ABSTRACT
The spatial and temporal distributions of dengue cases reported during a 1991-1992 outbreak in Florida, Puerto Rico (population = 8,689), were studied by using a Geographic Information System. A total of 377 dengue cases were identified from a laboratory-based dengue surveillance system and georeferenced by their residential addresses on digital zoning and U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps. Weekly case maps were generated for the period between June and December 1991, when 94.2% of the dengue cases were reported. The temporal evolution of the epidemic was rapid, affecting a wide geographic area within seven weeks of the first reported cases of the season. Dengue cases were reported in 217 houses; of these 56 (25.8%) had between two and six reported cases. K-function analysis was used to characterize the spatial clustering patterns for all reported dengue cases (laboratory-positive and indeterminate) and laboratory-positive cases alone, while the Barton and David and Knox tests were used to characterize spatio-temporal attributes of dengue cases reported during the 1991-1992 outbreak. For both sets of data significant case clustering was identified within individual households over short periods of time (three days or less), but in general, the cases had spatial pattern characteristics much like the population pattern as a whole. The rapid temporal and spatial progress of the disease within the community suggests that control measures should be applied to the entire municipality, rather than to the areas immediately surrounding houses of reported cases. The potential for incorporating Geographic Information System technologies into a dengue surveillance system and the limitations of using surveillance data for spatial studies are discussed.
PIP: Through use of the Geographic Information System (GIS), the spatial and temporal distributions of dengue cases reported during a 1990-91 outbreak in Florida, Puerto Rico, were reviewed. The GIS, a computer system that can store, assemble, manipulate, and analyze geographically referenced material, offers a new approach to the study of disease patterns. A total of 377 dengue cases were identified from a laboratory-based dengue surveillance system and georeferenced by their residential addresses on digital zoning and US Geological Survey topographic maps. Weekly case maps were generated for the period June-December 1991, when 94.2% of dengue cases were reported. The epidemic's temporal evolution was rapid, affecting a wide geographic region within 7 weeks of the first reported cases of the season. Cases were reported in 217 houses, 56 (25.8%) of which had 2-6 cases each. Both K-function analysis, and the Barton and David-Knox tests, revealed significant case clustering within individual households over a period of 3 days or less. In general, however, cases had spatial pattern characteristics similar to the population pattern as a whole. The rapid spatial and temporal progress of dengue cases within the community suggests that vector control measures (e.g., source reduction) should be applied to the entire municipality, rather than to the areas immediately surrounding houses of reported cases.
Subject(s)
Dengue/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks , Adolescent , Adult , Aedes/physiology , Age Distribution , Animals , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Child , Databases, Factual , Dengue/transmission , Dengue Virus/immunology , Female , Geography , Humans , Incidence , Insect Vectors/physiology , Male , Population Surveillance , Puerto Rico/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Seasons , Sex Distribution , Space-Time ClusteringABSTRACT
PIP: The Fundacion Pro-Sierra Nevada (FPSN) has sponsored environmental and development projects in the Sierra Nevada mountains in Colombia for 10 years. This region, an acknowledged ecological treasure, has been plagued with armed conflict and deforestation. FPSN believed their efforts were having a positive impact on the environment, but, through their participation in the field-testing of a new research methodology, they now have valuable, new information upon which to base their projects and increase the likelihood of project success. The new methodology used by FPSN since 1994 is participatory and reflective analytical mapping (PRAM) and is based on Map Maker, a computer software program that creates simple maps of any geographic area from complex environmental and social information. PRAM methodology is based on the idea that sustainable development depends on both environmental and social factors. The FPSN field-testing involved identification of the six social and environmental indicators that would have the greatest impact on sustainability. Environmental data came from FPSN's files, and social data came from community leaders and experts. The data were used to rate each of the 11 municipalities in the region and to generate color-coded maps. This analysis revealed that three regions previously ignored by FPSN were home to the weakest economies and the highest level of social despair. This field work allowed FPSN to understand that sustainability requires social as well as environmental improvements and that FPSN needs to develop links with appropriate agencies to effect social changes.^ieng
Subject(s)
Conservation of Natural Resources , Program Development , Software , Americas , Colombia , Developing Countries , Economics , Electronic Data Processing , Environment , Latin America , Organization and Administration , South AmericaABSTRACT
PIP: "This paper deals with aspects of the application of the generalized data editing and imputation software named DIA to the 1991 Population Census [of Brazil] Basic Questionnaire. This software, developed by the Spanish National Statistical Institute, handles editing and imputation of categorical data in one processing cycle and provides comprehensive information to control and assess the automatic correction process. The analysis reveals the data quality and efficiency of the software adopted, which ensures data consistency while preserving basic distribution properties." (EXCERPT)^ieng
Subject(s)
