A NOTE ON BAYESIAN ANALYSIS OF DECAPITATED GENERALIZED POISSON DISTRIBUTION UNDER VARIOUS LOSS FUNCTIONS

It is recognized that, for Bayes estimators, the performance depends on the form of the prior distribution and the assumed loss function. This paper resolves the problem of estimation of one parameter decapitated generalized Poisson distribution; using class of improper prior distributions under symmetric and asymmetric loss functions. The statistical performances of the Bayes estimates with respect to different priors and loss functions are compared using mean square error based on simulation study

On Progressively Type-II Censored Two-Parameter Rayleigh Distribution

Abstract Recently, Rayleigh distribution has received considerable attention in the statistical literature. In this paper, we consider the point and interval estimation of the functions of the unknown parameters of a two-parameter Rayleigh distribution. First, we obtain the maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) of the unknown parameters. The MLEs cannot be obtained in explicit forms, and we propose to use the maximization of the profile log-likelihood function to compute the MLEs. We further consider the Bayesian inference of the unknown parameters. The Bayes estimates and the associated credible intervals cannot be obtained in closed forms. We use the importance sampling technique to approximate (compute) the Bayes estimates and the associated credible intervals. For comparison purposes we have also used the exact method to compute the Bayes estimates and the corresponding credible intervals. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to compare the performances of the proposed method, and one data set has been analyzed for illustrative purposes. We further consider the Bayes prediction problem based on the observed samples, and provide the appropriate predictive intervals. A data example has been provided for illustrative purposes

Identifying Predictors of Childhood Anaemia in North-East India

The objective of this study is to examine the factors that influence the occurrence of childhood anaemia in North-East India by exploring dataset of the Reproductive and Child Health-II Survey (RCH-II). The study population consisted of 10,137 children in the age-group of 0-6 year(s) from North-East India to explore the predictors of childhood anaemia by means of different background characteristics, such as place of residence, religion, household standard of living, literacy of mother, total children ever born to a mother, age of mother at marriage. Prevalence of anaemia among children was taken as a polytomous variable. The predicted probabilities of anaemia were established via multinomial logistic regression model. These probabilities provided the degree of assessment of the contribution of predictors in the prevalence of childhood anaemia. The mean haemoglobin concentration in children aged 0-6 year(s) was found to be 11.85 g/dL, with a standard deviation of 5.61 g/dL. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that rural children were at greater risk of severe (OR=2.035; p=0.003) and moderate (OR=1.23; p=0.003) anaemia. All types of anaemia (severe, moderate, and mild) were more prevalent among Hindu children (OR=2.971; p=0.000), (OR=1.195; p=0.010), and (OR=1.201; p=0.011) than among children of other religions whereas moderate (OR=1.406; p=0.001) and mild (OR=1.857; p=0.000) anaemia were more prevalent among Muslim children. The fecundity of the mother was found to have significant effect on anaemia. Women with multiple children were prone to greater risk of anaemia. The multiple logistic regression analysis also confirmed that children of literate mothers were comparatively at lesser risk of severe anaemia. Mother\u2019s age at marriage had a significant effect on anaemia of their children as well

Coping-Related Variables Associated with Individual Differences in Adjustment to Cancer

This study examined relationships between emotional adjustment and a number of coping styles and strategies in people with cancer. Two-hundred eighty-three adults completed measures of positive and negative emotions, subjective ratings of cancer-related symptoms and functional impairment, coping strategies, hope, benefit finding, emotional approach/avoidance, and cancer-related social support. Among the coping strategies, self-blame and behavioral disengagement were consistently associated with poor adjustment, while acceptance and humor were consistently associated with good adjustment. Among the broader measures of coping style, there were associations between poor adjustment and emotional processing, and between good adjustment and hope, benefit finding, and cancer-related social support

Volitional pursed lips breathing in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease improves exercise capacity

Pursed lips breathing (PLB) is used by a proportion of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to alleviate dyspnea. It is also commonly used in pulmonary rehabilitation. Data to support its use in patients who do not spontaneously adopt PLB are limited. We performed this study to assess the acute effects of PLB on exercise capacity in nonspontaneously PLB patients with stable COPD. We performed a randomized crossover study comparing 6 - min walk test (6MWT) at baseline without PLB with 6WMT using volitional PLB. Spirometry, maximal inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures, and diaphragmatic excursion during tidal and vital capacity breathing using B-mode ultrasonography were measured at baseline and after 10 min of PLB. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) assessed subjective breathlessness at rest, after 6MWT and after 6MWT with PLB. p \u3c = 0.01 was considered significant. Mean + / - SD age of patients was 53.1 + / - 7.4 years. Forced expiratory volume in 1second was 1.1 + / - 0.4 L / min (38.4 + / - 13.2% predicted). Compared with spontaneous breathing, all but one patient with PLB showed a significant increment in 6MWdistance (+ 34.9 + / - 26.4 m; p = 0.002). There was a significant reduction in respiratory rate post 6MWT with PLB compared with spontaneous breathing (-4.4 + / - 2.8 per minute; p = 0.003). There was no difference in VAS scores. There was a significant correlation between improvement in 6MWT distance and increase in diaphragmatic excursion during forced breathing. The improvement was greater in patients who had poorer baseline exercise performance. PLB has an acute benefit on exercise capacity. Sustained PLB or short bursts of PLB may improve exercise capacity in stable COPD

