Statistical Computing Software Reviews

This department includes the two sections New Developments in Statistical Computing and Statistical Computing Software Reviews; suitable contents for each of these sections is described under the respective section heading. Articles submitted for the department, outside the two sections, should not be highly technical and should be relevant to the teaching or practice of statistical computing.

This section is similar in organization to a Book Review section in other journals; however, software of interest to statisticians is the subject of review here. Emphasis is on software for microcomputers. Programs that operate only in larger mainframe computers will seldom receive review. Normally, producers of programs make a copy of their product available to the Section Editor, who then selects one or more persons to test the product and prepare a review.

Producers of computer software who wish to have their product reviewed are invited to contact the Section Editor, Professor Kenneth Berk, Department of Mathematics, 313 Stevenson Hall, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61761.

Findings and opinions expressed in every review are solely those of the author. They should not be construed as reflecting endorsement of the product, or opinions held, by the American Statistical Association, nor is any warranty implied about any product reviewed.

SYSTAT Leland Wilkinson. Available from Systat, Inc., 603 Main St., Evanston, IL 60202. $495 (multiple copy and site fees available). Reviewed by Mark I. Scherwish

AIDA, Version 9/82 David A. Lingwood, Available from Action-Research Northwest, 11442 Marine View Drive, S.W., Seattle, WA 98146. $235. Reviewed by Walter Liggett

MSUSTAT, MS/PC-DOS and CP/M-80 Version 2.20 Richard E. Lund. Available from Research and Development, Inc., Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717–0002. $187.50 (university and multiple-copy discounts available). Reviewed by Mervyn G. Marasinghe     

A review of optimal designs in survey sampling

Results in five areas of survey sampling dealing with the choice of the sampling design are reviewed. In Section 2, the results and discussions surrounding the purposive selection methods suggested by linear regression superpopulation models are reviewed. In Section 3, similar models to those in the previous section are considered; however, random sampling designs are considered and attention is focused on the optimal choice of π_j. Then in Section 4, systematic sampling methods obtained under autocorrelated superpopulation models are reviewed. The next section examines minimax sampling designs. The work in the final section is based solely on the randomization. In Section 6 methods of sample selection which yield inclusion probabilities π_j = n/N and π_ij = n(n - 1)/N(N - 1), but for which there are fewer than _NC_n possible samples, are mentioned briefly.     

Effectively Evaluating the Accessibility of Electronic Monographs Using VPATs and Other Resources at the College of Staten Island Library- CUNY

Abstract

This study, building upon previous research work at the College of Staten Island (CSI) library, attempts to evaluate the accessibility of select digital monograph platforms and file formats utilized at the City University of New York (CUNY). The usability of CSI library’s locally developed ER-ACT tool to assist librarians with limited technical knowledge to review VPATs and to perform simple testing was also evaluated with challenges and successes reported. It was determined that the use of color-coded results in this study can help identify serious accessibility issues within ebooks and to communicate the results within libraries to assist with collection development decision-making. The study also includes a review of new court rulings related to accessibility issues in higher education and discusses where accessibility staffing reports in terms of job roles and duties held by university professionals. The testing of the accessibility of library ebooks, with various accessibility tools, are reviewed within the context of Section 508 revisions and new VPAT standards.     

Reviews and Notices

Abstract

Studies in Jewish Statistics: Studies in Jewish Statistics, social, vital, and anthropometric. By Joseph Jacobs. London, 1891. Pp. 59, lxix 13. Reviewed by Charles F. A. Currier.

The Wool Book: A Statistical Manual Containing the Latest Official Data of the Production, Movement, and Consumption of Wool in all Countries. Compiled for the National Association of Wool Manufacturers, by S. N. D. North, Secretary, Boston, 1892.

Statistical Articles in German Periodicals and Journals: Die Entwickelung der Briteschen Landwirthschaft unter dem Druck ausländischer Konkurrenz. By Prof. Dr. Paasche. Reviewed by Victor Rosewater.

Statistical Articles in German Periodicals and Journals: JahrbüUcher füUr NationalsöUkonomie und Statistik. February, 1892.

Statistical Articles in German Periodicals and Journals: Schmoller's Jahrbnch. XVI. No. 1. Der Wiener Weltpost Kongress. By J. Jung. Reviewed by Victor Rosewater.

Statistical Articles in German Periodicals and Journals: Allgemeines Statistisches Archiv. II. No. 1. Die Jahresschwankungen in der Häufigkeit verschiedener bevölkerungs und moralstatistischer Erscheinungen. By Dr. K. Becker. Reviewed by Victor Rosewater.

