VSSI X̄ charts with sampling at fixed times

A standard X̄ chart for controlling the process mean takes samples of size n0 at specified, equally-spaced, fixed-time points. This article proposes a modification of the standard X chart that allows one to take additional samples, bigger than n0, between these fixed times. The additional samples are taken from the process when there is evidence that the process mean moved from target. Following the notation proposed by Reynolds (1996a) and Costa (1997) we shortly call the proposed X chart as VSSIFT X chart where VSSIFT means variable sample size and sampling intervals with fixed times. The X chart with the VSSIFT feature is easier to be administered than a standard VSSI X chart that is not constrained to sample at the specified fixed times. The performances of the charts in detecting process mean shifts are comparable. Copyright © 1998 by Marcel Dekker, Inc.

Joint X̄ and R Charts with Variable Sample Sizes and Sampling Intervals

Recent studies have shown that the X̄ chart with variable sampling intervals (VSI) and/or with variable sample sizes (VSS) detects process shifts faster than the traditional X̄ chart. This article extends these studies for processes that are monitored by both the X̄ and R charts. A Markov chain model is used to determine the properties of the joint X and R charts with variable sample sizes and sampling intervals (VSSI). The VSSI scheme improves the joint X̄ and R control chart performance in terms of the speed with which shifts in the process mean and/or variance are detected.

Use of the internal standardization for difficult sampling by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

This work shows the potentiality of As as internal standard to compensate errors from sampling of sparkling drinking water samples in the determination of selenium by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The mixture Pd(NO 3) 2/Mg(NO 3) 2 was used as chemical modifier. All samples and reference solutions were automatically spiked with 500 μg l -1 As and 0.2% (v/v) HNO 3 by the autosampler, eliminating the need for manual dilutions. For 10 μl dispensed sample into the graphite tube, a good correlation (r=0.9996) was obtained between the ratio of analyte absorbance by the internal standard absorbance and the analyte concentrations. The relative standard deviations (R.S.D.) of measurements varied from 0.05 to 2% and from 1.9 to 5% (n=12) with and without internal standardization, respectively. The limit of detection (LD) based on integrated absorbance was 3.0 μg l -1 Se. Recoveries in the 94-109% range for Se spiked samples were obtained. Internal standardization (IS) improved the repeatability of measurements and increased the lifetime of the graphite tube in ca. 15%. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fatores associados à vacinação contra a influenza em idosos

Objective. To investigate the epidemiologic profile of elderly persons who do or do not participate in influenza vaccination campaigns and to identify the variables that bear an influence on participation. Method. A cross-sectional population-based study was performed using data on individuals aged 60 years or older who were living in the municipalities of São Paulo, Itapecerica da Serra, Embu, Taboão da Serra, Campinas and Botucatu, Brazil, in 2001 and 2002. A stratified random sample of 1 908 elderly individuals was selected by means of two-stage cluster sampling. Exploratory data analysis was performed, including bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression. Results. Sixty-six percent of the elderly subjects reported having received vaccination against influenza. After adjustment, the following factors were found to be associated with having received vaccination, based on self-report: age (OR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.09 to 1.99), self-reported hypertension (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.87) and educational level (OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.98). The highest number of vaccinated individuals was observed in the group = 70 years of age and in the hypertension group. Individuals with 9 or more years of schooling reported less adherence to influenza vaccination. Conclusions. The results suggest the need for campaigns to make information on the benefits of influenza vaccination more easily accessible to the elderly and health professionals.

Synthetic control charts with two-stage sampling for monitoring bivariate processes

In this article, we consider the synthetic control chart with two-stage sampling (SyTS chart) to control bivariate processes. During the first stage, one item of the sample is inspected and two correlated quality characteristics (x;y) are measured. If the Hotelling statistic T1 2 for these individual observations of (x;y) is lower than a specified value UCL 1 the sampling is interrupted. Otherwise, the sampling goes on to the second stage, where the remaining items are inspected and the Hotelling statistic T2 2 for the sample means of (x;y) is computed. When the statistic T2 2 is larger than a specified value UCL2, the sample is classified as nonconforming. According to the synthetic control chart procedure, the signal is based on the number of conforming samples between two neighbor nonconforming samples. The proposed chart detects process disturbances faster than the bivariate charts with variable sample size and it is from the practical viewpoint more convenient to administer.

