October 2008 - EpiData-list - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Re: new install zipfile on web
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 23 Oct '08

23 Oct '08

I am a user who does not have administrative rights so may thanks for the new feature. I like the new version of Epidata Analysis but I have one small issue. When I go file open in the programme editor It always opens up to the test data file directory C:\programme files\epidata\test data and i have to navigate to the directory where I saved my programme. With the old version if I clicked open in editor it would open at the directory of the last programme I used (e.g. F:\programmes\health protection\outbreaks). Is there something I can do to change to make the new version do this? thanks Christine Christine Roseveare Analyst Regional Public Health 570 9194 027 495 9671 >>> <epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca> 23/10/2008 4:52 p.m. >>> A few bugs has been found in the public release the latest week: a. In Epicurve when started from the menu, the time variable could not be date - fixed b. In Epicurve the default Yincrease is now set to one. (/yinc=1) these are fixed, in addition c the reported error with define and gen of variables "_" will be fixed An increasing number of users cannot install files on their own pc. Since Epidata software is not really installed, but only unzipped and copied the zip file for download does not contain an install file, but a zipped copy of an installed version. This means that all users who have problems due to lack of administrative rights should be able to download the "Setup (zip)", unzip and place somewhere, e.g. a subfolder to the desktop. It is then up to the user to edit the ini file found via the edit menu to the correct path/folder name. If you are not using epidemic curves there is no reason to change from build 151 to 152. regards Jens Lauritsen -- The information contained in this email and any attachments is confidential and may be legally privileged. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and remove all copies of the message, including any attachments. Any views or opinions expressed in this email (unless otherwise stated) may not represent those of Hutt Valley DHB. Thank you. ** Disclaimer added by HVDHB **

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Corrected Analysis v2.1.0.152 and new install zip file on web
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 22 Oct '08

22 Oct '08

A few bugs has been found in the public release the latest week: a. In Epicurve when started from the menu, the time variable could not be date - fixed b. In Epicurve the default Yincrease is now set to one. (/yinc=1) these are fixed, in addition c the reported error with define and gen of variables "_" will be fixed An increasing number of users cannot install files on their own pc. Since Epidata software is not really installed, but only unzipped and copied the zip file for download does not contain an install file, but a zipped copy of an installed version. This means that all users who have problems due to lack of administrative rights should be able to download the "Setup (zip)", unzip and place somewhere, e.g. a subfolder to the desktop. It is then up to the user to edit the ini file found via the edit menu to the correct path/folder name. If you are not using epidemic curves there is no reason to change from build 151 to 152. regards Jens Lauritsen

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Double entry and unique field
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 22 Oct '08

22 Oct '08

Dear EpiData friends, Im in project about adverse events of a particular kind of patients using some medications. The data entry has a rationale of every adverse event of a single patient has a different questionnaire. This means that a unique number of the patient could be typed in the dataset more than once. So far ... OK But we are plannig a double entry... and than the unique identifier of the patient may couse problmes and errors! So I was thinking about creating a sequence for each adverse event, and than a patient 19230 would have a event A, B,C .... and so on A unique variable could be automaticly created by patientnumber+uniqueevent wich could give something like 19230A, 19230B, 19230C and so on! But this does not seem to me an elegante work around! Does any one else have other suggestions? -- Abraço forte e que a força esteja com você, Pedro Emmanuel

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SPC Charts
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 20 Oct '08

20 Oct '08

I wonder if someone can give me some advice. I would like to create SPC charts that include data on actual counts and target. I have been playing around and it seems I can only include one field. Is there any way I can create SPC Charts that show actual counts (e.g of MRSA) against targets? Thanks, Shakeel ----------------------------------------- ************************************************************************** The information contained in the EMail and any attachments is confidential and intended solely and for the attention and use of the named addressee(s). It may not be disclosed to any other person without the express authority of the HPA, or the intended recipient, or both. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not disclose, copy, distribute or retain this message or any part of it. This footnote also confirms that this EMail has been swept for computer viruses, but please re-sweep any attachments before opening or saving. HTTP://www.HPA.org.uk **************************************************************************

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Re: Problem with underscore character in variable name
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 19 Oct '08

