THE FISHER INFORMATION MATRIX IN DOUBLY CENSORED DATA FROM THE DAGUM DISTRIBUTION

In this note, we provide the mathematical tools for computing the entries of the Fisher information matrix in case of the observations are doubly censored from a Dagum distribution.Order Statistics, Maximum Likelihood Estimator, Fisher Information Matrix

The Fisher Information Matrix in Right Censored Data from the Dagum Distribution

In this note, we provide the mathematical details of the calculation of the Fisher information matrix when the data involve type I right censored observations from a Dagum distribution.Fisher information matrix, type I right censored observations, Dagum distribution

Differently unequal: Zooming-in on the distributional dimensions of the crisis in euro area countries

This paper discusses how income inequality developed during the current crisis in euro area countries, as well as the role played by each income source. Based on an extended definition of income - including additional components which do not appear in the standard Eurostat definitions - we complement the information provided by the Gini index and quantile ratios by computing an alternative inequality indicator, developed by Zenga (2007), and its decomposition by income source. While broadly confirming the distributional effect of the crisis documented in previous studies, we find that in specific countries the level of inequality appears higher when alternative measures are taken into account, and that the rise of inequality since 2008 has not been as modest as the previous studies would suggest. The paper further looks at how the distribution of income has evolved during the crisis by income quantile groups (i.e. 'zooming-in'). The results point to varying contribution of labour income in 2011 compared to 2007. In addition, while the impact of individual households' characteristics shows a non-linear pattern across income quantile groups before the crisis, such dispersion has decreased in 2011.We argue that, on the basis of our analysis, not only euro area countries are "differently unequal" in that inequality has developed in a very peculiar way in different countries, but also because it needs to be tackled at a finer level of analysis

Additional Clues for a Protective Role ofVitamin D in Neurodegenerative Diseases: 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Triggers an Anti-Inflammatory Response in BrainPericytes

International audienceEpidemiological and experimental studies suggest that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D) plays a neuroprotectiverole in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease. Most of the experimental data regarding the genes regulatedby this hormone in brain cells have been obtained with neuron and glial cells. Pericytes play a critical role in brain function thatencompasses their classical function in blood-brain barrier control and maintenance. However, the gene response of brain pericyteto 1,25D remains to be investigated. Analyses of the transcriptomic response of human brain pericytes to 1,25D demonstrate thathuman brain pericytes in culture respond to 1,25D by regulating genes involved in the control of neuroinflammation. In addition,ericytes respond to the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor and Interferon by inducing the expression of theCYP27B1 gene which is involved in 1,25D synthesis. Taken together, these results suggest that neuroinflammation could triggerthe synthesis of 1,25D by brain pericytes, which in turn respond to the hormone by a global anti-inflammatory response. Thesefindings identify brain pericytes as a novel 1,25D-responsive cell type and provide additional evidence for the potential value ofvitamin D in the prevention or therapy of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative/neuropsychiatric diseases associatedwith an inflammatory component

Chapter Gender and Information and Communication Technologies interest: results from PISA 2018

ICT engagement has become an important key driver regarding the competence for the adults, but even more for young people. As it was pointed out in 2015, ICT interest (a component of ICT engagement) is defined as “content-specific motivational disposition” and describes ”individuals’ long-term preference for dealing with topics, tasks, or activities related to ICT” (Goldhammer et al., 2017). Using data from 2018 Programme for International Student assessment (PISA), this work will show the gender difference in ICT interest for 15-years old students of 23 OECD countries. Moreover a three-level multilevel model will explain the effects of the characteristics of the student, of the school in which the student learns and of the country in which the student livis on the ICT interest

Assessing Lipid Content in Migrating Alewife

Alewife are a commercially, economically, and ecologically important fish, that expend large amounts of energy during their long migrations to spawning habitat. This energy demand can influence an individual’s chances of surviving and reproducing successfully. To understand how energy use may affect fitness, we captured alewife from the Souadabscook Stream over the course of their spawning migration. Fifty fish were sampled each week from May 12th to June 10th 2019. The lipid content of each individual was measured by using i) a Distell Fatmeter and ii) gravimetric analysis by measuring muscle moisture as an indirect method to assess lipid content. Population demographics such as length, mass, and sex were recorded. Otoliths and scales were used to estimate age and spawning history respectively. Fish with higher lipid content were found during the tail end of the spawning run, and tended to be smaller than those who migrated earlier. Males were also found to have more stored lipids than females. Model selection was used to test the hypotheses that i) early migrants and ii) smaller fish have elevated lipid densities. The hypothesis that demographics such as length, mass, age, sex, and spawning history differ overtime was also tested. These findings provide information regarding the bioenergetics of alewife during migration, and may inform conservation strategies

