The optimal control chart selection for monitoring COVID-19 phases: a case study of daily deaths in the USA.

Epidemiologists frequently adopt statistical process control tools, like control charts, to detect changes in the incidence or prevalence of a specific disease in real time, thereby protecting against outbreaks and emergent health concerns. Control charts have proven essential in instantly identifying fluctuations in infection rates, spotting emerging patterns, and enabling timely reaction measures in the context of COVID-19 monitoring. This study aims to review and select an optimal control chart in epidemiology to monitor variations in COVID-19 deaths and understand pandemic mortality patterns. An essential aspect of the present study is selecting an appropriate monitoring technique for distinct deaths in the USA in seven phases, including pre-growth, growth, and post-growth phases. Stage-1 evaluated control chart applications in epidemiology departments of 12 countries between 2000 and 2022. The study assessed various control charts and identified the optimal one based on maximum shift detection using sample data. This study considered at Shewhart ($\bar X$, $R$, $C$) control charts and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart with smoothing parameters λ = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 were all investigated in this study. In Stage-2, we applied the EWMA control chart for monitoring because of its outstanding shift detection capabilities and compatibility with the present data. Daily deaths have been monitored from March 2020 to February 2023. Control charts in epidemiology show growing use, with the USA leading at 42% applications among top countries. During the application on COVID-19 deaths, the EWMA chart accurately depicted mortality dynamics from March 2020 to February 2022, indicating six distinct stages of death. The third and fifth waves were extremely catastrophic, resulting in a considerable loss of life. Significantly, a persistent sixth wave appeared from March 2022 to February 2023. The EWMA map effectively determined the peaks associated with each wave by thoroughly examining the time and amount of deaths, providing vital insights into the pandemic's progression. The severity of each wave was measured by the average number of deaths $W5(1899)\,\gt\,W3(1881)\,\gt\,W4(1393)\,\gt\,W1(1036)\,\gt\,W2(853)\,\gt\,(W6(473)$. The USA entered a seventh phase (6th wave) from March 2022 to February 2023, marked by fewer deaths. While reassuring, it remains crucial to maintain vaccinations and pandemic control measures. Control charts enable early detection of daily COVID-19 deaths, providing a systematic strategy for government and medical staff. Incorporating the EWMA chart for monitoring immunizations, cases, and deaths is recommended.

A comparative survey for assessing Rashidabad city hospitals quality with District Headquarter Hospital.

Patients are the key stakeholders of any hospital and it is important to satisfy them. The objective of this study was to compare the quality of hospitals within Rashidabad; a town in rural Sindh operated by Rashid Memorial Welfare Organization (RMWO), with District Headquarter hospital Tando Allahyar. A cross sectional survey, based on a questionnaire designed in congruence with literature, regarding the hospital quality was conducted on 150 patients in October 2016. The target population was defined as patients getting treatment at hospitals within Rashidabad; whose estimate was reported by RMWO as 2000 per week. Hospital quality index (HQI) was framed in the light of quality of staff, ward, pain management practices and hygiene which includes food. Logistic Regression was applied on HQI that showed dependence of perception about hospital quality on age, hospital location and patient's health. Results were significantly in favour of hospitals within Rashidabad.

A novel approach for estimating fertility rates in finite populations using count regression models.

Demographic health surveys (DHS) contain in-depth information about the demographic characteristics and the factors affecting them. However, fertility rates which are the important indicators of population growth have been estimated by utilizing the design-based approaches. Model-based approach, on the other hand, facilitates efficient predictive estimates for these rates by utilizing the demographic and other family planning related characters. In this article, we first attempt to observe the effect of various socio-demographic and family planing related factors on births counts by fitting different regression models to Pakistan Demographic Health Survey 2017-2018 data under classical as well as Bayesian frameworks. The births occurred during the time periods of 1-year, 3-years and 5-years are taken as the responses and modeled using different non-linear models. The model-based approach is then used for estimation of the fertility measures including age-specific fertility rates, total fertility rate, general fertility rate, and gross reproduction rate for ever-married women in Pakistan. The performance of the model-based estimators is examined using a bootstrapped sampling algorithm. While the age-specific fertility rates are over-estimated for some age groups and under-estimated for others. The model-based fertility estimates are recommended for estimating the demographic indicators at national and sub-national levels when survey data contains incomplete or missing responses.

