Helena Bacelar-Nicolau

Risk score to predict the outcome of patients with cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis.

Background: Around 15% of patients die or become dependent after cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis (CVT). Method: We used the International Study on Cerebral Vein and Dural Sinus Thrombosis (ISCVT) sample (624 patients, with a median follow-up time of 478 days) to develop a Cox proportional hazards regression model to predict outcome, dichotomised by a modified Rankin Scale score >2. From the model hazard ratios, a risk score was derived and a cut-off point selected. The model and the score were tested in 2 validation samples: (1) the prospective Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Portuguese Collaborative Study Group (VENOPORT) sample with 91 patients; (2) a sample of 169 consecutive CVT patients admitted to 5 ISCVT centres after the end of the ISCVT recruitment period. Sensitivity, specificity, c statistics and overall efficiency to predict outcome at 6 months were calculated. Results: The model (hazard ratios: malignancy 4.53; coma 4.19; thrombosis of the deep venous system 3.03; mental status disturbance 2.18; male gender 1.60; intracranial haemorrhage 1.42) had overall efficiencies of 85.1, 84.4 and 90.0%, in the derivation sample and validation samples 1 and 2, respectively. Using the risk score (range from 0 to 9) with a cut-off of ≥3 points, overall efficiency was 85.4, 84.4 and 90.1% in the derivation sample and validation samples 1 and 2, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity in the combined samples were 96.1 and 13.6%, respectively. Conclusions: The CVT risk score has a good estimated overall rate of correct classifications in both validation samples, but its specificity is low. It can be used to avoid unnecessary or dangerous interventions in low-risk patients, and may help to identify high-risk CVT patients.

Some Trends in the Classification of Variables

In this paper we review a class of hierarchical clustering methods based on similarity coefficients and aggregation criteria which are associated to the integral transformation by the (probabilistic) distribution function of some suitable sample statistics. Some properties of those methods we have studied are remembered and/or derived here. Applications on either simulated or real data set have shown this approach performs better than the traditional one (using empirical clustering methods) in many situations. Moreover we define some “hybrid” criteria, which we generalise in order to get some mixed or parametric hierarchical clustering methods. Inside of such parametrical families we are able to find, among different criteria those better fitting to the initial similarities, and to search for stability and validity of those methods.

Missing Data and Imputation Methods in Partition of Variables

We deal with the effect of missing data under a “Missing at Random Model” on classification of variables with non-hierarchical methods. The partitions are compared by the Rand index.

Symbolic Data Analysis for the Assessment of User Satisfaction: An Application to Reading Rooms Services.

The conducted clinical and instrumental study revealed that the aggregate group of the patients with chronic diseases of throat differs by increased frequency of isolated and combined disorders of gastrointestinal tract. If a patient has such symptoms as hoarseness, tickling, scratching, burning, feeling of dryness in throat, frequent variant of gastro-intestinal tract disorders is gastroesophageal reflux disease with pharyngolaryneal reflux. There are such severe pathologies of throat as pachydermia of vocal cords and nodules of vocal cords among more frequently met disorders at gastro-intestinal tract diseases. High probability of accompanied pathology of throat in the form of pachydermia and nodules of vocal cords at patients with gastro-intestinal tract disorders stipulates for the necessity of conducting fibrorhynolaryngoscopy in combination with fibergastroscopy.Study presents short overview of drug situation’s indicators during the first, or heroin decade of drugs, and then during the second, soft and synthetic drugs decade of drugs in Slovakia. Then the results of series of nation-wide school surveys, mapping development of licit and illicit drugs use among children and youth during nineties are outlined. The results indicated constant growth of licit and illicit drugs consumption among primary school pupils, and secondary school students until the fourth wave of nation-wide school surveys in the years 2006 – 2007. However, the next wave after four years has detected profound change in the expected pattern of further growth in the case of illicit drugs. Instead of this decline of use or at least stabilization occurred among Slovak youth. At the same time we have found growth of use in the case of licit drugs – alcohol and tobacco, more profoundly among girls. Also the use of new synthetic drugs among young people was revealed via traditional school survey.

Comparison of Modal Variables Using Multivariate Analysis

Domiciliary palliative care satisfaction and quality were estimated by caregivers via five perception scales with partly ordered answering modalities. The perception scales were codified as symbolic modal variables and analyzed using two multivariate approaches based on complex (symbolic) data to compare modal variables. This study compares the outcomes of previous work by Doria (Representacoes euclidianas de dados: Uma abordagem para variaveis heterogeneas. Tese de doutoramento, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 2008), Doria et al.(Livro de Resumos da XI Conferencia Espanola de Biometria e Primer Encuentro Iberoamericano de Biometria (CEIB2007) 101–102, 2007) and Bacelar-Nicolau et al.(Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia 66(2):427–460, 2010). In particular, it focuses on the differences and similarities of the results obtained with principal component analysis and ascendant hierarchical cluster analysis, directly applied to the similarity matrix S LC and to the generalized affinity matrix, adapted to the comparison of modal variables.

