Qualified Statistician Research Articles

Discussion of “Is designed data collection still relevant in the big data era?”

Discussion of “Is designed data collection still relevant in the big data era?”

Efficacy of vanadium in the treatment of anaemia in teenage group

According to WHO, Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells is insufficient to meet the body’s physiological need. Specific physiological need may vary with a person’s age, gender and residential elevation above sea altitude) smocking behavior and different stages of pregnancy; iron deficiency is thought to be the most common cause of anaemia globally, but nutritional deficiency include folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin A, acute and chronic inflammation, Homoeopathy has good remedies to see that the necessary elements are properly absorbed by the body and assimilation is corrected thereby tackling anaemia 1 and this way even the supplements are put to good use. If anaemia treated properly which is effective and inexpensive can reduce the statistics of overall death rates, maternal haemorrhage, reduced school performance and lowered productivity and thereby bring a dream into reality?Aim and objectives1.To study the impact of anaemia among teenagers.2.To study the effect of vanadium 6c potency on anaemic teenagers.An awareness class was conducted for students in a undergraduate institution and some of them are randomly selected for screening then selected 30 students who had haemoglobin less than 12g/dl for the study. The study was conducted for two months as per the guidelines of CCRH Delhi. In the first month all the subjects receive placebo with a specific dietary recommendations to improve haemoglobin level and haemoglobin level was estimated at an interval of fifteen days. In the second month all subjects received vanadium 6c potency (Four pills daily morning before food) and hemoglobin level was estimated at an interval of fifteen days. After the two months systematics study, a statistical analysis done with the help of qualified statistician. The null hypothesis states that vanadium metallicum does not have any effect on anaemia Observation and results: If p

A Guide to Customized Sampling Plans for National Transit Database Reporting

For estimating the system total unlinked passenger trips and passenger miles of a fixed-route bus system for the National Transit Database (NTD), the sampling plans approved by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) may either oversample or do not yield FTA’s required confidence and precision levels for the specific conditions of a transit agency. This guide helps transit agencies avoid these problems by developing sampling plans customized to their fixed-route bus services. Detailed steps are provided to calculate the statistical variation in passenger miles and unlinked passenger trips and the correlation between them. The sampling plans that transit agencies develop using this guide maintain the main features of the original FTA plans. More important, transit agencies can easily use this guide to develop customized sampling plans in an Excel environment using three existing pieces of information: an NTD sample that they have collected with their current FTA approved sampling plan; annual days of service; and daily total number of one-way bus trips.This guide complements FTA Circular C2710.1A in that transit agencies first select one of their own sampling plans that best meets their staffing needs, and then follow the procedures in the circular on sampling and collecting field data. Transit agencies should be able to use this guide and the related calculations as an approval of a qualified statistician as required by the current NTD reporting manuals.

Capacities and Needs Assessment on Health Emergency Management in Biliran Province, Philipines

Introduction: This study aimed to describe the level of preparedness of the healthcare facilities and the healthcare professionals concerning the four components (Health, Psychosocial and Mental Health, Nutrition on Emergencies, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene) of the Health Emergency Management System (HEMS) in the province of Biliran.Methods: The researchers used a sequential explanatory research design and utilized two sets of research instruments for the purpose of data gathering. The participants were healthcare workers from Rural Health Units (RHUs) and representatives from the Local Government Units (LGUs) in Biliran province in the Philippines. For the analysis of the quantitative data, a qualified statistician analyzed the raw data transcribed using the SPSS IMB 21 tool. The qualitative data was analyzed and processed using Mayring and Miles-Huberman’s technique.Results: The study found that the respondents were suitable to provide reliable data and to credibly assess the condition of the RHUs. They were also knowledgeable enough to determine the gaps confronting the RHUs, including their corresponding solutions. The healthcare facilities of the province were only rated to be average. Their capacity to provide post-traumatic counselling was poor, although their referral systems were rated excellent.Conclusion: The study concludes that the healthcare workers of Biliran Province and the HEMS of the eight RHUs in the province are not prepared to manage health emergencies during disasters. The low capacity of the HEMS is due to the low utilization of the budget, resulting in insufficient supplies and equipment which is necessary when addressing people’s immediate needs during disasters and health emergencies. The study recommends a thorough deliberation of the system to plug the gaps and provide rapid equitable health services during emergencies.

