bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A ­ Efficient Block Designs for Slope Ratio Assays
Authors: Dey Ashish Das, Aloke , Gupta Sudhir 
Published: August 2016

A-efficient proper block designs for estimating blank and intersection contrasts are obtained for slope ratio assays. It turns out that a non-equireplicate design is more efficient than the best equireplicate design, whenever an equireplicate design is feasible. Some Aefficient designs are tabulated. AMS(2000) Subject Classification: 62K05, 62K10.
Identifying Cross-Reactive Pollen Allergens : An Empirical Approach
Authors: Banerjee Tathagata , Bhattacharya Sabyasachi , Roy Indrani , Chatterjee Soma 
Published: August 2016

Twenty airborne pollen grains and fungal spores prevalent in the air during February to June in and around Kolkata, India were found to have caused most of the allergy related respiratory illness among 100 atopic paients who visited the allergy clinic of the Institute of Child Health, Kolkata. They were subjected to the skin prick tests(SPT) using extracts from the allergens selected in accordance with the patient's history. Strongly cross­reactive allergens are expected to show similar reactions with respect to wheal diameters when applied to a given patient. An exploratory data analysis of wheal diameters is proposed to discover the groups of cross reactive allergens. Cluster analysis of wheal diameters is carried out to identify the groups of cross reactive allergens. It is well known that the same data set may produce altogether different clusters if different clustering methods are applied or different measures of dissimilarities are used. As such the clusters produceed by a single method and a single measure of dissimilarity cannot be relied upon. There always is a chance of false discovery of crqss­reactive allergens in an approach like this. Keeping this in view three clustering methods each with two dissimilarity measures are applied on the same SPT data set. The relative frequency of occurrence of a cluster is taken as a measure of confidence on the inference. Four clusters of strongly cross­reactive allergens are identified among the twenty pollen allergens considered. Identification of the of cross­reactive pollen allergens by using an empirical approach proposed in this paper may help the doctors in the allergy clinic to decide on the doses and number of pollen extracts to be used for immunotherapy. Such an approach results in considerable savings of time and cost. Also the discovery of groups of cross­reactive pollen allergens by such an empirical method may serve as a putative hypothesis for the medical researchers to be confirmed by biochemical experiments.
Estimation in Multi-Stage Sampling with Partially Missing First Stage Units
Authors: Chaudhuri Arijit 
Published: August 2016

Summary It is a practical problem to suitably estimate a finite population total providing an estimate of its measure of error when a sample is taken in multistages but some of the chosen first-stage units cannot be covered. Presuming the misses to occur at random, certain estimators of total along with estimators of their measures uf error are derived covering varying probability sampling.
Generalisation of Latin Square Type Association Scheme and Related Factorial Designs
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sanjoy , Das Premadhis , Mandal Nripes Kumar 
Published: August 2016

