Regional and temporal patterns of influenza: Application of functional data analysis

Background:The accurate estimation of temporal patterns of influenza may help in utilizing hospital resources and guiding influenza surveillance.This paper proposes functional data analysis(FDA)to improve the prediction of temporal patterns of influenza.Methods:We illustrate FDA methods using the weekly Influenza-like Illness(ILI)activity level data from the U.S.We propose to use the Fourier basis function for transforming discrete weekly data to the smoothed functional ILI activities.Functional analysis of variance(FANOVA)is used to examine the regional differences in temporal patterns and the impact of state's political orientation.Results:The ILI activity has a very distinct peak at the beginning and end of the year.There are significant differences in average level of ILI activities among geographic regions.However,the temporal patterns in terms of the peak and flat time are quite consistent across regions.The geographic and temporal patterns of ILI activities also depend on the political make-up of states.The states affiliated with Republicans had higher ILI activities than those affiliated with Democrats across the whole year.The influence of political party affiliation on temporal pattern is quite different among geographic regions.Conclusions:Functional data analysis can help us to reveal the temporal variability in average ILI levels,rate of change in ILI levels,and the effect of geographical regions.Consideration should be given to wider application of FDA to generate more accurate estimates in public health and biomedical research.

On the Macro Positioning Regarding Anti-Monopoly Considerations Relating to Internet Platform—An Analysis Based on Politics,Policies and Laws

The positioning of anti-monopoly law depends on its unique value,goal and function.From the beginning,anti-monopoly law has had a great political and economic mission,and can become a“super law”with a grand value goal and a powerful function in economic adjustment.The uniqueness of the Internet,in capital,technology and business models,easily allows Internet platforms to grow anarchically,and to have a high correlation with anti-monopoly concerns.Internet anti-monopoly policy should first expand its thinking and elevate its stance in macro value,and seek appropriate legal and economic technical paths.China’s Internet platform anti-monopoly policy cannot simply follow today’s international and superficial trend,which does not contribute to positive experience and may conceal various interests.Instead,China’s Internet platform anti-monopoly policy should actively follow,respect and serve the substantial development interests of China’s digital economy,operating in a timely fashion and at the right location,in ways that are opportune,moderate and modest.It should always be committed to the innovation and development of China’s Internet industry and to international competitiveness.Internet anti-monopoly policy should adhere to the rule of law,build a corresponding rule system,ensure objectivity,neutrality and rationality,and prevent irrationality and over-excitement.