Targeted hypothermia versus targeted normothermia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a statistical analysis plan

BackgroundTo date, targeted temperature management (TTM) is the only neuroprotective intervention after resuscitation from cardiac arrest that is recommended by guidelines. The evidence on the effects of TTM is unclear.Methods/designThe Targeted Hypothermia Versus Targeted Normothermia After Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest (TTM2) trial is an international, multicentre, parallel group, investigator-initiated, randomised, superiority trial in which TTM with a target temperature of 33 °C after cardiac arrest will be compared with a strategy to maintain normothermia and active treatment of fever (≥ 37.8 °C). Prognosticators, outcome assessors, the steering group, the trial coordinating team, and trial statisticians will be blinded to treatment allocation. The primary outcome will be all-cause mortality at 180 days after randomisation. We estimate a 55% mortality in the targeted normothermia group. To detect an absolute risk reduction of 7.5% with an alpha of 0.05 and 90% power, 1900 participants will be enrolled. The secondary neurological outcome will be poor functional outcome (modified Rankin scale 4–6) at 180 days after cardiac arrest. In this paper, a detailed statistical analysis plan is presented, including a comprehensive description of the statistical analyses, handling of missing data, and assessments of underlying statistical assumptions. Final analyses will be conducted independently by two qualified statisticians following the present plan.DiscussionThis SAP, which was prepared before completion of enrolment, should increase the validity of the TTM trial by mitigation of analysis-bias.

A study of neurological soft signs and potential psychiatric comorbidities in children with specific learning disorders

Context: Children with specific learning disorders (SLD) are often observed with neurological soft signs (NSS) and adjunctive emotional/behavioral symptoms. Aims: This study attempts to quantify both NSS and subclinical psychiatric comorbidities in known SLD cases. Statistically relevant data, if generated, would provide clinicians with a clearer picture and further a more well-rounded treatment plan. Settings and Design: The study was observational, cross-sectional, and quantitative, conducted in learning disability clinic attached to a child psychiatry outpatient department in a public-sector tertiary-care teaching hospital in urban India. One hundred and sixty children of age 7–18 years fitting inclusion criteria were enrolled after appropriate consent/assent. Subjects and Methods: A sociodemographic data pro forma, and two scales, the child behavior checklist and Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs – Revised (PANESS-R), were used. A single-setting interview was conducted, data collected and statistically analyzed. Statistical Analysis: It was done by a qualified statistician using SPSS-16 software. Results: 36.25% had “total” psychopathology, 41.875% “internalizing problem,” and 30% “externalizing problem,” which were associated with poor interpersonal relations, more physical discipline, and “overflow” component of NSS. On PANESS-R, repetitive speed of movement was the most common. More NSS were found in younger age groups, boys and in association with perinatal maternal age of below 20 and above 30 years. Countering previous findings, right-handed children had high incidence of mixed handedness. Conclusions: We recommend routine screening for NSS and psychopathology in SLD children as these may complicate treatment outcome with secondary psychological/neurodevelopmental issues. Prompt detection and appropriate management might redress them more holistically.

