Variance estimation with randomized response

Presenting a general procedure of eliciting a randomized response (RR) from selected persons in order to estimate the total of a sensitive variable related to a finite survey population, we consider two estimators along with variance estimators treating the case of sampling with probabilities proportional to (known) size measures (PPS) with replacement (WR), drawing analogies with multi-stage sampling and note their relative efficacies.     

我国农产品质量安全的法律监管探究

农产品质量安全直接关系到人民群众的日常生活和生命安全.农村经济的迅速发展,提高了农产品的供给量、增加了农产品的多样性,但农产品质量方面仍然存在安全隐患,现实状况不容乐观,在法律监管中更是存在着立法缺失、执法不力、法律意识淡薄等多雏困境.在利益平衡、社会秩序和社会正义以及人权保障理念的支撑下,加强法律监管对于保障我国农产品质量安全具有重要的理论意义和实践意义.应从基本法律制度层面、法律监管执法层面、法律制度设计层面、法律责任层面对其进行规制,为其提供全面的法律保障.     

On randomized response surveys for estimating a proportion

In studies about sensitive characteristics, randomized response (RR) methods are useful for generating reliable data, protecting respondents’ privacy. It is shown that all RR surveys for estimating a proportion can be encompassed in a common model and some general results for statistical inferences can be used for any given survey. The concepts of design and scheme are introduced for characterizing RR surveys. Some consequences of comparing RR designs based on statistical measures of efficiency and respondent’ protection are discussed. In particular, such comparisons lead to the designs that may not be suitable in practice. It is suggested that one should consider other criteria and the scheme parameters for planning a RR survey.     

Local influence regression diagnostics for gamma data

The local influence diagnostics proposed in general terms irl Cook (1986), Thomas and Cook (1989) and Billor and Loynes (1993). arc adapted for gamma data. A data set prcviously analysed using different methods is then reexamined, and conclusions based on wing the new approach are made.     

Formative Evaluation of EAPs by Studying Role Perceptions and Organizational Cultures

This article argues that formative evaluation is the most appropriate strategy for the current developmental stage of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Since most EAPs entail multiple interventions and have poorly defined success criteria, the utility of summative evaluation in this field is limited. A method for conducting formative evaluations is outlined. It involves the combination of quantitative and qualitative strategies: using a questionnaire to compare the perceived (actual and desired) role of EAP workers by significant groups in the organization; and, then by studying the organizational culture in which these programs are imbedded through intewicws with key informants. Examples from a study in Israel demonstrate the usefulness of the suggested approach.     

Randomized response techniques: An application to the Botswana AIDS impact survey

The performance of the sampling strategy used in the Botswana Aids Impact Survey II (BAISII) has been studied in detail under a randomized response technique. We have shown that alternative strategies based on the Rao–Harley–Cochran (RHC) sampling scheme for the selection of first stage units perform much better than other strategies. In particular, the combination RHC for the selection of first stage units (fsu's) and systematic sampling for the selection of second stage units (ssu's) perform the best when the sample size is small where as the RHC and SRSWOR perform the best when the sample size is large. In view of the present findings it is recommended that the BAISII survey should be studied in more detail incorporating more indicators and increased sample sizes. This is because the BAISII survey design is extensively in use for large scales surveys in Southern African countries.     

Fitting models to data: Interaction versus polynomial? your choice

Polynomials are widely used for fitting models empirically to data. Low-degree polynomials (specifically, degrees 1, 2, and at most 3) have stood the test of time by proving their versatility when it comes to fitting a wide variety of different surface shapes over limited regions of interest. However, when faced with modeling a surface over an experimental region whose boundaries extend beyond some localized neighborhood or limited-sized region of interest, a polynomial of degree 2, or even of degree 3, may not be adequate. For this situation we propose fitting an interaction model which is a reduced form of higher-degree polynomial. Some examples of actual experiments are presented to illustrate the improvement in fit by an interaction model over that of a standard polynomial, even for response surfaces with uncomplicated shapes.     

Some aspects of maximum likelihood estimation of multistage cancer dose-response odels with application

Quantitative cancer dose-response models play an important role in cancer risk assessment. They also play a role in regulatory processes associated with potential occupational or environmental exposures. The multistage model is currently the most widely used cancer dose-response model. This paper describes the construction of the likelihood function in the special case of the multistage cancer dose-response models. The concavity of the likelihood function is also established. A criterion is developed to determine the degree of the polynomial portion of the multistage model. Finally, the restricted and unrestricted maximum likelihood estimators are considered and applied to some experimental data sets.     

Precinct Domestic Violence Teams: Whose Goals Should Determine Program Activities?

ABSTRACT

This article describes an urban community's attempts to increase domestic violence survivors' participation in the criminal justice system by combining social work advocacy, specialized police officers, and prosecutors into precinct domestic violence teams. An analysis of the outcomes of 1,057 domestic violence reports found that the presence of the teams did not result in increased survivor participation in prosecution. A survey of 265 of the survivors indicated that prosecution was rarely a goal of the survivors, whose participation was needed to meet the goals of the criminal justice system. This study illustrates the importance of learning the views of people that interventions are designed to help.     

“理性人权”与“传统人道”之博弈——安乐死合法化的合理性问题探析

针对目前安乐死分类的中义和狭义之说中所存在的问题,本文指出应将安乐死分为自愿安乐死和无选择安乐死两大类。在有明确分类的前提下,对自愿安乐死合法化、无选择安乐死合法化的合理性应给予肯定,这是权利自由主义精神的最好体现。我们不能用绝症患者的痛苦来成全我们的＂善良＂和＂人道＂,也不能将医学的进步建立在绝症病人的痛苦之上。＂传统人道＂应随着社会和科技的进步不断向＂理性人权＂方向迈进。同时,法律也应支持和疾病斗争到底的选择。