated groups. This assumption may be implausible if selection for treatment is correlated with characteristics that affect the dynamic of the outcome variable. In this article, I describe the command asdid, which implements the semiparametric difference-in-differences (SDID) estimator of Abadie (2005, Review of Economic Studies 72: 1–19). The SDID is a reweighing technique that addresses the imbalance of characteristics between treated and untreated groups. Hence, it makes the parallel trend assumption more credible. In addition, the SDID estimator allows the use of covariates to describe how the average effect of the treatment varies for different groups of the treated population.
Versatile Tests for Comparing Survival Curves Based on Weighted Log-rank Statistics
Authors: Karrison Theodore G.
Published: November 2018

The log-rank test is perhaps the most commonly used nonparametric method for comparing two survival curves and yields maximum power under proportional hazards alternatives. While the assumption of proportional hazards is often reasonable, it need not hold. Several authors have therefore developed versatile tests using combinations of weighted log-rank statistics that are more sensitive to nonproportional hazards. Fleming and Harrington (1991, Counting Processes and Survival Analysis, Wiley) consider the family of Gρ statistics and their supremum versions, while Lee (1996, Biometrics 52: 721-725) and Lee (2007, Computational Statistics and Data Analysis 51: 6557-6564) propose tests based on the more extended Gρ,γ family. In this article, I consider Zm = max(| Z1 |, |Z2|, | Z3|), where Z1, Z2, and Z3 are z statistics obtained from G0,0, G1,0, and G0,1 tests, respectively. G0,0 corresponds to the log-rank test, while G1,0 and G0,1 are more sensitive to early and late-difference alternatives. I conduct a simulation study to compare the performance of Zm with the log-rank test, the more optimally weighted test, and Lee's (2007) tests, under the null hypothesis, proportional hazards, early difference, and late-difference alternatives. Results indicate that the method based on Zm maintains the type I error rate, provides increased power relative to the log-rank test under early difference and late-difference alternatives, and entails only a small to moderate power loss compared with the more optimally chosen test. I apply the procedure to two datasets reported in the literature, both of which exhibit nonproportional hazards. Versatile tests such as Zm may be useful in clinical trial settings where there is concern that the treatment effect may not conform to the proportional hazards assumption. I also describe the syntax for a Stata command, verswlr, to implement the method.
Biasplot: A Package to Effective Plots to Assess Bias and Precision in Method Comparison Studies
Authors: Taffé Patrick , Peng Mingkai , Stagg Vicki , Williamson Tyler
Published: November 2018

Bland and Altman's (1986, Lancet 327: 307–310) limits of agreement have been used in many clinical research settings to assess agreement between two methods of measuring a quantitative characteristic. However, when the variances of the measurement errors of the two methods differ, limits of agreement can be misleading. biasplot implements a new statistical methodology that Taffé (Forthcoming, Statistical Methods in Medical Research) recently developed to circumvent this issue and assess bias and precision of the two measurement methods (one is the reference standard, and the other is the new measurement method to be evaluated). biasplot produces three new plots introduced by Taffé: the “bias plot”, “precision plot”, and “comparison plot”. These help the investigator visually evaluate the performance of the new measurement method. In this article, we introduce the user-written command biasplot and present worked examples using simulated data included with the package. Note that the Taffé method assumes there are several measurements from the reference standard and possibly as few as one measurement from the new method for each individual.
Generalized Maximum Entropy Estimation of Linear Models
Authors: Corral Paul , Kuehn Daniel , Jabir Ermengarde
Published: November 2018

In this article, we describe the user-written gmentropylinear command, which implements the generalized maximum entropy estimation method for linear models. This is an information-theoretic procedure preferable to its maximum likelihood counterparts in many applications; it avoids making distributional assumptions, works well when the sample is small or covariates are highly correlated, and is more efficient than its maximum likelihood equivalent. We give a brief introduction to the generalized maximum entropy procedure, present the gmentropylinear command, and give an example using the command.
Estimating Measures of Multidimensional Poverty with Stata
Authors: Pacifico Daniele , Poege Felix
Published: November 2018