Real world study and its application in gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a relatively rare type of gastrointestinal tract tumors. Thus, it is difficult to perform randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of GIST in a single center, which are often plagued by a small number of participants. Real world study (RWS) is a complement to the evidence derived from traditional RCT. Emerging sources of real world data offer enormous opportunity for deeper understanding of why treatments work (or not) and for whom. Evidence generated from RWD can help clarify best use of treatments for individuals and populations, and care value. Thus, RWS of GIST has attracted much attention. RWS helps us better understand the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and outcome prediction of GIST in clinical practice. GIST is often misdiagnosed as other tumor. A diagnostic test provides evidence on how well a test correctly identifies or rules out GIST. Therapeutic research aims to evaluate the effectiveness and/or safety of a therapy for GIST. Prognostic research aims to forecast the likely outcome of GIST, explore the factors affecting the outcome, and analyze quality of life. Predictive research aims to quantify the probability of identification or health outcome of GIST based on a set of predictors. Pharmacoeconomic data in real world can evaluate the cost-effectiveness of medicinal products for GISTs and serve as a guidance tool for optimal healthcare resource allocation. Attaching importance to data sourse and data quality, strenthening communicate with a qualified statistician, and the implementation of a standardized process are necessary for performing a high-quality RWS.

Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Mobile-bearing and Fixed-bearing Total Ankle Replacement

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Outcomes of total ankle replacement for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis continue to improve. Debate continues whether a mobile-bearing total ankle replacement (MB-TAR) or a fixed-bearing total ankle replacement (FB-TAR) is superior, with successful outcomes reported longterm for MB-TAR and at intermediate-to-longterm follow-up for newer generation FB-TAR. Although comparisons between the two total ankle designs have been reported, to our knowledge, no investigation has compared the two designs with a high level of evidence. This prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted at a single institution compares patient satisfaction, functional outcomes and radiographic results of the mobile-bearing STAR and the fixed-bearing Salto-Talaris in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Methods: This investigation was approved by our institution’s IRB committee. Between November 2011 and November 2014, adult patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis failing nonoperative treatment were introduced to the study. With informed consent, 100 patients (31 male and 69 female, average age 65, range 35 to 85) were enrolled; demographic comparison between the two cohorts was similar. Exclusion criteria included inflammatory arthropathy, neuropathy, weight exceeding 250 pounds, radiographic coronal plane deformity greater than 15 degrees or extensive talar dome wear pattern (“flat top talus”). Prospective patient-reported outcomes, physical exam and standardized weightbearing ankle radiographs were obtained preoperatively, at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and then at yearly intervals. Data collection included visual analog pain score (VAS), short form 36 (SF-36), foot and ankle disability index (FADI), short musculoskeletal functional assessment (SMFA) and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score. Surgeries were performed by non-design team orthopaedic foot and ankle specialists with total ankle replacement expertise. Statistically analysis was performed by a qualified statistician. Results: At average follow-up of 4.5 years (range 2-6 years) complete clinical data and radiographs were available for 84 patients; 7 had incomplete data, one had died, 4 were withdrawn after enrolling but prior to surgery and 4 were lost to follow-up. In all outcome measures, the entire cohort demonstrated statistically significant improvements from preoperative evaluation to most recent follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference in improvement in clinical outcomes between the two groups. Radiographically, tibial lucency/cyst formation was 26.8% and 20.9% for MB-TAR and FB-TAR, respectively. Tibial settling/subsidence occurred in 7.3% of MB-TAR. Talar lucency/cyst formation occurred in 24.3% and 2.0% of MB-TAR and FB-TAR, respectively. Talar subsidence was observed in 21.9% and 2.0% of MB-TAR and FB-TAR, respectively. Re-operations were performed in 8 MB-TAR and 3 FB-TAR, with the majority of procedures being to relieve impingement or treat cysts and not to revise or remove metal implants. Conclusion: For the first time, with a high level of evidence, our study confirms that patient reported and clinical outcomes are favorable for both designs and that there is no significant difference in clinical improvement between the two implants. The incidence of lucency/cyst formation was similar for MB-TAR and FB-TAR for the tibial component, but the MB-TAR had greater talar lucency/cyst formation and tibial and talar subsidence. As has been suggested in previous studies, clinical outcomes do not correlate with radiographic findings. Re-operations were more common for MB-TAR and in the majority of cases were to relieve impingement or treat cysts rather than revise or remove metal implants.

