Articles tagged with Statistics
Siobhan Roberts will receive the 2017 JPBM Communications Award for her outstanding work in communicating mathematics to non-mathematicians through her writing. Her award-winning books include 'King of Infinite Space' and 'Genius at Play', which showcase her ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible to a wide audience.
Current system may not detect outliers in surgeon performance, as low caseloads limit statistical power to identify high mortality rates. The analysis suggests that more meaningful outcome measures, such as patient satisfaction and functional health status, are needed for accurate evaluation.
A study by the University of Vermont found that therapists are more likely to promote mental health services to individuals with white-sounding names, rather than black-sounding ones. The researchers analyzed callback rates and discovered a statistically significant difference in responses from therapists using these names.
A new report reveals that nearly half a million B.C. residents struggled to afford food in 2011-12, with families and children facing extreme hardship. Provincial government actions are needed to address this issue.
A Brazilian study found that some cases of Zika virus may be misreported as dengue, leading to an underestimate of the epidemic's size. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 800 people treated for suspected dengue and found over 100 positive for Zika.
A recent study using cutting-edge 3D dental microwear texture analysis reveals that Sinomastodon and Stegodon were obligate browsers of foliages, while Elephas had a broader diet of grasses and trees. This complex process suggests that biotic factors played a more substantial role in Pleistocene faunal turnovers than previously thought.
A study published in Injury Prevention found that official statistics on road traffic injuries in India are likely to be unreliable. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are underrepresented while vehicle occupants are overrepresented. Researchers urge policy makers to steer clear of government stats until the problem is fixed.
The study proposes an occupancy frequency approach to select representative configurations for reaction mechanism calculations, reducing the number of QM calculations required in hybrid simulations. This method focuses on average structure configurations, enabling a powerful tool for multiscale simulations.
The new research training group will develop scientists with combined education in statistics and computer science to address complex data science challenges. The three-year program aims to integrate students from various disciplines, including machine learning, into a collaborative environment.
Researchers found that people who were easily bored tended to endorse more extreme political views. A second survey of 300 people also linked boredom with searching for meaning in life and political extremism.
Researchers studied six years of bull runs to identify risks affecting runners and bulls, finding that the primary risk comes from bulls themselves, with minimal impact from route conditions or runner fitness.
Researchers found that MLB pitchers who threw fastballs nearly half of the time were at increased risk for Tommy John surgery. The study also showed no correlation between pitch velocity and risk of injury.
A new study analyzing over 4,000 news articles about the 2014-15 Disneyland measles outbreak found that articles with a clear bottom-line message were shared more than twice as much as those without. The research supports 'fuzzy trace theory,' suggesting that communications focusing on the gist will be more compelling.
A study from McGill University found that repeat drunk drivers and speeding offenders have unique emotional and behavioral profiles, making prevention strategies more effective when tailored to their characteristics. The research suggests that high-risk drivers respond better to targeted interventions addressing their specific traits.
A recent study found that childhood obesity rates in the US have not declined, with severe obesity on the rise among adolescents. The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey and found that 33.4% of children between 2-19 were overweight, with 17.4% having obesity.
Researchers found significant increases in health insurance coverage, quality of coverage, and diagnoses for chronic health conditions among low-income adults in states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The study's findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and residents in states with ACA Medicaid expansions.
A new US report assesses the massive burden of chronic kidney disease on Medicare, revealing staggering statistics and expensive treatment options. The report aims to inform national healthcare policy and improve care for patients with kidney disease.
A four-month study of 94 young adult college students found that 52% fell at least once, with 16% resulting in injury, while physical activity levels increased fall rates. The most common cause of falls was talking while walking, highlighting the cognitive demand of multi-tasking on balance and stability.
Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University found over 10,000 problematic scenes in 105 Blu-ray discs, including 65 scenes with left-right view swap. This suggests a 21% probability of buying a Blu-ray 3D movie with at least one such scene.
Experts estimate that illegal cartels harm consumers by billions of dollars annually. Cartel screens, statistical tools to spot bad behavior, promise to enhance deterrence when used in combination with other measures.