Double sampling X̄ control chart for a first order autoregressive process

In this paper we propose the Double Sampling X̄ control chart for monitoring processes in which the observations follow a first order autoregressive model. We consider sampling intervals that are sufficiently long to meet the rational subgroup concept. The Double Sampling X̄ chart is substantially more efficient than the Shewhart chart and the Variable Sample Size chart. To study the properties of these charts we derived closed-form expressions for the average run length (ARL) taking into account the within-subgroup correlation. Numerical results show that this correlation has a significant impact on the chart properties.

Determination of copper in fish feed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using slurry sampling

The present work develops and optimizes a method to determine copper in samples of feces and fish feed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) through the direct introduction of slurries of the samples into the spectrometer's graphite tube coated internally with metallic rhodium and tungsten carbide that acts as chemical modifiers. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) calculated for 20 readings of the blank of the standard slurries (0.50% m/v of feces or feed devoid of copper) were 0.24 and 0.79 μg L -1 for the standard feces slurries and 0.26 and 0.87 μg L -1 for the standard feed slurries. The proposed method was applied in studies of absorption of copper in different fish feeds and their results proved compatible with that obtained from samples mineralized by acid digestion using microwave oven. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2008.

Impact of chronic disease on quality of life among the elderly in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil: A population-based study

Objectives. To assess the impact of chronic disease and the number of diseases on the various aspects of health-related quality of life (HROOL) among the elderly in Såo Paulo, Brazil. Methods. The SF-36® Health Survey was used to assess the impact of the most prevalent chronic diseases on HRQOL. A cross-sectional and population-based study was carried out with two-stage stratified cluster sampling. Data were obtained from a multicenter health survey administered through household interviews in several municipalities in the state of São Paulo. The study evaluated seven diseases - arthritis, back-pain, depression/anxiety, diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and stroke - and their effects on quality of life. Results. Among the 1 958 elderly individuals (60 years of age or older), 13.6% reported not having any of the illnesses, whereas 45.7% presented three or more chronic conditions. The presence of any of the seven chronic illnesses studied had a significant effect on the scores of nearly all the SF-36® scales. HROOL achieved lower scores when related to depression/ anxiety, osteoporosis, and stroke. The higher the number of diseases, the greater the negative effect on the SF-36® dimensions. The presence of three or more diseases significantly affected HROOL in all areas. The bodily pain, general health, and vitality scales were the most affected by diseases. Conclusions. The study detected a high prevalence of chronic diseases among the elderly population and found that the degree of impact on HROOL depends on the type of disease. The results highlight the importance of preventing and controlling chronic diseases in order to reduce the number of comorbidities and lessen their impact on HROOL among the elderly.

Physical inactivity and related barriers: A study in a community dwelling of older brazilians

This study sought to investigate the prevalence of physical inactivity and related barriers in older Brazilian adults. A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted, and a stratified random sampling procedure was used. A total of 359 older adults were interviewed. The long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Questionnaire of Barriers to Physical Activity Practice were used to assess physical activity level and barriers, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed on the prevalence of physical inactivity in either gender or age groups. Regarding barriers, the proportion of 9 out of 22 barriers was statistically significant between men and women. Self-reported physical inactivity/activity in older Brazilian adults continues to be a concern. Uncommonly, older males reported a higher prevalence of physical inactivity compared to their counterparts. Additionally, physical inactivity prevalence continued to increase with the aging process. Yet, personal barriers such as lack of time and poor health were strongly associated with physical inactivity. The results of this study may help health professionals and public policy makers to better address the issues related to a healthy lifestyle among older adults and promote physical activity among Brazilian older adults and in other countries with similar characteristics. © 2012 Sebastião Gobbi et al.