A pilot study regarding basic knowledge of "cortical visual impairment in children" among ophthalmologists.

Purpose:A pilot study was done to evaluate knowledge regarding “cortical visual impairment (CVI) in children” among ophthalmologists.Methods:This study was conducted during the annual conference of a zonal ophthalmological society. All ophthalmologists who attended the conference were requested to participate in this study. Those who agreed were given a validated questionnaire to assess knowledge regarding CVI. Cronbach's alpha of the questionnaire was 0.6. Participants were asked to respond to multiple choice questions by choosing the single best option. The responses obtained were then evaluated.Results:The total number of registered delegates in the conference was 448. A total of 103 ophthalmologists showed interest to participate in the study with a response rate of 22.9%. Only 89/103 interested delegates were included in the study as remaining were unaware of CVI. No participant gave correct answers to all questions. Although more than 80% of them knew the most common association (87%) and site of pathology (84%), only 52% were sure about clinical features and even lesser respondents (39%) knew that magnetic resonance imaging is the correct investigation of choice. The majority responded correctly that these children need eye examination (89%) and can be managed by rehabilitation through multidisciplinary approach (82%), but only 58% could recognize differential diagnoses and had a correct idea regarding the prognosis of CVI. There was no correlation between the number of patients diagnosed per month by the respondent with knowledge of the disease.Conclusion:In this pilot study, ophthalmologists were found to have limited knowledge regarding clinical features, investigation, differential diagnosis, and visual prognosis of CVI in children. There is a need to improve awareness regarding CVI among ophthalmologists.

Comparison of the Effect of Dentin Bonding, Dentin Sealing Agents on the Microleakage of Provisional Crowns Fabricated with Direct and Indirect Technique-An Invitro Study.

Postoperative sensitivity after temporization is a common complaint in Fixed Partial Denture patients. It is caused by weak and ill fitting temporary restorations which results in microleakage. This can be controlled by providing good temporary restorations and by coating the exposed dentinal tubules of the prepared tooth with dentin bonding agent or dental varnish. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of dentin-bonding, dentin sealing agents on the microleakage of temporary crowns made by tooth colored auto polymerizing resin fabricated with direct and indirect technique. Thirty premolar and molar human teeth were collected which were extracted recently was used for the study. The teeth were marked and divided into 3 groups each containing 10 nos. They were individually mounted with self-cure acrylic resin. It was then mounted on a milling machine and crown preparations done. Temporary crowns were fabricated by direct and indirect method with two types of materials. In group A (Control group), the temporary crowns fabricated with both direct and indirect method were cemented directly with temporary luting cement. In group B dentine-bonding agent (solobond M) was applied once to the prepared surface of each tooth specimen before the cementation of temporary crowns where as in case of group C a single layer of dental varnish is applied prior to crown cementation. The entire specimens were immersed in 1% methylene blue and allowed to undergo thermal treatment. It was then sectioned in a hard tissue microtome. Each section was evaluated for dye penetration into the dentin tubules by comparing it with a visual scale. SPSS Version 13 software was used for non-parametric data analysis by a qualified statistician. P-values less than 0.05 (p-value<0.05) were considered to be statistically significant. Group B (Dentin Bonding Agent) specimens cemented with crowns fabricated in direct technique showed the least amount of microleakage when compared with group A and group C. Group C (Dental Varnish) specimen showed comparatively more amount of microleakage than that of group B. Group A (control group) specimens showed the maximum amount of microleakage. The application of a single layer of Dental varnish appears to be of no significant benefit when compared to crowns cemented with the application of Dentin bonding agent on the tooth surface. The application of a single layer of Dentin bonding agent (Solobond M) and temporary crowns fabricated with direct technique may be of some benefit for crown preparations as an interim measure prior to the luting of final crown.