Summary In this paper Latin Square type association scheme has been generalized and on the basis of this association scheme, a class of designs having orthogonal factorial structure and partial balance has been introduced. Some of its wmbinatorial properties have also been studied.
Bayes Estimation of Measures of Effectiveness in an M/M/1 Queueing Model
Authors: Mukherjee S.P. , Chowdhury Shovan 
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat In this paper, Bayes estimators of trafic intensity ( ρ) and other measures of effectiveness are worked out under squared error loss function (SELF) and entropy loss function (ELF) with Beta distribution as prior. Number of customers present in each of n iid M/ M/1 queueing systems are considered as data. A comprehensive simulation study has been carried out in the last section.
Outbreak of Strain of Influenza a (H1N1) in Pune City During July-October 2009
Authors: Kanade Rupali A. , Rajarshi M.B. 
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat We consider data on the daily numbers of Swine flu (H1N1) cases during July 15, 2009 to October 9, 2009 in Pune, India. Fearing a major epidemic, the government closed educational institutes, malls and theaters for the period August 17, 2009 to August 23, 2009. We investigate the rate of spread of disease, efficacy of the government strategy in arresting the further growth of the disease in the city and the role of temperature and humidity in the spread of the disease.
Inequality Measures for Bivariate Distribution with Load Sharing Dependence
Authors: Asha G , Jagathnath K.M. 
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat In the univariate case Lorenz order and related summary measures of inequality such as the Gini Index seem to be quite generally accepted as appropriate indicators of inequality. Several extensions of the Lorenz order and Gini index to the multivariate setup has been proposed by various authors. The choice of an apt measure depends on the dependence enjoyed by the original bivariate distribution. When the distribution has a load sharing dependence it is more adequate to study the univariate conditional distributions than the joint distributions. In this paper we study the inequality measures specifically, Lorenz function and Gini index of these distributions and characterize the original bivariate distribution using these measures.
Cumulative Measure of Uncertainty for Conditionally Specified Models
Authors: Sunoj S.M. , Linu M.N. 
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat Recently, Rao (2005) introduced an alternate measure of uncertainty called cumulative entropy that parallels Shannon entropy (see Asadi (2007)). Motivated by this, in the present paper, we introduce cumulative entropies for two types of conditionally specied models. Finally, an applica- tion of the cumulative entropy using the maximum entropy principle is also illustrated.
A Compromise Allocation Based on the Individual Mixed Allocations in Multivariate Stratified Sampling : A Goal Programming Approach
Authors: Varshney Rahul , Ahsan M.J. , Ansari Athar H. 
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat In the literature of stratified random sampling Equal, Proportional, Optimum and several other allocations are well known. Usually any one type of allocation is selected and is applied to all the strata. But, there are practical situations in which some of the strata differ significantly in one or the other respect from others. In such situations the strata can be classified in mutually exclusive and exhaustive groups that favour a particular type of allocation. Different types of allocations may then be used in different groups. An allocation using the above criterion may be called a “Mixed Allocation”. In the present paper we considered a multivariate stratified population where more than one (say p) characteristics are defined on every unit of the population and developed a procedure to work out a compromise allocation that can be used for all characteristics under study. The problem of obtaining a compromise allocation is formulated as a Multiobjective Programming Problem that minimizes the deviation of all the sampling variances of the estimators of the p-population means from their respective optimum variances. The solution is obtained through Goal Programming Technique. A numerical example is also presented to illustrate the computational details.
A Nonparametric Test for Independence of Time to Failure and Cause of Failure of Current Status Competing Risks Data
Authors: Sreedevi E.P. , Sankaran P.G. , Dhanavanthan P. 
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat Competing risks data are common in medical research in which lifetime of individuals can be classied in terms of causes of failure. Current status censoring occurs, if patients (objects) in a study are observed only once at a random monitoring time and only the information whether the event of interest has occurred or not prior to the monitoring time is available. Such data arise frequently from cross sectional studies in demography, epidemiology and reliability studies. In the present paper, we study current status data with competing risks. We develop a non parametric test for independence of time to failure and cause of failure of current status competing risks data. The asymptotic property of the test statistic is also discussed. Simulation studies and a real data example illustrate the practical utility of the procedure.
An Inventory Model with Server Interruptions and Positive Lead Time
Authors: Krishnamoorthy A. , Nair Sajeev S. , Narayanan Viswanath C 
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat In this paper, we consider a single server queuing system with inventory where customers arrive according to a Poisson process. The time required to meet a demand follows an exponential distribution. Replenishment of inventory is according to the (s, S) policy with lead-time following exponential distribution. The service process may be interrupted in-between, with interruption time following exponential distribution. More than one in-terruption is possible during a particular service and at each time, the repair time of an interrupted server follows an exponential distribution. We assume that during interruption, the customer being served waits there until his service is completed and that no inventory is lost due to interruption. We also assume that, when the inventory level is zero no arrival is considered. Stability of the above system is analyzed and steady state vector is calculated using Matrix Analytic Methods. System performance measures such as expected number of customers in the system, expected inventory size, expected interruption rate, waiting time of a customer in the system etc are also obtained. A thorough numerical study of the dependence of the system performance measures on various system parameters has been carried out.
A Review of Conditions Under Which Blues and/or Blups in One Linear Mixed Model are also Blues and/or Blups in Another
Authors: Haslett Stephen J. , Puntanen Simo 
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat The linear mixed model, with its combination of fixed and random parameters, plays a central role in many statistical applications. Here we review results on conditions for best linear unbiased estimates (BLUEs) of estimable functions of fixed parameters under one linear mixed model to remain BLUEs under a second model, which difiers from the first in covariance structure. Without making full rank assumptions for design matrices or covariance matrices, we also review results for the conditions under which best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) of random parameters under the first model remain BLUPs under the second model, and for the conditions under which both BLUEs and BLUPs under the first model remain the BLUEs and BLUPs under the second. We also provide a rather generous list of related references.
General Efficiency Balanced (GEB) Block Designs with Correlated Observations for Even Number of Treatments
Authors: Majumder A. , Patil S.G. , Manjunatha G.R. 
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat Kiefer and Wynn (1981) developed optimality properties of 1st Order neighbor balanced designs. These neighbor balanced designs require a large number of blocks, specially, for even number of treatments. Construction of block designs for even number of treatments with correlated observations with lesser number of blocks is a challenge to researchers. In the present paper, an attempt has been made to construct efficient designs with even number of treatments in lesser number of blocks considering the observations, correlated of 1st order neighbors. The general efficiency balanced (GEB) block designs (Das and Ghosh, 1985 and Kageyama and Mukerjee, 1986) with correlated observations have been constructed for even number of treatments. The structure of the C-matrix of the design has been derived and the canonical efficiencies, A and D efficiencies of the resultant GEB designs are also obtained for different values of the correlation coefficient ρ (0 ≤ ρ ≤1).
An (s; Q) Inventory System with Positive Lead Time and Service Time Under N-Policy
Authors: Krishnamoorthy A. , Varghese Resmi , Lakshmy B. 
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat We consider an ( s, Q) inventory system of non-perishable items with exponential service time where N-policy is adopted during lead time. Ordering quantity is fixed, and is Q = S - s. We assume that arrival of demands is according to a Poisson process and lead time follows exponential distribution. N-policy is used in such a way that as and when the onhand inventory reaches the level s - N during a lead time, a local purchase of Q + N units is made by cancelling the replenishment order that is already placed. We obtain product-form solution for the state-probabilities. Several performance measures of the system are derived. Analysis of inventory cycle length is carried out. An explicit cost function is obtained and is analysed numerically. Numerical illustrations indicate that the cost function is strictly convex in N. Also it is numerically established that the total expected cost as a function of s, S and N is strictly convex.
Malrotation in infancy and childhood
Authors: Arthur Felicity , Carachi Robert 
Published: August 2016