Compromise optimum allocation in neutrosophic multi-character survey under stratified random sampling using neutrosophic fuzzy programming.

Survey sampling has wide range of applications in social and scientific investigation to draw inference about the unknown parameter of interest. In complex surveys, the sample information about the study variable cannot be expressed by a precise number under uncertain environment due fuzziness and indeterminacy. Therefore, this information is expressed by neutrosophic numbers rather than the classical numbers. The neutrosophic statistics, which is generalization of classical statistics, deals with the neutrosophic data that has some degree of indeterminacy and fuzziness. In this study, we investigate the compromise optimum allocation problem for estimating the population means of the neutrosophic study variables in a multi-character stratified random sampling under uncertain per unit measurement cost. We proposed the intuitionistic fuzzy cost function, modeling the fuzzy uncertainty in stratum per unit measurement cost. The compromise optimum allocation problem is formulated as a multi-objective intuitionistic fuzzy optimization problem. The solution methodology is suggested using neutrosophic fuzzy programming and intuitionistic fuzzy programming approaches. A numerical study includes the means estimation of atmospheric variables is presented to explore the real-life application, explain the mathematical formulation, and efficiency comparison with some existing methods. The results show that the suggested methods produce more precise estimates with less utilization of survey resources as compared to some existing methods. The Python is used for statistical analysis, graphical designing and numerical optimization problems are solved using GAMS.

Estimating neutrosophic finite median employing robust measures of the auxiliary variable.

Our study explores neutrosophic statistics, an extension of classical and fuzzy statistics, to address the challenges of data uncertainty. By leveraging accurate measurements of an auxiliary variable, we can derive precise estimates for the unknown population median. The estimators introduced in this research are particularly useful for analysing unclear, vague data or within the neutrosophic realm. Unlike traditional methods that yield single-valued outcomes, our estimators produce ranges, suggesting where the population parameter is likely to be. We present the suggested generalised estimator's bias and mean square error within a first-order approximation framework. The practicality and efficiency of these proposed neutrosophic estimators are demonstrated through real-world data applications and the simulated data set.

An improved class of estimators for estimation of population distribution functions under stratified random sampling.

The main objective of the current study is to suggest an enhanced family of log ratio-exponential type estimators for population distribution function (DF) using auxiliary information under stratified random sampling. Putting different choices in our suggested generalized class of estimators, we found some Specific estimators. The bias and MSE expressions of the estimators have been approximated up to the first order. By using the actual and simulated data sets, we measured the performance of estimators. Based on the results, the suggested estimators for DF show better performance as compared to the preliminary estimators considered here. The suggested estimators have a advanced efficiency than the other estimators examined with the estimators F‾ˆlogPR(st)2, and F‾ˆlogPR(st)4 for both the actual and simulated data sets. The magnitude of the improvement in efficiency is noteworthy, indicating the superiority of the proposed estimators in terms of MSE.

Adjustment of model misspecification in estimation of population total under ranked set sampling through balancing.

In the model-based approach, researchers assume that the underlying structure, which generates the population of interest, is correctly specified. However, when the working model differs from the underlying true population model, the estimation process becomes quite unreliable due to misspecification bias. Selecting a sample by applying the balancing conditions on some functions of the covariates can reduce such bias. This study aims at suggesting an estimator of population total by applying the balancing conditions on the basis functions of the auxiliary character(s) for the situations where the working model is different from the underlying true model under a ranked set sampling without replacement scheme. Special cases of the misspecified basis function model, i.e. homogeneous, linear, and proportional, are considered and balancing conditions are introduced in each case. Both simulation and bootstrapped studies show that the total estimators under proposed sampling mechanism keep up the superiority over simple random sampling in terms of efficiency and maintaining robustness against model failure.

Some improved ratio, product, and regression estimators of finite population mean when using minimum and maximum values.

Efficient estimation of finite population mean is carried out by using the auxiliary information meaningfully. In this paper we have suggested some modified ratio, product, and regression type estimators when using minimum and maximum values. Expressions for biases and mean squared errors of the suggested estimators have been derived up to the first order of approximation. The performances of the suggested estimators, relative to their usual counterparts, have been studied, and improved performance has been established. The improvement in efficiency by making use of maximum and minimum values has been verified numerically.

