A Spatial Cliff-Ord-type Model with Heteroskedastic Innovations: Small and Large Sample Results

In this paper we specify a linear Cliff and Ord-type spatial model. The model allows for spatial lags in the dependent variable, the exogenous variables, and disturbances. The innovations in the disturbance process are assumed to be heteroskedastic with an unknown form. We formulate a multi-step GMM/IV type estimation procedure for the parameters of the model. We then establish the limiting distribution of our suggested estimators, and give consistent estimators for their asymptotic variance covariance matrices, utilizing results given in Kelejian and Prucha (2007b). Monte Carlo results are given which suggest that the derived large sample distribution provides a good approximation to the actual small sample distribution of our estimators.

Comparative study on teaching methods for environmental courses

Environmental studies require both incremental and novel technical solutions. Both incremental and novel solutions have to fit in with societal, environmental and economic contexts. Moreover, they have to be robust to meet future uncertainties. E-learning has the capability to deliver these novel design solutions. We have developed a teaching method with this purpose in mind. The success of any course delivery is the practical translation of the competences mentioned by the UNESCO learning for the twenty -first century [1]: knowledge, design methods, internalization of values and communication with all relevant stakeholders. The authors of the present article investigated the effectiveness of two forms of workshops: (i) in a class delivered course with an integrated workshop where stakeholders are all present and (ii) through an e-learning delivered course with workshops targeted to specific stakeholders. Student feedback scores show no significant preference for either of the forms. With these and other evaluation results, the authors conclude that effective, challenging courses require a 360 ̊ and regular feedback, which is pivotal for increased student satisfaction

A spatial Cliff-ord-type model with heteroskedastic innovations: small and large sample results

In this paper we specify a linear Cliff and Ord-type spatial model. The model allows for spatial lags in the dependent variable, the exogenous variables, and disturbances. The innovations in the disturbance process are assumed to be heteroskedastic with an unknown form. We formulate a multi-step GMM/IV type estimation procedure for the parameters of the model. We then establish the limiting distribution of our suggested estimators, and give consistent estimators for their asymptotic variance covariance matrices, utilizing results given in Kelejian and Prucha (2007b). Monte Carlo results are given which suggest that the derived large sample distribution provides a good approximation to the actual small sample distribution of our estimators.

Síndrome de Austrian: Una rara manifestación de la enfermedad neumocócica invasiva. Presentación de un caso y revisión bibliográfica

El síndrome de Austrian es una patología producida por la infección diseminada de Streptococcus pneumoniae y caracterizada por la tríada de neumonía, endocarditis y meningitis Tiene una incidencia estimada de 0,9-7,8 casos por diez millones de habitantes y año y una mortalidad del 32%. El consumo de alcohol, como principal factor de riesgo, aparece solamente en cuatro de cada diez pacientes. Un 14% no presentan factores de riesgo. Dos de cada tres enfermos son varones y ocurre en la época media de la vida. Asienta sobre válvula nativa, lesionándose la aorta en la mitad de los afectados. Presentan regurgitación severa dos de cada tres pacientes. El tratamiento antimicrobiano apropiado y la cirugía temprana de la endocarditis disminuyen la mortalidad. Es posible que la epidemiología del síndrome de Austrian esté cambiando por la introducción de la vacuna antineumocócica conjugada 13-valente en el calendario infantil. The Austrian syndrome is a pathology caused by disseminated Streptococcus pneumoniae infection and characterized for the triad of pneumonia, endocarditis and meningitis. It has an estimated incidence of 0.9-7.8 cases per ten millions people each year, and a mortality of 32%. Alcohol abuse, as the main risk factor, appears only in four out of ten patients. Moreover, 14% of patientes do not have any risk factor. Two out of three patients are males and it occurs in the middle aged of life. It is more frequently on native valve, aortic valve is injured in the half of the cases. Severe regurgitation occurs in two per three patients. Appropriate antimicrobial treatment and early endocarditis surgery decrease mortality. It is possible that Austrian syndrome epidemiology is changing by the introduction of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine in the children´s calendar

Mycoplasma genitalium: An Emerging Cause of Sexually Transmitted Disease in Women

Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging sexually transmitted pathogen implicated in urethritis in men and several inflammatory reproductive tract syndromes in women including cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and infertility. This comprehensive review critically examines epidemiologic studies of M. genitalium infections in women with the goal of assessing the associations with reproductive tract disease and enhancing awareness of this emerging pathogen. Over 27,000 women from 48 published reports have been screened for M. genitalium urogenital infection in high- or low-risk populations worldwide with an overall prevalence of 7.3% and 2.0%, respectively. M. genitalium was present in the general population at rates between those of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Considering more than 20 studies of lower tract inflammation, M. genitalium has been positively associated with urethritis, vaginal discharge, and microscopic signs of cervicitis and/or mucopurulent cervical discharge in seven of 14 studies. A consistent case definition of cervicitis is lacking and will be required for comprehensive understanding of these associations. Importantly, evidence for M. genitalium PID and infertility are quite convincing and indicate that a significant proportion of upper tract inflammation may be attributed to this elusive pathogen. Collectively, M. genitalium is highly prevalent in high- and low-risk populations, and should be considered an etiologic agent of select reproductive tract disease syndromes in women

Starch granules identification and automatic classification based on an extended set of morphometric and optical measurements

International audienceno abstrac