Phase II trial design with growth modulation index as the primary endpoint

Molecularly targeted, genomic‐driven, and immunotherapy‐based clinical trials continue to be advanced for the treatment of relapse or refractory cancer patients, where the growth modulation index (GMI) is often considered a primary endpoint of treatment efficacy. However, there little literature is available that considers the trial design with GMI as the primary endpoint. In this article, we derived a sample size formula for the score test under a log‐linear model of the GMI. Study designs using the derived sample size formula are illustrated under a bivariate exponential model, the Weibull frailty model, and the generalized treatment effect size. The proposed designs provide sound statistical methods for a single‐arm phase II trial with GMI as the primary endpoint.     

Increased visceral adiposity index associated with sexual dysfunction in men

Objective: Visceral adipose index (VAI) is a novel parameter for the evaluation of visceral obesity. As we know that obesity is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). So, in this study, we compared the VAI levels between the men with ED and without ED.

Materials and method: A total of 177 men were included in the study. Ninety-five men with ED and 82 men without ED (control). All men were evaluated for ED by Index of Erectile Function-5 items (IIEF-5). VAI levels were calculated using body mass index, high density lipoprotein and tryglyceride levels.

Results: Mean age was 53.5 (38–69) in men who have ED and 53.1 (34–69) in control. The men with ED had higher body mass index (BMI), triglyceride (TG) levels, higher waist circumference (WC) and lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Mean VAI level was 5.18?±?2.50 in study group and 3.47?±?1.76 in control goup, respectively. VAI levels were statistically higher in men with ED (p?Discussion: The simplicity of WC and BMI measurement and TG and HDL assessment, make VAI an easily applicable index for the evaluation of visceral fat dysfunction. VAI can be useful index for the evaluation and calculation of erectile dysfunction risk.     

3-Decade Trend in Human Development Index in India and Its Major States

Social Indicators Research -     

我国适时推出金融创新产品股指期货的思考

鉴于金融创新产品股指期货的功能特性,分析国内外资本市场的发展状况,我国已具备推出股指期货的环境条件。适时推出股指期货,必须注意选用权威性指数做标准,认真分析风险类型,并注重制度创新和技术创新。     

对GDP缩减指数中“负权数”的研究——兼与徐强同志商榷

 摘　　要:把GDP缩减指数中出现的减号称之为“负权数”是不妥的，因为这个减号在GDP缩减指数公式中的分子与分母中都有出现，它只是计算GDP的理论定义公式中规定要出现的一个计算符号，说明的只是“GDP=总产出-中间消耗（或GDP=最终消费＋资本形成总额＋出口-进口）”这样一种逻辑计算关系。它并不能说明中间消耗价格（或进口价格）的变化与GDP价格的变化是反向关系，也不能权衡中间消耗价格（或进口价格）变化对GDP价格变化的影响轻重作用。它不是GDP缩减指数扭曲真实价格变动的根源。     

邮轮旅游网络关注度的空间分异及影响因素——基于邮轮旅游百度指数的分析

基于百度指数的邮轮旅游网络关注度,聚焦潜在邮轮旅游者的消费需求,借助变异系数、全局空间自相关、冷热点揭示中国的31个省(自治区、直辖市)邮轮旅游网络关注度的空间分异特征,并在此基础上运用地理探测器对其影响因子进行探测。研究发现:邮轮旅游网络关注度的时间演变趋于平稳、省际差异和冷热点分布差异均显著,且邮轮旅游网络关注度空间分异的影响因子差异显著。据此,提出牢抓邮轮发展机遇以推进邮轮旅游优质发展,加快基础设施建设以优化邮轮旅游发展基础,加大邮轮旅游宣传以强化营销的实践针对性等对策,以创新邮轮旅游经营管理,推进邮轮旅游发展。     

A validity assessment of the Progress out of Poverty Index (PPI)™

Development organisations need easy-to-use and quick-to-implement indicators to quantify poverty when requested to measure program impact. In this paper we assess the validity of the Progress out of Poverty Index (PPI)™, a country-specific indicator based on ten closed questions on directly observable household characteristics, by its compliance to the SMART criteria. Each response receives a pre-determined score, such that the sum of these scores can be converted into the likelihood the household is living below the poverty line. We focus on the PPI scorecard for Rwanda, which was validated using two national household surveys conducted in 2005/06 and 2010/11. The PPI is Specific, Measurable, Available cost effectively, and Timely available. Yet, its Relevance depends on the way it is used. Although it accurately distinguishes poor from non-poor households, making it a useful reporting tool, its limited sensitivity to changes in poverty status restricts its usefulness for evaluating the impact of development projects.     

天气指数农业保险探究——以河北省农村为例

近年世界范围内极端天气事件频繁发生，对粮食安全造成了重大威胁。利用金融创新工具应对天气灾害，保障粮食安全成为国际研究的热点问题。为了解天气指数农业保险的需求情况，对河北省正定县和灵寿县40个行政村的400个农户进行了调查问卷。调查结果显示，一旦爆发天气灾害，大多数农民依靠储蓄、抵押贷款、紧急贷款、社会援助或亲属救济来恢复灾后生产与建设，但很多农民已经表示了对天气指数农业保险的极大兴趣；对那些熟悉保险的农户和容易遭受洪涝和干旱天气的农户进行相关分析，结果证明了这类群体对于天气指数农业保险的兴趣更加浓厚。     

基于二重趋势预测模型的安徽城市居民消费价格总指数预测分析

主要针对安徽城市居民消费价格指数的变化进行研究,重点分析了消费价格总指数的增加趋势和周期循环态势,预测未来几年安徽城市居民消费价格指数将在增加趋势和周期循环趋势的共同作用下出现的态势,分析其具体的原因并提出双向控制、承接大势、农村先行和稳定房价等建议。     

我国城乡居民收入差距的省际差异及其影响因素——基于面板数据的空间计量分析

首先利用泰尔指数测度了我国省域城乡居民收入差距,对我国城乡居民收入差距的省际差异进行了空间探索性分析,结论为:东北及东部沿海地区收入差距最小,中部地区次之,西部地区收入差距最大。随后根据2000~2012年全国31个省、直辖市、自治区的面板数据,利用空间面板滞后模型从经济发展水平与经济结构、经济开放程度、财政支出与金融发展以及教育等方面分析了省际差异产生的原因。最后,对缩小城乡居民收入差距提出了相应的政策建议。