Improved family of estimators for the population mean using supplementary variables under PPS sampling.

In this article, we suggest an enhanced family of estimators for estimation of population mean employing the supplementary variables under probability proportional to size sampling. Up to the first order of approximation, numerical formulations of the bias and mean square error of estimators are obtained. From our suggested improved family of estimators, we give sixteen different members. The recommended family of estimators has specifically been used to derive the characteristics of sixteen estimators based on the known population parameters of the study as well as auxiliary variables. The performances of the suggested estimators have been assessed using three actual data. Furthermore, a simulation investigation is also accompanied to evaluate the effectiveness of estimators. The proposed estimators have a smaller MSE and an advanced PRE when linked to existing estimators, which are based on actual data sets and simulation studies. Theoretically and empirically studies also reveal that the suggested estimators accomplish well than the usual estimators.

A comparative study of randomized response techniques using separate and combined metrics of efficiency and privacy.

In social surveys, the randomized response technique can be considered a popular method for collecting reliable information on sensitive variables. Over the past few decades, it has been a common practice that survey researchers develop new randomized response techniques and show their improvement over previous models. In majority of the available research studies, the authors tend to report only those findings which are favorable to their proposed models. They often tend to hide the situations where their proposed randomized response models perform worse than the already available models. This approach results in biased comparisons between models which may influence the decision of practitioners about the choice of a randomized response technique for real-life problems. We conduct a neutral comparative study of four available quantitative randomized response techniques using separate and combined metrics of respondents' privacy level and model's efficiency. Our findings show that, depending on the particular situation at hand, some models may be better than the other models for a particular choice of values of parameters and constants. However, they become less efficient when a different set of parameter values are considered. The mathematical conditions for efficiency of different models have also been obtained.

New generalized class of estimators for estimation of finite population mean based on probability proportional to size sampling using two auxiliary variables: A simulation study.

This article aims to suggest a new generalized class of estimators based on probability proportional to size sampling using two auxiliary variables. The numerical expressions for the bias and mean squared error (MSE) are derived up to the first order of approximation. Four actual data sets are used to examine the performances of a new improved generalized class of estimators. From the results of real data sets, it is examined that the suggested estimator gives the minimum MSE and the percentage relative efficiency is higher than all existing estimators, which shows the importance of the new generalized class of estimators. To check the strength and generalizability of our proposed class of estimators, a simulation study is also accompanied. The consequence of the simulation study shows the worth of newly found proposed class estimators. Overall, we get to the conclusion that the proposed estimator outperforms as compared to all other estimators taken into account in this study.

A simulation study: An enhanced generalized class of estimators for estimation of population proportion using twofold auxiliary attribute.

The article introduces a novel class of estimators designed for estimating finite population proportions. These estimators utilize dual auxiliary attributes and are applicable under simple random sampling. The proposed class of estimators includes various members with distinct characteristics. The article provides numerical terminologies for the bias and MSE of the estimators, acquire up to first order of approximation. Four actual data sets are used. Additionally, a simulation study is accompanied to perceive the presentations of estimators. The MSE criterion is used to assess how well the proposed estimator performed as likened to the preliminary estimators. The simulation analysis revealed that, in contrast to other examined estimators, the suggested class of estimators provided better results. The empirical investigation offers evidence to substantiate the findings of the argument. Theoretical research also displays that the suggested class of estimators outperforms its competitors.

An enhanced estimator of finite population variance using two auxiliary variables under simple random sampling.

In this article, we have suggested a new improved estimator for estimation of finite population variance under simple random sampling. We use two auxiliary variables to improve the efficiency of estimator. The numerical expressions for the bias and mean square error are derived up to the first order approximation. To evaluate the efficiency of the new estimator, we conduct a numerical study using four real data sets and a simulation study. The result shows that the suggested estimator has a minimum mean square error and higher percentage relative efficiency as compared to all the existing estimators. These findings demonstrate the significance of our suggested estimator and highlight its potential applications in various fields. Theoretical and numerical analyses show that our suggested estimator outperforms all existing estimators in terms of efficiency. This demonstrates the practical value of incorporating auxiliary variables into the estimation process and the potential for future research in this area.

