Random number generation and estimation with the bimodal asymmetric power-normal distribution

Recently, Bolfarine et al. [Bimodal symmetric-asymmetric power-normal families. Commun Statist Theory Methods. Forthcoming. doi:10.1080/03610926.2013.765475] introduced a bimodal asymmetric model having the normal and skew normal as special cases. Here, we prove a stochastic representation for their bimodal asymmetric model and use it to generate random numbers from that model. It is shown how the resulting algorithm can be seen as an improvement over the rejection method. We also discuss practical and numerical aspects regarding the estimation of the model parameters by maximum likelihood under simple random sampling. We show that a unique stationary point of the likelihood equations exists except when all observations have the same sign. However, the location-scale extension of the model usually presents two or more roots and this fact is illustrated here. The standard maximization routines available in the R system (Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS), Trust, Nelder–Mead) were considered in our implementations but exhibited similar performance. We show the usefulness of inspecting profile loglikelihoods as a method to obtain starting values for maximization and illustrate data analysis with the location-scale model in the presence of multiple roots. A simple Bayesian model is discussed in the context of a data set which presents a flat likelihood in the direction of the skewness parameter.     

A Bayesian View of Nominal Money and Real Output Through a New Classical Macroeconomic Window

This study investigates the empirical evidence on the effects of unanticipated changes in nominal money on real output in 47 countries when viewed through a window (i.e., likelihood function) that assumes the neutrality of anticipated changes. Using a Bayesian predictivist approach, it provides a pedagogical Bayesian analysis of generated regressor models in the face of specification uncertainty involving, among other things, multiple unit roots and trend stationary alternatives.     

"草根力量"与乡村现代化

"草根力量"在乡村依据诸多因素存在,由可观察单位承载.在传统文化与现代化关系命题中,其对乡村现代化的可利用价值,中西方文化的总体理解不尽相同,但在中国具体实践中,有明晰的、可以充分肯定的意义.     

A sequential approach to testing seasonal unit roots in high frequency data

In this paper we introduce a sequential seasonal unit root testing approach which explicitly addresses its application to high frequency data. The main idea is to see which unit roots at higher frequency data can also be found in temporally aggregated data. We illustrate our procedure to the analysis of monthly data, and we find, upon analysing the aggregated quarterly data, that a smaller amount of test statistics can sometimes be considered. Monte Carlo simulation and empirical illustrations emphasize the practical relevance of our method.     

心理和谐的文化根源及其价值思考

心理和谐思想蕴涵深厚的文化底蕴,具有源远流长的文化根源。以儒家和道家为代表的心理和谐思想形成了具有东方特色的文化类型和心理系统,产生出了独特而又具有普遍价值的智慧结晶,对于现代人的心理健康具有现实意义和重要价值。     

The professionalization of Spanish social work: moving closer to Europe or away from its roots?

This article will review the processes of professionalization of social work in Spain. With the advent of democratic Spain, many professions began a process of transformation. Those rooted in the relationship between the citizens, their rights and obligations, and the state, were among the first to be challenged. Social work was one of them. Soon thereafter, the European Union (EU), which Spain joined in 1986, brought forth greater challenges and incentives to change. In 1999, Spain and 29 other countries signed the Bologna Declaration, which committed the country to the development of a shared domain (often referred to as ‘espacio común’) with European higher education. This article reviews the historical process of insertion of social work, heavily influenced by the Catholic tradition of caring, into the universities. The paper examines the model of social work education in Spain, before and during Franco's era, and the professionalization (sometimes referred to as ‘tecnificación’) of care-giving and training-paradigms that followed the advent of democracy. Current models and efforts to bring Spanish social work into EU compliance have narrowed the gap with the Anglo-Saxon world; but have they distanced social work in Spain from its roots?     

联绵词与单字词音近义同现象的思考

联绵词与单音节词有音近义同的现象,如"窟隆"和"孔","葫芦"和"瓠","辗转"和"展".这是语言现象,但不能排除文字现象的可能性,即单个书写形式跟两个音节对应.上古文献中文字跟语言不对应的现象并不少见,这提示书面语以单字形式记录双音节词的可能性.除了联绵词单字形式的事实,一字的两读正好构成联绵词两个音节的奇特现象也暗示联绵词的单字记录形式,并透露出部分联绵词来源于复辅音声母的迹象.这对认识双音节词的演变以及早期汉字的性质,提出了新的思考.     

论不断扩大公民有序的政治参与

不断扩大公民有序的政治参与不仅是社会主义市场经济发展和社会主义政治文明建设的需要,也是实践“三个代表”重要思想的需要。当前,扩大公民政治参与要在政治参与的广度和深度方面下功夫,并且要保持政治参与的渠道畅通。     

孔子人权精神之哲学根蒂及其关于人民生存权、生命权的思想

孔子人权思想是中华人文精神重要之一源。本文论述A、孔子人权观之哲学根蒂和理论基石,发端于对人的“类”属性的发掘与认同;B、调整君民关系,爱重民众,约束君主;保障基本经济生活条件,“富”而且“教”,提高生存质量,是孔子关于人民生存权思想的两大要义;C、否定暴君苛政,反对残害生命,强调“足食足兵”以抗御外来侵略,保障国民集体安全,是孔子关于民众生命(安全)权思想的三大主张。