Universal Meta Data Models

Loss Models: From Data to Decisions, Fifth Edition continues to supply actuaries with a practical approach to the key concepts and techniques needed on the job. With updated material and extensive examples, the book successfully provides the essential methods for using available data to construct models for the frequency and severity of future adverse outcomes. The book continues to equip readers with the tools needed for the construction and analysis of mathematical models that describe the process by which funds flow into and out of an insurance system. Focusing on the loss process, the authors explore key quantitative techniques including random variables, basic distributional quantities, and the recursive method, and discuss techniques for classifying and creating distributions. Parametric, non-parametric, and Bayesian estimation methods are thoroughly covered along with advice for choosing an appropriate model. Throughout the book, numerous examples showcase the real-world applications of the presented concepts, with an emphasis on calculations and spreadsheet implementation. Loss Models: From Data to Decisions, Fifth Edition is an indispensable resource for students and aspiring actuaries who are preparing to take the SOA and CAS examinations. The book is also a valuable reference for professional actuaries, actuarial students, and anyone who works with loss and risk models.

Use big data analytics to efficiently drive oil and gas exploration and production Harness Oil and Gas Big Data with Analytics provides a complete view of big data and analytics techniques as they are applied to the oil and gas industry. Including a compendium of specific case studies, the book underscores the acute need for optimization in the oil and gas exploration and production stages and shows how data analytics can provide such optimization. This spans exploration, development, production and rejuvenation of oil and gas assets. The book serves as a guide for fully leveraging data, statistical, and quantitative analysis, exploratory and predictive modeling, and fact-based management to drive decision making in oil and gas operations. This comprehensive resource delves into the three major issues that face the oil and gas industry during the exploration and production stages: Data management, including storing massive quantities of data in a manner conducive to analysis and effectively retrieving, backing up, and purging data Quantification of uncertainty, including a look at the statistical and data analytics methods for making predictions and determining the certainty of those predictions Risk assessment, including predictive analysis of the likelihood that known risks are realized and how to properly deal with unknown risks Covering the major issues facing the oil and gas industry in the exploration and production stages, Harness Big Data with Analytics reveals how to model big data to realize efficiencies and business benefits.

This book provides a clear and thorough introduction to meta-analysis, the process of synthesizing data from a series of separate studies. Meta-analysis has become a critically important tool in fields as diverse as medicine, pharmacology, epidemiology, education, psychology, business, and ecology. Introduction to Meta-Analysis: Outlines the role of meta-analysis in the research process Shows how to compute effects sizes and treatment effects Explains the fixed-effect and random-effects models for synthesizing data Demonstrates how to assess and interpret variation in effect size across studies Clarifies concepts using text and figures, followed by formulas and examples Explains how to avoid common mistakes in meta-analysis Discusses controversies in meta-analysis Features a web site with additional material and exercises A superb combination of lucid prose and informative graphics, written by four of the world’s leading experts on all aspects of meta-analysis. Borenstein, Hedges, Higgins, and Rothstein provide a refreshing departure from cookbook approaches with their clear explanations of the what and why of meta-analysis. The book is ideal as a course textbook or for self-study. My students, who used pre-publication versions of some of the chapters, raved about the clarity of the explanations and examples. David Rindskopf, Distinguished Professor of Educational Psychology, City University of New York, Graduate School and University Center, & Editor of the Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics. The approach taken by Introduction to Meta-analysis is intended to be primarily conceptual, and it is amazingly successful at achieving that goal. The reader can comfortably skip the formulas and still understand their application and underlying motivation. For the more statistically sophisticated reader, the relevant formulas and worked examples provide a superb practical guide to performing a meta-analysis. The book provides an eclectic mix of examples from education, social science, biomedical studies, and even ecology. For anyone considering leading a course in meta-analysis, or pursuing self-directed study, Introduction to Meta-analysis would be a clear first choice. Jesse A. Berlin, ScD Introduction to Meta-Analysis is an excellent resource for novices and experts alike. The book provides a clear and comprehensive presentation of all basic and most advanced approaches to meta-analysis. This book will be referenced for decades. Michael A. McDaniel, Professor of Human Resources and Organizational Behavior, Virginia Commonwealth University