19 Oct '08

"According to the documentation, an underscore character is allowed in variable names. And, indeed, I have no problem defining new variable names with an underscore and using them in analysis (v2.1.0.151). .... However, when the data have been saved and one opens the file for further analysis, the variable has been renamed v1 (or v2, etc). " Actually this is a bug in analysis. Will be corrected. Explicitly _ is NOT allowed. Where in the documentation is _ allowed. This is a misrepresentation. The reason is : _ is the representation of a string variable in the qes file, but apparently we made an error in the analysis allowing for this on generate. (e.g. gen i abc_d = 1 or define abc_d # ) regards Jens Lauritsen

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Backup command: make routine snapshots without replacing previous backup (TIME STAMP?)
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 19 Oct '08

19 Oct '08

With sufficient patience and testing any name structure can be given for a backup file. Here shown with calling of the external file epic. Some adaptation of the command line is necessary, which is why the backup command was developed. This block will ask whether to create a zip file with the name of todays date using an external application epic.exe - it can be a little (often quite) tedious to work out the parameters to execute, but do so first in a command window outside epidata entry. Include in the chk file this "after file" block, which names the zip file by date, hour and minute: after file help "Create zip file ? 1:yes 2:no" keys="12" type=CONFIRMATION if resultvalue = 1 then define tmpz _________________________________________________ let tmpz = "zip c:\temp\first"+string(day(today)) if month(today) < 10 then tmpz = tmpz + "0" + string(month(today)) + string(year(today)) + string(Num2Time(Now)) + " replace first.*" else tmpz = tmpz + string(month(today))+ string(year(today)) + string(Num2Time(Now)) +" replace first.*" endif help @tmpz execute epic "@tmpz" wait endif END Regards Jens Lauritsen

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Problem with underscore character in variable name
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 19 Oct '08

19 Oct '08

According to the documentation, an underscore character is allowed in variable names. And, indeed, I have no problem defining new variable names with an underscore and using them in analysis (v2.1.0.151). However, when the data have been saved and one opens the file for further analysis, the variable has been renamed v1 (or v2, etc). In addition, the original variable name containing the underscore is put into the variable label. For example, I created a variable abc_test. After saving the data and opening the file, I find that the variable now has the name v1 and the label "abc_test abc-test". Annemieke van Middelkoop Pretoria, South Africa

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Backup command: make routine snapshots without replacing previous backup (TIME STAMP?)
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 19 Oct '08

19 Oct '08

Hi EpiData users, I am trying out the backup function in CHK file: .... AFTER FILE BACKUP "D:/backupfolder" ENCRYPT file1 pw123 TODAY END ... What happens is the backup is created each time I close the "ENTER DATA" file in the "D:/backupfolder" as file1_19OCT08.ZKY. This is good. It replaces the previous backed-up ZKY file. I guess if I did this on another date (tomorrow) a new file will be created file1_20OCT08.ZKY, correct? So I would get DAILY snapshots of the data? Is there a way to specify a TIME stamp as well? Thanks S EDIT: Just writing this made me realise, why would one want a more frequent backup? Daily is sufficient. On Sat, Oct 18, 2008 at 7:02 PM, <epidata-list-request(a)lists.umanitoba.ca>wrote: > Send EpiData-list mailing list submissions to > epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/epidata-list > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > epidata-list-request(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > > You can reach the person managing the list at > epidata-list-owner(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of EpiData-list digest..." > > > EpiData-list mailing list > ___________________________________ > > Today's Topics: > > 1. EpiData Analysis v2.1 ready (epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:05:43 +0200 > From: epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > Subject: [EpiData-list] EpiData Analysis v2.1 ready > To: epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > Message-ID: <48F91A47.4000204(a)epidata.dk> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > V2.1 of EpiData Analysis has been placed for general download on the > http://www.epidata.dk/download.php > > All changes since last public release as v2.0 build 129 are documented in: > http://www.epidata.dk/analysisversioninfo.htm > > Main changes are: > 1 new commands: > Lifetable Lifetable and Kaplan-Meier plots, including estimation of > differences and testing of similarity btw. groups. > Stattables : summary reporting > CIplot: Plot of proportions and confidende intervals for strata defined > by other variables > Read /CB: read delimited data from clipboard, e.g. copied from > spreadsheets > 2 rewriting: > many commands and internal structures, including update and browse > 3 enhanced and clarified: > all outcome related estimation commands are synchronised with outcome > variable first. > enhanced options, e.g. /pct giving percentages on bar and histograms > graphs allowing /by > increased number of user "set" specifications including modifiable headers > percentiles for small n table based, see > http://www.epidata.dk/documentation.php > 4 bug removal > all known bugs removed > > Report and discuss on this list please. Definete errors should be > reported to the Mantis database > > More information on credits and funding later > - without this and user involvement in testing the development would not > be possible. > > regards > Jens Lauritsen > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------ > > ________________________________________ > EpiData-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/epidata-list > > > End of EpiData-list Digest, Vol 60, Issue 11 > ******************************************** > -- Shuaib Kauchali Department of Paediatrics & Child Health Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Hospitals Complex & University of KwaZulu-Natal Email: kauchalis(a)gmail.com Cell: +27-84-581-1142 Office: +27-33-897-3221 & -3230 (Secretary) Fax: +27-33-897-3409 No virus detected in this incoming message.

