Missing data and zero are two totally different things and should never be interchanged. If you are analyzing data, missing values are automatically excluded (unless you specifically request them not to be). If the missing values are defaulted to zero they would be included in the analysis and drastically alter the analysis results.

Cheers, Jackie

-----Original Message----- From: epidata-list-bounces@lists.umanitoba.ca [mailto:epidata-list-bounces@lists.umanitoba.ca] On Behalf Of epidata-list@lists.umanitoba.ca Sent: 14 March 2006 10:29 To: epidata-list@lists.umanitoba.ca Subject: RE: [EpiData-list] How should EpiData Analysis readaCSV(CommaSeparated File)

On my point of view also, there is no way for a missing data to be treated as a zero. Gilles

-----Message d'origine----- De : epidata-list@lists.umanitoba.ca [mailto:epidata-list@lists.umanitoba.ca] Envoyé : dimanche 12 mars 2006 20:59 À : epidata-list@lists.umanitoba.ca Objet : AW: [EpiData-list] How should EpiData Analysis read aCSV(CommaSeparated File)

I also agree that missing is not equal to zero. I hope the vote is clear on that marcel

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Von: epidata-list@lists.umanitoba.ca [mailto:epidata-list@lists.umanitoba.ca] Gesendet: Fr 10.03.2006 13:57 An: epidata-list@lists.umanitoba.ca Betreff: RE: [EpiData-list] How should EpiData Analysis read a CSV(CommaSeparated File)

Hello!

I totally agree with you Max on this question.

Cheers, Bellinda

-----Original Message----- From: epidata-list-bounces@lists.umanitoba.ca [mailto:epidata-list-bounces@lists.umanitoba.ca] On Behalf Of epidata-list@lists.umanitoba.ca Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 6:35 PM To: epidata-list@lists.umanitoba.ca Subject: Re: [EpiData-list] How should EpiData Analysis read a CSV (CommaSeparated File)

Hello Jens,

I would strongly argue that a missing is a missing and a 0 (zero) is a very distinct value - hence never turn missings into zero by default... or in short: Option 2 Bests Max

On 10 Mar 2006, at 10:21, epidata-list@lists.umanitoba.ca wrote:

A question has come up.

Please consider how you find reading of a CSV file in analysis appropriate:

In a csv file the following data is found: id, s, pos, sex, ill 1,.,.,f,0 2...... etc (rest of records)

The data in line can be interpreted in two ways: Option 1: ID= 1 s= 0.0 pos=0.0 SEX = "f" ill = 0

Option 2: ID= 1 s= . pos=. SEX = "f" ill = 0

In other words the question is how to read ",.," should it be: Option 1: as 0.0 (which is current behaviour) or Option 2: .

Any comments on desired behaviour appreciated.

regards

Jens Lauritsen EpiData Association _______________________________________________ EpiData-list mailing list EpiData-list@lists.umanitoba.ca http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/epidata-list

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