Missing Data in Hierarchical Classification of Variables — a Simulation Study

Here we develop from a first work the effect of missing data in hierarchical classification of variables according to the following factors: amount of missing data, imputation techniques, similarity coefficient, and aggregation criterion. We have used two methods of imputation, a regression method using an OLS method and an EM algorithm. For the similarity matrices we have used the basic affinity coefficient and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient. As aggregation criteria we apply average linkage, single linkage and complete linkage methods. To compare the structure of the hierarchical classifications the Spearman’s coefficient between the associated ultrametrics has been used. We present here simulation experiments in five multivariate normal cases.

Comparison of Ultrametrics Obtained With Real Data, Using the PL and VALAw Coefficients

We compare 20 ultrametric matrices generated by the classifications obtained from 20 similarity indices for binary variables on the same group of data, that were studied by Hubalek (1982). To measure the similarity between the ultrametric matrices we use the P L coefficient proposed by Le Calve (1977) and the Validity of Affinity Coefficient WW, VAL Aw proposed by Bacelar-Nicolau (1988). By means of hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis on the similarity matrices obtained with those two coefficients, we draw conclusions about the 20 similarity indices and compare results for P L and VAL Aw coefficients. The results obtained with these two coefficients are very similar and are also similar to the results obtained by Hubalek. Finally we introduce in this ultrametrics/coefficients comparative study the simple matching coefficient, Sokal and Michener (1958), and observe, using P L or VAL Aw coefficients, its particular behaviour in relation to the other indices.

Clustering of variables with a three-way approach for health sciences

© 2014 Cises This work is distributed with License Creative Commons Attribution-Non commercial-No derivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-BC-ND 4.0)