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EpiData Analysis v2.1 ready
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 17 Oct '08

17 Oct '08

V2.1 of EpiData Analysis has been placed for general download on the http://www.epidata.dk/download.php All changes since last public release as v2.0 build 129 are documented in: http://www.epidata.dk/analysisversioninfo.htm Main changes are: 1 new commands: Lifetable Lifetable and Kaplan-Meier plots, including estimation of differences and testing of similarity btw. groups. Stattables : summary reporting CIplot: Plot of proportions and confidende intervals for strata defined by other variables Read /CB: read delimited data from clipboard, e.g. copied from spreadsheets 2 rewriting: many commands and internal structures, including update and browse 3 enhanced and clarified: all outcome related estimation commands are synchronised with outcome variable first. enhanced options, e.g. /pct giving percentages on bar and histograms graphs allowing /by increased number of user "set" specifications including modifiable headers percentiles for small n table based, see http://www.epidata.dk/documentation.php 4 bug removal all known bugs removed Report and discuss on this list please. Definete errors should be reported to the Mantis database More information on credits and funding later - without this and user involvement in testing the development would not be possible. regards Jens Lauritsen

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Re: EpiData-list Digest, Vol 60, Issue 9
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 16 Oct '08

16 Oct '08

Hello All!The new form of capturing data with PDA or Mobile application is known as Episurveyor and it is facilitated by WHO and datadyne. for free software please check www.datadyne.org Thanks Ras Sedzro On Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 6:05 PM, <epidata-list-request(a)lists.umanitoba.ca>wrote: > Send EpiData-list mailing list submissions to > epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/epidata-list > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > epidata-list-request(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > > You can reach the person managing the list at > epidata-list-owner(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of EpiData-list digest..." > > EpiData-list mailing list > ___________________________________ > Today's Topics: > > 1. PDA entry (epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca) > 2. Alyshia Landry is out of the office. > (epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca) > 3. Re: PDA entry (epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca) > 4. Re: EpiData Analysis v2.1.0.150 available on testing.php > (epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca) > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > To: epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:38:56 -0300 > Subject: [EpiData-list] PDA entry > I do not have any experience with PDA, but I have used a software called > PenDragon in a vaccine survey a time a go. This is used in palm tops. Its > functionallity is very similar to EpiData. > > I guess a I did not help much, > > Sorry, > > Pedro Brasil > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > To: epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:27:09 -0400 > Subject: [EpiData-list] Alyshia Landry is out of the office. > > I will be out of the office starting 10/15/2008 and will not return until > 10/17/2008. > > If you require immediate assistance, please contact Celina Sousa at > extension 5300. > > Thanks and have a wonderful day, > Alyshia > > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > To: Epidata Mail List <epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca> > Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:30:58 +1100 > Subject: Re: [EpiData-list] PDA entry > See the email from WHO below - many thanks to Leanne. > > Best regards, > Maximilian de Courten MD, MPH > > On 15/10/2008, at 22:49, "Riley, Leanne" <rileyl(a)who.int> wrote: > > Thanks Max. Tony, my email at WHO is: >> >> rileyl(a)who.int >> >> We would be happy to share our survey software (we call it eSTEPS) with >> you. Best wishes, Leanne >> >> >> >> Leanne Riley >> Team Leader, Surveillance >> Department of Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion >> World Health Organization >> 20 Avenue Appia >> CH 1211 Geneva, Switzerland >> Tel: +41 22 791 4319 >> Email: rileyl(a)who.int >> >> Please consider the environment before printing this email >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: de Courten Maximilian [mailto:max.decourten@med.monash.edu.au] >> Sent: 15 October 2008 03:45 >> To: epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca >> Cc: Riley, Leanne >> Subject: Re: [EpiData-list] PDA entry >> >> Hello Tony, >> >> The WHO has commissioned a PDA-based data capture software which is easy >> to use for any questionnaire, contains various types of question types >> (radio-button, tick-box, multiple answers, free-text fields, numeric >> fields) and safes the data in the .rec format. The software is available >> through WHO and was used in several surveys and some cost- comparison >> against paper-based surveys were done too. >> Best to contact Leanne Riley from WHO about its availability. >> >> Best regards >> Max >> >> On 15/10/2008, at 7:51 AM, epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca wrote: >> >> Does anyone have any experience or suggestions for suitable data >>> capture software on PDAs that will collect data in a form usable by >>> EpiData? >>> We're looking to do an immunisation survey. Flat file will be >>> sufficient, no need for related fields. >>> >>> Tony Stewart >>> _______________________________________________ >>> EpiData-list mailing list >>> EpiData-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca >>> http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/epidata-list >>> >> >> > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > To: epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:45:12 -0400 > Subject: Re: [EpiData-list] EpiData Analysis v2.1.0.150 available on > testing.php > Hi Jens, > > I've been playing with LIFETABLE and it seems to be functioning as > described. I am using the CANCER dataset that is provided with Stata. I have > not tried to reproduce results from Stata other than the graphs, which > match. So I assume the underlying life tables match. > > It would be nice to have a chance to eat somewhere in Stockholm on the > 27th. I don't know what time our meeting will end, but I don't think they > have dinner planned as most people may just be heading home. > > Shirley will be sightseeing on the 27th. > > Jamie > > epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca wrote: > >> Dear all >> >> I have placed version 2.1 of EpiData Analysis on the >> http://www.epidata.dk/testing.php for download. >> >> As always we cannot be sure if some "un-discovered" problems remain. But >> obviously by moving to general download there should be no problems >> resulting in e.g. wrong estimation or break-down. None such has been >> reported, only some very special issues remaining - which you can see in the >> Mantis database - but these will not affect the vast majority of users. >> >> If no major bugs show up within the next few days, the same version will >> be placed for general download. One of the aspects for which no feedback has >> been given is the lifetable and km-plot routines. >> >> The documentation in the form of the overall and detailed command >> reference has been updated. In the next months all the pdf based >> documentation will be revised and updated with current screen design etc. >> >> regards >> >> Jens Lauritsen >> EpiData Association >> _______________________________________________ >> EpiData-list mailing list >> EpiData-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca >> http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/epidata-list >> >> > > > ________________________________________ > EpiData-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/epidata-list > > -- SEDZRO KOJO MENSAH P.O.Box AS 387 Ashaiman -Tema Ghana House : +233-22-300789 MOBILE : +233-244-458788 -------------------------------------------------- The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer.

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EpiData Analysis v2.1.0.150 available on testing.php
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 15 Oct '08

15 Oct '08

Dear all I have placed version 2.1 of EpiData Analysis on the http://www.epidata.dk/testing.php for download. As always we cannot be sure if some "un-discovered" problems remain. But obviously by moving to general download there should be no problems resulting in e.g. wrong estimation or break-down. None such has been reported, only some very special issues remaining - which you can see in the Mantis database - but these will not affect the vast majority of users. If no major bugs show up within the next few days, the same version will be placed for general download. One of the aspects for which no feedback has been given is the lifetable and km-plot routines. The documentation in the form of the overall and detailed command reference has been updated. In the next months all the pdf based documentation will be revised and updated with current screen design etc. regards Jens Lauritsen EpiData Association

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Re: [EpiData-list] PDA entry
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 15 Oct '08

