/************************************************************************************************/ /* Stata User File for H178B Data */ /* */ /* This file contains information and a sample Stata program to create a permanent */ /* Stata dataset for users who want to use Stata in processing the MEPS data provided */ /* in this PUF release. Stata (StataCorp) has the capability to produce */ /* appropriate standard errors for estimates from a survey with a complex sample */ /* design such as the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). */ /* The input file for creating a permanent Stata dataset is the ASCII data file */ /* (H178B.DAT) supplied in this PUF release, which in turn can be extracted from the */ /* .EXE file. After entering the Stata interactive environment access the Stata DO-File */ /* editor by clicking on the appropriate icon in the command line at the top of the */ /* screen. Copy and paste the following Stata commands into the editor and save as a */ /* DO file. A DO file is a Stata program which may then be executed using the DO command. */ /* For example, if the DO file is named H178B.DO and is located in the directory */ /* C:\MEPS\PROG, then the file may be executed by typing the following command into */ /* the Stata command line: */ /* do C:\MEPS\PROG\H178B.DO */ /* The program below will output the Stata dataset H178B.DTA */ /************************************************************************************************/ #delimit ; cd C:\MEPS\DATA; log using H178B.log, replace; clear; * INPUT ALL VARIABLES; infix long DUID 1-5 int PID 6-8 str DUPERSID 9-16 str EVNTIDX 17-28 byte EVENTRN 29-29 str FFEEIDX 30-41 byte PANEL 42-43 int DVDATEYR 44-47 byte DVDATEMM 48-49 byte GENDENT 50-51 byte DENTHYG 52-53 byte DENTTECH 54-55 byte DENTSURG 56-57 byte ORTHODNT 58-59 byte ENDODENT 60-61 byte PERIODNT 62-63 byte DENTYPE 64-65 byte EXAMINE 66-67 byte CLENTETH 68-69 byte JUSTXRYX 70-71 byte JUSTXRAY 72-73 byte FLUORIDE 74-75 byte SEALANTX 76-77 byte SEALANT 78-79 byte FILLINGX 80-81 byte FILLING 82-83 byte INLAY 84-85 byte CROWNSX 86-87 byte CROWNS 88-89 byte ROOTCANX 90-91 byte ROOTCANL 92-93 byte GUMSURGX 94-95 byte GUMSURG 96-97 byte RECLVISX 98-99 byte RECLVIS 100-101 byte EXTRACT 102-103 byte IMPLANTX 104-105 byte IMPLANT 106-107 byte ABSCESS 108-109 byte ORALSURX 110-111 byte ORALSURG 112-113 byte BRIDGESX 114-115 byte BRIDGES 116-117 byte DENTUREX 118-119 byte DENTURES 120-121 byte REPAIR 122-123 byte ORTHDONX 124-125 byte ORTHDONT 126-127 byte WHITENX 128-129 byte WHITEN 130-131 byte TMDTMJ 132-133 byte DENTPROX 134-135 byte DENTPROC 136-137 str DENTOTHX 138-162 byte DENTMED 163-164 byte FFDVTYPE 165-166 byte FFBEF15 167-168 byte FFTOT16 169-170 double DVSF15X 171-178 double DVMR15X 179-185 double DVMD15X 186-192 double DVPV15X 193-200 double DVVA15X 201-207 double DVTR15X 208-214 double DVOF15X 215-221 double DVSL15X 222-227 double DVWC15X 228-233 double DVOR15X 234-240 double DVOU15X 241-247 double DVOT15X 248-254 double DVXP15X 255-262 double DVTC15X 263-270 byte IMPFLAG 271-271 double PERWT15F 272-283 int VARSTR 284-287 byte VARPSU 288-288 using H178B.dat; *DEFINE VARIABLE LABELS; label variable DUID "DWELLING UNIT ID"; label variable PID "PERSON NUMBER"; label variable DUPERSID "PERSON ID (DUID + PID)"; label variable EVNTIDX "EVENT ID"; label variable EVENTRN "EVENT ROUND NUMBER"; label variable FFEEIDX "FLAT FEE ID"; label variable PANEL "PANEL NUMBER"; label variable DVDATEYR "EVENT DATE - YEAR"; label variable DVDATEMM "EVENT DATE - MONTH"; label variable GENDENT "GENERAL DENTIST SEEN"; label variable DENTHYG "DENTAL HYGIENIST SEEN"; label variable DENTTECH "DENTAL TECHNICIAN SEEN"; label variable DENTSURG "DENTAL SURGEON SEEN"; label variable ORTHODNT "ORTHODONTIST SEEN"; label variable ENDODENT "ENDODONTIST SEEN"; label variable PERIODNT "PERIODONTIST SEEN"; label variable DENTYPE "OTHER DENTAL SPECIALIST SEEN"; label variable EXAMINE "GENERAL EXAM OR CONSULTATION"; label variable CLENTETH "CLEANING, PROPHYLAXIS, OR POLISHING"; label variable JUSTXRYX "EDITED JUSTXRAY"; label variable JUSTXRAY "X-RAYS, RADIOGRAPHS OR BITEWINGS"; label variable FLUORIDE "FLUORIDE TREATMENT"; label variable SEALANTX "EDITED SEALANT"; label variable SEALANT "SEALANT APPLICATION"; label variable FILLINGX "EDITED FILLING"; label variable FILLING "FILLINGS"; label variable INLAY "INLAYS"; label variable CROWNSX "EDITED CROWNS"; label variable CROWNS "CROWNS OR CAPS"; label variable ROOTCANX "EDITED ROOTCANL"; label variable ROOTCANL "ROOT CANAL"; label variable GUMSURGX "EDITED GUMSURG"; label variable GUMSURG "PERIODONTAL SCALING, ROOT PLANING OR GUM"; label variable RECLVISX "EDITED RECLVIS"; label variable RECLVIS "PERIODONTAL RECALL VISIT"; label variable EXTRACT "EXTRACTION, TOOTH PULLED"; label variable IMPLANTX "EDITED IMPLANT"; label variable IMPLANT "IMPLANTS"; label variable ABSCESS "ABSCESS OR INFECTION TREATMENT"; label variable ORALSURX "EDITED ORALSURG"; label variable ORALSURG "ORAL SURGERY"; label variable BRIDGESX "EDITED BRIDGES"; label variable BRIDGES "BRIDGES"; label variable DENTUREX "EDITED DENTURES"; label variable DENTURES "DENTURES OR PARTIAL DENTURES"; label variable REPAIR "REPAIR OF BRIDGES/DENTURES OR RELINING"; label variable ORTHDONX "EDITED ORTHDONT"; label variable ORTHDONT "ORTHODONTIA, BRACES OR RETAINERS"; label variable WHITENX "EDITED WHITEN"; label variable WHITEN "BONDING, WHITENING, OR BLEACHING"; label variable TMDTMJ "TREATMENT FOR TMD OR TMJ"; label variable DENTPROX "EDITED DENTPROC"; label variable DENTPROC "OTHER DENTAL PROCEDURES"; label variable DENTOTHX "OTHER SPECIFY DENTAL PROCEDURES EDITED"; label variable DENTMED "RECEIVED MEDICINE INCLUDING FREE SAMPLE"; label variable FFDVTYPE "FLAT FEE BUNDLE"; label variable FFBEF15 "TOTAL # OF VISITS IN FF BEFORE 2015"; label variable FFTOT16 "TOTAL # OF VISITS IN FF AFTER 2015"; label variable DVSF15X "AMOUNT PAID, FAMILY (IMPUTED)"; label variable DVMR15X "AMOUNT PAID, MEDICARE (IMPUTED)"; label variable DVMD15X "AMOUNT PAID, MEDICAID (IMPUTED)"; label variable DVPV15X "AMOUNT PAID, PRIVATE INSURANCE (IMPUTED)"; label variable DVVA15X "AMOUNT PAID, VETERANS/CHAMPVA(IMPUTED)"; label variable DVTR15X "AMOUNT PAID, TRICARE(IMPUTED)"; label variable DVOF15X "AMOUNT PAID, OTHER FEDERAL (IMPUTED)"; label variable DVSL15X "AMOUNT PAID, STATE & LOCAL GOV (IMPUTED)"; label variable DVWC15X "AMOUNT PAID, WORKERS COMP (IMPUTED)"; label variable DVOR15X "AMOUNT PAID, OTHER PRIVATE (IMPUTED)"; label variable DVOU15X "AMOUNT PAID, OTHER PUBLIC (IMPUTED)"; label variable DVOT15X "AMOUNT PAID, OTHER INSURANCE (IMPUTED)"; label variable DVXP15X "SUM OF DVSF15X-DVOT15X (IMPUTED)"; label variable DVTC15X "HHLD REPORTED TOTAL CHARGE (IMPUTED)"; label variable IMPFLAG "IMPUTATION STATUS"; label variable PERWT15F "EXPENDITURE FILE PERSON WEIGHT, 2015"; label variable VARSTR "VARIANCE ESTIMATION STRATUM, 2015"; label variable VARPSU "VARIANCE ESTIMATION PSU, 2015"; *DEFINE VALUE LABELS FOR REPORTS; label define H178B0001X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0002X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0003X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0004X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0005X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0006X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0007X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0008X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0009X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0010X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0011X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0012X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0013X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0014X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0015X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0016X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" ; label define H178B0017X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 2015 "2015" ; label define H178B0018X -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0019X -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0020X -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0021X -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0022X -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0023X -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0024X -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0025X -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0026X -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0027X -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0028X -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0029X -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0030X -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0031X -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0032X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0033X 1 "ROUND 1" 2 "ROUND 2" 3 "ROUND 3" 4 "ROUND 4" 5 "ROUND 5" ; label define H178B0034X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0035X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0036X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0037X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 FLAT FEE STEM" 2 "2 FLAT FEE LEAF" ; label define H178B0038X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 0 "0" ; label define H178B0039X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0040X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0041X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0042X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0043X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0044X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0045X 0 "0 NOT ELIGIBLE FOR IMPUTATION" 1 "1 COMPLETE HC DATA" 2 "2 COMPLETE MPC DATA" 3 "3 FULLY IMPUTED" 4 "4 PARTIALLY IMPUTED" 5 "5 CAPITATION IMPUTATION" ; label define