Background and aims The cardinal features of bilious vomiting and abdominal distension assist in the diagnosis of malrotation and volvulus, an often fatal condition in the neonate. When these symptoms are absent, however, diagnosis becomes trickier. In the older child, these classic symptoms are less likely to occur, or occur at a later stage, meaning these children suffer from a delay in diagnosis and consequently do poorer. There is a need, therefore, to identify the common presenting features in these older children in order to facilitate earlier diagnosis and improve outcomes. Methods We reviewed the current literature (Appendix 1) and then undertook a retrospective study in our own department to explore the presenting complaint, time to diagnosis, intraoperative findings and outcome of all children over the age of 28 days who underwent a Ladd’s procedure for malrotation at Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow (RHSC) between 1998 and 2014. Results It was found that children between the ages of 28 days and 15 years are more likely to display signs and symptoms such as chronic abdominal pain and non-bilious vomiting. Their complication rate was found to be significant. Conclusion Education surrounding the timely diagnosis of malrotation in the post-neonatal child is crucial.
Factors affecting sustained engagement in walking for health: A focus group study
Authors: Raine Rosi , Roberts Anne , Callaghan Lynne , Sydenham Zoe , Bannigan Katrina 
Published: August 2016

Introduction Health guidance recommends walking as a means to achieve advised levels of physical activity. The aims of the research were to consider the experience of the occupation of walking in relation to health and wellbeing, factors that lead to sustained engagement in walking and factors influencing the sustainable provision of walking groups, to inform practice. Method This phenomenological study considered the experience of eight walking group members and six walk leaders. Data were gathered using three focus groups. Transcriptions were thematically analysed. Findings Participants perceived that the experience of walking groups included improved feelings of wellbeing, and meaning derived from social support and connection with nature. Participants reported changes that improved the health of walkers and their families. Factors considered to influence sustained engagement in walking included appropriate challenge and variety, woodland developments, accommodation of routine, use of local green space and consideration of barriers. Factors considered to influence the sustainable provision of walking groups included facilitation style, health champions, marketing approaches and clarity and collaboration with primary care referrers. Conclusion Walking groups can be used to support individuals to engage in health-promoting occupations. An occupational perspective can usefully inform practice.
Effectiveness of Community Treatment Orders: The International Evidence
Authors: Rugkåsa Jorun 
Published: August 2016

Objective: Community treatment orders (CTOs) exist in more than 75 jurisdictions worldwide. This review outlines findings from the international literature on CTO effectiveness. Method: The article draws on 2 comprehensive systematic reviews of the literature published before 2013, then uses the same search terms to identify studies published between 2013 and 2015. The focus is on what the literature as a whole tells us about CTO effectiveness, with particular emphasis on the strength and weaknesses of different methodologies. Results: The results from more than 50 nonrandomized studies show mixed results. Some show benefits from CTOs while others show none on the most frequently reported outcomes of readmission, time in hospital, and community service use. Results from the 3 existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show no effect of CTOs on a wider range of outcome measures except that patients on CTOs are less likely than controls to be a victim of crime. Patients on CTOs are, however, likely to have their liberty restricted for significantly longer periods of time. Meta-analyses pooling patient data from RCTs and high quality nonrandomized studies also find no evidence of patient benefit, and systematic reviews come to the same conclusion. Conclusion: There is no evidence of patient benefit from current CTO outcome studies. This casts doubt over the usefulness and ethics of CTOs. To remove uncertainty, future research must be designed as RCTs.
Utilizing Clinical Pharmacy Specialists to Address Access to Care Barriers in the Veteran Population for the Management of Diabetes
Authors: Edwards Krystal L. , Hadley Ryan L. , Baby Nidhu , Yeary Julianne C. , Chastain Lisa M. , Brown Crystal D. 
Published: August 2016