Alicia Carriquiry's symposium aims to improve statistical and scientific study in forensics, with a focus on pattern and digital evidence. The Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence will build a solid foundation under two branches of forensics.
A study published in Nature suggests that aging does not have a single molecular cause but is rather a systemic process. Researchers found a statistical regularity in how genetic and environmental factors affect the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans worms, revealing an unexpected uniformity among life span distributions.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst has received a $4.2 million grant to establish a CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program, which will support 28 students in their pursuit of careers in cybersecurity. The program aims to address the national shortage of highly trained experts in this field.
New research on American Idol auditions finds that rejected contestants believe in their talent despite slim chances of success. The study suggests that perseverance is a reasonable mindset for creative individuals striving to achieve their goals.
A University of Gothenburg study found that separation risks are higher among co-habitating partners and those with low education levels. The researchers offer five relationship tips: clear communication, sensuality in daily life, time together, affirmation, and seeking help when needed.
According to the American Heart Association's 2016 statistics update, cardiovascular disease is the top killer in both the US and globally. Key risk factors include hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, which contribute to an estimated one in three deaths in the US in 2013.
Simon Singh, a renowned science writer and broadcaster, is receiving the 2016 JPBM Communications Award for Expository and Popular Books. The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) will also receive the award for Public Outreach. MoMath enhances public understanding of mathematics through its dynamic exhibits and programs.
A new messaging system, Vuvuzela, provides strong mathematical guarantees of user anonymity while allowing for fast communication. The system uses three servers and encryption layers to confuse adversaries and prevent them from inferring communication patterns.
Researchers at Columbia University and others present an alternative approach, Partition Retention, which displays strong power in prediction. This method identifies highly predictive variables that are not statistically significant, reducing prediction error rates from 30% to 8% for breast cancer gene analysis.
A study published in Medical Care found that trained medical interpreters can cut the error rate in half for patients with limited English proficiency, whether in person or via video conference. The results suggest that professional interpretation services are crucial for improving quality of care for LEP patients.
Total travel trips and time spent on journeys have remained stable since 1965, but increased distances traveled have nearly doubled, according to the National Travel Survey. The data suggests that investment in transport and car use have expanded employment and leisure opportunities for women and older people.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have developed a virtual reality platform to help protect endangered animals. The platform uses 360-degree cameras and real-time data analysis to predict the locations of critically endangered species such as rock wallabies and Sumatran orangutans.
A statistical study of first-year college rape found that 18.6% of freshmen women experienced completed or attempted rape, with a significant increase in risk among women who had previously been victimized. The study emphasizes the need for colleges to develop effective prevention and counseling programs.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a mathematical theory on game intelligence in team sports. They studied former NHL player Nicklas Lidström's moves during games and found that he used principles such as minimizing the opponents' best alternative to gain an edge.
A new study by The Lancet reveals that two-thirds of global deaths and one-third of births go unreported. This lack of data hampers informed policy-making and decision-making, leading to lost opportunities to improve population health. Mobile phone data collection and technology advances are proposed as solutions to crack the problem.
A nationally representative survey shows that natural product use in the US has shifted since 2007, with some products becoming more popular and others falling out of favor. Fish oil was the top natural product among adults, while melatonin saw a significant increase in use among children.
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) reported a 35% increase in the use of biodiversity data accessed via its open-access infrastructure. Meanwhile, web traffic saw significant annual gains, with over 1.13 million sessions logged by users from 236 countries and territories.
A new study reveals that Charlotte the spider embodies more intellectual traits of humility than Wilbur the pig, showcasing the importance of love for learning in humble individuals. The study found two clusters of traits: social humility and intellectual humility.
A study by Ting Qian and Richard Aslin shows that our brains are wired to detect patterns in data, even if they don't lead to correct conclusions. This tendency is built into cognitive processes, providing information on possibilities that might not have been considered otherwise.
Researchers have developed a new theory that aims to bring flexibility to computer communication by allowing devices to tolerate some degree of imprecision. By gauging the minimum amount of information needed to convey a point, designed communication schemes can achieve reliable transmission, even in uncertain environments.