Censuses , Methods , Research Design , Software , Americas , Brazil , Developing Countries , Electronic Data Processing , Latin America , Population Characteristics , Research , South America , Statistics as TopicABSTRACT
The authors outline ways in which government statistical offices can make census data available to local public- and private-sector users. Several computer programs, including REDATAM-Plus and Geographical Information Systems, are discussed. "The successful implementation of the use of the census data at the local level will require that...national agencies facilitate the institutionalization of technology transfer by providing, among other things, technical support, training at a distance, data and cartography standards, and solutions to data protection issues." The geographical focus is on Latin America and the Caribbean. (SUMMARY IN ENG)
Subject(s)
Censuses , Communication , Data Collection , Government Programs , Software , Americas , Caribbean Region , Developing Countries , Electronic Data Processing , Latin America , North America , Organization and Administration , Population Characteristics , ResearchABSTRACT
PIP: The author describes SIUMEX, a program she developed to analyze the urban structure of Mexico City. The program was used in 1990 to examine the city's spatial distribution and to measure the physical expansion of the urban region. Other applications for the program are briefly described.^ieng
Subject(s)
Software , Statistics as Topic , Urban Population , Americas , Demography , Developing Countries , Electronic Data Processing , Geography , Latin America , Mexico , North America , Population , ResearchABSTRACT
PIP: This paper presents a new alternative to the construction of mortality tables when only using quinquennial survival data. Because of the persistence in many countries of such problems as the accuracy in vital statistics there is a need to find alternatives to construct mortality tables. The methodology proposed is based on the use of an interactive method that needs a microcomputer programmed to graphic statistical tables. The article is divided into the following sections: 1) estimating a mortality tables based on surviving relations; 2) relationships used in the proposed methodology; 3) estimating the probability of dying at birth; 4) applications; 5) conclusions. The 3 tables are: 1) Times Lived and Separation Factors by Sex and Levels; 2) Male Survival Relations, Times Lived and Probability of Dying Calculated on Different levels, West Model, Level 22; 3) Male Survival Relations, Times Lived and Probability of Dying Calculated with Different Levels Among Quinquennial Age Groups. The article has 2 graphs demonstrating the probabilities of quinquennial deaths.^ieng
Subject(s)
Age Factors , Data Collection , Methods , Models, Theoretical , Mortality , Probability , Software , Statistics as Topic , Demography , Electronic Data Processing , Population , Population Characteristics , Population Dynamics , ResearchABSTRACT
The authors describe a data retrieval system called REDATAM, Retrieval of Data for Small Area by Microcomputer. "The interactive REDATAM system, in English and Spanish versions, was created to solve the problem of providing small-area population and housing information by using an IBM or fully compatible microcomputer to store the microdata of an entire census on a hard disk (or laser disks for larger countries) and to permit any tabulation to be produced rapidly for any area down to city blocks or smaller....REDATAM may play an important role in the 1990 censuses in the Latin American and Caribbean countries since the system will permit the provision of timely small-area services (and at the national level in the Caribbean countries) before, as well as after, the regular data processing and publication of results are ready."
Subject(s)
Geography , Information Storage and Retrieval , Information Systems , Microcomputers , Population Characteristics , Software , Americas , Caribbean Region , Central America , Computers , Developing Countries , Electronic Data Processing , Latin America , North America , Population , Research , South AmericaABSTRACT
PIP: The author presents the case for developing new software packages specifically designed to process population census information for Latin America. The focus is on the problems faced by developing countries in handling vast amounts of data in an efficient way. First, the basic methods of census data processing are discussed, then brief descriptions of some of the available software are included. Finally, ways in which data processing programs could be geared toward and utilized for improving the accuracy of Latin American censuses in the 1990s are proposed.^ieng
Subject(s)
Censuses , Computers , Electronic Data Processing , Software , Americas , Caribbean Region , Central America , Developing Countries , North America , Population Characteristics , Research , South AmericaABSTRACT
"The purpose of this paper is to define the data processing methods that will be used in the 1990 population censuses in the different countries of Latin America.... The countries are divided into four groups, and procedures and methodologies are suggested for each of the main eight stages of a census processing." In general, microcomputers are recommended at the initial stages of processing census data, with the exception of data entry for populations over 10 million, for which the utilization of optical readers is recommended. For the final stages of consistency, tabulation, and data base management, microcomputers are recommended only for populations less than a million. (SUMMARY IN ENG)
Subject(s)
Censuses , Computers , Data Collection , Information Storage and Retrieval , Methods , Organization and Administration , Software , Americas , Developed Countries , Developing Countries , Electronic Data Processing , Latin America , Population Characteristics , ResearchABSTRACT