Objective: To show that clinical pharmacy specialists (CPSs) can be utilized in remote facilities to provide appropriate diabetes outcomes along with potential cost savings. Methods: A retrospective cohort chart review conducted at the Veterans Affairs North Texas Healthcare System (VANTHCS) evaluated outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus referred to CPSs at Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic (FWOPC) or the endocrinologist-managed specialty clinic at the Dallas VA Medical Center (DVAMC). The primary outcome was percentage of patients reaching hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) goal of <8%. Secondary outcomes were percentage of patients reaching HbA1c <7%, time to reach HbA1c goals of <8% and <7%, and cost savings. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients reaching HbA1c goal <8% in the FWOPC (65.3%) compared to the DVAMC (55.8%). Secondary end points comparing FWOPC and DVAMC found no difference in patients reaching HbA1c <7% (20.8% vs 19.2%) and time to reach HbA1c goal of <8% (4.5 vs 6 months) and <7% (8.5 vs 7.5 months). Cost-saving analysis demonstrated a composite of US$350 292 could be saved by the VANTHCS facility if patients continued to be referred to CPS. Conclusion: CPSs can be utilized in diabetes management to provide similar health outcomes as the endocrinologist-managed clinic and to potentially allow for facility cost savings.
Comparative studies of global and targeted control of walkway bridge resonant frequencies
Authors: Nyawako Donald S , Reynolds Paul 
Published: August 2016

In this paper, three controllers are investigated for active vibration control of a pedestrian walkway structure. They comprise direct velocity feedback, observer-based and independent modal space controllers that are implemented in single-input single-output (SISO), multi-SISO and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configurations. The objective of the SISO controller schemes is to compare vibration mitigation performances arising from global control versus selective control of structural resonant frequencies in a given frequency bandwidth. The objectives set out for the multi-SISO and MIMO controllers are to realize global control within the same frequency bandwidth considered in the SISO studies. A novel aspect of these latter studies is the independent control of selected resonant frequencies at different locations on the structure with the aim of imposing global control. Vibration mitigation performances are evaluated using frequency response function measurements and uncontrolled and controlled responses to a synthesized walking excitation force. In the SISO studies, selective control of specific resonant frequencies has a slight degradation in the global vibration mitigation performance, although it reflects better performance around the target frequencies. For the multi-SISO and MIMO controller studies, the selective control of the two lowest and dominant frequencies of the structure at two different locations still offers comparative vibration mitigation performances with the controllers considered as global in the sense that they target both structural frequencies at both locations. Attenuations of between 10 and 35 dB are achieved.
Regular exercise behaviour and intention and symptoms of anxiety and depression in coronary heart disease patients across Europe: Results from the EUROASPIRE III survey
Authors: Prugger Christof , Wellmann Jürgen , Heidrich Jan , De Bacquer Dirk , De Smedt Delphine , De Backer Guy , Reiner Željko , Empana Jean-Philippe , Fras Zlatko , Gaita Dan , Jennings Catriona , Kotseva Kornelia , Wood David , Keil Ulrich 
Published: September 2016

Background Regular exercise lowers the risk of cardiovascular death in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. We aimed to investigate regular exercise behaviour and intention in relation to symptoms of anxiety and depression in CHD patients across Europe. Design This study was based on a multicentre cross-sectional survey. Methods In the EUROpean Action on Secondary and Primary Prevention through Intervention to Reduce Events (EUROASPIRE) III survey, 8966 CHD patients <80 years of age from 22 European countries were interviewed on average 15 months after hospitalisation. Whether patients exercised or intended to exercise regularly was assessed using the Stages of Change questionnaire in 8330 patients. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Total physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in patients from a subset of 14 countries. Results Overall, 50.3% of patients were not intending to exercise regularly, 15.9% were intending to exercise regularly, and 33.8% were exercising regularly. Patients with severe symptoms of depression less frequently exercised regularly than patients with symptoms in the normal range (20.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 14.8–26.8 vs 36.7%, 95% CI 29.8–44.2). Among patients not exercising regularly, patients with severe symptoms of depression were less likely to have an intention to exercise regularly (odds ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.46–0.85). Symptoms of anxiety did not affect regular exercise intention. In sensitivity analysis, results were consistent when adjusting for total physical activity. Conclusions Lower frequency of regular exercise and decreased likelihood of exercise intention were observed in CHD patients with severe depressive symptoms. Severe symptoms of depression may preclude CHD patients from performing regular exercise.