Open(ing) Access: Top Health Publication Availability to Researchers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Introduction: Improving access to information for health professionals and researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is under-prioritized. This study examines publication policies that affect authors and readers from LMICs. Methods: We used the SHERPA RoMEO database and publicly available publishing protocols to evaluate open access (OA) policies, article processing charges (APCs), subscription costs, and availability of health literature relevant to authors and readers in LMICs. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies with percentages. Continuous variables were reported with median and interquartile range (IQR). Hypothesis testing procedures were performed using Wilcoxon rank sum tests, Wilcoxon rank sum exact tests, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: A total of 55 journals were included; 6 (11%) were Gold OA (access to readers and large charge for authors), 2 (3.6%) were subscription (charge for readers and small/no charge for authors), 4 (7.3%) were delayed OA (reader access with no charge after embargo), and 43 (78%) were hybrid (author’s choice). There was no significant difference between median APC for life sciences, medical, and surgical journals ($4,850 [$3,500–$8,900] vs.$4,592 [$3,500–$5,000] vs. $3,550 [$3,200–$3,860]; p = 0.054). The median US individual subscription costs (USD/Year) were significantly different for life sciences, medical, and surgical journals ($259 [$209–$282] vs. $365 [$212–$744] vs.$455 [$365–$573]; p = 0.038), and similar for international readers. A total of seventeen journals (42%) had a subscription price that was higher for international readers than for US readers. Conclusions: Most journals offer hybrid access services. Authors may be forced to choose between high cost with greater reach through OA and low cost with less reach publishing under the subscription model under current policies. International readers face higher costs. Such hindrances may be mitigated by a greater awareness and liberal utilization of OA policies

Associations of Air Pollution and Pediatric Asthma in Cleveland, Ohio

Air pollution has been associated with poor health outcomes and continues to be a risk factor for respiratory health in children. While higher particulate matter (PM) levels are associated with increased frequency of symptoms, lower lung function, and increase airway inflammation from asthma, the precise composition of the particles that are more highly associated with poor health outcomes or healthcare utilization are not fully elucidated. PM is measured quantifiably by current air pollution monitoring systems. To better determine sources of PM and speciation of such sources, a particulate matter (PM) source apportionment study, the Cleveland Multiple Air Pollutant Study (CMAPS), was conducted in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2009–2010, which allowed more refined assessment of associations with health outcomes. This article presents an evaluation of short-term (daily) and long-term associations between motor vehicle and industrial air pollution components and pediatric asthma emergency department (ED) visits by evaluating two sets of air quality data with healthcare utilization for pediatric asthma. Exposure estimates were developed using land use regression models for long-term exposures for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and coarse (i.e., with aerodynamic diameters between 2.5 and 10 μm) particulate matter (PM) and the US EPA Positive Matrix Factorization receptor model for short-term exposures to fine (μm) and coarse PM components. Exposure metrics from these two approaches were used in asthma ED visit prevalence and time series analyses to investigate seasonal-averaged short- and long-term impacts of both motor vehicles and industry emissions. Increased pediatric asthma ED visits were found for LUR coarse PM and NO2 estimates, which were primarily contributed by motor vehicles. Consistent, statistically significant associations with pediatric asthma visits were observed, with short-term exposures to components of fine and coarse iron PM associated with steel production. Our study is the first to combine spatial and time series analysis of ED visits for asthma using the same periods and shows that PM related to motor vehicle emissions and iron/steel production are associated with increased pediatric asthma visits

modelSampler: An R Tool for Variable Selection and Model Exploration in Linear Regression

Abstract: We have developed a tool for model space exploration and variable selection in linear regression models based on a simple spike and slab model However, model selection based on FPE criteria is dubious and questionable as FPE criteria can be sensitive to perturbations in the data. This R package can be used for empirical assessment of the stability of FPE criteria. A stable model selection is accomplished by using a bootstrap wrapper that calls the primary function of the package several times on the bootstrapped data. The heart of the method is the notion of model averaging for stable variable selection and to study the behavior of variables over the entire model space, a concept invaluable in high dimensional situations

A NOTE ON BAYESIAN ANALYSIS OF DECAPITATED GENERALIZED POISSON DISTRIBUTION UNDER VARIOUS LOSS FUNCTIONS

It is recognized that, for Bayes estimators, the performance depends on the form of the prior distribution and the assumed loss function. This paper resolves the problem of estimation of one parameter decapitated generalized Poisson distribution; using class of improper prior distributions under symmetric and asymmetric loss functions. The statistical performances of the Bayes estimates with respect to different priors and loss functions are compared using mean square error based on simulation study