Statistical Terms Glossary

A detailed list of the characteristics that identify an individual sampled product. Its purpose is to ensure that a consistent price is collected from period to period relating to a consistent product with the same terms of sale in each period. Hence, the characteristics listed cover both the product (name, serial number, description, etc.) and the transaction (class of customer, size of shipment, discounts, payment terms, delivery details, etc.).

Uncontrolled spread of genetic information (frequently referring to transgenes) into the genomes of organisms in which such genes are not present in nature.

The sum of the actual or potential genetic information and variation contained in the genes of living individual organisms, populations or species.

The genetic effects (of radiation) are inheritable changes, chiefly mutations, produced by the absorption of ionizing radiation’s. On the basis of present knowledge, these effects are additive and irreversible

Refers to the process of inserting new genetic information into existing cells for the purpose of modifying one of the characteristics of an organism.

Is the manipulation of the genetic material of an organism to produce desired traits, such as nutritional quality, photosynthetic efficiency and herbicide resistance.

Genetic resources are genetic material of plants, animals or micro—organisms of value as a resource for future generations of humanity

On aquaculture development, most NGOs responded that many countries did not have adequate procedures in place to undertake environmental assessment, monitor aquaculture operations and minimize the harmful effects from the introduction of non-native species or genetically altered stocks used.

An organism in which the genetic material has been altered anthropogenically by means of gene or cell technologies.

A genetically modified/engineered organism means an organism in which the genetic material has been changed through modern biotechnology in a way that does not occur naturally by multiplication and/or natural recombination. For instance, a plant may be given fish genetic material that increases its resistance to frost. Another example would be an animal that has been modified with genes that give it the ability to secrete a human protein.

A plant whose genetic material has been altered in a way that has not occurred naturally by mating, natural recombination and/or mutagenesis.

Seeds possessing a combination of genetic material obtained through the use of modern biotechnology.

The study of genes and their function. Advances in genomics due to the Human Genome Project and other genome research into plants, animals and micro-organisms are enhancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of genomes.

A Yen repurchase agreement.

See Collusion

Every State shall fix the conditions for the grant of its nationality to ships, for the registration of ships in its territory, and for the right to fly its flag. Ships have the nationality of the State whose flag they are entitled to fly. There must exist a genuine link between the State and the ship.

Genuine saving adjusts SNA saving by deducting the value of depletion of the underlying resource asset and pollution damages, and considers current educational spending as an increase in saving, since this spending may be considered to be an investment in human capital (rather than consumption, as in the traditional national accounts).

In general all statistics are somehow geocoded meaning that they are referred to a regional reference system using alphanumerical codes of areas or locations (e.g. names, numbers).

To enable the representation of the Earth's surface on a piece of paper, parameters of the size and the shape of the Earth and the origin and orientation of a co-ordinate system need to be defined. Such parameters are described by so-called Geodetic datums.

The geodetic reference system is defined as 'a complete reference system for positioning a point on the earth, including datum, co-ordinate description, co-ordinate system and possibly a projection' (CEN 1998).

Boundaries that determine the national territory.

Geographic coverage describes the locations covered by the survey. These may be specified as location names, various … codes for localities, census map spots, and latitude and longitude ranges …..

A computer system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analysing and displaying data related to positions on the Earth's surface. Typically, a GIS is used for handling maps of one kind or another. These might be represented as several different layers where each layer holds data about a particular kind of feature (e.g. roads). Each feature is linked to a position on the graphical image of a map.

An annual publication of the OECD that shows the sources of official development financing to individual developing countries and territories. Included in this publication are detailed data on the geographical distribution of net and gross disbursements, commitments, terms, and the sectoral allocation of commitments.