Lifestyle factors and socioeconomic variables associated with abdominal obesity in Brazilian adolescents

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Sequential Sampling Plan for Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on Rubber Tree

The objective of the present study was to develop a sequential sampling plan for the decision-making process to control Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), an important pest of the rubber tree crop. The experimental area was represented by 1,000 plants of the RRIM 600 clone divided in 100 plots with 10 plants each. Leaves were collected and the number of mites determined under laboratory conditions. The sequential sampling plan was developed in accordance with the Sequential Test Likelihood Ratio. The value 0.10 was pre-established for α and β representing type I and type II errors, respectively. The level of control adopted was six mites per 12 cm2. The operating characteristic curve and the curve of maximum expected sample were determined. Two lines were generated: the upper one, when the condition for chemical control is recommended (S1 = 23.3080 + 2.1972); and the lower, when chemical control is not recommended (S0 = -23.3080 + 2.1972). Sample size for the decision-making process to control T. heveae requires 6 to 18 plants. © 2013 Sociedade Entomológica do Brasil.

Global sampling reveals low genetic diversity within Compsopogon (Compsopogonales, Rhodophyta)

Twenty-five specimens of the freshwater red alga Compsopogon were collected from locations in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Oceania, and from an aquarium, with the goal of determining genetic diversity among specimens and ascertaining the number of phylogenetic species. Specimens were morphologically identified as having either the 'caeruleus' morphology, with regular polyhedral cortical cells, or the 'leptoclados' morphology, with irregular cortical cells with rhizoidal outgrowths. The 'leptoclados' morphology has been used by some researchers to distinguish the genus Compsopogonopsis from Compsopogon, or at least to distinguish C. leptoclados from other Compsopogon species. Sequence data for the rbcL gene and cox1 barcoding region were obtained for most specimens. In addition, SSU and partial LSU (barcode) rDNA were explored for a few specimens, but all sequences were identical. For the 25 newly generated and eight previously published rbcL gene data, there were seven unique haplotypes, but the sequence divergence was very low (≤7 bp, ≤ 0.7%). One haplotype was widespread, represented by 21 specimens from diverse locations in all regions sampled. Likewise, the 22 new and one previously published cox1 barcode region sequences yielded seven unique haplotypes with little sequence divergence (≤13 bp, ≤ 2.0%). One haplotype was widespread, being shared among 16 specimens from all regions. The combined molecular and morphological data showed no genetic differentiation between the 'caeruleus' and 'leptoclados' morphologies. The ubiquitous distribution of Compsopogon in tropical/subtropical regions and its low genetic variation are probably facilitated by the alga's ability to tolerate a wide range of stream conditions and its propagation via asexual spores. Given the findings of previous culture-based studies, morphometric research and field observations, coupled with the results of our study, we conclude there is only a single monospecific genus worldwide and that the species is correctly called C. caeruleus, since this is the oldest validly published name; all other previously described species of Compsopogon and Compsopogonopsis are synonyms. © 2013 British Phycological Society.

Influence of visual feedback sampling on obstacle crossing behavior in people with Parkinson's disease

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the role of visual information on gait control in people with Parkinson's disease as they crossed over obstacles. Twelve healthy individuals, and 12 patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease, walked at their preferred speeds along a walkway and stepped over obstacles of varying heights (ankle height or half-knee height), under three visual sampling conditions: dynamic (normal lighting), static (static visual samples, similar to stroboscopic lighting), and voluntary visual sampling. Subjects wore liquid crystal glasses for visual manipulation. In the static visual sampling condition only, the patients with Parkinson's disease made contact with the obstacle more often than did the control subjects. In the successful trials, the patients increased their crossing step width in the static visual sampling condition as compared to the dynamic and voluntary visual sampling conditions; the control group maintained the same step width for all visual sampling conditions. The patients showed lower horizontal mean velocity values during obstacle crossing than did the controls. The patients with Parkinson's disease were more dependent on optic flow information for successful task and postural stability than were the control subjects. Bradykinesia influenced obstacle crossing in the patients with Parkinson's disease. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.