H178B0046X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0047X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0048X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0049X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0050X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0051X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0052X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0053X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0054X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0055X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0056X 19 "PANEL 19" 20 "PANEL 20" ; label define H178B0057X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0058X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0059X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0060X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0061X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0062X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0063X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0064X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0065X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0066X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; label define H178B0067X -1 "-1 INAPPLICABLE" -7 "-7 REFUSED" -8 "-8 DK" -9 "-9 NOT ASCERTAINED" 1 "1 YES" 2 "2 NO" ; * ASSOCIATE VARIABLES WITH VALUE LABEL DEFINITIONS; label value ABSCESS H178B0001X; label value BRIDGES H178B0002X; label value BRIDGESX H178B0003X; label value CLENTETH H178B0004X; label value CROWNS H178B0005X; label value CROWNSX H178B0006X; label value DENTHYG H178B0007X; label value DENTMED H178B0008X; label value DENTPROC H178B0009X; label value DENTPROX H178B0010X; label value DENTSURG H178B0011X; label value DENTTECH H178B0012X; label value DENTURES H178B0013X; label value DENTUREX H178B0014X; label value DENTYPE H178B0015X; label value DVDATEMM H178B0016X; label value DVDATEYR H178B0017X; label value DVMD15X H178B0018X; label value DVMR15X H178B0019X; label value DVOF15X H178B0020X; label value DVOR15X H178B0021X; label value DVOT15X H178B0022X; label value DVOU15X H178B0023X; label value DVPV15X H178B0024X; label value DVSF15X H178B0025X; label value DVSL15X H178B0026X; label value DVTC15X H178B0027X; label value DVTR15X H178B0028X; label value DVVA15X H178B0029X; label value DVWC15X H178B0030X; label value DVXP15X H178B0031X; label value ENDODENT H178B0032X; label value EVENTRN H178B0033X; label value EXAMINE H178B0034X; label value EXTRACT H178B0035X; label value FFBEF15 H178B0036X; label value FFDVTYPE H178B0037X; label value FFTOT16 H178B0038X; label value FILLING H178B0039X; label value FILLINGX H178B0040X; label value FLUORIDE H178B0041X; label value GENDENT H178B0042X; label value GUMSURG H178B0043X; label value GUMSURGX H178B0044X; label value IMPFLAG H178B0045X; label value IMPLANT H178B0046X; label value IMPLANTX H178B0047X; label value INLAY H178B0048X; label value JUSTXRAY H178B0049X; label value JUSTXRYX H178B0050X; label value ORALSURG H178B0051X; label value ORALSURX H178B0052X; label value ORTHDONT H178B0053X; label value ORTHDONX H178B0054X; label value ORTHODNT H178B0055X; label value PANEL H178B0056X; label value PERIODNT H178B0057X; label value RECLVIS H178B0058X; label value RECLVISX H178B0059X; label value REPAIR H178B0060X; label value ROOTCANL H178B0061X; label value ROOTCANX H178B0062X; label value SEALANT H178B0063X; label value SEALANTX H178B0064X; label value TMDTMJ H178B0065X; label value WHITEN H178B0066X; label value WHITENX H178B0067X; *DISPLAY A DESCRIPTION OF STATA FILE; describe; *LIST FIRST 20 OBSERVATIONS IN THE FILE; list in 1/20; save H178B, replace; #delimit cr * data file is stored in H178B.dta * log file is stored in H178B.log log close /************************************************************************************************ NOTES: 1. This program has been tested on Stata Version 10 (for Windows). 2. This program will create a permanent Stata dataset. All additional analyses can be run using this dataset. In addition to the dataset, this program creates a log file named H178B.LOG and a data file named H178B.DTA. If these files (H178B.DTA and H178B.LOG) already exist in the working directory, they will be replaced when this program is executed. 3. If the program ends prematurely, the log file will remain open. Before running this program again, the user should enter the following Stata command: log close 4. The cd command assigns C:\MEPS\DATA as the working directory and location of the input ASCII and output .DTA and .LOG files and can be modified by the user as necessary. 5. Stata commands end with a carriage return by default. The command #delimit ; temporarily changes the command ending delimiter from a carriage return to a semicolon. 6. The infix command assumes that the input variables are numeric unless the variable name is prefaced by str. For example, DUPERSID is the a string (or character) variable. ************************************************************************************************/