Statistical Articles in German Periodicals and Journals: Zeitschrift für Schweizerische Statistik. XXVII. No. 3. Zehn Basler Arbeiterhaushaltungen. By Carl Landolt. Reviewed by Victor Rosewater.

Statistical Articles in German Periodicals and Journals: Vierteljahrshefte zur Statistik des Deutschen Reichs. Herausgegeben vom Kaiserlichen Statistischen Amt. Erster Jahrgang, 1892. Erster Heft. Berlin, 1892. Reviewed by C. F. A. Currier.

Statistische Monatschrift. Vienna, January, 1892. Die überseeische österreichische Auswanderung, insbesondere in den Jahren 1889 und 1890. By Dr. Friedrich ProbSt.

Die gewerbliche Genossenschaften in Oesterreich zu Ende des Jahres 1891. By Dr. Schmid.     

A Comparative Review of Nonparametric Statistics Textbooks

ABSTRACT

In this article I will review six textbooks commonly set in University undergraduate nonparametric statistics courses. The books will be evaluated in terms of how key statistical concepts are presented; use of software; exercises; and location on a theory-applications axis and an algorithms-principles axis. The placement of books on these axes provides a novel guide for instructors looking for the book that best fits their approach to teaching nonparametric statistics.     

The Hard Task of Soft Skills: Project Management for the Materials Review Process

Abstract

This article summarizes a presentation given by Kurt Blythe and Jennifer Solomon at the 28th annual North Carolina Serials Conference in 2019. Blythe and Solomon were brought on to lead a project to review resources in anticipation of budget constraints in 2018 and 2019. The presentation sought to answer why libraries should apply project management principles in such a situation and what the presenters learned from their experience and offered tips to any audience members considering applying project management practices to their own work.     

Review

Abstract

This quarter's column features a report from the 88th Annual Meeting of the Potomac Technical and Processing Librarians, held October 12, 2012 in Washington, D.C.; the XXXII Annual Charleston Conference, held November 7–10, 2012 in Charleston, SC; and, the ALCTS Continuing Resources Section Holdings Information Committee/Continuing Resource Section Cataloging Committee Joint Forum, held January 26 in Seattle, WA at the 2013 ALA Midwinter Meeting.     

The Public Service Functions of Serials

Abstract

Nine serials librarians describe their experiences and offer advice on achieving tenure, promotion, or reappointment. The librarians represent a variety of academic institutions and stages of career, from untenured new librarians to administrators at the rank of full professor. Despite unique insights based on their different experience levels, professional positions, and institutional promotion and tenure requirements, the librarians share common opinions on how best to achieve success in an academic position.     

Reviews

Abstract

A Statistical Anniversary

Recent Population Growth of Foreign Countries. Reviewed by E. A. Goldenweiser     

Book Reviews

A First Course in Probability Models and Statistical Inference. J.H.C. Creighton. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1994. xxxi + 717 pp. $49.95. Reviewed by Bruce Kino

Statistical Methods: An Introductory Text. J. Mehdi. New Delhi: Wiley Eastern Limited, 1992, xii + 438 pp. $37.97. Reviewed by William D. Warde

Regression Analysis—Concepts and Applications. Franklin A. Graybill and Hariharan K. Iyer. Florence, KY: Wadsworth Inc., 1994, 701 pp. $59.95. Reviewed by Larry Winner     

Reviews and Notices

Abstract

Suicide in the European Armies. Reviewed by Fred P. Emery.

Movement of Population in France For 1890. Reviewed by G. N. Calkins.

Statistical Year-Books and Annuals: Die Bevolkerung der Erde. VIII By H. Wagner and A. Supan. Justus Perthus. Gotha, 1891. Pp. x, 271.

Statistical Year-Books and Annuals: Statistical Abstract of the United States, 1890. Published by the Bureau of Statistics, Department of the Treasury. Washington, 1891. Pp. 346.

Statistical Year-Books and Annuals: The Statistical Year-Book of Canada for 1890. Published by the Department of Agriculture. Compiled by Sydney C. D. Roper. Ottawa, 1891. Pp. 628.

Statistical Year-Books and Annuals: Statistical Tables for British India. 15th issue. Compiled in the Statistical Branch of the Finance and Commerce Department. Cal-cutta, 1891. Pp. 176.

Statistical Year-Books and Annuals: Oesterreichisches Statistisches Handbuch. Ninth Year, 1890. Published by the K. K. Statistischen Central-Commission. Vienna, 1891. Pp.282.