Reporting quality of multivariable logistic regression in selected Indian medical journals

Use of multivariable logistic regression (MLR) modeling has steeply increased in the medical literature over the past few years. Testing of model assumptions and adequate reporting of MLR allow the reader to interpret results more accurately. To review the fulfillment of assumptions and reporting quality of MLR in selected Indian medical journals using established criteria. Analysis of published literature. Medknow.com publishes 68 Indian medical journals with open access. Eight of these journals had at least five articles using MLR between the years 1994 to 2008. Articles from each of these journals were evaluated according to the previously established 10-point quality criteria for reporting and to test the MLR model assumptions. SPSS 17 software and non-parametric test (Kruskal-Wallis H, Mann Whitney U, Spearman Correlation). One hundred and nine articles were finally found using MLR for analyzing the data in the selected eight journals. The number of such articles gradually increased after year 2003, but quality score remained almost similar over time. P value, odds ratio, and 95% confidence interval for coefficients in MLR was reported in 75.2% and sufficient cases (>10) per covariate of limiting sample size were reported in the 58.7% of the articles. No article reported the test for conformity of linear gradient for continuous covariates. Total score was not significantly different across the journals. However, involvement of statistician or epidemiologist as a co-author improved the average quality score significantly (P=0.014). Reporting of MLR in many Indian journals is incomplete. Only one article managed to score 8 out of 10 among 109 articles under review. All others scored less. Appropriate guidelines in instructions to authors, and pre-publication review of articles using MLR by a qualified statistician may improve quality of reporting.

Considerations on what constitutes a ‘qualified statistician’ in regulatory guidelines

International regulatory guidelines require that a 'qualified statistician' takes responsibility for the statistical aspects of a clinical trial used for drug licensing. No consensus on what constitutes a 'qualified statistician' appears to have been developed so far. The International Society for Clinical Biostatistics is issuing this reflection paper in order to stimulate a discussion on the concept.

Statistics: all together now, one step at a time

THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SOCIETIES in the UK have been aware for some time that statistical testing and data presentation in our journals can fall short of the high standards that we wish to maintain. Over recent years other medical and life science journals have made substantial efforts to address similar problems. For example, the BMJ set out to improve reporting in medical journals through a sustained campaign of education and guidance (5). Among basic life science journals, the American Physiological Society notably has tried to improve statistical reporting in its journals (1; 2). A more recent initiative was a series of revealing ‘worked examples’, starting in 2007 (4). Our Societies recently endorsed the ARRIVE guidelines for reporting experiments involving animals (3), which repeat the same advice on statistical reporting. Nevertheless, in many instances the quality of data presentation and statistical analysis can be poor, and this despite the widespread availability of books, articles, websites and easily used statistical packages. We feel that these messages, which are often a plea for simplicity, have not reached a critical mass of authors, and more needs to be done to raise reporting standards. To meet this need, we are publishing a series of short articles to provide clear non-technical guidance for authors on best practice in statistical testing and data presentation. Several other life science journals share our concerns and are also publishing the articles to broadcast the message as widely as possible. The articles will appear monthly over the next 15 months. Authorship of the series was a key question in early discussions. To get the project up and running we asked local authors to generate articles and get the project started. One of us, Gordon Drummond, Senior Statistics Editor for The Journal of Physiology, has had the help of a qualified medical statistician, Sarah Vowler (Cancer Research UK), in writing these articles. Others may become involved with future articles. We invite comment on the articles, as we are well aware that there is no single path, and valid differences of opinion should be considered. We recognise that in some fields, special means of data presentation and statistical treatment are required. We intend to address some of these fields and we would be happy to receive suggestions for topics. We may not explore these topics in depth, because the over-riding aim is to keep the articles simple to encourage easy reading and widespread application. The prime aim is to illustrate good practice and illuminate the perils and problems that often trap the unwary. The articles will be published under a non-exclusive licence to enable free re-use and duplicate publication in multiple journals. They will be published simultaneously in The Journal of Physiology, Experimental Physiology, The British Journal of Pharmacology, the American Physiological Society’s Advances in Physiology Education, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, and Microcirculation. We have adapted our Guidelines for Authors to reflect the advice given in the articles and will collate the articles in virtual collections as a resource for authors, students and teachers.