PIP: This article describes print and computerized services that are dedicated to bibliographic coverage of 1 or more areas of population studies. Major printed bibliographic information resources for population material include: ADOPT, DOCPAL Resumenes sobre Poblacion en America Latina, PIDSA Abstracts, Population Index and Review of Population Reviews. ADOPT is an annotated computer-aided current-awareness bibliographic journal which has been published monthly since January 1975 by the Regional Population Information Center of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). DOCPAL Resumenes is a computer-produced biannual collection of abstracts containing indexes and between 600 and 700 summaries of both published and unpublished population documents. PIDSA is intended to make available documentary information about population matters in sub-Saharan Africa. Population Index, 1 of the oldest and most definitive bibliographies in the demography field, is international in scope and is arranged as a classified and annotated bibliography of monographs, journal articles and 2ndary source material relevant to all aspects of demography. Review of Population Reviews, published 4 times a year, are annotated bibliographies containing summaries of articles that have been published in 83 periodicals in 37 countries. Cited articles are assigned subject-heading descriptors from the Population Multilingual Thesaurus. Major computerized information resources are: DOCPAL, DOCPOP, EBIS/POPFILE, MANPINS, POPLINE and POPULATION BIBLIOGRAPHY. DOCPAL was established to assist Latin Ameran countries in the collection, storage, processing and retrieval of population documents about Latin America. DOCPAL contains over 19,000 bibliographic citations. DOCPOP was established as the 1st Latin American national computerized population documentation system for Brazilian material. POPLINE is a computerized retrieval service cooperatively produced in the US which covers the worldwide literature on population and family planning. POPULATION BIBLIOGRAPHY consists of bibliographic records of the Carolina Population Center Library at the University of North Carolina. EBIS/PROFILE provides computerized literature search services using improved information processing techniques. The system enables interactive information retrieval using a combination of subject descriptors, free text, author names and words in other fields and can be utilized to generate various lists. MANPINS is a cooperative network of 28 population and other libraries in Peninsular Malaysia. Its data bank includes contributions from member libraries in the form of bibliographic information on monographs and journal articles.^ieng
Subject(s)
Computers , Data Collection , Demography , Developed Countries , Developing Countries , Electronic Data Processing , Family Planning Services , Information Services , Information Storage and Retrieval , Information Systems , Population , Software , Africa , Africa South of the Sahara , Americas , Asia , Asia, Southeastern , Brazil , Health Planning , Latin America , Malaysia , Organization and Administration , Research , Social Sciences , South AmericaABSTRACT
PIP: Thailand's National Family Planning Program is testing a computerized contraceptive commodity reporting management in 4 provinces with 104 National Family Planning Program (NFPP) reporting entities. Staff in the Brazilian Association of Family Planning Entities (ABEPF) and CPAIMC, a major family planning service agency, have been trained in the use of a computerized commodity distribution management system and are ready to initiate test use. The systems were designed in response to specific commodity management needs of the concerned organizations. Neither distribution program functions as a contraceptive social marketing (CSM) program, but each system reviewed has aspects that are relevant to CSM commodity management needs. Both the Thai and Brazilian systems were designed to be as automatic and user friendly as possible. Both have 3 main databases and perform similar management and reporting functions. Differing program configurations and basic data forms reflect the specific purposes of each system. Databases for the logistics monitoring system in Thailand arethe reporting entity (or ID) file; the current month's data file; and the master balance file. The data source is the basic reporting form that also serves as a Request and Issue Voucher for commodities. Editing functions in the program check to see that the current "beginning balance" equals the previous month's ending balance. Indexing functions in the system allow direct access to the records of any reporting entity via the ID number, as well as the sequential processing of records by ID number. 6 reports can be generated: status report by issuing entity; status report by dispensing entity; aggregate status report; out of compliance products report; out of compliance outlets report; and suggested shipment to regional warehouse report. Databases for the distribution management system in Brazil are: the name-ID (client institution) file; the product file; and the data file. The data source is an order form that contains a client code similar to the code used in Thailand. An interrogative data entry program enhances the management function of the system. 8 reports can be individually issued: a status report on back orders by product; a status report on back orders by institution and product; a historical report of year to date shipments and value by product; a historical report of year to date shipments by client and product; year to date payment reports from each client; outstanding invoices by month for the previous 12 months; a product report showing the amount of each product or order with outstanding invoices; and a stock position report.^ieng
Subject(s)
Electronic Data Processing , Health Planning , Marketing of Health Services , Organization and Administration , Software , Americas , Asia , Asia, Southeastern , Brazil , Developed Countries , Developing Countries , Economics , Family Planning Services , Latin America , South America , ThailandABSTRACT