Statistical Year-Books and Annuals: Annuaire Statistique de la Belgique. 21st issue, 1890. Brussels, 1890. Pp. 357. Published by the Ministére de l'Intérieur.

Statistical Year-Books and Annuals: Statistisk Arsbok för Finland. Issued by the Statistiska Central-byran. 12th issue, 1891. Helsingfors. Pp. 166.

Statistical Year-Books and Annuals: Statistish: Aarbog for Kongeriget Norge. 10th issue, 1890. Christiana, 1890. Pp. 161.

Statistical Year-Books and Annuals: Annuaire Statistique de la Suisse. Published by Le Bureau de Statistique du Départment Fédéral de l'Intérieur. First year, 1891. Berne. Pp. xiv, 265; two maps.

Statistical Year-Books and Annuals: Résumé Statistique de l' Empire du Japan. No. V. Tokio, 1891. Pp. 159; map and chart.

Statistical Year-Books and Annuals: Annual Statistical Report of the American Iron and Steel Association for 1890. By James M. Swank. Secretary. Philadelphia, 1891. Pp.80.

Statistical Year-Books and Annuals: American Electrical Directory for 1890–91. Published by the Star Iron Tower Co. Fort Wayne, Ind. Pp. 593.

Statistical Year-Books and Annuals: The Financial Reform Almanac, 1891. London. Pp, 200.

Statistical Year-Books and Annuals: Low's Hand-Book to the Charities of London, 55th year, 1891. London. Sampson Low, Marston & Co. Pp. 296.

Statistics Of German Cities: Statistisches Jahrbuch deutscher Städte. By Dr. M. Neefe, Direktor des Statistischen Amtes der Stadt Breslau. First issue. Breslau, 1890. Reviewed by Roland P. Falkner.

French Statistical Album. Reviewed by William Z. Ripley.

Preliminary Report of the Census of the United Kingdom.     

Presto: a software package for the simulation of diffusion processes

Conclusion Presto is a software which automatically generates FORTRAN code corresponding to approximation procedures of the solutions of stochastic differential systems.At the present time, it answers only to a few needs, but a diversification of its users and its simple internal structure could easily permit it to be developed towards a more ambitious system.Finally, let us mention that Presto is an INRIA product, which is free for academic institutions, universities, etc, which already have MAPLE and X-Windows licences. Presto can be run on any UNIX station under X-Windows environment.     

Meta-Analysis Software: A Comparative Review

DSTAT, Version 1.10: Available from Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., 10 Industrial Ave., Mahwah, NJ 07430-2262; phone: 800-926-6579

TRUE EPISTAT, Version 4.0: Available from Epistat Services, 2011 Cap Rock Circle, Richardson, TX 75080; phone: 214-680-1376; fax: 214-680-1303.

FAST*PRO, Version 1.0: Available from Academic Press, Inc., 955 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139; phone: 800-321-5068; fax: 800-336-7377.

Meta-analysts conduct studies in which the responses are analytic summary measurements, such as risk differences, effect sizes, p values, or z statistics, obtained from a series of independent studies. The motivation for conducting a meta-analysis is to integrate research findings over studies in order to summarize the evidence about treatment efficacy or risk factors. This article presents a comparative review of three meta-analytic software packages: DSTAT, TRUE EPISTAT, and FAST*PRO.     

Newsletters for Networks

Abstract

In the previous installment of this column, Donnice Cochenour wrote about Project Muse, Johns Hopkins University Press's project to provide electronic access to its journals. This column will explore OCLC's collaboration with publishers who are making traditional print publications available electronically. Serials Review interviewed Andrea Keyhani, Manager of Electronic Publishing at OCLC, about traditional print publishers' interests in electronic distribution of journals, OCLC's solution to publishers' migration to electronic distribution, enhancements to their Guidon software, and libraries' costs and archive concerns.     

Electronic journals and the paradigm shift: 1995 Spring forum of the Canadian Serials Industry Systems Advisory Committee

Abstract

Since 2006, Research Online, the University of Wollongong's open access institutional repository has utilised Bepress' Digital Commons software to make available published research outputs and digital theses. This article discusses the outcomes of recent academic demand for its use as a publishing tool of university journals and conference proceedings. The Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice is provided as an example. Digital Commons includes the editorial management software, EdiKit, which assists in managing submissions, editorial functions, and peer review. Also considered are changes to scholarly communication patterns arising out of the new open access, electronic only, publication regimes.