Classification of data collection methods (= Deliverable 3.1 of the OrganicDataNetwork project - Report on collection methods)

In this report, a number of evaluation and quality criteria for data collection and compilation methods were defined. The results of an online survey on all existing organic market data collection methods in Europe were compiled and assessed. Subsequently the quality of existing data collection and processing approaches was evaluated using the following data quality dimensions: relevance, accuracy, comparability, coherence, accessibility and clarity, and timeliness and punctuality. The quality assessment was carried out exemplary to determine some good examples of data collection and processing. These cases were chosen because they delivered a very holistic and comprehensive presentation of their approaches regarding data collection methods, analyses, quality checks, and publication

Finding Meaning in the Madness: Unifying Your Library’s Data Collection with LibAnalytics

Libraries have collected data across multiple platforms and areas and developed reports to inform their stakeholders to show the value of the library. As data collection methods have evolved, more assessment platforms have become available in the market. LibAnalytics can help you pull together an all-inclusive, real-time assessment of your library’s services. At the University of Maryland, Priddy Library, we implemented LibAnalytics in 2011 to centralize our data collection points on numerous library services. Learn how this personalized tool has helped the Priddy Library aggregate statistics on library services such as gate counts, circulation and acquisition statistics, interlibrary loan activity, reference statistics and library instruction sessions. The presentation will focus on how we developed a customized instance based on library services and the assessment needs specific to our library. Participants will brainstorm data collection points based on their library services and how to group data points logically. The presentation will discuss how to create a dataset, categorize data entry fields, develop questions, select data field types (i.e. numeric, single or multi option dropdown menus, or text fields), and edit existing datasets. In a few simple steps, learn how to filter your data, generate custom reports, create visualizations, analyze library usage instantly, and produce shareable dashboards to provide a comprehensive overview of your library’s metrics. Through these features, learn how your library can assess trends across multiple years, make data driven decisions to improve services and demonstrate the library’s value

One Size Does Not Fit All: Meeting the Health Care Needs of Diverse Populations

Proposes a framework for meeting patients' cultural and linguistic needs: policies and procedures that support cultural competence, data collection, population-tailored services, and internal and external collaborations. Includes a self-assessment tool

Data for Democracy: Improving Elections Through Metrics and Measurement

Compiles essays on improving election data collection and reporting, management, and usage; how data improve elections; and other issues raised in a May 2008 conference; with policy recommendations. Includes a state-by-state assessment of data reporting

Advances in Data Combination, Analysis and Collection for System Reliability Assessment

The systems that statisticians are asked to assess, such as nuclear weapons, infrastructure networks, supercomputer codes and munitions, have become increasingly complex. It is often costly to conduct full system tests. As such, we present a review of methodology that has been proposed for addressing system reliability with limited full system testing. The first approaches presented in this paper are concerned with the combination of multiple sources of information to assess the reliability of a single component. The second general set of methodology addresses the combination of multiple levels of data to determine system reliability. We then present developments for complex systems beyond traditional series/parallel representations through the use of Bayesian networks and flowgraph models. We also include methodological contributions to resource allocation considerations for system relability assessment. We illustrate each method with applications primarily encountered at Los Alamos National Laboratory.Comment: Published at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/088342306000000439 in the Statistical Science (http://www.imstat.org/sts/) by the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org

A national registry for juvenile dermatomyositis and other paediatric idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: 10 years' experience; the Juvenile Dermatomyositis National (UK and Ireland) Cohort Biomarker Study and Repository for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

Objectives: The paediatric idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a group of rare chronic inflammatory disorders of childhood, affecting muscle, skin and other organs. There is a severe lack of evidence base for current treatment protocols in juvenile myositis. The rarity of these conditions means that multicentre collaboration is vital to facilitate studies of pathogenesis, treatment and disease outcomes. We have established a national registry and repository for childhood IIM, which aims to improve knowledge, facilitate research and clinical trials, and ultimately to improve outcomes for these patients. Methods: A UK-wide network of centres and research group was established to contribute to the study. Standardized patient assessment, data collection forms and sample protocols were agreed. The Biobank includes collection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, serum, genomic DNA and biopsy material. An independent steering committee was established to oversee the use of data/samples. Centre training was provided for patient assessment, data collection and entry. Results: Ten years after inception, the study has recruited 285 children, of which 258 have JDM or juvenile PM; 86% of the cases have contributed the biological samples. Serial sampling linked directly to the clinical database makes this a highly valuable resource. The study has been a platform for 20 sub-studies and attracted considerable funding support. Assessment of children with myositis in contributing centres has changed through participation in this study. Conclusions: This establishment of a multicentre registry and Biobank has facilitated research and contributed to progress in the management of a complex group of rare muscloskeletal conditions

Validation of Patient and Nurse Short Forms of the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale and Their Relationship to Return to the Hospital

Objective: To validate patient and nurse short forms for discharge readiness assessment and their associations with 30-day readmissions and emergency department (ED) visits. Data Sources/Study Setting: A total of 254 adult medical-surgical patients and their discharging nurses from an Eastern US tertiary hospital between May and November, 2011. Study Design Prospective longitudinal design, multinomial logistic regression analysis. Data Collection/Extraction Methods: Nurses and patients independently completed an eight-item Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale on the day of discharge. Patient characteristics, readmissions, and ED visits were electronically abstracted. Principal Findings: Nurse assessment of low discharge readiness was associated with a six- to nine-fold increase in readmission risk. Patient self-assessment was not associated with readmission; neither was associated with ED visits. Conclusions: Nurse discharge readiness assessment should be added to existing strategies for identifying readmission risk

Rapid Assessment of Vietnam\u27s Labor Inspection System

[Excerpt] In July 2010, a team from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) visited Vietnam to conduct an assessment of the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids & Social Affairs’ (MOLISA) labor inspection system. This effort was requested by the SIIR project (funded by USAID) as part of its aim of identifying MOLISA’s needs and providing assistance, per MOLISA’s request. The Assessment focuses on: 1) assessing facts related to the labor inspection system; and 2) providing initial recommendations for improving the system. Part I discusses MOLISA’s history, legal and regulatory framework, structure and organization, Department of Labor Inspections (including workforce, forms and data collection, and IPZ). Part II discusses issues and presents recommendations related to data collection, labor inspector training, inspectorate staffing levels, educational outreach, research and networking, systems of continuous improvement, and coordination with international and private buyers

Assessing Nonformal Environmental Education: Unobtrusive Data Collection

This article provides an overview of data collection for the purpose of evaluating environmental education (EE) initiatives, which are typically not based on the formal education system. It defines unobtrusive measures as means of collecting data that are incorporated into the activities used in the teaching/learning episode. The data are not tracked by the individual learner, but by the group, since many EE learning experiences occur in a group setting. Other topics include strategies for unobtrusive assessment and sources of information on assessment and evaluation of educational programs both formal and nonformal. Educational levels: Graduate or professional

Implementing means-tested welfare systems in the United States

While targeting can effectively channel resources to the poor, implementation details matter tremendously to distributive outcomes. Several key factors affect performance, including: data collection processes; information management; household assessment mechanisms; institutional arrangements; and monitoring and oversight mechanisms. This report conducts an in-depth assessment of key design and implementation factors and their potential impact on outcomes for the household targeting system used in the United States to target social programs to the poor and vulnerable.