In this article, we describe the multidimensional poverty measures developed by Alkire and Foster (2011, Journal of Public Economics 95: 476–487) and show how they can be computed with Stata by using the mpi command.
Evaluating the Maximum MSE of Mean Estimators with Missing Data
Authors: Manski Charles F. , Tabord-Meehan Max
Published: November 2018

In this article, we present the wald_mse command, which computes the maximum mean squared error of a user-specified point estimator of the mean for a population of interest in the presence of missing data. As pointed out by Manski (1989, Journal of Human Resources 24: 343–360; 2007, Journal of Econometrics 139: 105–115), the presence of missing data results in the loss of point identification of the mean unless one is willing to make strong assumptions about the nature of the missing data. Despite this, decision makers may be interested in reporting a single number as their estimate of the mean as opposed to an estimate of the identified set. It is not obvious which estimator of the mean is best suited to this task, and there may not exist a universally best choice in all settings. To evaluate the performance of a given point estimator of the mean, wald_mse allows the decision maker to compute the maximum mean squared error of an arbitrary estimator under a flexible specification of the missing-data process.
Unit-root Tests Based on Forward and Reverse Dickey–Fuller Regressions
Authors: Otero Jesús , Baum Christopher F.
Published: November 2018

In this article, we present the command adfmaxur, which computes the Leybourne (1995, Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics 57: 559–571) unit-root statistic for different numbers of observations and the number of lags of the dependent variable in the test regressions. The latter can be either specified by the user or endogenously determined. We illustrate the use of adfmaxur with an empirical example.
An improved corner detection algorithm used in video statistics
Authors: Wanchun Sun , Jianxun Zhang
Published: November 2018

In order to address the difficult problem to determine the number of populations, this paper improves the algorithm based on the Harris point detection algorithm, and the number of people is returned through the first-order linear regression model. First of all, according to the shortcomings of Harris corner algorithm in population statistics, an adaptive gray difference idea is proposed, and the concept of integral image is introduced to overcome its defects in noise immunity and real-time operation. Secondly, in view of the large error generated in the process of population statistics in the first-order static model, a dynamic linear model regression method is proposed. In this method, it is believed that there is certain proportionality coefficient between each frame of corner points and the number of people with the change of time, and this coefficient has certain correlation with the angle points in the previous frame and current frame. At the same time, in order to eliminate the number of redundant corners generated in the corner statistics process, the frame difference method is used to filter the stationary point. Finally, the number of people is returned through first-order linear model.
Long term survival after early unloading with Impella CP® in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock
Authors: Loehn Tobias , O’Neill William W , Lange Bjoern , Pfluecke Christian , Schweigler Tina , Mierke Johannes , Waessnig Nadine , Mahlmann Adrian , Youssef Akram , Speiser Uwe , Strasser Ruth H , Ibrahim Karim
Published: November 2018

Background:

The use of percutaneous left ventricular assist devices in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) is evolving. The aim of the study was to assess the long-term outcome of patients with AMICS depending on early initiation of Impella CP® support prior to a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent PCI and Impella CP® support between 2014 and 2016 for AMICS at our institution. We compared survival to discharge between those with support initiation before (pre-PCI) and after (post-PCI) PCI.

Results:

A total of 73 consecutive patients (69±12 years old, 27.4% female) were supported with Impella CP® and underwent PCI for AMICS (34 pre-PCI vs. 39 post-PCI). All patients were admitted with cardiogenic shock, and 58.9% sustained cardiac arrest. Survival at discharge was 35.6%. Compared with the post-PCI group, patients in the pre-PCI group had more lesions treated ( p=0.03), a higher device weaning rate ( p=0.005) and higher survival to discharge as well as to 30 and 90 days after device implantation, respectively (50.0% vs. 23.1%, 48.5% vs. 23.1%, 46.9 vs. 20.5%, p < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a higher survival at one year (31.3% vs. 17.6%, log-rank p-value=0.03) in the pre-PCI group. Impella support initiation before PCI was an independent predictor of survival up to 180 days after device implantation.

