[SCRIPT] Script Help

[Knusper.]

hey forum

I need help with my scripts.
First:
if ("statue_" + areanumber1 == active)
{
IsInArea = true;
LastArea = areanumber1;
AddTimer("Dead", 3, "Dead");
}

There is the problem, that there is no way that the computer can check like this, if an entity is active.
Is there a way to check if an entity is active???

Second:
void FadeOut1(string &in asParent, string &in asChild, int alState)
{
string areanumber2 = StringSub(asChild, 11, 2);
if(LastArea == areanumber2 - 10)
{
IsInArea = false;
LastArea = areanumber2;
}

}

Here there is no possibility to do maths like "-" with a string and an int.
How can I change a string like "16" into an int?

Thx for reading