How to estimate a cumulative process’s rate-function

Consider two sequences of bounded random variables, a value and a timing process, that satisfy the large deviation principle (LDP) with rate-function J(·,·) and whose cumulative process satisfies the LDP with rate-function I(·). Under mixing conditions, an LDP for estimates of I constructed by transforming an estimate of J is proved. For the case of cumulative renewal processes it is demonstrated that this approach is favorable to a more direct method as it ensures the laws of the estimates converge weakly to a Dirac measure at I

How to estimate a cumulative process’s rate-function

Consider two sequences of bounded random variables, a value and a timing process, that satisfy the large deviation principle (LDP) with rate-function J(·,·) and whose cumulative process satisfies the LDP with rate-function I(·). Under mixing conditions, an LDP for estimates of I constructed by transforming an estimate of J is proved. For the case of cumulative renewal processes it is demonstrated that this approach is favorable to a more direct method as it ensures the laws of the estimates converge weakly to a Dirac measure at I

Are e-portfolios an asset to learning and placement?

We asked the question “what is the added value for the student learning experience, of electronic portfolios (e-portfolios) as an innovative means of portfolio assessment?” We answered the question using an holistic approach aimed at giving a panoramic perspective on the role of e-portfolios in placement from the point of view of users as well as academics and policy makers. Within the constraints of time and resources, we believe we have made a worthwhile contribution to our primary objective of supporting placement unit users’ capacity to make informed choices about implementation of e-portfolios. A literature review of both published and “grey” material informed us of the issues and therefore questions to ask. These were put into a survey that was sent to forums that placement academics and administrative staff would be likely to access, such as ASET and PlaceNet mailing lists. Additional views were obtained in interviews with key staff in institutions that were engaged in e-portfolio development and/or innovative assessment in placement. We reviewed commonly used packages used to deliver personal development planning (PDP) in institutions. We gave access to one of the more common e-portfolio packages to a group of students and allowed them to develop their own e-portfolios, and conducted a focus group to explore their views on the utility of an e-portfolio product to them.ASEThttp://www.asetonline.org/documents/AreE-PortfoliosAnAssetToLearningandPlacement-ASETandDMUReport-March2008_001.pd

Preventing disease and saving resources:the potential contribution of increasing breastfeeding rates in the UK

Two challenges stand out as we contemplate the future of health services in the United Kingdom. The first is the state of the public finances and therefore the pressure in real terms on health services funding. The second is the recurring and vexing problem of health inequalities. The state of health inequalities in Britain has been commented on by many, but we have seen precious little real change in the disproportionate burden of early death and illness among the most disadvantaged and indeed across the whole health gradient in recent years.This work was funded by UNICEF UK

The fish fauna of subtidally fringing macroalgae sampled at Wairepo Flats, Kaikoura : species composition, distribution and abundance

The phytal fish fauna of Cystophora torulosa, - scalaris, . congesta and Carpophyllum maschalocarpum forming the subtidal fringe at Wairepo Flats, Kaikoura was investigated over a period of fifteen months from 26 March 1987 to 1 June 1988. The phytal assemblage was dominated by Notolabrus celidotus, Notoclinus compressus, Ericentrus ruber, Forsterygion capita, Gastrocyathus gracilis and Gastroscyphus hectoris. N. celidotus, E. ruber and F. capita used fringing macroalgae as a nursery habitat. N. compressus, G. gracilis and G. hectoris were resident phytophilic species. All species, except N. compressus, exhibited large fluctuations in density that were correlated with the seasonal temperature regime. All were dependent on seasonal recruitment for persistence in the study site. The juveniles of most species settled into the study site from the plankton but those of G. gracilis migrated into the study site from the adjacent subtidal following settlement failure in the study site in January 1988. Despite large population fluctuations species diversity, species composition and distribution were predictable throughout the study. All species had a preferred but for N. celidotus and N, compressus this changed with size. These preferences were correlated with algal complexity, and the morphology of the feeding structures of the fish. Algal morphology and appeared to be more important than interspecific interactions, such as competition, in maintaining assemblage structure

Examining Challenges to the Incorporation of End Users in the Design of Digital Health Interventions: Protocol for a Systematic Review

Background: The process of designing a digital health intervention (DHI)—also referred to as mobile health or eHealth—spans needs assessments, technical functionality and feasibility, user satisfaction, effectiveness, impact, and value. These interventions are causing a rapid evolution in the landscape of health care. Multiple studies have shown their propensity to extend both the quality and reach of interventions. However, failure to improve DHI design is linked to failed uptake and health outcomes. This dilemma is further conflicted by the colliding backdrops of the digital and health industries, both of which approach, understand, and involve end users differently in the framing of a DHI. Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to assess the challenges to incorporating end users in the design stage of digital health interventions, to identify key pain points, and to identify limitations and gaps for areas of future investigation. Methods: The PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols) checklist will be used to structure this protocol. A systematic search of the PsycINFO, PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore databases will be conducted. Additionally, the PerSPEcTiF guidelines for complex interventions will be consulted. Two reviewers will independently screen the titles and abstracts of the identified references and select studies according to the eligibility criteria. Any discrepancies will then be discussed and resolved. Two reviewers will independently extract and validate data from the included studies into a standardized form and conduct quality appraisal. Results: As of February 2021, we have completed a preliminary literature search examining challenges to the incorporation of end users in the design stage of DHIs. Systematic searches, data extraction and analysis, and writing of the systematic review are expected to be completed by December 2021. Conclusions: This systematic review aims to provide an effective summary of key pain points toward incorporating end users in DHIs. Results from this review will provide an evidence base for a better approach to end user involvement in the interest of improving efficacy and uptake of DHIs