Conclusions:

In this small, single-centre, non-randomized study Impella CP® initiation prior to PCI was associated with higher survival rates at discharge and up to one year in AMICS patients presenting with high risk for in-hospital mortality.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Placenta Previa Complicated by Placenta Percreta
Authors: Lu Desiree
Published: November 2018

Placenta previa is one of the most common complications in pregnancy. A partial or complete obstruction of the internal cervical os prevents a normal vaginal delivery. It can be further complicated by placenta accreta. Accreta, increta, and percreta are the three types of placental accreta identified and involve different layers of uterine myometrium. Of these types, percreta is the most invasive, invading through the myometrium to the uterine serosa and potentially affecting surrounding organs or tissues. The prevalence of accreta is increased with those who have a history of cesarean sections. This case study demonstrates how color and gray-scale sonography are a reliable imaging method for identifying placenta previa and accreta.
A rare case of a giant arterio-venous fistula (AVF) following metastatic choriocarcinoma conditioning pulmonary embolism: multimodal transcatheter embolization using a simultaneous transarterial and transvenous approach
Authors: Venturini Massimo , Bergamini Alice , Colarieti Anna , Petrone Micaela , Marra Paolo , Rabaiotti Emanuela , Mangili Giorgia , Candiani Massimo , Del Maschio Alessandro , De Cobelli Francesco
Published: November 2018

Background

Choriocarcinoma is a highly malignant tumor but with a good prognosis due to the valid response to systemic chemotherapy. We present a case of a young woman affected by a giant pelvic arterio-venous fistula following a metastatic gestational choriocarcinoma, conditioning metrorrhagia and pulmonary embolism, successfully treated by multimodal transcatheter embolization, using a simultaneous transarterial and transvenous approach.

Case presentation

In a young patient affected by choriocarcinoma and metrorrhagia, a computed tomography showed a giant arterio-venous fistula, pulmonary metastases and embolism. A transfemoral diagnostic arteriography showed a giant arterio-venous fistula sustained by right and left hypogastric arteries with early opacification of the right gonadal vein and of the inferior vena cava. A transarterial embolization of the distal branches of hypogastric arteries with poly-vinyl-alcohol particles, coils and Squid was performed. A transfemoral phlebography of the right gonadal vein showed multiple thrombi, responsible of the pulmonary embolism. An Amplatzer plug via trans-jugular was finally placed at the confluence of the gonadal vein in the vena cava, to reduce arterio-venous fistula out-flow and to occlude the vein, preventing further episodes of pulmonary embolism. Metrorrhagia progressively disappeared. A second transarterial embolization combined with a complete response to systemic chemotherapy determined arterio-venous fistula resolution.

Conclusions

This was a very rare case of a giant pelvic arterio-venous fistula following choriocarcinoma in a patient symptomatic for metrorrhagia with an accidental finding of pulmonary embolism at computed tomography. A transcatheter embolization was successfully performed with different embolic materials, using a simultaneous transarterial and transvenous approach: the goal was not only to obtain metrorrhagia resolution but also to avoid a massive pulmonary embolism, a potential life threatening condition, in a young woman affected by a highly malignant tumor but with a good prognosis.
Research roundup: November 2018
Authors: Seal Joanne , Odd Dawn , Willis Angela
Published: November 2018

In this section, a range of brief synopses of recently published articles that may be of interest to health visitors is presented. The aim of this roundup is to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Childhood disorders: Cystic fibrosis
Authors: Tinsley Elizabeth
Published: November 2018

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, leading to lung infections and problems with digesting food. CF is most commonly picked up in the UK via the newborn screening heel prick test. The onset of symptoms varies from child to child but usually begins in early childhood. The symptoms worsen over time with the lungs and digestive system becoming damaged.
Pulmonary rehabilitation: Clinical review and first-hand experience
Authors: Bott Julia , Dawson Val
Published: November 2018

