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SAS® Data Query and Edit Checks Web 2.0
ABSTRACT
Querying data used to require sophisticated algorithms and
programming with SQL expertise or SAS data step techniques.
There are now many user-friendly graphical user tools to
build expressions without having to program code for relational
databases. However,
there are few tools for creating queries from a web interface upon
SAS data. This paper describes a real world project where data
managers who extract data from a relational database and transfer
it to SAS data. The
data managers need a user-friendly query tool to verify the
cleanliness of the resulting SAS data.
Since the data managers are not SAS programmers, the web
interface ease the learning curve allowing them to perform tasks
such as: creating compound query expressions, deriving temporary
imputed variables, saving and combining saved queries.
These are some of the methods described in this paper as it
explains how to use SAS data step, HTML and XML to accomplish an
effective user experience. The
initial target audience for this project was to empower data
managers to perform tasks only SAS programmers were able to do.
However, the user-friendly interface extends uses to a
larger user base of non-techie power users.
WUSS Conference Android App
ABSTRACT
As information transitions from hidden databases and obscure networks into mainstream social networks like Twitter, Facebook and Youtube, users leverage the social aspects of communication to make sense out of the deluge of data. Social media can provide extra context and more meaningful information when it is recommended from a trusted friend as compared to spam. Attending WUSS in the past used to involve carrying a thick proceedings and a program book while deciphering what presentation is most relevant and useful for each attendee. As SAS conferences grow and the number of sections and papers become more diverse, this process becomes overwhelming. Since WUSS by its own nature is a social event, it lends itself to social networks and mobile apps as it helps individuals make sense and bring context to the presentations that they attend. An example is how Twitter is becoming more pervasive since it gives a new voice to express opinions and provide instant information to collectively capture the ethos of the conference as a community and records it for perpetuity.
Android Market has recently surpass the number of free Apps it has available compared to Apple AppStore. Android smart phones and tablet computers empower users to obtain information when they are mobile. This information can be more meaningful when utilized in conjunction with mobile social media tools. This paper presents a quintessential use of these technologies for SAS users as they navigate SAS conference with the WUSS 2011 Android App.
Clinical Data Review on iPad with DEFINE.XML
Clinical data review on a tablet computer is a natural step in the evolution of automated information delivery. Clinical Research Associates or Medical Monitors of clinical data require a unique method of accessing clinical data during the conduct of a clinical trial and also at the pivotal conclusion or submission of a trial. The challenge remains to overcome the technical complexity of metadata models such as DEFINE.XML. This paper describes these challenges as it elaborates upon methods of using SAS to deliver clinical information in a format that can be easily navigated on an iPad. Some of the methodologies described include:
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Capturing data with standardized metadata of DEFINE.XML
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Navigating to specific clinical domains with standardized data structures with multi-touch
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Searching for subject data such as Adverse Events on iPad
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Viewing clinical data while mobile and offline
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Zooming in on images such as CRF or graphs with pinch gestures
These technologies are new and will pave ways for new tools in this "Post PC World". However, it is meeting the requirements for delivering clinical information that is as old as the drug development process.
SAS Macros in an Era of Apps
Software development is a dynamic environment shifting from large enterprise systems to small utilities or "apps". The success of marketplaces such as Apple's and Amazon's AppStores have proven that specialized small apps used for specific purposes are essential for large groups of users with diverse requirements. This paper takes a view of SAS macros in the framework of mobile apps. SAS Macros can thus be showcased to a community of users such as an AppStore and then automate the process of downloading and installing analogous to mobile apps. Mobile Appstores has been successful in delivering millions of apps since it has made it easy for users to find their app through user reviews, documentation and screenshots. Some allow users to test drive the apps. The Macro AppStore allows users to submit the macro with sample data as a test drive. Once an app is found, it can be instantly installed and used upon a single click. The Macro AppStore applies the same methodologies to many free SAS useful macros that were once left in obscurity.
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