27,071 research outputs found
A new formulation of compartmental epidemic modelling for arbitrary distributions of incubation and removal times
The paradigm for compartment models in epidemiology assumes exponentially
distributed incubation and removal times, which is not realistic in actual
populations. Commonly used variations with multiple exponentially distributed
variables are more flexible, yet do not allow for arbitrary distributions. We
present a new formulation, focussing on the SEIR concept that allows to include
general distributions of incubation and removal times. We compare the solution
to two types of agent-based model simulations, a spatially homogeneous one
where infection occurs by proximity, and a model on a scale-free network with
varying clustering properties, where the infection between any two agents
occurs via their link if it exists. We find good agreement in both cases.
Furthermore a family of asymptotic solutions of the equations is found in terms
of a logistic curve, which after a non-universal time shift, fits extremely
well all the microdynamical simulations. The formulation allows for a simple
numerical approach; software in Julia and Python is provided.Comment: 21 pages, 11 figures. v2 matches published version: improved
presentation (including title, abstract and references), results and
conclusions unchange
Common scale valuations across different preference-based measures: estimation using rank data
Background: Different preference-based measures (PBMs) used to estimate Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) provide di¤erent utility values for the same patient. Differences are expected since values have been obtained using different samples, valuation techniques and descriptive systems. Previous studies have estimated the relationship between pairs of PBMs using patient self-reported data. However, there is a need for an approach capable of generating values directly on a common scale for a range of PBMs using the same sample of general population respondents and valuation technique but keeping the advantages of the different descriptive systems.
Methods: General public survey data (n=501) where respondents ranked health states described using subsets of six PBMs were analysed. We develop a new model based on the mixed logit to overcome two key limitations of the standard rank ordered logit model, namely, the unrealistic choice pattern (Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives) and the independence of repeated observations.
Results: There are substantial differences in the estimated parameters between the two models (mean di¤erence 0.07) leading to di¤erent orderings across the measures. Estimated values for the best states described by di¤erent PBMs are substantially and significantly di¤erent using the standard model, unlike our approach which yields more consistent results.
Limitations: Data come from a exploratory study that is relatively small both in sample size and coverage of health states.
Conclusions: This study develops a new, �exible econometric model specifically designed to reflect appropriately the features of rank data. Results support the view that the standard model is not appropriate in this setting and will yield very different and apparently inconsistent results. PBMs can be compared using a common scale by implementation of this new approach
A Radial Velocity Study of the Intermediate Polar EX Hydrae
A study on the intermediate polar EX Hya is presented, based on simultaneous
photometry and high dispersion spectroscopic observations, during four
consecutive nights. The strong photometric modulation related to with the
67-min spin period of the primary star is clearly present, as well as the
narrow eclipses associated to the orbital modulation. Since our eclipse timings
have been obtained almost 91,000 cycles since the last reported observations,
we present new linear ephemeris, although we cannot rule out a sinusoidal
variation suggested by previous authors. The system mainly shows double-peaked
H, H and HeI 5876 \AA emission lines. From the profile
of the H line, we find two components; one with a steep rise and
velocities not larger than 1000 km s and another broader component
extending up to 2000 km s, which we interpret as coming mainly
from the inner disc. A strong and variable hotspot is found and a stream-like
structure is seen at times. We show that the best solution correspond to km s from H, from the two emission components, which
are both in phase with the orbital modulation. We remark on a peculiar effect
in the radial velocity curve around phase zero, which could be interpreted as a
Rositter-MacLaughlin-like effect, which has been taken into account before
deriving . This value is compatible with the values found in
high-resolution both in the ultraviolet and X-ray. We find: M, M and
R. Doppler Tomography has been applied, to construct six Doppler
tomograms for single orbital cycles spanning the four days of observations to
support our conclusions. Our results indicate that EX Hya has a well formed
disc and that the magnetosphere should extend only to about
.Comment: 16 pages, 14 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA
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