Statistics: all together now, one step at a time

The Physiological and Pharmacological Societies in the UK have been aware for some time that statistical testing and data presentation in our journals can fall short of the high standards that we wish to maintain. Over recent years other medical and life science journals have made substantial efforts to address similar problems. For example, the BMJ set out to improve reporting in medical journals through a sustained campaign of education and guidance (Swinscow, 1983). Among basic life science journals, the American Physiological Society notably has tried to improve statistical reporting in its journals (Curran-Everett & Benos, 2004, 2007). A more recent initiative was a series of revealing ‘worked examples’, starting in 2007 (Lew, 2007). Our Societies recently endorsed the ARRIVE guidelines for reporting experiments involving animals (Drummond et al. 2010), which repeat the same advice on statistical reporting. Nevertheless, in many instances the quality of data presentation and statistical analysis can be poor, and this despite the widespread availability of books, articles, websites and easily used statistical packages. We feel that these messages, which are often a plea for simplicity, have not reached a critical mass of authors, and more needs to be done to raise reporting standards. To meet this need, we are publishing a series of short articles to provide clear non-technical guidance for authors on best practice in statistical testing and data presentation. Several other life science journals share our concerns and are also publishing the articles to broadcast the message as widely as possible. The articles will appear monthly over the next 15 months. Authorship of the series was a key question in early discussions. To get the project up and running we asked local authors to generate articles and get the project started. One of us, Gordon Drummond, Senior Statistics Editor for The Journal of Physiology, has had the help of a qualified medical statistician, Sarah Vowler (Cancer Research UK), in writing these articles. Others may become involved with future articles. We invite comment on the articles, as we are well aware that there is no single path, and valid differences of opinion should be considered. We recognise that in some fields, special means of data presentation and statistical treatment are required. We intend to address some of these fields and we would be happy to receive suggestions for topics. We may not explore these topics in depth, because the over-riding aim is to keep the articles simple to encourage easy reading and widespread application. The prime aim is to illustrate good practice and illuminate the perils and problems that often trap the unwary. The articles will be published under a non-exclusive licence to enable free re-use and duplicate publication in multiple journals. They will be published simultaneously in The Journal of Physiology, Experimental Physiology, The British Journal of Pharmacology, the American Physiological Society's Advances in Physiology Education, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, and Microcirculation. We have adapted our Guidelines for Authors to reflect the advice given in the articles and will collate the articles in virtual collections as a resource for authors, students and teachers.

The impact of the international guideline entitled Statistical Principles for Clinical Trials (ICH E9).

At the time of writing, the ICH E9 Note for Guidance entitled "Statistical principles for clinical trials" has been in force in Europe, Japan and the U.S.A. for almost a year. The purpose of this paper is to review the initial progress of E9 in terms of its degree of acceptance and also in terms of any early problems which have emerged. A different means of exploring these questions has been adopted in each of the three regions. From Europe there is a regulatory perspective on statistical issues which have been found to be incompletely covered within E9 and which have been important for specific regulatory decisions. From the U.S. there is a report of the results of a survey of U.S. pharmaceutical industry opinion concerning the effect of E9 on statistical practice in drug development. From Japan there is a discussion of the shortage of qualified statisticians in Japan and the difficulties that this causes when trying to implement E9. Some overall conclusions are drawn.

