Asymptotic inference for multiplicative counting processes based on one realization

AbstractIt is assumed that we observe one realization of an r dimensional counting process with intensities that are products of predictable and observable weight processes, a common function of time, and predictable functions that depend on an unknown parameter θ. Given that the realization brings increasing information on θ as the observed time grows asymptotic results are proved for the distributions of parameter estimates, certain test statistics for parametric hypothesis, and goodness-of-fit tests

On Young People’s Experience of Systems in Technology

Immersed in a technologically complex world, young people make sense of a multi-faceted set of events in everyday life. This article investigates the variation in how Swedish young people experience technological systems and is based on interviews focusing three systems concerning transport, energy and communication – contextualised in relation to bananas, electricity, and mobile phones. A phenomenographic analysis results in five qualitatively distinct categories, describing different ways of understanding technological systems: Using single components, Using the system output, Influencing the system, Interacting with the system, and Integrating thesystem. The results support that different ways of understanding technological systems implies different ways of understanding the complex nature of technology. The results also point to possible ways of developing teaching for technological citizenship

Children with Atopic Dermatitis Should Always be Patch-tested if They Have Hand or Foot Dermatitis.

In industrialised countries atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory disease among children. Many factors influence this disease in a negative way and contact allergy is one such factor. The aim of the study was to examine the frequency of contact allergy among children with the diagnosis AD in Malmö, Sweden and to evaluate if a significant degree of contact allergies in these children is missed when not patch testing them. Contact allergy was found in 22/82 children (26.8%). The most common contact allergies were to Amerchol L101 (11.0%), potassium dichromate (7.3%), and nickel sulphate (4.9%). A statistically significant difference in contact allergy frequency was demonstrated for those with hand and/or foot eczema compared to those without. In conclusion, children with AD should be tested for contact allergy more often, especially in situation with therapy resistance and severe dermatitis, since this may indicate allergic contact dermatitis

Voluntary Private Investments Role in Pension System in Latvia

Pension systems have become one of the main priorities for the national governments. Developed countries population is getting older by putting the pressure on the state budgets and work age people tax load. The current pension system in Latvia performs according to regulation of state compulsory unfunded pension scheme since 1996 and regulation of the state funded or accumulated pension scheme since 2001. The third pension system pillar is private voluntary pension schemes realized in form of people contributions into pension funds and life insurance policies. Aim of the research – deeper analyses of voluntary private investments as the pension system part and its development challenges in Latvia. Research methods: scientific publications and previous conducted research analysis; analysis of time series on private pension fund developments in Latvia and comparisons with the situation in other OECD countries. The authors were looking for answer on the question – can voluntary private investments cover the gap between pre-retirement and after-retirement income of population in Latvia and what are the pre-conditions for it.The research was supported by the NATIONAL RESEARCH PROGRAMME “LATVIAN HERITAGE AND FUTURE CHALLENGES FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE STATE” project “CHALLENGES FOR THE LATVIAN STATE AND SOCIETY AND THE SOLUTIONS IN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT" (INTERFRAME-LV, Project No.VPP-IZM-2018/1-0005

Self-Reported Skin Morbidity among Adults: Associations with Quality of Life and General Health in a Norwegian Survey

Life-quality studies among dermatologic patients have shown that chronic skin diseases have an impact on patients' lives. The purpose of this study was to assess the burden of skin morbidity at a community level. This was presented as prevalence of self-reported skin morbidity and dermatologic life-quality items. The association of skin disease and general health measures like feeling depressed and self-reported general health were measured. The method used was a questionnaire on self-reported skin complaints, including variables such as demographic, psychosocial, general health, dermatologic life-quality items. The design of the study was cross-sectional, with answers from 18,770 adult responders. The results confirmed that skin morbidity is common; itch was the dominating symptom. Younger adults reported more social problems as a result of skin problems than older. The life-quality domain most affected by skin disease was the social one. In a regression model skin disease was as well as rheumatism more strongly associated with feeling depressed than asthma, diabetes, and angina pectoris. Skin disease was also strongly associated with reporting poor general health, although less than other nondermatologic chronic diseases. In conclusion, in this study skin morbidity was strongly associated with general health measures among adults in a population-based setting. To the best of our knowledge these associations have not been described previously at a community level

Occurrence of invasive pneumococcal disease and number of excess cases due to influenza

Abstract Background Influenza is characterized by seasonal outbreaks, often with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. It is also known to be a cause of significant amount secondary bacterial infections. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the main pathogen causing secondary bacterial pneumonia after influenza and subsequently, influenza could participate in acquiring Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD). Methods In this study, we aim to investigate the relation between influenza and IPD by estimating the yearly excess of IPD cases due to influenza. For this purpose, we use influenza periods as an indicator for influenza activity as a risk factor in subsequent analysis. The statistical modeling has been made in two modes. First, we constructed two negative binomial regression models. For each model, we estimated the contribution of influenza in the models, and calculated number of excess number of IPD cases. Also, for each model, we investigated several lag time periods between influenza and IPD. Secondly, we constructed an "influenza free" baseline, and calculated differences in IPD data (observed cases) and baseline (expected cases), in order to estimate a yearly additional number of IPD cases due to influenza. Both modes were calculated using zero to four weeks lag time. Results The analysis shows a yearly increase of 72–118 IPD cases due to influenza, which corresponds to 6–10% per year or 12–20% per influenza season. Also, a lag time of one to three weeks appears to be of significant importance in the relation between IPD and influenza. Conclusion This epidemiological study confirms the association between influenza and IPD. Furthermore, negative binomial regression models can be used to calculate number of excess cases of IPD, related to influenza.</p

Coverage-dependent frequency for Li-atom vibrations on Cu(111)

Electron-energy-loss spectra recorded for monolayer amounts of Li adsorbed on Cu(111) show a loss peak associated with Li vibrations perpendicular to the substrate. The loss energy shifts from 38 meV at low coverage to 43 meV at 0.3 ML and remains constant for coverages between 0.3 and 0.5 ML. The loss intensity passes a maximum at a Li coverage of 0.15 ML and gradually decreases such that it is difficult to resolve a loss peak at coverages above 0.5 ML. The high loss energy indicates that the adatom resides on the surfaces rather than in substitutional sites. The frequency shift is much too large to be explained by dipole-dipole interactions. The above results are obtained with the evaporation source loaded with the natural Li isotope mixture (92.6% 7Li, 7.4% 6Li). Measurements with 6Li show that the increase of the vibration frequency with increasing coverage is not an isotope effect