15 Oct '08

See the email from WHO below - many thanks to Leanne. Best regards, Maximilian de Courten MD, MPH On 15/10/2008, at 22:49, "Riley, Leanne" <rileyl(a)who.int> wrote: > Thanks Max. Tony, my email at WHO is: > > rileyl(a)who.int > > We would be happy to share our survey software (we call it eSTEPS) > with > you. Best wishes, Leanne > > > > Leanne Riley > Team Leader, Surveillance > Department of Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion > World Health Organization > 20 Avenue Appia > CH 1211 Geneva, Switzerland > Tel: +41 22 791 4319 > Email: rileyl(a)who.int > > Please consider the environment before printing this email > > -----Original Message----- > From: de Courten Maximilian [mailto:max.decourten@med.monash.edu.au] > Sent: 15 October 2008 03:45 > To: epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > Cc: Riley, Leanne > Subject: Re: [EpiData-list] PDA entry > > Hello Tony, > > The WHO has commissioned a PDA-based data capture software which is > easy > to use for any questionnaire, contains various types of question types > (radio-button, tick-box, multiple answers, free-text fields, numeric > fields) and safes the data in the .rec format. The software is > available > through WHO and was used in several surveys and some cost- comparison > against paper-based surveys were done too. > Best to contact Leanne Riley from WHO about its availability. > > Best regards > Max > > On 15/10/2008, at 7:51 AM, epidata-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca wrote: > >> Does anyone have any experience or suggestions for suitable data >> capture software on PDAs that will collect data in a form usable by >> EpiData? >> We're looking to do an immunisation survey. Flat file will be >> sufficient, no need for related fields. >> >> Tony Stewart >> _______________________________________________ >> EpiData-list mailing list >> EpiData-list(a)lists.umanitoba.ca >> http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/epidata-list >

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Alyshia Landry is out of the office.
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 15 Oct '08

15 Oct '08

I will be out of the office starting 10/15/2008 and will not return until 10/17/2008. If you require immediate assistance, please contact Celina Sousa at extension 5300. Thanks and have a wonderful day, Alyshia

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PDA entry
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 15 Oct '08

15 Oct '08

I do not have any experience with PDA, but I have used a software called PenDragon in a vaccine survey a time a go. This is used in palm tops. Its functionallity is very similar to EpiData. I guess a I did not help much, Sorry, Pedro Brasil

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PDA entry
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

Does anyone have any experience or suggestions for suitable data capture software on PDAs that will collect data in a form usable by EpiData? We're looking to do an immunisation survey. Flat file will be sufficient, no need for related fields. Tony Stewart

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OR error report
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

This is concerning to v2.0.3.129 EpiData Analysis. Recently I dig in to OR and RR using said version. The data base I used was one used in SPSS to do the same. In essence, the calculation result were different from what I obtained from SPSS, given that I recoded outcomes and risk exposures, i.e. 1=2, 2=1. (SPSS uses ascending order for both outcomes and risk exposures, 1 codes as positive 2 as negative which is just the opposite of EpiData Analysis handling) EpiData Analysis result: OR=3.68 (95% CI: 1.03-11.89)Fishersexact p= 0.0224 SPSS result: OR=3.72 (3.7158) (95% CI: 1.27039-10.86604) Fishersexact p=.02239 Whereas RR resulted the same. EpiData Analysis: RR = 2.86 (95% CI: 1.31-6.24)Fishersexact p= 0.0224 SPSS: RR = 2.86 (2.85789) (95% CI: 1.30965-6.23646) USING CELL OBSERVED FREQUENCIES AS A=6, B=13, C=20, D=161 WHEREAS A:C1R1, B:C2R1, C:C1R2, D:C2R2. I wonder if the formula used by EpiData Analysis is OR=(A/C)/(B/D)=(A/B)/(C/D)= (AD)/(BC). The OR as well as corresponding CI are different from that of SPSS. The attached .dbf file uses RV3 as outcome variable and RRIESGO as risk exposure variable using code 2 as positive for both variables.

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Problem with STATTABLES command
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 10 Oct '08

10 Oct '08

Good morning Jens, I have a problem with saving the results of a stattables command to another file. The command I use is: stattables bcg3 /stat="sum" /by="mth" save="c:\downloads\epidata\testsave.rec" (In analysis, this command is all on one line) I have not had this problem with versions prior to build 148. The correct table is produced in the output screen, but the testsave.rec file is not created. Nor is there any indication in analysis that there might be a problem. I have tried specifying the full path (as in this example) as well as just specifying the filename testsave.rec. I have also tried it with the /replace option. Annemieke van Middelkoop Pretoria, South Africa

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Adapted EpiData Analysis b149 ready
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 08 Oct '08