Julia Bott explains the health benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation for patients living with chronic lung conditions, and emphasises the need for it to become a first-line therapy. Practice nurses can, and should, take an active role in referring eligible patients

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a first-line therapy for patients with chronic lung disease that provides both physical and emotional benefits to patients, and significant effects on healthcare outcomes. Practice nurses have a key role to play in the success of this therapy by engaging actively in the identification and referral of patients; by clearly informing the patient of the expected experience and outcomes; and by motivating the patient to attend, engage and complete the programme.
More eyes, different eyes
Authors: Leishman Donna
Published: November 2018

In this article I survey the current status quo in UK illustration education, and argue the case for a pragmatic and culturally porous approach to theory within illustration education. The pragmatic approach allows illustrators to see themselves as a form of social scientist, ethno/anthropologist, community activist or facilitator for change – a constructive move that directly mirrors broader diffuse changes in the design sector. The article ends by discussing notions such as the ‘public intellectual’ and ‘perspectival seeing,’ and concludes that as an international discipline the illustration community can offer much-needed new discourse and perspectives.
Precision and accuracy in moisture content determination of wood fuel chips using a handheld electric capacitance moisture meter
Authors: Fridh Lars , Eliasson Lars , Bergström Dan
Published: November 2018

According to the Swedish Timber Measurement Act, measurements affecting payments for wood fuels to landowners must be accurate and precise. In this regard, moisture content is an important quality parameter for wood chips which influences the net calorific value as received and thus the economic value. As standard practice moisture content is determined with the oven-drying method, which is cumbersome to use for deliveries to facilities without drying-ovens, which in turn necessitates that samples are taken elsewhere for measurement. An alternative solution is to use a portable moisture meter. Our aim was to evaluate the precision of a handheld capacitance moisture meter. Accuracy and precision of a capacitance meter was determined in the lab and a calibration function was made. Thereafter, the calibrated moisture meter was compared with the standard method for moisture content determination of truckloads of chips. The capacitance meter showed a moderate accuracy by underestimating moisture content by 6.0 percentage points (pp), compared to the reference method, at a precision of Â±3.8 pp (CI 95%). For chips with Mâ>â50%, both accuracy and precision decreased. Calibration increased the accuracy in the follow up study by 3 pp for chips with Mâ<â50% but could not be made for wetter chips. The oven-drying method and the capacitance meter can provide equally accurate estimates of mean moisture content for chips with Mâ<â50% if a larger sample is taken with the latter. It should be possible to use capacitance meters to measure moisture content even when used to calculate payments depending of the needed accuracy. A calibration function for each assortment is needed.
Strong uniform consistency rates of conditional quantile estimation in the single functional index model under random censorship
Authors: Kadiri Nadia , Rabhi Abbes , Bouchentouf Amina Angelika
Published: November 2018

The main objective of this paper is to non-parametrically estimate the quantiles of a conditional distribution in the censorship model when the sample is considered as an -mixing sequence. First of all, a kernel type estimator for the conditional cumulative distribution function (cond-cdf) is introduced. Afterwards, we estimate the quantiles by inverting this estimated cond-cdf and state the asymptotic properties when the observations are linked with a single-index structure. The pointwise almost complete convergence and the uniform almost complete convergence (with rate) of the kernel estimate of this model are established. This approach can be applied in time series analysis.
Warum sprechen Menschen mit Maschinen?
Authors: Roser Andreas
Published: November 2018

Menschen sprechen mit Maschinen, weil diese – für zahllose Verständigungszwecke – offenbar die Kommunikationspartner erster Wahl sind: Sprachroboter kommunizieren ohne Ansehen der Person mit allen Konsumenten auf vergleichbar verständige und konsensorientierte Weise. Es sind Maschinen, deren Verständigung mit uns gewaltfrei, thematisch offen und zeitlich unbegrenzt möglich ist. Sprachroboter leisten, was von Menschen nur in einer idealtypischen und kontrafaktischen Form der Verständigung zu erwarten wäre. Dass Habermas die Theorie des kommunikativen Handelns nicht der Gefahr ausgesetzt sah, auch auf die Verständigung mit Maschinen anwendbar zu sein, hat nicht-triviale Folgen für deren Anwendungsanalyse.
Wie verbessern Wissensmanagement und Open Data die Arzneimittelentwicklung und ‑zulassung?
Authors: Gül Rukiye
Published: November 2018