A Training Program for Therapeutic Living Counselors Supervising Self-Medication Among Commercially-Sexually Exploited Children in a Residential Home Setting

Abstract Problem: Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a critical human rights and public health issue. Abundant evidence shows that sexually exploited youth are at high risk for medical and psychiatric problems, manifest fright and isolation, and have substantial trauma mitigation needs. A short term residential therapeutic home (STRTP) was created in Northern California to provide holistic care to teens victims of sexual exploitation. A therapeutic team is necessary to provide the medical and mental health requirements of STRTP residents. Context: This evidence-based change of practice project was conducted at a 15-bed STRTP in Northern California that will house sexually trafficked female youth. To support the medical needs of youth, the STRTP is partnered with a local community health center and a school of nursing to train therapeutic living counselors (TLCs) to help teens increase their adherence to their medication regimens. Evidence supports that a nurturing environment, higher levels of self-esteem, and an internal locus of control is associated with increased adherence to medication regimens. This training focuses on TLCs because they provide 24/7 care to teens and are vital to promoting medication adherence among teens. Interventions: The project goal is to provide a safe and patient-centered environment where teenagers can avoid triggers of trauma. The intervention was to develop an evidence-based educational program for the TLCs to promote teens\u27 self-esteem and increase internal locus of control. A training process was designed to help TLC meet five measurable learning objectives: (1) Increase their knowledge in signs and symptoms of complex trauma, (2) trauma-informed approach (3) behaviors consistent with internal locus of control, (4) behaviors related to self-esteem, (5) patient-centered care approaches. Evidence suggests that understanding complex trauma and patient centered and trauma informed approaches will improve teens’ adherence to medication regimen. The training program consists of a PowerPoint presentation, an educational video, group discussions, and visual props to reinforce learning. Measures: Evaluation of the training program uses pre- and post-survey questionnaires on the five training objectives. Responses to pre-survey inquiries will be compared to the post-survey questionnaires to determine if TLCs improve their knowledge. Results: The results of these pre and post surveys are pending since the training related to TLCs has not yet been conducted. From evidence reported in the literature and the results of a related medication protocol training carried out at the STRTP, it is anticipated that pre-test and post-test will improve. Conclusion: Results for this project cannot be reported because the TLC training has not yet taken place. The training was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and sheltering in place order. However, evidence supports that improving TLCs’ knowledge on trauma informed approaches, teens\u27 internal locus of control, teens\u27 self-esteem, and patient-centered approaches will increase teens\u27 participation and adherence to their medication regimens

The Impact of Road Crossings on Karst Headwater Streams in Northwest Arkansas

The karst region of NW Arkansas is home to many headwater endemic Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). This includes many species of darters, such as Etheostoma cragini, E. microperca, and E. mihileze, as well as crayfish such as Faxonious meeki brevis and F. nana. NW Arkansas is rapidly urbanizing, increasing the need to construct structures like culverts, bridges, and fords. These man-made road crossings can cause stream habitat degradation and fragmentation, as well as impair overall stream connectivity. To evaluate the impact that road crossings have on aquatic SGCN species and their habitat, 30 headwater streams were sampled throughout Benton and Washington counties. A series of Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to examine relationships between road crossing presence and stream habitat. Stream sites with road crossings had significantly higher water temperatures and conductivity, as well as more embedded substrates and increased levels of bank incision. Partial least squares regression was used to examine how road crossing presence and stream habitat variables influence SGCN abundance, density, condition, diversity indices, and community metrics. The composition of fine sediment and aquatic vegetation, which is preferred habitat for E. cragini and E. microperca, was significantly lower at sites with road crossings. SGCN darters tended to occur less frequently at sites with these structures, and at smaller abundances when they did occur. However, SGCN crayfish occurred at higher abundances at sites with road crossings, which typically had larger substrates. Additionally, the condition of F. nana, along with two other non-SGCN species, was significantly higher when these structures were present. These data suggest the need for multispecies conservation approaches, as road crossings may affect SGCNs uniquely, especially across taxonomic groups