08 Oct '08

A few errors have been reported in the b148 of analysis of last week. These are now fixed, and a new build uploaded for testing. (Users who have taken b148 and are not using compact tables can continue with b148 and report). If no major bugs are found the build 149 will be released as v2.1 at the end of this week for general use replacing current build 2.0 on the download page. regards Jens Lauritsen EpiData Association

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multiple response (& server is up again)
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 07 Oct '08

07 Oct '08

The server is now up and running again. (All scripts have been checked - there were no problems, but only assumed problems). Off list the following question was asked regarding EpiData Analysis > Hi There, > I have a question that i am trying to evaluate with a multi response answer. > I have set out the question as follow with a text variable for each answer: > > Q1: What fruit do you like _ _ _ _ _ > a - Apples b - Orange c - Banana d - Pear e - Grapes > Now when i go to analyse this, is there a way i can graph the response > for this answer on a bar graph? I cannot seem to be able to add > multiple series into the graph to compare all answers for this question? Currently bar graphs can only take one variable at a time. Except for box and scatter/line plots for several variables. Box plots for several variables has just been introduced with the pre v2.1 - v2.0.5.148 version. For all graphs a /by variable has been introduced, but this does not change the basic limitation of one variable per plot. What you could do to analyse the data is to use stattables and count binary indicators calculated like this: gen i apple = (pos(q1, "a" ) > 0) gen i orange = (pos(q1, "b" ) > 0) etc for the other fruits. stattable apple orange ......../stat="sum" /N /close * then in the new file with counts of the fruits and the total some percentages could be worked out. A graph showing the combinations of the variables in the form of a VENN diagram could be a solution, but currently this cannot be done with EpiData Analysis. I wrote a command for Stata for this: See: http://www.stata.com/products/stb/journals/stb47.pdf . The initial version has been extended with four factor ellipses. We could consider including Venn diagrams in a later version (but at the earliest second quarter 2009) and also a multiple response tables command. regards Jens Lauritsen EpiData Association

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website epidata.dk is down due to attempts of "phishing"
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 06 Oct '08

06 Oct '08

The webserver company claims someone tried to use the epidata.dk site for spamming. I will notify when the server is up again. regards Jens Lauritsen EpiData Association

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Final test version of rel 5 v2.0.5.148 placed on testing.php page
by epidata-list＠lists.umanitoba.ca 01 Oct '08

01 Oct '08

The final build for testing of release candidate of v2.1 EpiData Analysis has been placed on the page: http://www.epidata.dk/testing.php After testing of build 148 by users this will be released as v2.1 replacing current general download version, which has a number of known problems/bugs. Please report any problem with b148 to the list or discuss principles here. There will be NO further implementation of function before release of v2.1 - only fixing any bugs reported. Many issues have been solved - among these unification of commands, new lifetable and stattable command and fixing titles for graphs. Among many other extensions the possibility of making box plots for several variables in the same graphs and further user "set" specifications of headers in table and output can be mentioned. The principle of /by variable has been implemented where relevant, and a new reporting oriented command stattable has been introduced, where summary measures can be used. Unification means that all tables or graphs working with an outcome variable will have this variable first, examples: epicurve outcome timevar lifetable outcome timevar tables outcome exposure ciplot outcome variables The lifetable takes on two forms with explicit time variable and the possibility of giving as well "date of entry" and "date of exit", plus an option /MT "missing time" to indicate how to handle missing data on the "exit" variable, e.g. when follow-up is still ongoing. Lifetable implements the principles of confidence intervals published by Altman et al in "statistics with confidence" e.g. estimates at specified levels of survival (median and quartiles) or survival with confidence intervals at specified times. The plan is to implement other "Statistics with confidence - CI principles" in the coming year. All commands are documented in the commands.htm file, which will be shown when hitting the F1 button with an empty command prompt. (But I am quite sure, there could be some deficiencies in the documentation, so please report these). I wish to give credit for the current extension and intensified development, which is only possible by funding of full time academic programmer for the project by various projects credited on the www.epidata.dk/funding.htm page and the willingness of people to take on tasks. More about the funding sources and staff listing will be revealed when v2.1 is released. Work now continues with implementation of further SPC (statistical process control) graphs, these will be included for general use accompanied by full implementation of translation in v2.5. regards Jens Lauritsen EpiData Association

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