A statistical expert system for simulation analysis

Efforts on a number of fronts are being made to enhance the usefulness of simulation as a tool for analysis. Graphical input, animation, automated program generation, model management utilities, and user interactive environments all address the issue of ease of use. Even with the current emphasis in this regard, simulation suffers from several shortcomings which preclude even greater application of the methodology. One of the more signifi cant limitations is the dependence of simulation on statistical methodologies. Practically every phase of simulation analysis in volves one or more statistical issues. And the fact of the matter is that many simulation practitioners have neither the statistical skills nor the access to qualified statisticians to effectively address these crucial issues. The obvious solution to this problem would be to have an ex pert statistician available during every simulation study to answer any questions concerning statistical issues. A more practical alter native is to make available an expert system which could func tion as a statistical advisor to simulation analysts. This option seems ideally suited for expert system techniques since it is well- defined and narrowly bounded and an appropriate body of statistical knowledge exists. The objective of this research was to develop such an expert statistical consultant. The system would be able to advise as well as perform appropriate computations for a variety of statistical issues including input data analysis, design of experiments, and output analysis. An overview of the proposed system is given and illustrations of the capabilities of the system are presented.

Graduate Statistics Service Courses

Abstract This article describes our experience in, and recommendations for, teaching introductory statistics service courses to graduate students. Drawing on the student's research orientation, the instructor can present statistics as a valuable component of the scientific method, using examples from the student's particular discipline(s). Statistically qualified course instructors may be affiliated with statistics or other departments, and the course may be offered within any department. Course goals can range from training students to function independently as statistical analysts in future research to training students to consult a qualified statistician about design and analysis issues.

The Statistical Program of Iowa State College

In the statistical program of Iowa State College there are five principal branches of activity. These are: The The Department of Statistics. The Section of the Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station. Cooperation with industrial and commercial concerns. Cooperation with governmental agencies. These activities are separated in theory more than in practice. Actually, they are closely integrated. The same person, for example, fills the positions of director of the Laboratory, head of the Department, and head of the Section of the Agricultural Experiment Station. Around the College all phases of statistical work are generally regarded as part of the Statistical Laboratory. This is not strictly true in the sense of organizational framework, but it is a convenient attitude which tends to emphasize coordination. A brief glance at the history of statistical activities in the College indicates the growing emphasis on the subject. methods had been used before in both research and teaching, but it was not until 1915 that the first formal course in statistics was offered. In 1924 a group of faculty research workers from various departments held weekly meetings to study the relatively new concept of multiple regression. These meetings were led by Henry A. Wallace, an Iowa State graduate who was keenly interested in scientific research, Dr. Charles F. Sarle, then stationed in Des Moines with the Department of Agriculture, and Professor George W. Snedecor, then of the College's mathematics staff. Interest in statistics was much increased on the campus as a result. The demand for statistical help grew rapidly, and in 1927 the Mathematics Service was set up under the direction of Professor Snedecor, who has been interested in statistics since he joined the staff in 1913. The Laboratory, also headed by Professor Snedecor, was organized in 1933. Its purpose' was to conduct research and provide consulting and computing services to other departments of the College. Dr. A. E. Brandt and Professor Gertrude Cox (now director of the Institute of Statistics of the University of North Carolina) were other members of the staff. An important factor in the Laboratory's growth was the 1938 agreement with the Bureau of Agricultural Economics for cooperative research in statistical problems of mutual interest. The staff was about doubled to carryon this additional research. In later years the Bureau of the Census and the Weather Bureau have also arranged cooperative projects with the From 1915 until 1947 most of the teaching of statistics was carried on in the Department of Mathematics. A few other departments, such as Economics and Vocational Education, offered courses with statistical emphasis in their fields. Master's and doctor's degrees with majors in mathematical statistics were offered by the Department of Mathematics. I~ 1947 the College established the Department of Statistics, in which were grouped virtually all of the statistics courses formerly offered by o'ther departments plus a number of additional courses. Establishment of the department was recognition by the College of the need of improved facilities for training statisticians. For several years a shortage of qualified statisticians had been evident-a shortage which was emphasized in the recent report of the Committee on Applied Mathematical Statistics of the National Research Council. Iowa State has been offering statistical education for many years, but not on a scale to meet the demand for workers. Under the new setup the educational facilities have been substantially expanded. The operation and functions of the various branches are described below.