Researchers analyzed NYC lot data to conclude the city has a significantly smaller rat population than previously believed. The estimated 2 million rat count is a more conservative assessment than the widely-cited 8 million figure.
A Danish study found that changes in diagnostic criteria and registration systems account for most of the increase in autism cases since the 1990s. The study analyzed data from over 677,000 individuals born between 1980-1991.
A research team led by Carnegie Mellon University's Kathryn Roeder and the University of Pittsburgh's Bernie Devlin has identified 33 genes that contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study analyzed data from over 14,000 DNA samples and found that small differences in some of possibly 1,000 risk genes can increase autism risk.
Weak measurements aim to gain information from quantum systems by minimizing disturbance. However, researchers Joshua Combes and Christopher Ferrie found a classical analogy for the same process, casting doubt on its quantum nature.
A new study found that providing statistical information about injury risks can increase public support for road safety laws. The survey of 2,397 adults showed significant increases in support for laws aimed at drunk driving and red-light running after participants were given statistics on related injury risks.
Despite significant increases in R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP, China has seen a decline in funding for applied research, with basic research funding plummeting from 5.2% to 4.7%. The authors argue that further reforms are needed to bring transparency and coordination to the country's R&D spending.
A new study found that the reclassification of PTSD diagnosis in DSM-5 potentially excludes soldiers who were previously diagnosed under previous criteria. The authors surveyed 1822 US soldiers and found that just under a third were excluded when using DSM-5 criteria, highlighting concerns for treatment and benefits.
A team of researchers has developed an algorithm that can determine whether a video is running forward or backward with 80% accuracy. The algorithm analyzes subtle visual cues and identifies regions of frames to make its judgments, potentially leading to more realistic graphics in gaming and film.
Researchers found that bicyclists tend to be in the best mood, followed by car passengers and drivers, while bus and train riders experience negative emotions. The study suggests improving transit riders' emotional experience may be as important as traditional service features.
To predict finish times for nearly 6,000 runners who didn't complete the 2013 Boston Marathon, researchers developed a statistical procedure using pace data up to the last checkpoint. The KNN method proved effective in predicting completion times, and its potential use was expanded to assist with real-time predictions during the race.
Since 2000, breast lifts have grown by 70 percent, outpacing implants two-to-one, with women between 30-54 making up nearly 70 percent of procedures. Breast lift surgery is becoming increasingly popular as women seek a more natural look using their own tissue.
Research found that people with math anxiety struggle to comprehend messages about genetically modified foods, while those with high math skills and confidence can better understand. The study highlights the importance of improving math skills and building confidence in math abilities.
Research by Linköping University's Alireza Behtoui reveals that migrant children have less education but equal job prospects to Swedish-born peers when adjusted for parent's education level. The difference in salaries remains, but decreases with factors such as education and family status.
A team of researchers used a statistical network analysis to examine recurring characters in the Icelandic sagas and found connections to modern comic book franchises. The study reveals that the properties of these social networks are remarkably similar to those of real-world societies.
The American Heart Association's annual statistical update reveals that heart disease and stroke remain major public health concerns in the US, claiming over 787,000 lives annually. Cardiovascular diseases account for more deaths than all forms of cancer combined, with nearly half of African-American adults affected.
A study of former elite male athletes found that those who were previously elite athletes had a 28% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life. The risk was even higher for endurance sports athletes, with a 61% reduction in risk.
Professor Speed has developed tools to help biologists analyze and explain their results, making it possible to look at hundreds of genes in a DNA sequence at once to understand genetic changes involved in complicated diseases. He is also working on determining the genetic traits that make normal and cancerous cells different.
A new study found that Cinderella teams in the NCAA Men's Final Four have a 35 percent larger TV audience than powerhouse schools. This translates to an additional 3 million viewers for semifinal games and 4.5 million for championship games.
Cities are likened to social reactors and networks, attracting people and accelerating social interaction. The new framework predicts statistical relationships observed in thousands of real cities worldwide, providing insights into urban growth and development.
A recent University of Chicago study reveals that couples who met online have higher marital satisfaction and lower break-up rates. The research found that online relationships benefit from selectivity and advance screening, providing a larger pool of prospective partners.