Die Arzneimittelindustrie steht vor enormen Herausforderungen. Zum einen ist sie konfron-tiert mit immer höheren Forschungs- und Entwicklungskosten sowie strengen nationalen Regulierungsvorschriften, zum anderen muss sie mit der Innovationsgeschwindigkeit Schritt halten. Der Bedarf nach innovativen, schnell verfügbaren Arzneimitteln wächst. Die Zulassungsbehörden wiederum müssen entsprechend ihren personellen Ressourcen und dem zur Verfügung stehenden Wissen neue Arzneimittel bewerten und zulassen. Durch die Nutzung und Integration von Wissensmanagement und Open Data könnten bisher nicht genutzte Potenziale positive Auswirkungen auf die Innovationsfähigkeit und den beschleunigten Zugang zu Arzneimitteln haben. Erfolge zeigen sich durch bereits umgesetzte und implementierte Wissensmanagementelemente, wie die internationale Harmonisierung von Bewertungskriterien für die Zulassung von Arzneimitteln, eine einheitliche Standardisierung der medizinischen Terminologie sowie das elektronische Common Technical Document (eCTD), ein einheitliches und zielgerichtetes elektronisches Format für die Einreichung von Zulassungsanträgen. Durch diese Maßnahmen und die gegenseitige Anerkennung von Bewertungsberichten der Zulassungsbehörden anderer Mitgliedsländer in der EU konnten Zeitersparnisse erzielt und Doppelarbeiten vermieden werden. Eine systematische und strukturierte Integration und Vernetzung des internen und externen Wissens und der Einsatz von Open Data lassen sich allerdings nur dann realisieren, wenn funktionierende Modelle zur Verfügung stehen, die den Interessen aller Partner genügen und die Schutz- und Eigentumsrechte mitberücksichtigen. Die Virtual Knowledge Bank ist so ein Modell. Hierbei handelt es sich um eine virtuelle Wissensbank für das gemeinsame Data Sharing von Studiendaten. Der Einsatz von Wissensmanagementmaßnahmen soll zu einer Verbesserung des Wissenstransfers zwischen Industrie und Aufsichtsbehörden führen sowie zu einer besseren Zusammenarbeit zwischen Inspektoren und klinischen Studienprüfern beitragen.
Performance Analysis of Distributed Raman Amplifier Using Different Pumping Methods in DWDM Communication Systems
Authors: Saifuddin Shameem , Sivasubramanian A
Published: November 2018

The objective of this work is to investigate and compare the impact of forward, backward and bidirectional pumping methods in repeater less distributed Raman fiber amplifier system and to analyze its benefits in long haul optical communication links. The effect of different pump wavelengths and pump powers are also analyzed. By adjusting the forward pump power as well as backward pump powers carefully, the transmission performance can be improved. The pump power ratio is adjusted to 20% so that the degradation of signal due to non-linear effect is reduced. The distributed gain and pump penetration depth for different pump power ratios are also examined. A comparison of different pumping methods reveals that bidirectional pumping gives the optimum performance in terms of higher gain and lower noise figure when compared to single pumps and unidirectional pumping. Low pump power ratios lead to better transmission performance than higher pump ratios due to lesser non-linear effects. The simulation results indicate that signal power evolution decreases with the increase in length of the fiber. It is also found that the pump power is more relevant during the first 50 km of the distributed fiber line and it decreases as it goes beyond 100 km. By choosing the optimum pumping methods and number of pumps, Raman Amplifiers can be used in almost all places where optical amplifiers are required.
Effect of different priming treatments and priming durations on melon germination behavior under suboptimal conditions
Authors: Castañares J. L. , Bouzo C. A.
Published: November 2018