A new improved generalized class of estimators for population distribution function using auxiliary variable under simple random sampling.

This article aims to suggest a new improved generalized class of estimators for finite population distribution function of the study and the auxiliary variables as well as mean of the usual auxiliary variable under simple random sampling. The numerical expressions for the bias and mean squared error (MSE) are derived up to first degree of approximation. From our generalized class of estimators, we obtained two improved estimators. The gain in second proposed estimator is more as compared to first estimator. Three real data sets and a simulation are accompanied to measure the performances of our generalized class of estimators. The MSE of our proposed estimators is minimum and consequently percentage relative efficiency is higher as compared to their existing counterparts. From the numerical outcomes it has been shown that the proposed estimators perform well as compared to all considered estimators in this study.

Use of an efficient unbiased estimator for finite population mean.

In this study, we propose an improved unbiased estimator in estimating the finite population mean using a single auxiliary variable and rank of the auxiliary variable by adopting the Hartley-Ross procedure when some parameters of the auxiliary variable are known. Expressions for the bias and mean square error or variance of the estimators are obtained up to the first order of approximation. Four real data sets are used to observe the performances of the estimators and to support the theoretical findings. It turns out that the proposed unbiased estimator outperforms as compared to all other considered estimators. It is also observed that using conventional measures have significant contributions in achieving the efficiency of the estimators.

An efficient class of estimators for finite population mean in the presence of non-response under ranked set sampling (RSS).

In this study, we address the problem of estimating the finite population mean when the non-response occurs on the characteristics under study. We propose a class of Rao-regression type estimators when ranked set sampling (RSS) procedure is used to collect the data from non-response group only and from both, the response and non-response groups. The information provided on the auxiliary variable is used at both stages i.e., at designing stage and the estimation stage. Expressions for bias and mean square error of the estimators are obtained up to first order of approximation. A comprehensive simulation study is carried out to observe the performances of the estimators under non-response.

Optimum second call imputation in PPS sampling.

The current study deals with imputation of item non-response in probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling. A new imputation procedure is proposed by using the known co-variance between the study variable and the auxiliary variable in the case of quantitative sensitive study variable by considering the non-response in a randomization mechanism on the second call. An empirical study is conducted at the optimum values of kog and nog for the relative comparisons of ratio, difference, and proposed estimators, respectively, with the Hansen-Hurwitz estimator.

A generalized class of estimators for sensitive variable in the presence of measurement error and non-response.

In this paper, a general class of estimators is proposed for estimating the finite population mean for sensitive variable, in the presence of measurement error and non-response in simple random sampling. Expressions for bias and mean square error up to first order of approximation, are derived. Impact of measurement errors is examined using real data sets, including the survey conducted at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Simulated data sets are also used to observe the performance of the proposed estimators in comparison to some other estimators. We obtain the empirical bias and MSE values for the proposed and the competing estimators.

A simulation study: Using dual ancillary variable to estimate population mean under stratified random sampling.

In this paper, we propose an improved ratio-in-regression type estimator for the finite population mean under stratified random sampling, by using the ancillary varaible as well as rank of the ancillary varaible. Expressions of the bias and mean square error of the estimators are derived up to the first order of approximation. The present work focused on proper use of the ancillary variable, and it was discussed how ancillary variable can improve the precision of the estimates. Two real data sets as well as simulation study are carried out to observe the performances of the estimators. We demonstrate theoretically and numerically that proposed estimator performs well as compared to all existing estimators.

A simulation study: Improved ratio-in-regression type variance estimator based on dual use of auxiliary variable under simple random sampling.

In this article, we proposed an improved finite population variance estimator based on simple random sampling using dual auxiliary information. Mathematical expressions of the proposed and existing estimators are obtained up to the first order of approximation. Two real data sets are used to examine the performances of a new improved proposed estimator. A simulation study is also recognized to assess the robustness and generalizability of the proposed estimator. From the result of real data sets and simulation study, it is examining that the proposed estimator give minimum mean square error and percentage relative efficiency are higher than all existing counterparts, which shown the importance of new improved estimator. The theoretical and numerical result illustrated that the proposed variance estimator based on simple random sampling using dual auxiliary information has the best among all existing estimators.