An Introduction to Models and Modeling in the Earth and Environmental Sciences offers students and professionals the opportunity to learn about groundwater modeling, starting from the basics. Using clear, physically-intuitive examples, the author systematically takes us on a tour that begins with the simplest representations of fluid flow and builds through the most important equations of groundwater hydrology. Along the way, we learn how to develop a conceptual understanding of a system, how to choose boundary and initial conditions, and how to exploit model symmetry. Other important topics covered include non-dimensionalization, sensitivity, and finite differences. Written in an eclectic and readable style that will win over even math-phobic students, this text lays the foundation for a successful career in modeling and is accessible to anyone that has completed two semesters of Calculus. Although the popular image of a geologist or environmental scientist may be the rugged adventurer, heading off into the wilderness with a compass and a hand level, the disciplines of geology, hydrogeology, and environmental sciences have become increasingly quantitative. Today’s earth science professionals routinely work with mathematical and computer models, and career success often demands a broad range of analytical and computational skills. An Introduction to Models and Modeling in the Earth and Environmental Sciencesis written for students and professionals who want to learn the craft of modeling, and do more than just run “black box” computer simulations.

Designing with Models, Second Edition is the revised, step-by-step guide to basic and advanced design process modeling. This comprehensive text explains the process from start to finish, and has been expanded to include up-to-date information on digital modeling programs and rapid prototyping processes. The impact of this new wave of 3D modeling technology is examined through interviews and numerous examples from renowned architects. Along with many new student projects, this new Second Edition features more than 800 high-quality photographs and fully illustrated in-depth case studies and the latest information on mastering the modeling of curvilinear components with planar material and casting techniques, exploring ideas with mixed media, working backwards from model information, recording and communicating 3D design work, exploring the safe and effective use of power tools, and more.

Models for Mental Disorder, first published in 1987, anticipated the move towards integration of psychiatric services into multidisciplinary teams (doctor, psychologist, nurse, social worker, etc) and the need to bring together the different philosophies of mental illness. Peter Tyrer has identified four different models of mental disorder that are relevant to clinical practice: the disease, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural and social models. Each model is described and reviewed, with reference to case studies and illustrations, to show how it relates to mental health disorders and can be used to interpret and manage these disorders. The book has been widely read and is often used for training purposes so that each professional can understand and appreciate that differences in viewpoint are often a consequence of one or more models being used in a different way rather than a fundamental schism in approach. Since the fourth edition was published in 2005, the disciplines of mental health have moved even closer together with the growth of assertive outreach and more integrated community teams. This, combined with the greater awareness of mental health among users of services, which leads to more penetrating and informed questions at interviews with professionals, has emphasized the need for a wider understanding of these models. • The only book to describe the models framing mental health diagnosis and management • A great review for those wanting a better grasp of psychiatric disorders and for integration of concepts for treatment planning • New information on formal classifi cations of mental disorder • New information on mindfulness and mentalization regarding the dynamic model • Clearly written in a style which includes some humour and a conversational presentation – a joy to read for the beginner and more experienced practitioner alike • Features a teaching exercise for use when training students in the various models

A dream come true for those looking to improve their data fluency Analytical data is a powerful tool for growing companies, but what good is it if it hides in the shadows? Bring your data to the forefront with effective visualization and communication approaches, and let Data Fluency: Empowering Your Organization with Effective Communication show you the best tools and strategies for getting the job done right. Learn the best practices of data presentation and the ways that reporting and dashboards can help organizations effectively gauge performance, identify areas for improvement, and communicate results. Topics covered in the book include data reporting and communication, audience and user needs, data presentation tools, layout and styling, and common design failures. Those responsible for analytics, reporting, or BI implementation will find a refreshing take on data and visualization in this resource, as will report, data visualization, and dashboard designers. Conquer the challenge of making valuable data approachable and easy to understand Develop unique skills required to shape data to the needs of different audiences Full color book links to bonus content at juiceanalytics.com Written by well-known and highly esteemed authors in the data presentation community Data Fluency: Empowering Your Organization with Effective Communication focuses on user experience, making reports approachable, and presenting data in a compelling, inspiring way. The book helps to dissolve the disconnect between your data and those who might use it and can help make an impact on the people who are most affected by data. Use Data Fluency today to develop the skills necessary to turn data into effective displays for decision-making.

Data Collection Data Collection is the second of six books in the Measurement and Evaluation Series from Pfeiffer. The proven ROI Methodology–developed by the ROI Institute–provides a practical system for evaluation planning, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. All six books in the series offer the latest tools, most current research, and practical advice for measuring ROI in a variety of settings. Data Collection offers an effective process for collecting data that is essential to the implementation of the ROI Methodology. The authors outline the techniques, processes, and critical issues involved in successful data collection. The book examines the various methods of data collection, including questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, observation, action plans, performance contracts, and monitoring records. Written for evaluators, facilitators, analysts, designers, coordinators, and managers, Data Collection is a valuable guide for collecting data that are adequate in quantity and quality to produce a complete and credible analysis.