CLUSTER ANALYSIS USING AFFINITY COEFFICIENT IN ORDER TO IDENTIFY RELIGIOUS BELIEFS PROFILES

After the European Concert of 1815, “Old” Europe, characterized from ongoing wars for power, experienced the longest pediod of peace it ever had. In 40 years there were no war between the Great Powers. After the war at Crime in 1854, there was no general war for another 60 years. This was due to a strong equilibrium, wich proposed the existence of France, Germany, Austro-Hungary and Russia as main elements, having the support of England wich had the naval fleet superiority. The Balkan Wars of the 1912-1913 are the most important event in the history of the Balkan people and beyond. They are composed of a series sharp and bloody conflicts that swept Eastern Europe in the recent years. If we talk about the origins of the war, we must emphasize that the situation of the Balkan wars at the time and especially the situation that followed, was very alike to the conditions that existed before the Turks came to Europe. At that time, both during and after the Balkan Wars, the Christian states constantly fought against each other for hegemony in the peninsula. For the more serious and real judgment we should also see the impact and performance of the situations and events in the Balkans, with the new changes in the geopolitics of the European continent, at least since the early nineteenth century and the credit for this goes to the European Concert (1815).The Krena river based on its length has bigger flow than Llukaci river, and both of them spillat Ereniku river. The purpose of this study is to provide details on the quality of the waterof Krena river and its flow to the Ereniku river. The study and monitoring performed in of this paper annual period january-december 2011gives its physical-chemical results as:Iron,Manganese,nitrites,nitrates,Aluminium,phosphate,consumption of Potassium permanganate,dissolved Oxygen,water temperature,air temperature,pH value etc.Water samples were taken in polyethylene bottles of 500 ml, which initially are well cleaned.Some of parameters were measured at the location of the taken sample, since other analyzes were sent immediately to the laboratory and analyzes were made,based on pH value, conductometric,turbidymetric, spectro photometric etc. The given results show the quality of the pollution of Krena river as result of discharge of pollutants , municipal and industrial.Reading & understanding a text means being able to spot the ideas in it; to understand the given knowledge in order to compare them with the previous ones; to imply; to notice what is important, to split the known from the unknown in order to make use of ones knowledge. Readability is on the same rank with usability. Lexical knowledge and background make up two of the most essential elements that define the readability of a text. Precise reading, different techniques to ease its understanding has continuously changed especially in these years when its understanding is measured through testing. Reading comprehension development phases from analyses to synthesis enable you to deepen its study. In the long run, this study passed from a simple reading without defining objective to the one with measurable objective. Deepening the study for reading, increase its importance in a general communication in foreign language. Its complexity in many areas, affects not only the actors that play inside a class but also even the ones outside it.Inclusive education is priority in many educational systems. It seems that educational process could not be effective and successful if it is not inclusive one. Educational policy demands creating inclusive practice which means that every one would find his place and could be treated according to different needs that pupils have. It is not easy to develop educational philosophy and to implement it. On that way there are any obstacles, challenges, but the way is the only one. Those decades are dedicated to efforts to make educational process and system inclusive one. Every country has his story. We share our story so that we can collect suggestions and offer experience for all who must follow this way.Urbanization brings a sustainable development as it closely relates to demography, the movement of population. After 1990, in contrast to the communist regime era a shift from the planned population movements, to congestion mainly toward Tirana and other coastal areas has been noticed. The aim of this paper is to analyze the impact that the population movement has had into our country’s urban development. Urbanization is considered to be a major component for the economic growth of a country, especially in coastal areas, in which it is more incentive for sustainable development. The urbanization has passed through several stages: pre-industrial, industrial and postindustrial one. It is seen as a means to improve civilization, while bringing more progress and development. So we may ask: Was it worth a movement of population without a plan in Albania and should we put nowadays a planning strategy for the urbanization and demography?The environmental politics has assumed in the last times a wide and transversal dimension, focused on problems and relations of a complex system such as the environment, in the whose inner different elements act and put equity and disequity problems. With the new strategy, the European Community means to pursue the integration of environmental sustainability goals (Goteborg Agenda) with those of the economic and social development (Lisbon Agenda), the environmental politics integrate therefore substantially to the problems of social-economic development. The adoption of systems of eco-management from a relevant number of companies even in the touristic sector and their certification in conformity with international and European standards represent an important innovation element, following to this strategy inclined to conjugate the development with the protection of the environment. The systems of environmental management have by now become a distinctive element of the companies which aim to cover a relevant role in the competitive national and international scenery, even because their nature itself makes them verifiable from third independent subjects and suitable to stimulate the continuous improvement of environmental and productive performances. Object of the present work is the analysis of the project management for the improvement of the quality of services in the tourism sector which allows to obtain the Emas/Ecolabel certification in a touristic structure in South Italy.In this article are given on alternative energy considerations, including these forms of production: • Solar Energy (Photovoltaic) • Wind Energy • Biomass Energy • Biogas • Biodiesel Where are given technological considerations for the application of each case in the Albanian territory.The economic crime as a system of groupings of types of criminal acts with similar characteristics in modern conditions is characterized by a rich and diverse criminal phenomenology, adaptable to all stadiums of the development of society. The financial crime is part of the economic crime which is rapidly evolving and expanding causing huge material damage, as that undermines the foundations of the functioning of any country, especially some that ten years ago transited from contract in a trading economy, what is case of the Republic of Macedonia. The article presents observations of the current situation with financial crime in the Republic of Macedonia, which highlight the specifics regarding the actions of all subjects included in the fight against this difficult and complex phenomenon. It’s rightfully to point out the need for specialized treatment of financial crime in managing financial investigations as well as criminal operating items. For this purpose are applied modern criminality tools and methods derived primarily from the bosom of conspiratorial police and judicial instruments and methods provided by the Law of the Financial Police. Resolved financial crime in the country is not a reflection of reality, given that this area is with extremely high “dark number”.Public services and their management have a great influence in the development of the local economy of a country. During the process of transformation of the community in an intense computing system of information, the offering of these services through information technology, in an effective, fast, transparent and safe mannerin accordance with citizens and businessneeds are very important. Referring to makers of online declaration, this is an important measurethat will influence in increasing the effectiveness of tax administration, to minimize the tax evasion in labour market, and to facilitate the exchange between two important institutions: Tax Office and Social Insurance directory. However, this online information exchange between these two institutions, aims in facilitating the data exchange between these two directories, with the purpose of establishing a clear evidence of the data of social insurance payments from that of businesses and citizens. This exchange will help the history creation, for each social insurance payer, thereby helping them in having the necessary profits from these paid contributions.Christianity as a consummate and the most individualized religion, allows one to best harmonize the relationships between an individual, society, and the state. Christianity roots in the fundamental sentiment of personal responsibility for own thoughts and deeds. That the Christian doctrine has an immense variety of tools to resolve the whole gamut of socio-political issues has been brilliantly evidenced in hosts of victories on a civilization scale. Being a pro-active religion, Christianity has been the driving force behind the groundbreaking, epoch-making processes both at political and scientific level. Christianity has brought about a new model of state economy basing on equity and liberalism. However, having swerved from good intentions, the modern Christian nations are caught in the economic crisis, facing the urgency to regain their economic strength lavished on the rest of civilizations. The only way to reach this is to reconsider Christian values.

Clustering of Symbolic Data based on Affinity Coefficient: Application to a Real Data Set

SUMMARY In this paper, we illustrate an application of Ascendant Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (AHCA) to complex data taken from the literature (interval data), based on the standardized weighted generalized affinity coefficient, by the method of Wald and Wolfowitz. The probabilistic aggregation criteria used belong to a parametric family of methods under the probabilistic approach of AHCA, named VL methodology. Finally, we compare the results achieved using our approach with those obtained by other authors.