The objective of this work was to compare the effect of different priming osmotic agents and durations on melon germination in: 1) low temperature stress; 2) saline stress; and 3) low temperature and saline stress. The osmotic agents were polyethylene glycol 6000, KNO3+K3PO4, CaCl2 and NaCl, with -1.5 MPa osmotic potential. Priming durations were 3 and 6 days (d). Germination percentage (GP) and mean germination time (MGT) were measured. At 12°C the best GP was 14% with CaCl2/3-d, without germination in control. At 25°C the best GP was 100% with CaCl2/3-d. MGT was reduced one day. At -0.7 MPa GP was 100% with CaCl2/3-d and NaCl 3d. At -1.0 MPa the best GP were 46 and 50% for 3d with NaCl and CaCl2respectively without germination in control treatment. At 12°C and -1.0 MPa the best GP were CaCl2/3-d and CaCl2/3-d (14 and 10% respectively). It is concluded that at 12°C, the increase in GP would not justify the use of priming. At 25°C priming increased GP and reduced MGT. At -0.7 MPa priming increased germination, while at -1.0 MPa the increase is not agronomical considerable. At 12°C and -1.0 MPa the increase of germination is not agronomical important.
The use of 2.0 marketing on websites of Croatian children´s and youth publishers
Authors: Oštrički Ivana
Published: November 2018

Digital technology is an important constituent of day-to-day life of the Net Geners, a generation born and growing up in an entirely different media and communication context in comparison to any other generation before. Traditional marketing strategies of publishers need to be revised in order to encompass information habits and competences of the new generation. Don Tapscott conducted an extensive survey of everyday habits of this generation and identified eight norms used in its activities: freedom, customization, scrutiny, integrity, collaboration, entertainment, speed, and innovation. The Net Geners wish to have an active role in creating new products and in making decisions related to the value of products. They are prosumers on whom guerrilla marketing doesn´t exert a great influence, instead, they discuss a product with friends and new young influencers in online communities (n-fluence networks). Tapscott suggests applying the concept of a 2.0 (ABCDE) marketing based on the consumer behaviour of the new generation – anyplace, brand, communication, discovery, experience.

This paper analyses websites of 14 Croatian children´s and youth publishers in view of the implementation of the 2.0 marketing principles and their orientation on that segment of population. The aim of the paper is to pinpoint the shortcomings in the design and functions of the publishers’ websites related to the communication with children and youth and their active involvement in the publishing business. The results of the survey could contribute to the identification of suitable communication strategies for the Net Geners. Before analysing Croatian websites, an analysis was conducted of five British publishers with a longstanding tradition, which suggests high quality of their business organisation. The data collected was used to identify the 2.0 marketing principles on Croatian publishers’ websites: social engagement, branding, additional content, customization, an interface adapted to new generations, online communities, and social networks.

Croatian publishers’ websites stimulate communication with children and youth only insufficiently. The publishers did not recognize the importance of n-fluence networks, the creation of new online communities or connecting with the existing ones. There is a lack of stimulating an active inclusion of this population segment in the creation of publishing products and in establishing their value, as well as the lack of  building a consumer’s experience. The publishers should therefore collaborate with experts on education of children,  but should also focus on the members of the Net Geners, especially those who have an influence on cultural and entertainment habits of that generation.
Estatuas animadas y autómatas en la Literatura Juvenil de Carmen Martín Gaite y Óscar Esquivias
Authors: Núñez de la Fuente Sara
Published: November 2018