PIP: The Fundacao Sistema de Analise de Dados (SEADE) is a non-profit organization related to the Government of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. It collects, organizes and processes data and information on population, education, health, finance, the economy, and agriculture. It conducts research to evaluate the status of social and economic variables and the effects of governmental action. It publishes a number of periodicals, provides reference services to the public, and operates 2 major computerized data bases. A 3rd computerized documentation system, SEADE/DOC, was created in 1982 for material relating to population matters. Between 1978 and 1981, about 600 population research projects and studies were developed by 14 Brazilian institutions which deal with teaching, research, and consultations in the area of population problems. (A list of these institutions is appended). The main objective of SEADE/DOCPOP is to solve the lack of up-to-date information on population in Brazil in computerized services. Other objectives are to improve the flow of population information among the different regions of Brazil, to participate in international population information systems, and to acquire technology and experience in the development and operation of the DOCPOP system in order to allow SEADE to extend the system to other fields. A description of the scope and volume of the documents to be included in SEADE/DOCPOP are contained in the article as well as a description of system design and development. The system should be in operation by July 1983; brief mention is made of future projects.^ieng
Subject(s)
Information Centers , Information Services , Information Systems , Organizations , Population Dynamics , Research , Software , Americas , Brazil , Communication , Demography , Developing Countries , Electronic Data Processing , Health Planning , Information Storage and Retrieval , International Cooperation , Latin America , Population , South AmericaABSTRACT
PIP: Changes in the production and analysis of census and survey data as a result of recent progress in the field of automatic data processing are reviewed, with a focus on the assimilation of such changes in national statistical offices throughout Latin America. The need for qualified personnel, communication between data users and producers, increased use of program packages and systems, implementation of new methods, appropriate data and process documentation, and cooperation and exchange with other institutions is noted. (summary in ENG)^ieng
Subject(s)
Data Collection , Electronic Data Processing , Software , Statistics as Topic , Censuses , Developing Countries , Latin America , ResearchABSTRACT
PIP: The authors emphasize the importance of computer analysis in statistical evaluation in obstetrics. 99 case histories of fetal deaths among a group of 135 occurred in 1978 in the Obstetrical and Gynecological Unit, Hospital Paula Jaraquemada, Santiago (fetal death rate of 16.4/1000 live births) were set up in precodified clinical records and submitted for computer analysis. The general principles and techniques of computation as applied to medical statistics are outlined, with special emphasis on its accuracy, double and triple cross operations, and other relevant advantages. Tables, comments, and conclusions are presented. (author's)^ieng
Subject(s)
Computers , Fetal Death/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Chile , Female , Gestational Age , Humans , Male , Maternal Age , Middle Aged , PregnancyABSTRACT
PIP: "This paper introduces CELADE's PRODUCE system which will use a database management system (DBMS) to provide efficient access to population census and survey micro-data.... Special emphasis is given to the usefulness of the transposed physical structure for the creation of population or statistical databases. An outline is given of how the RAPID DBMS will be integrated with existing statistical packages to make micro-data more cost-effectively available to the regional researchers and to investigators with CELADE."^ieng
Subject(s)
Bibliographies as Topic , Electronic Data Processing , Information Storage and Retrieval , Population Characteristics , Population Dynamics , Software , United Nations , Demography , Developing Countries , International Agencies , Latin America , Organizations , Population , ResearchABSTRACT
PIP: The availability of packaged computer programs have facilitated the use of age and sex projections at the regional level, but misleading results may be generated when program data requirements are not met. This paper discusses the problem of obtaining and preparing migration data for use in the Shorter and Pasta model which utilizes a modified component method. The Shorter and Pasta procedure for estimating migration and alternative procedures are followed and the resulting figures are used to illustrate the necessity of meeting data requirements exactly. Computer results should not be considered the end product but rather a first approximation to the projection, and steps necessary to arrive at the final projection are outlined. Procedures for making regional estimates using the Shorter and Pasta program are included.^ieng
Subject(s)
Data Collection , Emigration and Immigration , Forecasting , Models, Theoretical , Population Growth , Software , Statistics as Topic , Americas , Colombia , Demography , Developing Countries , Electronic Data Processing , Latin America , Population , Population Dynamics , Research , Research Design , South AmericaABSTRACT
PIP: The nature of the roots for a set of fertility functions were explored in this study, resulting in tables from creation of a family of model fertility schedules. These model fertility schedules accurately represent the full range of age structures of fertility in large populations; they have close fit to various accurately recorded fertility schedules of very different form. The text for the tables includes discussions of: 1)the basis for the fertility schedules, 2)the age structure of the proportion ever married (G(a) specified by 2 parameters, 3)single parameter specified age structure of marital fertility, 4)the similarity of model schedules of age specific fertility to the age pattern of fertility in actual populations, 5)model fertility schedules' suitability during changing nuptuality. Possible uses of the schedules and their application to different countries (England, Wales, Peru) are also described.^ieng