El motivo literario del autómata ha ido adquiriendo a lo largo de la historia diferentes enfoques en función de las corrientes de pensamiento de cada época. En los mitos de creación es frecuente que los dioses insuflen vida a figuras de barro. Sin embargo, en la Edad Media, el ser humano también se revela como portador de vida gracias a la fascinación que le producen las figuras. El siglo XVIII comienza con una actitud favorable frente al desarrollo técnico y en cuanto a la creación de vida artificial pero, con la llegada del Romanticismo, se abre otra perspectiva. La idea del determinismo humano provoca reflexiones sobre la libertad del autómata, que se presenta como un símil de la propia situación, y en la literatura se trasluce una visión negativa. Por otro lado, en el siglo XX, el motivo gira en torno a los perjuicios de la industrialización y la automatización del ser humano. En la literatura juvenil de Carmen Martín Gaite y Óscar Esquivias los autómatas presentan características que recuerdan a la corrientes de algunos momentos de la historia pero también se observan particularidades que los convierten en personajes originales, únicos y merecedores de un análisis individual.
Environmental and demographic determinants of dengue incidence in Brazil
Authors: Johansen Igor Cavallini , Carmo Roberto Luiz do , Alves Luciana Correia , Dias Bueno Maria Do Carmo
Published: November 2018

Objetivo Analizar la distribución espacial de los casos de dengue dentro de un área urbana en el estado de Sao Paulo, sudeste de Brasil.Métodos Basados en una metodología creada por los autores, se organizaron los datos del censo brasileño de 2010 en una malla regular de 250x250 metros cada célula. Esta célula fue la unidad de análisis. En seguida, fueran gecodificadas todas las 1 688 residencias de los casos de dengue registrados en 2013 en la ciudad de Caraguatatuba para calcular la tasa de incidencia por célula. La variable dependiente fue la tasa de incidencia del dengue y las variables independientes fueron clasificadas en dos tipos: ambientales y sociodemográficas. Finalmente se realizó una Regresión Binomial Negativa Inflada con Ceros utilizando el software R.Resultados El análisis estadístico mostró una asociación entre la tasa de incidencia del dengue y la variable ambiental proximidad de puntos estratégicos (depósitos de chatarra, talleres de reparación de neumáticos y depósitos de materiales reciclables). El dengue también se asoció a las variables sociodemográficas proporción de hogares con ingreso per cápita de hasta 3 salarios mínimos, proporción de personas no blancas y de hogares que no sean propiedad.Conclusión Se concluyó que el dengue tiene un conjunto múltiple de factores relacionados con la aparición de sus epidemias. En el contexto de esta complejidad, los resultados sugieren que esta enfermedad infecciosa está condicionada socialmente, ya que es más probable que llegue a grupos de población con características específicas, especialmente aquellos con un nivel socioeconómico bajo.
Familia y escuela: contextos asociados al inicio de la actividad sexual de los adolescentes colombianos
Authors: Docal-Millán María Del Carmen , Cabrera-García Victoria Eugenia , Manrique Mora Luz Mery , Cortés Piraquive Juana Margarita , Tobón Aguilar Clara Marcela
Published: November 2018

Objetivo Analizar los factores educativos como la supervisión y el apoyo de los padres; así como el tipo de educación, diferenciada y no diferenciada, y su relación con el inicio de la actividad sexual de adolescentes escolarizados.Materiales y Métodos Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, explicativo transversal, con 522 participantes entre 12 y 18 años de edad. Se aplicó una prueba de 26 preguntas que evaluaron algunas prácticas parentales, el tipo de educación y el inicio de la actividad sexual. El análisis se realizó en el programa SPSS versión 23. Cada participante formalizó el consentimiento informado garantizando la confidencialidad en los datos.Resultados Se encontraron diferencias significativas en el inicio de la actividad sexual de acuerdo con el tipo de educación y la edad. Según el tipo de familia no se encontraron diferencias. Los padres de familia de educación diferenciada supervisan más que los de educación mixta. A mayor edad del adolescente, mayor apoyo del papá y menor supervisión de éste, se incrementa la probabilidad de tener relaciones sexuales en la adolescencia. En contexto de educación mixta se encontró una proporción mayor de adolescentes que habían iniciado su actividad sexual.Conclusiones Se resalta la importancia de la participación del padre en la educación de los hijos para posponer el inicio de la actividad sexual, como práctica saludable. A menor supervisión parental y a mayor edad del adolescente se espera mayor inicio de la actividad sexual. Inician más temprano los adolescentes de educación mixta, supervisan más las mamás de educación diferenciada.